Saltdogs trade for catcher
Published on January 12, 2007 under American Association (AA)
Lincoln Saltdogs News Release
LINCOLN, NEB. - The off season deals continue for the Lincoln Saltdogs as the 2007 roster begins to take shape. After sending long-time catcher Kevin Sullivan to Joliet last week, the Dogs found his replacement in former Winnipeg receiver Aaron Mendoza. To get Mendoza, Lincoln sends closer Jerrod Fuell and infielder Ryan Priddy to the Goldeyes.
The 25-year-old Mendoza hit .318 with three homeruns and 32 RBI in 65 games with Winnipeg in 2006. He also added 17 doubles, scored 31 runs and was the starting catcher for the West in the Northern League All-Star Game. A Poway, Calif. native, Mendoza hit .386 in the month of June and saw his average skyrocket from .240 to .361 on July 2. His average never dropped below .300 the rest of the season. He played just seven games in August due to a hand injury but he has since recovered.
A three-year pro, Mendoza spent the first two years of his career in the Central League (Independent) hitting .263 in 40 games as a rookie with Edinburg in 2004. The following year with San Angelo, he was named to the league's All-Star team when his numbers jumped to .310 with nine homers in 84 games. That year he was a teammate of Saltdogs 1B/DH Brett Cooley. Mendoza, who played collegiately at LaVerne University in California, is listed at 6-2, 215-pounds. Of note, his father, Marco, is a renowned bass player who has played with the likes of Whitesnake, Thin Lizzy and Ted Nugent.
In trading for Mendoza, Lincoln parted ways with Jerrod Fuell, who served as the team's closer in 2006 before elbow problems sidelined him for the final month of the season. The Tucson, Ariz. native was among the American Association's leaders in saves through the first half of the season and finished with a record of 0-2 with 11 saves and a 4.05 ERA in 28 games. Fuell was also the winning pitcher in the American Association's victory over the CanAm League in the mid-summer All-Star Game.
Also headed north is infielder Ryan Priddy, who joined the Saltdogs in late May in a trade with Pensacola. He actually began his pro career playing against Lincoln in the season-opening series against the Pelicans then joined the Dogs a week later. With the Saltdogs, Priddy hit. .279 in 51 games as the everyday shortstop through the first half of the season. He played a reserve role in the second half of the 2006 campaign.
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 12, 2007
- Pelicans Manager Mac Seibert Announces Camps - Pensacola Pelicans
- Saltdogs trade for catcher - Lincoln Saltdogs
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
