The Schwaz Tigers of the Austrian Baseball League have signed the 30-year-old Jose CASTILLO OREJA for the upcoming season. He is from Venezuela and began his career as a catcher in the Boston Red Sox organization. However he never reached the upper levels and made the move over the Atlantic. Since five years he is playing in Europe, in the Czech Republic, Switzerland and Belgium.
In 2007 he was with the Brasschaat Braves in the Belgium Baseball League. He had a 6-2 record with an ERA of 1.22 in twelve games (five starts). He struck out 37 (16 walks) in 59 innings pitched. He was ranked second best with his ERA, only behind Terence ANTONACCI of the Royal Greys. CASTILLO also hit .286 with twelve runs scored and eight RBI in 75 plate appearances. He will also serve as the pitching coach at the Austrian club.
The Tigers are going to play a preseason tournament on April 6th against the league rivals Dornbirn Indians and Union Kufstein Vikings. They are open the new season on April 19th on the road against the Metrostars Vienna.