Golden Panthers baseball program announces fall recruiting class

On Dec. 14, FIU baseball head coach Danny Price and recruiting coordinator Tony Casas announced the early signing recruiting class for 2005. The Golden Panthers have landed three right-handed pitchers - Anthony Moreda, Mike Alvarez and Jorge Ramos, a pair of middleinfielders - Marcos Batista and Vladimir Frias, a pair of outfielders - Eduardo Pichardo and Chris Rey and a catcher/outfielder - J.C. Perez. All eight have posted impressive statistics to earn multiple accolades as individuals and as members of successful teams.

"I feel we signed a good class," said Casas. "I think it is a good solid group for the future at FIU. Our coaching staff is looking forward for them to join the FIU baseball program."

J.C. Perez comes to FIU with the ability to play multiple positions for the Golden Panthers. Last spring as a junior at Florida Christian High School, he hit .369, 7 HR, 28 RBI en route to earning first team All-Dade honors and leading his team to a state title.

Eduardo Pichardo has been a standout outfielder at Southridge High School. The same high school as former Golden Panther standout Derek DeCarlo, a ninth-round selection of the Milwaukee Brewers, last spring. Pichardo participated in the 2004 USA Baseball Junior Olympic Championship in West Palm Beach, Florida.

The Golden Panthers also received a letter of intent from outfielder Chris Rey from Gulliver Prep High School. As a junior, he hit .349 and drove in 18 runs where he earned second team All-Dade honors. He also played quarterback on the Gulliver football squad.

Jorge Ramos is a strong and powerful right-hander that comes to FIU from Miami Braddock High School, where he was coached for the last two seasons by new volunteer assistant Lou Sanchez. He was named second team All-Dade in 2004, when he posted a 7-2 record in 61 innings pitched and 60 strikeouts with a 2.29 ERA. He possesses a potent fastball and curveball that will bolster the FIU pitching staff.

Vladimir Frias, one of two FIU signees from Chipola Junior College was one of four members of last year's Chipola Junior College team selected in the Major League Baseball draft; the Houston Astros selected him with the 44th round selection. He is considered one of the top defensive shortstops in the state of Florida by the FCCAA coaches.

Anthony Moreda, a teammate of Vladimir Frias at Chipola Junior College, is a right-handed pitcher who throws a fastball that has been clocked in the low 90s. He also possesses an electrifying slider to compliment the potent fast ball.

Marcos Batista, a shortstop at Broward Community College, where he earned Second Team All-State honors in 2004. Batista is an exceptional defensive player and will bring experience to next year's team.

The final signee is right-handed pitcher Mike Alvarez, who comes to FIU from nearby Broward Community College. Last spring, Broward Community College posted a 32-8 record. Alvarez who has served primarily as a reliever for BCC will be asked to come in and contribute right away for the FIU pitching staff.