SPAIN – The second-best team in the Spanish Baseball League in 2008 – FC Barcelona – has added a pair of quality arms in Pedro Belmonte and Jonathan Garcia to its pitching arsenal for the upcoming season.

A veteran hurler who won a league title with the Tenerife-based Marlins P.C. in 2007, Belmonte started 12 games for San Inazio last season and posted a 4-6 card with a 3.89 ERA. The right-hander also issued only 13 walks in 85 2/3 innings while racking up 46 strikeouts.

Garcia, a right-hander who helped Spain capture the gold at the 2008 U21 European Championship, also joins Coach Aldo Tarife’s squad this year. The promising prospect is being promoted from FC Barcelona’s second division team.

Belmonte replaces the ageless Remigio Leal who signed with the Italian Baseball League club Danesi Nettuno earlier this offseason. FC Barcelona has also added former Viladecans outfielder Jehan G. Machado and ex-Sant Boi catcher Orlando Diaz to its 2009 roster.

Free Agent Hurler Signs Contract With San Inazio

San Inazio landed Viladecans top starter from last season, Alberto Magallon, who went 5-5 with a 2.23 ERA earlier this winter. The right-hander was the staff workhorse logging 96 2/3 innings while netting 60 strikeouts in 10 starts.

The Spanish League is set for a March 14th season opener.

Source: Mister-Baseball

Tags: Spain