Former MLBer and first round draft pick Josh Vitters signed; Jose Cuevas acquired in trade
(Bridgeport, Conn., March 15, 2016) – The Bridgeport Bluefish today announced the additions of infielders Josh Vitters and Jose Cuevas for the 2016 season.
“We think these players will be great additions to our lineup and infield this season,” says Bluefish Manager Luis Rodriguez. “Josh has experience at the highest levels of baseball, and Jose has versatility around the infield and a strong bat.”
Josh Vitters comes to Bridgeport for his first season in the Atlantic League and ninth of professional baseball. The former Major Leaguer last played in 2014 with Triple-A Iowa (Chicago Cubs) of the Pacific Coast League. In 112 games, he slugged 11 home runs, with 38 RBI and 33 runs scored.
The 26-year-old made his professional debut in 2007 after being selected by the Chicago Cubs in the first round (third overall) of the MLB draft. In 2008, he was ranked one of the Top 50 MLB prospects in the country by Baseball America. Vitters has spent his entire career with the Cubs organization, including a notable campaign in 2012 with Triple-A Iowa when he batted .304 with 17 home runs, 32 doubles, 68 RBI and 54 runs scored in 110 games. After this impressive showing, he would make his big league debut the same season at the age of 22. In 36 Major League games with the Cubs, he hit two home runs, drove in five runs, and scored seven times. In 674 career minor league games, Josh owns a .272 batting average with 80 home runs, 347 RBI, 306 runs scored, and 29 stolen bases.
Jose Cuevas makes his way to the Park City for his first season in the Atlantic League and seventh of professional baseball after being acquired in a trade with Trois-Rivieres of the independent Can-Am League for a player to be named later. Last year with Trois-Rivieres, he hit .269 with five home runs, 52 RBI, 57 runs scored and 19 stolen bases.
The 27-year-old made his professional debut in 2010 after being drafted by the San Francisco Giants in the 29th round of the MLB draft. He spent three years in the Giants organization, reaching as high as Triple-A in 2011. He has spent the last three seasons in the Can-Am League with New Jersey and Trois-Rivieres. In 459 career minor league games, Jose owns a .265 batting average with 38 home runs, 239 RBI, 282 runs scored, and 81 stolen bases.
The Bridgeport Bluefish are members of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball and play their home games at The Ballpark at Harbor Yard. For further information, call 203-210-BLUE (2583) or visit BridgeportBluefish.com.
About the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB)
The Atlantic League is the most innovative league in professional baseball and a gateway to Major League Baseball. In the league’s 18-year history, over 34 million fans have attended ALPB games and more than 800 players have joined MLB organizations. The Atlantic League emphasizes winning baseball games, showcases the talent of top-caliber players and offers affordable family entertainment to metropolitan markets serving nearly 15% of the US population. ALPB clubs serve the communities of Bridgeport and New Britain, Conn., Lancaster and York, Pa., Central Islip, N.Y., Bridgewater, N.J., Waldorf, Md., and Sugar Land, Texas.
For more information, please visit www.AtlanticLeague.com.
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