Workhorse Guerra Back With Wingnuts

WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts signed pitchers Junior Guerra and Moises Melendez on Wednesday.

Photo Credit: Jancy Ireland Photography

Coming off a terrific 2011 campaign, Guerra returns for his second season with the Wingnuts.  The right-hander was 9-3 in 20 starts last year, and finished tied for ninth in the American Association with a 3.57 ERA.  Guerra also ranked seventh in the league with 103 strikeouts, and posted the third-lowest opponents batting average at .229.  The 27-year-old Guerra proved durable, working at least six full innings in 14 of his 20 starts, and at least five innings in 18 of them.  On July 13th versus Shreveport-Bossier, Guerra pitched the first seven and one-third innings of Wichita's combined no-hitter over the Captains.  Guerra was especially dominant down the stretch.  Over his final 10 starts, Guerra went 7-1 with a 2.22 ERA.

"Junior was a priority for us this offseason after what he accomplished in 2011," said Wingnuts' manager Kevin Hooper.  "He is an integral part of our rotation, and hopefully 2012 will bring an even better Junior Guerra to the table."

Guerra originally signed with the Atlanta Braves as an international free agent in 2003, and spent the early part of his career as a catcher.  A native of San Felix, Venezuela, Guerra threw out 36 percent of opposing base stealers during his time behind the plate.  That arm strength ultimately led to his switch to the mound where he has a career 3.76 ERA.  The 5-foot-11, 205-pound Guerra latched on with the New York Mets' organization in 2008, advancing through four levels, and pitching to a combined 2.12 ERA.  In 2010, Guerra was 11-1 with a 0.89 ERA for Sant Boi in the Spanish Elite League.

Melendez most recently pitched this winter in the Venezuelan Professional League.  A left-hander, Melendez was 2-1 with a 3.27 ERA in 30 relief outings for Zulia, and was a teammate of both Derek Blacksher and Matt Nevarez.  The Maracaibo, Venezuela native struck out 18 and walked only five in 22.0 innings of work.

"Moises adds left-handed depth, and we plan on him being a big part of our bullpen this season," said Hooper.  "He comes highly-regarded from many people, not only as a pitcher, but as a person and a leader.  He's also logged innings as a starter in the past, making him even more valuable."

The 25-year-old Melendez spent four years in the Philadelphia Phillies' organization after signing as an international free agent in 2005.  Melendez is 21-10 in 88 lifetime appearances--35 of them starts--with a 2.87 ERA.  The 5-foot-11, 220-pound lefty has struck out 322 batters against 126 walks in 310.0 career innings.  During that span, Melendez has allowed just 16 home runs.

The two pitchers give the Wingnuts nine players under contract for the 2012 season.  American Association teams may carry up to 28 players during Spring Training, which begins May 5th.

2012 Wingnuts Signings
RHP Josh Dew
RHP Junior Guerra
RHP Alex Kaminsky
LHP Shawn Joy
RHP Josh Lowey
RHP Brandon Mathes
LHP Moises Melendez
C Eric Rodriguez
LHP Nick Walters

The 2012 season of Wichita Wingnuts baseball begins May 17th versus the Lincoln Saltdogs at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium.  Season tickets, mini packs, and group packages are on sale now.  For more information, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-NUTS or visit the Wingnuts' official website at www.wichitawingnuts.com

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