BRONCOS WELCOME BACK GREGORIO MARTINEZ
Written by Post Public Information Representative, Apr 29, 2009, 0 Comments
April 29, 2009-Laredo, TX- The Laredo Broncos of the United League announce that starting pitcher Gregorio Martinez will return to the club for the 2009 season along with starter Maximo De La Cruz.
Last year, Martinez was an United League All-Star for the Broncos as he went 6-5 with a 4.17 ERA in 17 starts. The record is a little bit misleading as in many of his games he could have won, but either did not have enough run support or the bullpen blew leads for him. His ERA was the 7th best in the league last year and he finished 2nd in the league behind his teammate Santos Hernandez in strikeouts with 116.
Martinez had a breakout season in the 2008-2009 in the Liga Veracruzana, which is a Mexican Winter League. In 11 starts for Gallos De Santa Rosa he went 7-1 with a 2.44 ERA. His 7 wins were good to be tied for 3rd in the league and his 56 strikeouts led the league. His ERA was also in the top 10 in the league.
Last year was Martinez’s first year in independent ball as he was in the San Francisco Giants organization playing rookie and class A baseball. Broncos Field Manager Ricardo Cuevas is looking forward to watching Martinez pitch for the Broncos, “Gregorio has shown from his past work that he can be the ace of a pitching staff. With him at the top of the rotation, is only going to help win games for this ballclub.”
The Broncos also return Maximo De La Cruz to the 2009 team. Last year was a tough year for De La Cruz as he was injured for most of the 2008 season. He made 4 relief appearances for the Broncos and had no record with a 2.84 ERA. In 2007, He pitched for the Harlingen WhiteWings and had a very good season with them going 6-7 with a 4.36 ERA in 17 starts. De La Cruz was signed as non drafted free agent by the Philadelphia Phillies in 2001. He played in their organization from 2002-2006.
The Laredo Broncos begin their 4th season in 2009. The Broncos will play a 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.
