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Scorpions sign Saucedo

June 14, 2005 - Golden Baseball League (GBL)
Yuma Scorpions News Release


(Yuma, AZ) – The Yuma Scorpions announced today that they have signed former AA pitcher Matt Saucedo to a contract and have released backup catcher Jeff Whitfield. The move comes just hours prior to the start of the Scorpions’ 9-game road trip through Fullerton, Long Beach, and Chico. For Saucedo, it means a reunion with the first man to coach him in the pros. Saucedo pitched in 17 games as a relief pitcher for the Florida Marlins’ Class A affiliate in Jamestown of the New York-Penn League. His manager? Current Scorpions’ Manager Benny Castillo. “He’s an experienced pitcher ,” said Castillo about bringing Saucedo into the Scorpions’ fold. “He’s a crafty guy out of the bullpen, and can be overpowering when he’s healthy. He’s a fierce competitor. I’m very happy to be reuniting with Matt again.” Saucedo was a solid closer for Castillo and the Jammers in his rookie season of ’03, throwing 28 2/3 innings and earning 4 saves. He didn’t have a decision in his 17 appearances, but he struck out 24 batters and had a 4.71 ERA. It was enough to convince the Marlins to bring him up to Class AA Carolina briefly before the 2003 season ended. Saucedo faced 9 batters in his only appearance for the Mudcats, giving up only 1 hit and striking out 1 without giving up a run. Saucedo then returned to the “A” level last year, going 2-1 with a 5.45 ERA in 23 appearances for Greensboro of the South Atlantic League. Saucedo struck out 25 batters last year and opponents only batted .222 against him.

Meanwhile, Whitfield has been with the ScorpionsÂ’ team in Yuma since arriving a week before the start of spring training, but has only been active for five games. Whitfield was one of the last cuts that Castillo made in spring training, but Whitfield has stayed with the club working out as a non-roster player while he tries to catch on with another team. Whitfield was put on the active roster when the Scorpions released pitcher Joe Davenport last week, and appeared in 2 games as a late-inning replacement at catcher. Whitfield was hitless in 2 at-bats.

In other ScorpionsÂ’ news, ScorpionsÂ’ Pitching Coach Rusty Meacham was named the Golden Baseball LeagueÂ’s Pitcher of the Week for the week ending June 12th. Meacham won both of his 2 starts last week in impressive fashion, throwing 6 strong innings while giving up only earned run last Tuesday against Long Beach, and then going the distance Sunday against Japan, throwing a four-hitter and fanning 7. Meacham also recorded his first two hits of the season Sunday night against the Samurai Bears-the first hits Meacham has had since he pitched for AAA New Orleans in 1999.

The ScorpionsÂ’ 9-game road trip begins tomorrow with a 2-game set against the Fullerton Flyers, then moving onto Long Beach for four games (Thursday through Sunday) before winding up the trip June 21st and 22nd at Chico. All of the games will be broadcast live on the flagship station of the Scorpions, KBLU 560AM. The games will also be streamed through the internet, and the internet broadcast-sponsored by Team Ramco-available at www.yumascorpions.com. Tuesday through SaturdayÂ’s broadcasts will all start at 6:45PM with the pre-game show. SundayÂ’s broadcast from Long Beach will start at 12:45PM. Tuesday night, the 21st, the Scorpions-Chico Outlaws broadcast will start at 6:45PM, and WednesdayÂ’s doubleheader broadcast at 4:45PM. The Scorpions will return home Friday, May 24th, for a 3-game set against the Mesa Miners.

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