Continuing to build his roster as Opening Day rapidly approaches, manager, Lance Burkhart, announced the signing of catcher, Gustavo Molina and outfielder, Ollie Linton. It will be the first season for Molina and Linton in Southern Maryland.
Molina, 32, joins the Blue Crabs after spending all of last season with the Lancaster Barnstormers of the Atlantic League. In 83 games with the ‘Stormers, Molina hit .221 with 14 doubles and 30 RBIs. Behind the dish, Molina threw out 39% of potential base stealers.
Prior to the 2013 season, the Venezuela native had spent time in the Majors with the Chicago White Sox, Baltimore Orioles, New York Mets, Boston Red Sox, and New York Yankees. He made his Major League debut at the age of 25 on April 2nd, 2007 with the Chicago White Sox. In 4 years in the Majors, Molina recorded a .128 average in 26 games.
The 6’1”, 245-pound catcher was signed by the Chicago White Sox as an amateur free agent in 2000. In 14 professional seasons, Molina has compiled a .233 batting average while throwing out opposing base runners at an impressive 40% clip.
Linton, 27, joins the Blue Crabs after splitting time last season in Arizona Rookie Level and Double-A Mobile of the Southern League. In five professional seasons, Linton has compiled a .287 batting average with 84 stolen bases and 238 runs scored in 421 games.
Prior to the 2013 season, the Culver City, Ca. native played across four levels of the Arizona Diamondbacks farm system. Arguably his best statistical season came in 2009 with High-A Visalia of the California League. With Visalia, Linton hit .295 with 28 stolen bases and 81 runs scored.
The 5’8”, 160-pound outfielder was drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 13th round of the 2008 MLB Amateur Draft. In five professional seasons, he has reached as high as Double-A Mobile (2010-2012).
The Blue Crabs play 140 regular season games in the Atlantic League, considered the highest level of Minor League Baseball. Atlantic League players are “Major League ready” and in the last 15 years, over 600 players have graduated from Atlantic League clubs to Major League organizations, making the League a preferred route for experienced players to be scouted by Major League Baseball. The Blue Crabs play at Regency Furniture Stadium in Waldorf, Maryland. The franchise will look to open its 7th season on Thursday, April 24, 2014. Please call 301-638-9788 or visit www.SOMDbluecrabs.com for more information and to save your seat at the ballpark today!
