Three Added to 'Fish Tank
Published on April 1, 2015 under Atlantic League (AtL)
Bridgeport Bluefish News Release
(Bridgeport, Conn. - April 1, 2015 ) - The Bridgeport Bluefish today announced the signings of catcher Ryan Babineau, pitcher Nate Baker, and infielder Ildemaro Vargas.
"These three additions add important depth to our roster," says Bluefish manager Ricky VanAsselberg. "Ryan is a well rounded catcher that knows how to handle a pitching staff. Nate is a hard throwing lefthander who has experience in both the bullpen and starting rotation, while Ildemaro is a switch-hitting shortstop with amazing defensive ability."
Babineau makes his way to Bridgeport for his first season in the Atlantic League and seventh of professional baseball after being acquired in a trade with the Gary Southshore Railcats of the American Association for future considerations. Last year, the 28-year-old appeared in 84 games for Gary Southshore, recording a .292 batting average with 55 RBI, 40 runs scored, eight stolen bases and a .373 on-base percentage.
The California-native was originally drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 17th round of the 2006 MLB amateur draft. He spent three years with the Diamondbacks organization, before joining the Railcats in 2012, where Babineau also spent three seasons. Before beginning his professional career, Ryan attended UCLA.
Baker joins the Bluefish in 2015 for his Atlantic League debut and his seventh season of professional baseball. Last year, the left-hander spent the majority of his time with Double-A Altoona of the Eastern League, where he appeared in 17 games and posted a 3-1 record with a 1.71 ERA and 22 strikeouts over the course of 26.1 innings of work.
The 27-year-old was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the fifth round (145th overall) of the 2009 MLB Amateur Draft. He has spent his entire career within the Pirates organization, reaching as high as the Double-A level. In 151 career minor league games (71 starts), Baker has racked up 29 wins with a 3.89 ERA and 381 strikeouts over the course of 513.1 innings. Before beginning his professional career, Nate attended and played ball at the University of Mississippi.
Vargas joins the 'Fish for his first season in the Atlantic League and sixth of professional baseball. Last year, the infielder played in 120 combined games between Double-A Springfield and Single-A Palm Beach of the St. Louis Cardinals organization.
The 23-year-old made his professional debut in 2010 and spent all five of his professional seasons with the Cardinals organization, reaching as high as the Double-A Level. In 381 career minor league games, the switch-hitter owns a .261 batting average with 144 RBI and 183 runs scored.
The Bridgeport Bluefish are members of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball and play their home games at The Ballpark at Harbor Yard. For further information, call 203-210-BLUE (2583) or visit BridgeportBluefish.com.
Atlantic League Stories from April 1, 2015
- "Winning Wednesdays" Announced at Harbor Yard - Bridgeport Bluefish
- Riversharks Invite Three Players from Open Tryouts to Spring Training - Camden Riversharks
- Three Added to 'Fish Tank - Bridgeport Bluefish
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.
