RIVERSHARKS ADD ADDITONAL MAJOR LEAGUE EXPERIENCE-cnbnews.net

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Saturday, August 13, 2011

Sharks Sign Pitchers Humberto Sanchez, Wilkin De la Rosa, and Infielder Willis Otanez

CAMDEN, NJ: The Riversharks have announced the addition of former major leaguers RHP Humberto Sanchez and utility infielder Willis Otanez from the Mexican League, as well as Wilkin De La Rosa from the LA Dodgers Organization.

Otanez was signed by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1990 as an amateur free agent and made his major league debut in 1998 with the Baltimore Orioles after belting 27 homers and driving in 100 runs at Class AAA Rochester. The native of the Dominican Republic appeared in 71 games with the Orioles and Toronto the following year, belting 11 doubles and seven home runs.

Over the past decade, Otanez has become an annual star in the Mexican League. He has a career .339 average in Mexico with 146 home runs and 644 RBI in nine seasons. This year, be batted .341 with 22 homers and 82 RBI for Los Broncos de Reynosa.

This will be Otanez’s ninth season in the Atlantic League, but his first as a Rivershark. His resume includes a combined six seasons with division rivals the Bridgeport Bluefish and Long Island Ducks. He has a lifetime .316 average in the ALPB.

Also arriving from the Mexican League is Humberto Sanchez. The right-handed pitcher was picked in the 31st round of the 2001 draft by the Detroit Tigers. He made his major league debut on September 18, 2008 with the New York Yankees and appeared in two games. After being granted free agency from the Yankees in 2009 he went on to play in the Class AAA Mexican League. The 28-year-old has a combined 3.71 ERA over 34 innings pitched in the 2011 season, and holds a 2-1 record with 26 strikeouts on the year.

Left-handed pitcher Wilkin de la Rosa comes to the Riversharks from the Dodger’s Class AAA Albuquerque Isotopes of the Pacific Coast League. De la Rosa spent six seasons with the New York Yankees organization playing Class AA and AAA ball, and was picked up by the Dodgers organization in 2011. The 26-year old lefty holds a combined 4-2 record with a 2.85 ERA over 28 innings pitched.

“Both Sanchez and Otanez bring major league experience to our roster, and yesterday on the mound both de la Rosa and Sanchez pitched extremely well,” said Von Hayes, the Riversharks manager. “We need to supplement losing some of our offense with a strong defense, and that starts with pitching. Based on their performance yesterday, their talent will certainly help.”

The Riversharks are continuing their race for the 2011 Atlantic League playoffs, and are currently in second place in the Liberty Division behind the Long Island Ducks. The Ducks return to Camden for a three game series starting Friday August 19th. The Riversharks must secure first place in the Liberty Division for the second half of the season to ensure a playoff spot.

The Camden Riversharks are members of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. Since 2001, the Riversharks have hosted all of their home games at Campbell’s Field, located along the city’s waterfront. The 2011 season, the club’s 11th, is presented by Wawa. The Riversharks return for a nine game homestand beginning August 19th. The team provides a competitive baseball product, while maintaining an affordable family friendly atmosphere. For more information or tickets, go towww.riversharks.com

CNBNews

RIVERSHARKS ADD ADDITONAL MAJOR LEAGUE EXPERIENCE-cnbnews.net

Saturday, August 13, 2011

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