GaryMrMets
03-25-2003, 09:08 PM
Merloni Excited After Padres Claim Him Utilityman Should Get More Opportunities to Play in National League
.c The Associated Press
PEORIA, Ariz. (March 25) -- The San Diego Padres claimed utility infielder Lou Merloni off waivers from the Boston Red Sox on Tuesday.
Merloni is a career .271 hitter who has been back and forth between Boston and Triple-A Pawtucket the last five seasons.
"This is great, I'm fired up,'' Merloni said at the Red Sox camp in Fort Myers, Fla. "Playing for a National League team, I'll get a lot more playing time. It's great for me personally.''
Merloni is a native of Framingham, Mass. Except for playing part of the 2000 season in Japan, he's played his entire career in the Red Sox organization. He hit .247 in 84 games last season with the Red Sox.
"The Padres had expressed some interest, not trade interest, so we thought it best to put him on waivers,'' said Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein, who used to work in the Padres' front office. "We're happy Lou ended up in a really good spot and we wish him the best.''
Boston signed infielder Bill Mueller and second baseman Todd Walker in the offseason. This move could open up a spot for Damian Jackson or allow manager Grady Little to carry a 12th pitcher.
Merloni is expected to join the Padres for an exhibition game against their Triple-A affiliate in Portland, Ore., on Friday.
.c The Associated Press
PEORIA, Ariz. (March 25) -- The San Diego Padres claimed utility infielder Lou Merloni off waivers from the Boston Red Sox on Tuesday.
Merloni is a career .271 hitter who has been back and forth between Boston and Triple-A Pawtucket the last five seasons.
"This is great, I'm fired up,'' Merloni said at the Red Sox camp in Fort Myers, Fla. "Playing for a National League team, I'll get a lot more playing time. It's great for me personally.''
Merloni is a native of Framingham, Mass. Except for playing part of the 2000 season in Japan, he's played his entire career in the Red Sox organization. He hit .247 in 84 games last season with the Red Sox.
"The Padres had expressed some interest, not trade interest, so we thought it best to put him on waivers,'' said Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein, who used to work in the Padres' front office. "We're happy Lou ended up in a really good spot and we wish him the best.''
Boston signed infielder Bill Mueller and second baseman Todd Walker in the offseason. This move could open up a spot for Damian Jackson or allow manager Grady Little to carry a 12th pitcher.
Merloni is expected to join the Padres for an exhibition game against their Triple-A affiliate in Portland, Ore., on Friday.