LINCOLN –Two more players will be reporting to Lincoln in a couple weeks, as the Saltdogs signed journeyman INF Victor Mercedes and former Orioles minor league LHP Aaron Odom Thursday.
Mercedes is an 11-year veteran that has played in four different MLB organizations, as well as the Mexican League (Triple-A) and Atlantic League (Independent). He sports a .280 career batting average in 1,004 games, primarily as a middle infielder but also with experience at both corner infield and outfield spots.
Last season, Mercedes hit .310 with nine home runs and 49 RBI in 66 games between Bridgeport (Atlantic), Laguna and Tabasco (Mexican).
The 33-year old began his professional career in the Pittsburgh Pirates system in 2001. He played four-plus seasons for the Bucs, reaching as high as Double-A Altoona (Eastern League) before joining the Washington National organization. Mercedes played in the minor leagues for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago White Sox from 2006-09.
Since 2010, the La Romana, Dominican Republic native has spent his time between the Atlantic League and Mexican League.
Odom was a 2007 draft pick of the Orioles coming out of Texas Tech. He appeared in 29 games over one and a half seasons in the Baltimore organization, reaching as high as Class-A Delmarva (South Atlantic League).
In 2009 he pitched for the Winnipeg Goldeyes (Northern League, now American Association), where we went 3-1 with a 3.98 ERA, striking out a batter per inning over 18 games.
The 27-year old southpaw from Lumberton, Texas is 5-10 with a 4.14 ERA as a professional.
The Saltdogs open the 2012 campaign May 17 at Wichita with the home opener at Haymarket Park May 23 against Sioux City. Get your Saltdogs Five Pack (five lower-box tickets for just $50!) now by calling 402-474-BALL or by visiting www.saltdogs.com.