Avon, Oh - The Lake Erie Crushers have added two new faces to the team for the 2010 season with the acquisition of catcher Julio Rivera and LHP Esmelvin Jimenez. Both players have affiliated baseball experience; Jimenez played three seasons in the Philadelphia Phillies organization and Rivera spent five seasons within the Oakland Athletics and New York Mets minor league systems.

At 22 years of age, Rivera, a native of Puerto Rico, will be one of the youngest players on the team. He will also be one of the most experienced players, entering his sixth season of professional baseball. Rivera was drafted in the 19th round of the 2005 MLB Draft by the Oakland Athletics. He spent four seasons within the Oakland farm system and one season with the New York Mets organization. His best season was in 2007, while playing for the Vancouver Canadians of the single-A Northwest League. That season he hit .223 in 38 games played, with 16 runs, 27 hits and 21 RBI. Behind the plate, he posted a .986 fielding percentage.

“Rivera is an athletic catcher with solid arm strength,” said Field Manager John Massarelli. “He will have the opportunity to win the starting catching position.”

Jimenez, from the Dominican Republic, played for five different teams in his three year stint in the Philadelphia Phillies farm system. Used primarily as a reliever, over his professional career Jimenez accumulated an overall record of seven wins and five loses and an ERA of 3.50 in 53 appearances on the mound. Over three seasons, he struck out 86 batters and gave up only 29 walks.

“Jimenez is a young left-handed arm and will compete for a spot in the bullpen,” said Massarelli.

The Lake Erie Crushers, the 2009 Frontier League Champions, play ball at All Pro Freight Stadium, located in Avon, OH. Beginning in 2010, All Pro Freight Stadium will also be home to the Cleveland State University baseball team. The Frontier League is an independent baseball league with 12 teams operating throughout the Midwest. Season tickets for the 2010 season are on sale now! For more information on tickets, promotions and team news, visit the team website at www.LakeErieCrushers.com or call 440-934-3636.