The New Guys
March 22nd, 2009
March 22, 2009 — So have you been following the World Baseball Classic? Oh good, then you know Thompson, Arredondo, Statia, and Ramos are back. Sandoval and Francisco Rodriguez will soon return from Team Mexico. Shields and Abreu are getting ready for Monday’s semi-finals in L.A.
Not following the Classic? Oh. . . .well, how about Spring Training? If so, then today’s post is for you! For those of us anxiously awaiting AAA Opening Day, there will be a couple of brand-new faces on the field. By that I mean, new to the Angels’ organization. Um, . . .no, I don’t expect to see Brian Fuentes in a Salt Lake uniform. More likely, we’ll be giving a warm, SLC welcome to Matt Palmer and Luis Figueroa.
A few readers might recognize Matt Palmer, who pitched for the Fresno Grizzlies from 2006-08. He pitched well in 2008, getting named PCL Pitcher of the Week in May and posting a 4.18 ERA with 143 SO-72BB in 142 IP. He was rewarded with call-up to San Francisco in August, although he got roughed up a bit in the few appearances he made.
The Angels signed Palmer this winter, with an invitation to big-league spring camp. He’s pitched well in Tempe, and with exception of one outing, has been making good on the new opportunity to showcase his major-league tools. Looks as though he’s been used primarily in relief, although he was a starting pitcher during the early years of his career.
Oh, and before I forget. . .Happy Birthday Matt! (one day late)
With a long career mostly in the minors, Luis Figueroa makes for an interesting winter addition to the Angels organization. His specialty is shortstop, which isn’t exactly an open spot on the Angels. Having absolutely nothing to go on except my bountiful imagination, I wonder if Figueroa was signed to create some “fresh” competition during spring training and ensure a veteran middle-infielder would be available to share his experience with the minor-league club in April?
Figueroa is likely more recognizable in his home country of Puerto Rico, having spent several seasons of winter ball in the Puerto Rican League, including being named to the B.A. Winter Player All-Star Team in 2006. “Wicho” was also a member of the national team for the 2004 Summer Olympic qualifiers.
This spring in Tempe, Figueroa has been even more impressive than Palmer. Among all hitters with 20 or more ABs, he leads with an amazing .522 BA, and only 3 SOs! In an interesting trivia bit, he “inherited” the #57 jersey for spring training, now available with the departure of Francisco Rodriguez.
Hope you’ve enjoyed this sneak preview of what looks to be a couple of positive additions to the Salt Lake clubhouse. April 09, here we come! Bye for now!
Entry Filed under: Major League Baseball,Minor Leagues,Salt Lake Bees
2 Comments Add your own
1. JACKSONS DAD | March 27th, 2009 at 5:20 pm
Anita,
I can’t wait to see the new guys. It will be the second home series before we get to see them. I am going to Turkey for a quick deployment. Jackson and mom may make it to a game in the first series. Watch for them, Jackson is excited to sit by you again. He asked me a question the other day, I told him to save it for you. He wants to know why they called Babe Ruth the Great Bambino. What does Bambino mean? Just a heads up, I don’t want your image tarnished, after all you do know everything about baseball. Just ask Jackson. Let me know if you need anything from Turkey! See you soon. Yeah!
2. BeesGal | March 29th, 2009 at 9:15 am
Hi there JD,
How about you come back home again, in one piece?
Can’t think of anything at the moment.
Omigod, I can’t believe opening day is just days away. Hope the weather cooperates! Apologize for being behind on the posts, working on one for today. . .BeesGal
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