AA Lincoln Saltdogs

Saltdogs Sign 2008 Big Leaguer

Published on April 27, 2009 under American Association (AA)
Lincoln Saltdogs News Release


LINCOLN, NE - The Lincoln Saltdogs bolstered an already strong bullpen on Monday, signing right-handed pitcher Carlos Guevara. The 27-year-old strikeout artist made it all the way to the major leagues in 2008, appearing in ten games for the San Diego Padres.

Last season, Guevara was called up to San Diego on May 31, and stayed with the club until early July. He posted a 1-0 record with a 5.84 ERA in his ten appearances, including a win over the New York Mets in which he pitched a scoreless eighth inning. Carlos struck out 11 batters in his 12.1 big-league innings, and finished six of the games in which he appeared.

"Carlos will bring more than just a solid right arm to our pitching staff this season," said Saltdogs manager Marty Scott. "To be able to sign a guy with big-league experience is just invaluable. One of my goals this offseason has been to strengthen the back end of our bullpen, and with Carlos, Mike Cervera and Daryl Arreola down there, we should be able to shut the game down anytime we take a lead into the late innings."

Guevara, a former seventh-round draft pick of the Cincinnati Reds in 2003, has an 11-16 minor-league record with a 3.11 ERA and 42 saves. He compiled 14 saves with Class A Sarasota in 2005, and posted 16 saves for Class AA Chattanooga in 2007. The Texas native is a proven strikeout artist, as he's averaged 12.8 punch-outs per nine innings pitched over the course of his minor-league career.

Despite his stellar 2007 campaign in the Reds organization, Cincinnati left Guevara unprotected in the Rule 5 draft after that season. In a prearranged agreement, the Florida Marlins selected Guevara and dealt him to the Padres that same day. He began the 2008 season on San Diego's disabled list, and made his big-league debut in June after a five-game rehab stint at Class AAA Portland. The Padres returned Guevara to Portland in early July, and he finished the season there.

Lincoln now has 24 players officially under contract for the 2009 season. The Saltdogs still plan to announce another acquisition or two later this week. The players will report to Lincoln by May 1st, with spring training set to begin May 2nd.

The 2009 Lincoln Saltdogs season begins on May 14 in Wichita, with the home opener scheduled for May 22 against Fort Worth. For more team and ticket information, go to www.saltdogs.com.




American Association Stories from April 27, 2009


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