USA – The Four-Time Atlantic League Champion Somerset Patriots have announced the re-signings of infielder Anthony Granato and outfielder Joe Burke.

Granato and Burke were acquired in 2008 in a trade with the Atlantic City Surf towards the end of the season.

Granato finished 2008 with a .364 batting average, 12 hits, four doubles, six RBI, and three stolen bases in ten games with the Patriots. Prior to joining the team, he hit .322 with 83 runs scored, 117 hits, 14 home runs, 62 RBI, and 31 stolen bases in 93 games for the Surf.

Granato has five seasons of Single-A experience with the Chicago Cubs and Colorado Rockies organizations. He has a career minor league average of .296 with 400 hits, 81 doubles, 14 triples, 30 home runs, and 180 RBI in 386 games.

Burke appeared in seven games with Somerset last season and finished with four hits, a double, a home run, two RBI, and two stolen bases. He played 92 games for the Surf in 2008 and finished with a team high .324 batting average, 62 runs scored, 126 hits, 50 RBI, and 17 stolen bases.

Burke has two seasons of Single-A experience with the New York Yankees organization and has a minor league career average of .306 with 270 hits, 46 doubles, nine triples, nine home runs, 115 RBI, and 33 stolen bases in 237 games.

The Four-Time Atlantic League Champion Somerset Patriots have placed tickets on sale for the upcoming 2009 Season. Opening Day will take place on Thursday, April 23rd with 7:05 pm game at TD Bank Ballpark. For more information, call (908) 252-0700 or visit www.somersetpatriots.com.

Courtesy of the Somerset Patriots

Tags: Independent League