Pelicans Acquire 2009 Caribbean Series MVP

August 17, 2009

The Pensacola Pelicans announced today that they signed right handed pitcher Francisco Butto. Butto, a 6’1” 200 pound reliever was the 2009 Caribbean Series MVP. Butto sported a 1.96 ERA with double-A Reading before the Pelicans acquired him.

The Venezuelan was named the Most Valuable Player of the 2009 Caribbean Series, saving four games and posting a 2.70 ERA in the February contest. After the Series, Butto was named to the Venezuelan roster for the World Baseball Classic.

Butto bounced back and forth between double-A and triple-A this year, playing eight games for triple-A Lehigh Valley of the International League this season. The rest of the year Butto pitched for the second place Reading Phillies of the Eastern League.

Butto, originally signed by the Philadelphia Phillies in 1999 as an undrafted free agent, advanced as high as triple-A in 2006 for the Yankees’ Columbus affiliate. Butto played the 2007 and 2008 seasons in the triple-A Mexican League, finishing the 2008 season with a career 3.33 ERA and 651 strikeouts.

Francisco Butto joins the Pelicans as they hunt for their first playoff spot since 2005. Currently leading the American Association South Division, the Pelicans clash in their last seven home games against tough division rivals clawing for a piece of the playoff puzzle. The Pelicans duel the Shreveport-Bossier Captains for a three game road series before returning home on Friday, August 21 against the powerful offense of El Paso for three meaningful games. The following weekend, the Pelicans close the regular season against the division-rival Captains in a critical four-game series.

The upcoming three-game home stand features the Pelicans celebrating the birthday of their mascot, Scoop, on Friday, with cake for all sponsored by The Cake Shop. Saturday is College Football Night sponsored by Extended Stay Hotels, and Sunday is Kids Day: all Kids Club members gain free admission when wearing their 2009 Club t-shirts.

Tickets are very affordable, beginning as low as $7. Tickets are available at Pensacola-area Circle K locations, or online at www.pensacolapelicans.com. Phone orders may be placed by calling (850) 934-8444.

Comments

Comments are closed.

Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under Sports