BRONCOS STRENGTHEN BULLPEN WITH THE ADDITION OF 2 SOUTHPAW RELIEVERS
Written by admin, May 23, 2009, 0 Comments
May 12, 2009-Laredo, TX- The Laredo Broncos of the United League announced that they have signed lefty relievers Carlos Alvarez and Edgar Soto.
Alvarez, a native of Venezuela was signed as a non drafted free agent by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2001. He played rookie, single A, and Double A ball for the Dodgers from 2002-2007. He then played for the Florida Marlins in 2008 in single A and double A. In his career, the majority spent as a reliever, Alvarez has gone 23-9 with a 3.20 ERA. His best season came in 2005 in single A where he went 2-2 with 0.93 ERA in 20 appearances. He also struck out 63 batters while only walking 12.
Soto, who is also from Venezuela, was signed as a non drafted free agent by the New York Yankees in 2001. He played rookie and single A ball with the Yankees from 2002-2008. He has spent time as both a reliever and starter during his career and has gone 12-19 with a 3.75 ERA. His best season came in single A in 2007 where he went 1-2 with a 3.36 ERA in 36 Appearances. Broncos Field Manager Ricardo Cuevas is happy to have both men on board. “Carlos Alvarez and Edgar Soto are two huge additions to our ballclub. Not only are they great pitchers, but they are also great young veterans. They will help bring a lot of experience to the Broncos bullpen.”
Both of these players, biggest strengths are that they are hard throwers, but also have great control. In his career Alvarez has struck out 373 batters while only walking 119 in 323 1/3 innings. Soto has struck out 340 while only walking 170 in 355 1/3 innings. While both pitchers have great fastballs, Soto is known for his changeup and his curveball. Soto also can throw all 3 of his pitches at any time in a ball game, which is tough for pitchers to do. One other key factor is that both pitchers are left-handed and it is rare to find hard throwing lefties like Alvarez and Soto. These 2 players are “To have control like these 2 pitchers has is a huge asset,” says Cuevas. “It is not easy to be a hard thrower and also have great command, but these 2 pitchers have that. Plus, they are both left-handed which provides more flexibility. I can’t wait to see them in action.”
The Laredo Broncos begin their 4th season in 2009. The Broncos will play an 80 game season from June to September with 36 home games at Veterans Field. Season tickets and Sponsorship Packages are on sale in the Laredo Broncos office located at 2200 Santa Maria or can be contacted at 723-BASE (2273) or on the web at www.laredobroncos.com.
