2017 Tucson Saguaros News

Carlos Diaz selected in the Rule 5 by the Oakland Athletics

2016 Tucson Saguaros left-handed pi

2016 Tucson Saguaros left-handed pitcher Carlos Diaz was selected by the Oakland Athletics in the second round (29th overall) of the Triple-A Phase of the MLB Rule 5 Draft. Diaz will be familiar with the Oakland As Forest Green Jerseys as he pitched the 2016 season for the Saguaros and 2017 with the Gary Railcats.

Diaz began the 2017 season by going 2-1 with four saves, four holds and a 3.83 ERA in 21 games (three starts) for the American Association Gary RailCats before signing with the Miami Marlins. The southpaw led all Gary pitchers with a .164 opponents batting average and struck out 62 batters while walking just 17 in 42.1 innings. In 18 relief appearances, Diaz was 2-0 with a 2.30 ERA and 50 strikeouts in 31.1 innings. Diaz didnt allow a run in five appearances between the Gulf Coast League Marlins and the Greensboro Grasshoppers (Class-A). In 6.1 innings, Diaz allowed just three hits and three walks while striking out seven batters and holding opposing hitters to a .130 batting average. Diaz signed with the Cleveland Indians as an international free agent at the age of 20 in 2012 and began his professional baseball career that summer with the Dominican Summer League Indians. In his first season of pro ball, Diaz went 2-5 with a 1.59 ERA in 12 games (11 starts). In 51 innings, Diaz struck out 49 hitters and yielded just 28 hits and 25 walks. In 2013, Diaz went 1-2 with a 7.62 ERA in 11 relief appearances for the Arizona League Indians. The left-hander struck out 15 batters in 13 innings and held opposing hitters to a .255 batting average. In 2016 Diaz resurfaced with the Tucson Saguaros where he was 2-0 with 4 starts and 17 innings pitched, 20 strikeouts and an ERA of 5.29.

Pecos League makes it debut at Field #5 in Tucson

The Tucson Saguaros hosted their an

The Tucson Saguaros hosted their annual Winter Tryout Camp in Tucson, Arizona on Saturday December 16, 2017. This marked the first time the Saguaros took the field in their home with their new manager. Several fans came out to check out the park. The Reid Park era begun and fans loved the park and most importantly the location. The surface was immaculate and outfield looked like a fairway.

The Saguaros begin Spring Training in Tucson on May 16 and open the regular season at home against the Ruidoso Osos on May 25th

Tucson Saguaros and Santa Fe Fuego will play two series in Winslow Arizona

The Saguaros will play the Santa Fe

The Saguaros will play the Santa Fe Fuego two series in Winslow, Arizona on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday nights for the 2018 season. June 4- 5-6 and July 16-17-18. The two teams both play consistant weekend home schedules and meeting in Winslow on Monday-Tuesday-Wed is ideal. The teams will play at historic Vargas Park.



Winslow will replace Bisbee as the neutral site home of the Saguaros of the Saguaros. The Saguaros played Sunday home games in Bisbee in the 2016 and 2017 seasons. Recently an archaeological dig that has left the field completely unplayable.

However, The condition of Warren Ballpark has deteriorated to where the infield is not playable for Pecos League Games. It is the oldest continously operated ballpark in America. But they also play High Football, Rugby and Soccer in the outfield. The Saguaros will look to return to Bisbee in the 2019 season.

Vargas has similar architecture to Warren Ballpark but the seating is concrete. Winslows Vargas just installed a state of the art playing surface and is located perfect for travel on I-40 in between Santa Fe and Tucson.

Tucson Saguaros moving to Reid Park

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The Pecos Le

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The Pecos League of Professional Baseball Clubs Contact: Tucson Saguaros Tucson@pecosleague.com 520-909-5600

Tucson Saguaros Moving to Reid Park #5

The Pecos League of Professional Baseball Clubs has announced that the Tucson Saguaros will move from Kino to Reid Park for the 2018 season. This will serve as their primary location for home games Thursday-Friday-Saturday and Sundays. The field was built by the Colorado Rockies in 1993, when the Major League team held Spring Training in Tucson. Field No. 5 will initially have a capacity to accommodate 1,000 fans, which includes room for 300 fans in private chair seating and 700 in the grand stands.

Pointing to the costs involved with playing in Kino, which has a fan capacity exceeding 11,000, Pecos League Commissioner, Andrew Dunn, said, "From the first day we moved to Tucson in 2015 almost all supporters recommended the Saguaros to move to Hi Corbett. Hi Corbett was never an option. Reid #5 was built as a mirror of Hi Corbett. We will have locker rooms for home and away players and the City will be responsible for cleanup. Those were the two biggest issues at Kino. Our agreement didnt allow for use of locker rooms at Kino. Kino was the premier facility in our league in 2016 and was a great place to launch the Saguaros.

In 2017 when we moved into former 2016 California League affliated ballparks (High Desert and Bakersfield) they were much better for our league. We now have several stadiums that are similar for much less cost and much better amenties for the players. Bakersfield and High Desert hosted affliated minor league baseball in 2016 and had locker rooms and full amenities for the players and became the centerpoint for our league.

The cost to play in Kino is more than the other 11 teams combined and playing one game there cost more than most teams lease for the entire season. At the end of the 2017 season, supporters began to question whether we could survive at Kino. Many thought the Saguaros were done in Arizona in general. In August of 2017, Kino publicly released a statement in an attempt to get the Milwaukee Brewers to move Spring Training to Tucson. This move would have included their Arizona Summer League Team which would have displaced the Saguaros. The Saguaros nor the Pecos League were notified of the possibility of the Brewers.

We knew Kino was no longer an option. Reid Park was an outside of the box thought process that will allow baseball to stay in Tucson. We researched every possible angle to try to stay in Tucson and Reid Park is the best option.

JD Droddy, the Saguaros inaugural manager in 2016 and who still serves as a consultant to the league, issued the following statement: "Two things were in play in making this decision: (1) professional baseball is a business and teams must at least be able to break even financially in order to sustain operations in a particular location; and, (2) Tucson is a very special place for the Pecos League, and we wanted to find a way to remain here and bring professional baseball to the fabulous fans who have supported us the past two years. The fact that the City has stepped up to help us is great. The Reid Park option allows us to stay, which from my personal standpoint is fantastic. I love Tucson and the great fans who gave us tremendous support during our record-breaking championship run in 2016, as well as last year. We are going to do everything we can to continue to bring quality professional baseball to the Old Pueblo. The Saguaros are the latest in a string of professional baseball teams to have played in Kino Stadium, but subsequently moved elsewhere. "

Kino Veterans Memorial Stadium is owned by Pima County.

Reid Park is owned by the City of Tucson. The City also formerly operated adjacent Hi Corbett Field; however, effective July 1, 2017, the City no longer operates that facility. The timing of the move was perfect for the Pecos League and the City of Tucson. The City of Tucson lost control adjoining of Hi Corbett Field July 2, 2017 and wanted to have a field that could serve as a championship field for the many tournaments and leagues they host at the Reid Sports Complex.

The agreement between the Saguaros and the City includes locker rooms for both the home and visiting teams, as well as a coachs office. It also provides maintence and cleanup that were major issues of conflict at Kino. The location of the field and the quality of the playing surface will be 2nd to none in Tucson and the Pecos League. Reid Park was the location of professional baseball for over 50 years. The location of Kino Ballpark is the main problem is drawing fans and has always been a problem in Tucson.

Tucson Saguaros offering one day tryout camp in December

The Tucson Saguaros are offering

The Tucson Saguaros are offering their annual one day December Tryout Camp. The camp will be held at Reid Park #5 on December 16, 2017 at 9AM. Cost to participate in the camp is $70. Participants will run 60 yard dash/hit bp/take infield/outfield and throw bullpens.

To learn more about the Tucson Saguaros visit http://www.SaguarosBaseball.com
To signup for the camp visit To signup for the camp visit http://saguarosbaseball.com/tucson.asp?page=77

Clay Miller has been named 2017 Pacific Divison Pitcher of the Year

The Tucson Saguaros Left Hander wen

The Tucson Saguaros Left Hander went 8-0 with 68.1 innings pitched. He had 66 strikeouts and one complete game. He also was the only pitcher to defeat the Champion High Desert Yardbirds in the playoffs.

Fernando Garza has been named Pacific Division Hitter of the Year

Fernando Garza anchored the Tucson

Fernando Garza anchored the Tucson Saguaros lineup as a 2nd baseman. In 56 games he went 82-211 with 17 doubles, 2 triples and 14 home runs. Fernando also had 69 rbis and complied a Pecos League hitters score of 271. At the conclusion of the season, Fernando went to the Salina Stockade in the American Association where he was immediately inserted into the lineup as a starter and he got another 100 at bats. He hit lead off for the Stockade and was a key attribute to the team in the 2nd half of the season.

2016 Tucson Saguaros Pitcher Carlos Diaz signs with Miami Marlins

DURHAM, N.C.- One of the brightest

DURHAM, N.C.- One of the brightest spots in the bullpen for the Gary SouthShore RailCats in 2017 is headed to affiliated baseball. LHP Carlos Diazs contract has been purchased by the Miami Marlins, who are expected to assign the southpaw to one of their three Class A affiliates -- short-season Class A Batavia (N.Y.) Muckdogs, Class A Greensboro (N.C.) Grasshoppers, or Class A Advanced Jupiter (Fla.) Hammerheads.

Diaz departs Gary with a 2-1 record and 3.82 ERA. In 21 appearances, 18 of them in relief, Diaz worked 42.1 innings, striking out 63 and walking only 17. He notched four saves for the RailCats in his 18 trips to the mound in a relief role.

Twice in 2017, Diaz struck out six opposing hitters. He achieved the feat on June 6 in a relief role against the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks, when he threw four innings in a 4-3 Gary SouthShore win. Diaz struck out six more hitters on June 14 in a five-inning start at the Sioux Falls Canaries.

Diaz earned wins in relief on June 29 and July 19. Facing the Winnipeg Goldeyes on the road on June 29, Diaz tossed two innings, striking out five of the seven hitters he faced. The RailCats edged the Goldeyes 8-7. Diazs second win, in a game that began on July 19 and was completed on July 20, came against the Cleburne Railroaders. In the game, he allowed just one hit over three innings, allowing Gary SouthShore to win 7-6 in 14 innings.

The Marlins will be Diazs second Major League organization. The La Vega, Dominican Republic native pitched in 12 games, making 11 starts, in 2012 with the Dominican Summer League Indians. He struck out 49 in 51 innings. Cleveland promoted Diaz to the Arizona League Indians in 2013, where he struck out 15 in 13 innings.

Diaz also made four starts with the Pecos Leagues Tucson Saguaros in 2016, going 2-0.

High Desert Yardbirds 4 Tucson Saguaros 3

High Desert Yardbirds 4 Tucson Saguaros 3

This game was played on 8/5/2017 at Kino Sports Complex

High Desert Yardbirds 4 Tucson Saguaros 1

High Desert Yardbirds 4 Tucson Saguaros 1

This game was played on 8/4/2017 at Kino Sports Complex

Tucson Saguaros 15 High Desert Yardbirds 4

Tucson Saguaros 15 High Desert Yardbirds 4

This game was played on 8/3/2017 at Kino Sports Complex

Monsoon Rains wash away Tucson Saguaros and Hollywood Stars Series

The last two games between the Tucs

The last two games between the Tucson Saguaros and Hollywood Stars have been rained out. Tucson will host the winner of Bakersfield and High Desert beginning on Thursday. Hollywood"s season has concluded.

The Tucson Saguaros top the Hollywood Stars behind Nicholas Vitale 6-1

Zack Gonzalez got the win for the Tucson Saguaros.

Steven Cazares got the loss for the Hollywood Stars.

For the Tucson Saguaros, Nicholas Vitale lead the way at the plate going 4-5.



Fernando Garza also helped the ballclub at the plate going 0-1.

This game was played in Tucson at Kino Sports Complex on 2017-07-27 at 7:00:00 PM

With the win the Tucson Saguaros move to 46-14 on the season.

Tucson Saguaros play Hollywood Stars at Kino Sports Complex at 7:00:00 PM on Jul 28 2017.

With the loss the Hollywood Stars move to 20-39 on the season.

Hollywood Stars play the Tucson Saguaros at Kino Sports Complex at 7:00:00 PM on Jul 29 2017.

Tucson Saguaros 11 California City Whiptails 10

Tucson Saguaros 11 California City Whiptails 10

This game was played on 7/23/2017 at Balsitis Park

The Tucson Saguaros top the California City Whiptails behind Tre Porter 11-9

Clay Miller got the win for the Tucson Saguaros thanks to 7 strikeouts. Clay Miller allowed 6 earned runs on 9 hits and 3 walks over 5 innings.

Billy Roth was the losing pitcher throwing 6 innings with 11 strikoeuts while allowing 12 hits.

For the Tucson Saguaros, Tre Porter lead the way at the plate going 3-4.



Nicholas Vitale also helped the ballclub at the plate going 1-4.

This game was played in California City at Balsitis Park on 2017-07-22 at 7:00:00 PM

With the win the Tucson Saguaros move to 44-14 on the season.

Tucson Saguaros play California City Whiptails at Balsitis Park at 7:00:00 PM on Jul 23 2017.

With the loss the California City Whiptails move to 24-34 on the season.

California City Whiptails play the Bakersfield Train Robbers at Sam Lynn Ballpark at 7:45:00 PM on Jul 24 2017.

The Tucson Saguaros top the California City Whiptails behind Cody Den Beste 5-4

Redmond Floyd was the winning pitcher throwing 1 innings with 0 strikeouts while allowing 0 hits.

On the mound for the California City Whiptails it was Aldo Ferrante who picked up the win throwing 1 innings.

Garrett Baker had 2 strikeouts in 1 innings while getting the save.

For the Tucson Saguaros, Cody Den Beste lead the way at the plate going 3-5.



Burnell Dailey also helped the ballclub at the plate going 2-5.

This game was played in California City at Balsitis Park on 2017-07-21 at 7:00:00 PM

With the win the Tucson Saguaros move to 43-14 on the season.

Tucson Saguaros play California City Whiptails at Balsitis Park at 7:00:00 PM on Jul 22 2017.

With the loss the California City Whiptails move to 24-33 on the season.

California City Whiptails play the Tucson Saguaros at Balsitis Park at 7:00:00 PM on Jul 23 2017.

California City Whiptails 4 Tucson Saguaros 3

California City Whiptails 4 Tucson

California City Whiptails 4 Tucson Saguaros 3

This game was played on 7/20/2017 at Balsitis Park

Tucson Saguaros 6 defeats High Desert Yardbirds 5 behind Frank Trimarco

Frank Trimarco was the winning pitcher throwing 7 innings with 6 strikeouts while allowing 6 hits.

On the mound for the High Desert Yardbirds it was AJ Epstein who picked up the win throwing 1 innings.

Garrett Baker picked up the save for the Tucson Saguaros

For the Tucson Saguaros, Tom McKenna lead the way at the plate going 3-5.



Thomas McKenna also helped the ballclub at the plate going 4-4.

This game was played in Adelanto at Adelanto Stadium on 2017-07-19 at 7:00:00 PM

With the win the Tucson Saguaros move to 42-13 on the season.

Tucson Saguaros play California City Whiptails at Balsitis Park at 7:00:00 PM on Jul 20 2017.

With the loss the High Desert Yardbirds move to 30-25 on the season.

High Desert Yardbirds play the Monterey Amberjacks at Adelanto Stadium at 7:00:00 PM on Jul 21 2017.

Tucson Saguaros 17 Hollywood Stars 0

Tucson Saguaros 17 Hollywood Stars 0

This game was played on 7/18/2017 at Sam Lynn Ballpark