It has not been a good week for former Silver Hawks. Joining the list of former South Bend players to have been released by the Diamondbacks organization are Steve Mena ('06-'07) and Jimmy Principe ('08).
Mena his just .203 in 102 games with Visalia last year, and had only five home runs to go along with 103 strikeouts. At 24 years old, he was starting to get too old for the level where he would be playing (likely back in high-A). Unfortunately, as your age increases and your batting average doesn't, that usually spells the end of the road.
Principe spent 24 games in South Bend last year, hitting just .153. However, after going back down to Yakima, he hit .273 with the Bears. Again though, it was getting to be a case of age versus level, as Principe is 23 and probably looking at a full-season of low-A ball again.
They will both always be considered my sons
ReplyDeleteIf Mena can't make it as a ballplayer, he might want to consider modeling. I think he boosted Silver Hawks' female attendance while he was there.
ReplyDeleteI never did get the chance to meet Principe, but I heard he was a standup guy.
I was pushing for Jimmy as he's a NY/NJ guy like me. It was tough seeing him sent down last year but I was hopeful we would see him again this year.
ReplyDeleteSteve Mena is a class act. Thanks for everything Steve!
Dave