Three More Signatures For The Ottawa Rapidz
May 1, 2008 - Canadian American League (Can-Am)
Ottawa Voyageurs News Release
Two days after being renamed, the Ottawa Rapidz announce the signing of three more players. With the addition of Noel Baca, Cibney Bello, and Kyle Geiger, the Rapidz roster is almost full, 10 days before Spring Training opens.
Cibney Bello, gives the Rapidz another young and solid arm in the rotation. The 26-year-old right-handed pitcher is a former prospect in the Seattle Mariners organization, signed by the team as a free agent in 2000. Last year, the 6'6", 213-pound Venezuelan played with High Desert, a Class-A team in the California League. In 116 innings, he struck out 91 batters. In eight seasons in the Minors, he shows a 33-33 record, with a 4.91 ERA. In 576.2 career innings pitched, he has recorded 493 strikeouts.
"Cibney will come in as one of our starters," says Ed Nottle, Ottawa Rapidz Field Manager. "He's got eight years of professional experience, and has thrown close to 300 innings over the last two years. He should be a work-horse that I can get six, seven innings out of every start."
Noel Baca comes to the Rapidz after a season with the Pensacola Pelicans of the independent American Association. The 6', 210-pound right-handed pitcher is an Albuquerque, NM native and graduated from the University of West Alabama in 2007. Last year with the Pelicans he posted a 2-1 record in 9 starts, along with 35 strikeouts in 45.1 innings of work.
"Noel is a young kid with a good arm," says Mr. Nottle. "He will probably start out in long relief. He had nine starts last year, and could be the surprise you find in Spring Training every year, that is more than you expected."
Kyle Geiger is the third player signed by the Rapidz this week. He has played five years in the Minnesota Twins organization after being drafted by the team in 2003. Kyle will provide the Rapidz with a solid, experienced player behind home plate. The 6'3", 220-pound Topeka, KS native has demonstrated his skills as a catcher in A and AA ball. Last year with the New Britain Rock Cats, he had a .250 batting average, with 17 doubles and 35 RBI in 276 at-bats.
"Kyle should be our Opening Day catcher," mentions Mr. Nottle. "As in all levels of professional baseball, good, experienced catching is tough to find. I think he'll do the job for us."
Tryouts for those with college or professional experience will be held on May 8th at the Ottawa Stadium.
Canadian American League Stories from May 1, 2008
- Three More Signatures For The Ottawa Rapidz - Ottawa Voyageurs
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