AA St. Paul Saints

Saints replace one major leaguer with another

Published on August 6, 2009 under American Association (AA)
St. Paul Saints News Release


ST. PAUL, MN (August 6, 2009) - St. Paul Saints closer Kerry Ligtneberg has been tremendous for the St. Paul Saints, but his left knee has been giving him problems recently and he is announcing his retirement. In his place the Saints will sign former Major Leaguer Jim Brower.

The 36-year-old Brower last pitched in the Major Leagues with the New York Yankees in 2007, pitching in three games. He has pitched in a total of 354 Major League games and is 33-32 with a 4.67 ERA. In 574 innings pitched he walked 256 and struck out 397. He appeared in two post seasons, in 2003 with the San Francisco Giants and 2005 with the Atlanta Braves. He appeared in five games and pitched in 8.1 innings allowing three runs (two earned) while striking out five.

Brower was originally drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 56th round in 1991, but did not sign. He attended the University of Minnesota and was drafted by the Texas Rangers in the 6th round of the 1994 June Amateur Draft. Brower was released by the Rangers organization in 1998, signed with the Cleveland Indians organization that same season and reached the Major League's in 1999. He played for eight Major League teams: Indians (1999-2000), Cincinnati Reds (2001-02), Montreal Expos (2002), Giants (2003-04), Braves (2005), Baltimore Orioles (2006), San Diego Padres (2006) and Yankees (2007).

The 38-year-old Ligtenberg was 0-2 with a 3.00 ERA in 30 games and 15 saves (tied for third in the American Association. In 36.0 innings he walked just six and struck out 29 while opponents his .199 against him.

The Saints roster stands at the league maximum 22, 10 pitchers and 12 position players.

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