Several Former BayBears Invited to Diamondbacks Big League Camp
February 19, 2009 - Southern League (SL1)
Mobile BayBears News Release
MOBILE, Ala. - Among the 17 players invited as non-roster members to Spring Training for the Arizona Diamondbacks are former BayBears Hector Ambriz, Tony Barnette, Brooks Brown, Reid Mahon, Luke Carlin, John Hester, Rusty Ryal and Gerardo Parra.
Ambriz, a fifth-round pick of the D-backs in 2006, made 26 starts for the BayBears last season while posting a 5-13 record with a 4.89 ERA. He struck out 118 batters while leading the squad with two complete games.
Barnette, an Alaska native, was an 11-game winner for the BayBears last season while his 133 strikeouts were among the league leaders.
Brown, a first-round choice of the D-backs in 2006, was selected to the Southern League All-Star Game last season while surrendering just eight home runs in 144.1 innings.
Mahon only spent part of last season in Mobile before a call-up to Triple-A Tucson. In 32 appearances for the BayBears, Mahon posted a 3.07 ERA while going 18-for-18 in save opportunities.
Carlin, a former San Diego Padre farmhand, hit .257 in 88 games for the BayBears in 2005 while the team was still affiliated with the Padres. He appeared in two games for the BayBears in '06 and made his major league debut last season for San Diego.
Hester, an Atlanta native, was the BayBears' primary catcher in 2008 while smacking 11 home runs to go with his .268 average.
Ryal led the BayBears in home runs (16) and RBI (66) last season, his second with the BayBears. He also hit .274 while stroking 22 doubles.
Parra was called up to the BayBears after spending his first two months of 2008 with Single-A Visalia. With the BayBears, Parra hit .275 while swiping 16 bases. He's also a potential member of Venezuela's squad for the World Baseball Classic.
The 2009 Mobile BayBears begin play at Hank Aaron Stadium on Tuesday, April 14 against the Carolina Mudcats. For more information, please call (251) 479-BEAR or visit www.mobilebaybears.com.
Southern League Stories from February 19, 2009
- Baseball Returns to Hank Aaron Stadium This Friday Night - Mobile BayBears
- Several Former BayBears Invited to Diamondbacks Big League Camp - Mobile BayBears
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