The Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks have signed INF Jose G. Garcia to a contract. The former Cardinals prospect is expected to be in Fargo when the RedHawks open training camp in early May.
Garcia, 25, split 2012 between the Springfield (MO) Cardinals of the Texas League (AA) and the Memphis Redbirds of the Pacific Coast League (AAA) in the St. Louis Cardinals chain. In 74 games with Springfield, he batted .261 with ten doubles, three home runs, 17 RBIs and 32 runs scored. He batted .255 with two doubles, one home run, four RBIs and four runs scored in 16 games with Memphis.
Garcia was originally signed as a non-drafted free agent by the Cardinals in 2006. The Caracas, Venezuela native has batted .260 with 99 doubles, nine triples, 20 home runs, 198 RBIs and 333 runs scored in 679 games over seven seasons. He first reached the Double-A level in 2010, and has spent time in Triple-A in both 2011 and 2012.
Garcia has seen time at second base, third base, shortstop and all three outfield positions in his career.
“Jose has shown a lot of versatility in his career, and that’s something that is very important with our roster size,” said RedHawks Manager Doug Simunic. “He’s still a young guy and has played at high levels. Hopefully he can come here and put up the kind of numbers that will get him back with an organization.”