Saltdogs get rights to former Pelicans' shortstop
Published on January 22, 2007 under American Association (AA)
Lincoln Saltdogs News Release
LINCOLN, NEB. - If there was an area of concern for Lincoln in 2006, it was stability at the shortstop position in the first half of the season. With that in mind, the Saltdogs have acquired the revisionary rights to former Pensacola infielder Carlos Mendoza, who is currently under contract with the New York Yankees and is playing in their farm system. Should he be released, his independent baseball rights now belong to Lincoln. To complete the deal, Lincoln sent reliever Scott Vandermeer to the Pelicans.
In 2006, Mendoza collected 90 hits in 68 games and batted .346 with three homeruns, 34 RBI and 21 stolen bases for Pensacola. The American Association's All-Star shortstop, Mendoza's contract was purchased mid-season by the Yankees, who sent him to Tampa in the Florida State League (High-A) where he hit .270 in 31 games. The 27-year-old native of Venezuela entered pro baseball as a non-drafted free agent with the San Francisco Giants in 1996 and also played in the Chicago Cubs organization. In his nine years as a pro, Mendoza spent three seasons in Double-A before joining the independent ranks in 2004 with Pensacola, his first of three seasons with the Pelicans.
In 2006, Vandermeer appeared in 39 games and posted a 1-3 record with four saves and a 4.54 ERA. The Abita Springs, La., native worked 41.2 innings and struck out 23 in his only season in Lincoln.
The Saltdogs begin the 2007 season on May 10 at Pensacola with the home opener set for May 22 against St. Joe. For team and ticket information, go to www.saltdogs.com.
American Association Stories from January 22, 2007
- Saltdogs get rights to former Pelicans' shortstop - Lincoln Saltdogs
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