USA – The Kansas City Royals have signed Federico Castaneda, a reliever who pitched in the Triple-A Mexican League last summer. He had a 4-1 record and 4.28 ERA in 58 relief appearances for Laguna and caught the Royals’ attention.

Gene Watson, the Royals’ coordinator of professional scouting, said that the 24-year old Castaneda throws a fastball in the 92-to-94 mph range, has a very good slider and is an aggressive pitcher who is tough on right-handed batters.

Although a final decision has not been made, general manager Dayton Moore said that Castaneda, who is signed to a Minor League contract, might be invited to the Major League camp as a non-roster invitee to Spring Training. Right now, however, the Royals project him to begin his domestic career with the Naturals.

In winter ball, Castaneda has pitched in 17 games for Culiacan, with no record and a 1.33 ERA. He has 15 strikeouts in 20 1/3 innings.

Castaneda, from Torreon, attended the MLB-supported baseball academy in Mexico at the same time as Joakim Soria, now the Royals’ closer. Like Soria, he’s been largely overlooked.

The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are the Double-A Texas League affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and will open the home portion of their 2009 season on Thursday, April 16th against the San Antonio Missions. For season ticket packages and group information for the 2009 season, please call (479) 927-4900 or visit nwanaturals.com.

Media Release: Northwest Arkansas Naturals

Tags: USA