The Franklin Reporter & Advocate Eight Villages, One Community
Br
idgewater, NJ – The Somerset Patriots have announced the signings of former Major League infielders Mat Gamel and Robert Andino
Gamel begins his first year with the Patriots having spent parts of five seasons from 2008-2012 in the Majors with the Milwaukee Brewers. Over that span, Gamel hit six home runs with 29 RBI, including five home runs in 2009.
The Jacksonville, Florida native was the Brewers opening day starting first baseman in 2012 – replacing Prince Fielder, who had spent the previous six seasons as the Brewers first baseman – before injuries shortened his season and kept him out the last two years as well.
The former fourth-round draft pick from Chipola College’s best year came in 2011, where Gamel hit .310 with Triple-A Nashville while finishing second in the Pacific Coast League in home runs (28), fifth in runs (90) and seventh in RBI (96).
Over seven seasons in the minors, Gamel has a .304 batting average with 105 home runs, 503 RBI, 189 doubles and 473 runs scored.
“Gamel is a big time lefty power hitter who will fit nicely in the middle of our lineup,” Somerset Patriots Manager Brett Jodie said. “He has been very impressive offensively at both the minor and major league levels. We are excited to let him display both his offensive and defensive versatility with the Patriots.”
Andino brings nine years of Major League experience into his first season with the Patriots. He spent parts of four seasons with both the then-Florida Marlins and Baltimore Orioles, and most recently in 2013 with the Seattle Mariners.
The Miami, Florida native’s two most notable seasons in the Majors came in 2011 and 2012 with the Orioles, where he appeared in 139 and 127 games, respectively. Over his nine years in the big leagues, Andino has appeared in 468 games with 18 home runs, 96 RBI and 24 stolen bases.
Last year, the former second-round pick of the Marlins played in 109 games in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization with Triple-A Indianapolis. There, he hit seven homers with 42 RBI and 15 doubles.
Andino has 65 home runs, 404 RBI, 109 stolen bases and 1,016 hits in his 11 seasons of minor league baseball.
“Andino is a proven major leaguer who will solidify the middle of our infield,” said Jodie. “He is a true professional who brings a lot of experience and stability to a vital position. His many successful seasons at the plate will help bring leadership and versatility to our lineup.”
For information about the Somerset Patriots 2015 Season, stop by the Ticket Office located at TD Bank Ballpark, call (908) 252-0700, or visit the Patriots on-line at www.somersetpatriots.com.
