redsoxman
12-10-2003, 09:02 PM
http://boston.redsox.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/bos/news/bos_news.jsp?ymd=20031210&content_id=614702&vkey=news_bos&fext=.jsp&c_id=bos
BOSTON -- With a mere 12 games of Major League appearances, right-handed reliever Edwin Almonte already has one claim to fame.
Five months ago, he was part of a package the White Sox sent to the Mets in exchange for Roberto Alomar, who is one of the premier second basemen of this generation.
But the Red Sox -- who claimed Almonte off waivers from the Mets last month -- hope he can develop in more ways than being the answer to a quirky trivia question.
Almonte is pitching for Aguilas Del Cibao of the Dominican League this winter, and his results have been impressive. Through Dec. 8, Almonte was 2-0 and hadn't allowed an earned run in 9 2/3 innings. In that span, he posted eight strikeouts.
It has been a slow climb for Almonte, who turns 27 on Dec. 17. But it's hardly unheard for a relief pitcher to take a few years to develop.
The Sox hope that Almonte is about to come into his own. He will try and win a spot in Boston's bullpen come Spring Training. More than likely, Almonte will pitch at Triple-A Pawtucket.
Almonte's best pitch is his changeup. Perhaps he can compare notes with Pedro Martinez, who has arguably the most lethal change in the game.
He took his lumps after going to the Mets, posting an 11.12 ERA in 11 1/3 innings. Almonte gave up 21 hits in that span.
Almonte has already proven himself to be a solid minor league pitcher. He has 82 saves between Double-A and Triple-A the last three years. In 240 minor league appearances, he has a 3.10 ERA. All but 21 of those outings have been out of the bullpen.
Born in the Dominican Republic, Almonte grew up in New York City.
His familiarity with the Northeast should make it a seamless transition to Boston. That is, if Almonte can hone his skills enough to get to Fenway Park.
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Anyone think he will be able to perform in Fenway this year? I'm interested in what others have to think about this guy.
BOSTON -- With a mere 12 games of Major League appearances, right-handed reliever Edwin Almonte already has one claim to fame.
Five months ago, he was part of a package the White Sox sent to the Mets in exchange for Roberto Alomar, who is one of the premier second basemen of this generation.
But the Red Sox -- who claimed Almonte off waivers from the Mets last month -- hope he can develop in more ways than being the answer to a quirky trivia question.
Almonte is pitching for Aguilas Del Cibao of the Dominican League this winter, and his results have been impressive. Through Dec. 8, Almonte was 2-0 and hadn't allowed an earned run in 9 2/3 innings. In that span, he posted eight strikeouts.
It has been a slow climb for Almonte, who turns 27 on Dec. 17. But it's hardly unheard for a relief pitcher to take a few years to develop.
The Sox hope that Almonte is about to come into his own. He will try and win a spot in Boston's bullpen come Spring Training. More than likely, Almonte will pitch at Triple-A Pawtucket.
Almonte's best pitch is his changeup. Perhaps he can compare notes with Pedro Martinez, who has arguably the most lethal change in the game.
He took his lumps after going to the Mets, posting an 11.12 ERA in 11 1/3 innings. Almonte gave up 21 hits in that span.
Almonte has already proven himself to be a solid minor league pitcher. He has 82 saves between Double-A and Triple-A the last three years. In 240 minor league appearances, he has a 3.10 ERA. All but 21 of those outings have been out of the bullpen.
Born in the Dominican Republic, Almonte grew up in New York City.
His familiarity with the Northeast should make it a seamless transition to Boston. That is, if Almonte can hone his skills enough to get to Fenway Park.
--------
Anyone think he will be able to perform in Fenway this year? I'm interested in what others have to think about this guy.