Vladimir García
From BR Bullpen
Vladimir García Escalante
- Bats Right, Throws Right
- Height 6' 2", Weight 220 lb.
Vladimir García is the closer for Ciego de Ávila. His fastball has peaked at 94 mph.
García debuted for Ciego de Ávila in 2005-2006, going 3-5 with 5 saves and a 6.04 ERA at age 17. In 2006-2007, he improved to 4-5, 1.68 with 14 svaes (tied for the Serie Nacional lead) and did not give up a home run in 53 2/3 IP.
Vladimir went 7-5 with 10 saves and a 3.07 ERA in 2007-2008, led the league with 16 intentional walks and almost made Cuba's team for the 2008 Olympics. He had a 0.75 ERA and 10 saves early in the 2008-2009 season and was put on Cuba's roster for the 2009 World Baseball Classic. In his national team debut during the Classic, he allowed two runs in 2 2/3 IP. He allowed the only South African run in Cuba's 8-1 win. Called on in the 9th to close off a shutout, he gave up a hit to Anthony Phillips. Martin Gordon hit into a force and took second on a wild pitch. Jonathan Phillips then singled home the run.
García tied the Cuban save record in 2008-2009 with 25. He was 4-3 with a 1.63 ERA, giving up only 42 hits in 72 innings while fanning 71. He had six more saves than runner-up Yolexis Ulacia and was named the All-Star relief pitcher.
Vladimir tossed five shutout innings, fanning seven, in the 2009 World Port Tournament; he saved one game.
