March 1, 2021

Official Barrie Baycats News Release

BARRIE - The Barrie Baycats have signed starting pitcher and ex-big leaguer Frank Garces for the 2021 season.

Garces, 31, rejoins the Baycats after spending the 2019 season in Mexico pitching for Piratas de Campeche and Algodoneros de Union Laguna.

Prior to 2019, Garces, who pitched for Tigres del Licey in the Dominican Winter League this winter, spent the 2018 season with the Baycats and delivered one of the greatest seasons in Intercounty Baseball League [IBL] history.

That year, the 5-foot-11, 175-pound southpaw went a combined 10-0 with an earned run average of 0.51 in the regular season and postseason, while recording an impressive strikeout-to-walk differential of 58-3, to help the Baycats secure their sixth championship.

Prior to his 2018 season with the Baycats, the native of San Cristobal, D.R., spent one season in the Texas Rangers organization, six seasons in the San Diego Padres organization, and one season in Japan, highlighted by his 2014 and 2015 campaigns where he appeared in the big leagues as a member of the Padres.

In 55 major league appearances, the 2018 IBL Pitcher of the Year recorded a respectable ERA of 4.60 to go along with a 1.532 WHIP and a 1.74 SO/W ratio.

The hard-throwing southpaw will lead the Baycats' rotation this summer alongside fellow former big leaguer and southpaw, Jayson Aquino, who was signed in November.

With Garces signed, the Baycats have completed their import group for the 2021 season, as Garces will be accompanied by Aquino, former Toronto Blue Jays farmhand, catcher Andres Sotillo, and infielder Starlin Rodriguez, an IBL All-Star in 2019 who will be entering his third season with the team.

To make room on the roster, the Baycats have released catcher/first basemen Jose Vicente, while starting pitcher Emilis Guerrero will also not return.

Guerrero leaves the Baycats after a four-year tenure with the team, where he posted a combined 38-7 record with an ERA of 2.69 in 368 2/3 innings in the regular season and postseason.

The Max Roseman Memorial Trophy [IBL postseason MVP] winner in 2016, Guerrero ranks third all-time in franchise history in wins, behind Brad Bissell and Angus Roy.

Baycats president David Mills offered his thanks to Guerrero for everything that he did for the franchise.

“Whether on the mound, in the dressing room, in the community, or teaching baseball skills at one of our youth baseball clinics, Emilis was always an upbeat and class guy. He will always be a part of the Baycats family.”

Baycats manager Josh Matlow, meanwhile, said he is thrilled to have added a true co-ace alongside Aquino with the signing of Garces.

"Frank will play a key role in our starting rotation. His dominance in 2018 proved he can not only succeed in this league but win. He will be a great 1-2 punch with Aquino. Frank, also being a former Baycat, will be returning to a lot of different players, however, we are the same great organization and he knows what to expect. We are excited to have been able to bring him back and look forward to seeing him pitch in 2021."