The Spanish Division de Honor club FC Barcelona is replacing two of its key players for the 2010 season. Starting pitcher Homer Baez (picture) and shortstop Juan Manuel Salazar leave the third-place finisher. Their spots on the roster will be taken by Delio Miguel Martinez and Oscar Angulo, who both will come from local rival CB Viladecans.
Baez played six years for Barca in Spain and is still looking for a new employer. The Venezuelan had a 13-3 record with an ERA of 1.82 in 17 starts this past season. He struck out 128 batters, while walking 42. He issued just 94 hits in 128 1/3 innings. Martinez will be the new second starter for Barcelona. He debuted in the Division de Honor with a 7-6 record and an ERA of 2.20 in 17 starts. He collected 99 strikeouts in 135 innings (112 hits, 45 walks).
Salazar was five years on the payroll for the FCB. In 2009 he batted .346 (OBP .430/SLG .433) with one triple, seven doubles, 15 runs scored and 16 RBI in 30 games (28 starts). He will be replaced by Angulo, who impressed in his first Spanish season with a batting average of .379 (OBP .438/SLG .591) with four homeruns, four triples, eight doubles, 32 runs scored and 32 RBI in 36 games (35 starts).
Infielder/reliever Jason Friedman (.379/.455/.414, ERA 1.35, 20.1 IP, 17 SO, 9 BB) and infielder Jesus Golindano (.376/.491/.494) will come back for another season with Barcelona.
Photo: © Diego Lazaro