SPAIN – Spanish League club El Llano will open the 2009 season without two of their top pitchers, Carlos Fente and Fidel Torres, from a year ago but will welcome back the league’s reigning batting champion, Roberto Noriega.

Fente has agreed to a new contract with a Catalan team after going 2-1 with one save and a 2.53 ERA last season in eight appearances that included five starts. At the plate, he batted .277 (23-for-83) with a pair of doubles.

Torres will be suiting up for San Inazio of Bilbao this upcoming season. He struck out 57 in 11 games a year ago while posting a 3-3 record with a 1.61 ERA in 61 2/3 innings.

Noriega, the 2008 BaseballdeWorld Spanish League Offensive Player of the Year, turned down several lucrative contract offers from other league teams to remain with El Llano for another title run.

The talented third baseman, who will also coach the squad in 2009, is coming off a stellar 2008 campaign when he hit .458, led the league with 54 hits, and finished third with 28 RBIs.

El Llano will also welcome back Argentina native Gabriel Sanso who batted .321 in 2008 with 21 runs scored and six stolen bases. In addition, the club has contacted two Argentine players (infielder and outfielder) with Spanish passports who are expected to arrive in mid-February.

El Llano finished fourth a year ago behind league champion Marlins Puerto Cruz, FC Barcelona, and Sant Boi. The Opening Day in the Spanish League is slated for March 15.

Media Release: El Llano Baseball Club

Tags: Spain