Newark Bears Web Site

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Jim Cerny (973) 848-1000 Ext. 109

NEWARK, NJ, July 29—The Newark Bears today announced the signing of infielder Juan Lorenzo to a contract. Lorenzo will be in uniform this evening when the Bears open a three-game series in Atlantic City against the Surf.

The 24 year-old Lorenzo has eight years of experience in professional baseball already. Prior to this season he spent his whole career in the Minnesota Twins organization, playing the last two seasons at double-A New Britain.

In 2002 Lorenzo batted .270 with 2 home runs, 9 extra-base hits and 19 RBI in 78 games. Playing in the Florida State League with Fort Myers in 1999, Lorenzo drove in a career-high 48 runs; and the next season with Fort Myers he had a career-best 29 extra-base hits while batting .283.

Lorenzo has primarily played shortstop in his career, though he does have experience as a third-baseman, too. He will play shortstop, at least for the time being, with the Bears as the starting shortstop Eddy Martinez is sidelined with an injured hamstring.

TRANSACTIONS
NEWARK (Atlantic League)—Signed infielder Juan Lorenzo.