Baseball in Fort Wayne

Posts Tagged ‘Brett-Bonvechio’

Okay, I know I took the offseason off. Probably will not get back to posting as frequently as in the past, but the locla landscape has changed a lot and there is plenty of news sites out there to keep you in the know. I’ll do what I can to supplement with intriguing and interesting content as time allows.

Here’s a recap of some offseason news and info you might have missed:

Matt Stairs is the first position player in the modern era to play for 12 teams. It comes at the expense of former Wizard, Chad Huffman, who was DFA’d by the Padres. I personally don’t understand that move.

They also added lefty Cesar Ramos when they put Joe Thatcher on the DL. He’s excited to be back with the big club after having made his debut last year.

Former Wizards infielder, Ray Chang is playing for the Double-A Portland Salt Dogs in the Red Sox’s organization.

Former Wizards catcher, Luke Carlin could not crack the Pittsburgh lineup and was sent down. Good chance he’ll be playing in Indiana again – with the Triple-A Indianapolis Indians.

Former DeKalb High School standout and Colorado Rockies farmhand, Jarrett Grube returns to the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs. He joined them midway through the 2009 season. Although he was used as a reliever during his Coloradotenure “Grube excelled as a starter for Southern Maryland last season. In 16 total appearances he started 12 times, and put together a 3-1 record with a 3.36 ERA. He struck out 56 opposed to just 21 walks in 75 innings.”

In other Indy League news, former Wizards infielder, Brett Bonvechio signed a one-year contract with the Camden Riversharks of the Atlantic League.

Former TinCaps’ pitcher, Simon Castro captured a lot of attention this spring. Particularly, from former Wizards catcher, Nick Hundley:

“Castro has been amazing,” Hundley said. “He’s got great energy. He has really got a feel for every one of his pitches. I didn’t realize he was as advanced as he is.”

The Padres’ Minor League Pitcher of the Year went 10-6 with a 3.33 ERA in 28 games and was a big part of the TinCaps taking the Midwest League crown.

Former Wizard, Brett Bonvechio will return for a second stint with the Camden Riversharks of the Atlantic League.

Last season, he played both first and third base for the team, and compiled a .227 batting average while driving in 39 runs. Mid-season, he signed with the Winston-Salem Dash, the White Sox’s A team in the Carolina League.

 Bonvechio was originally selected by the Boston Red Sox in 37th round (1112nd overall) of 2000 amateur draft. He was acquired by the Padres in May of 2004 for Henri Stanley, whom they had claimed off waivers from the Houston Astros. While with the Wizards in 2004, Bonvechio hit .237 with a .309 OBP, nine home runs and 45 RBI’s in 304 at-bats over 82 games.

Brett Bonvechio was the “Player to Be Named Later” to complete a trade between the Boston Red Sox and San Diego Padres in 2004. He joined the Wizards that season and collected 304 while appearing in 82 games. He hit for a .237 average, which included 72 hits, 19 doubles, 1 triple and 9 home runs.

Mostly playing third, Bonvechio also saw time at first and a little at catcher. then, the left-handed hitting infielder had his best season in 2005 while with Lake Elsinore, where he hit .267/.385/.460.

Then, the injury bug virtually derailed his career and nearly ended it. The then 25-year-old found himself cut from the Padres system. To continue his career, he joined the legions of indy-ballers and continued to play simply because he loves to play.

Just days ago, Bonvechio was signed by the Chicago White Sox and assigned to Advanced-A Winston Salem Warthogs where he’ll set out to begin his ascent to the Majors anew. Let’s hope the injuries and bad luck are behind him.

John Conniff of MadFriars recently caught up with Bonvechio for an interview. Well worth a read.