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Scorpions Sign De La Vara - Brinkley Coming Back

December 9, 2010 - Golden Baseball League (GBL)
Yuma Scorpions News Release


The Yuma Scorpions of the Golden League Division of the new North American Baseball League got a bit of a jump on the early winter signings by locking up former Scorpions ace Gilbert De La Vara on Thursday.

De La Vara was a first half standout with the Scorpions in 2010 before his contract was sold to the Detroit Tigers in early July. The lefthander from Tucson was 5 and 1 with and ERA of 2.70 in a little over a month with the Scorpions. Detroit immediately sent him to Triple-A where he went 2 – 2 with an ERA of 4.94 with the Toledo Mud Hens. He finished the season in Double-A Carolina in the Reds system.

De La Vara spent five full seasons in the Kansas City Royals organization advancing as high as Triple-A Omaha. His overall minor league record is 27-20.

"It was important for us to bring back one of our early season stars", said Scorpions Vice-President Peter Young. "Gilbert was one of the big reasons we started out 13-3 in 2010. He's still a young guy but immediately adds credibility and a veteran presence to our 2011 pitching staff."

Scorpions field manager Darryl Brinkley is also pleased to have De La Vara on board. "Gilbert knows how to win", said Brinkley "He's the first player I contacted when I received the green light to start putting together our 2011 roster."

De La Vara joins local players Alberto Fraijo from Somerton and James Kuzniak from Yuma as Arizonans who will wear the Scorpions jersey in 2011. Fraijo and Kuzniak were acquired from Tijuana in early October.

Brinkley, who is presently coaching in the Mexican Pacific League, will return for his second season as manager in Yuma. He will also be returning to manage the Yuma Scorpions in the Arizona Winter League.

Also on board as instructors in the AWL are former major leaguers Mike Marshall, Pedro Guerrero, Cory Snyder, Morgan Burkhart, Brooks Carey and Les Lancaster. Close to 200 players are expected to be in Yuma for the month of February. They will play close to a hundred games before declaring a champion on February 27. The popular Arizona Winter League Season Pass is now on sale at the Scorpions office or by calling (928) 257-4700. The $20 pass entitles fans to entry for all games at Desert Sun Stadium and the Ray Kroc Baseball Complex. The passes will also be available throughout the holiday season at various locations at Yuma Palms Regional Center.

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