The San Diego Padres announced today that they have agreed to terms on minor league contracts with left-handed pitcher Shawn Estes and catcher Todd Greene. Both Estes and Greene were extended invitations to Major League Spring Training. Executive Vice President/General Manager Kevin Towers made the announcement.
Estes made one start for the Padres in 2006, suffering the loss after allowing three runs over 6.0 innings April 5 against the Giants. The 33-year-old was placed on the 15-day disabled list April 7 (retroactive to April 6) with a strained left elbow and underwent successful “Tommy John” surgery on the same elbow June 7. Estes was transferred to the 60-day disabled list on August 25.
Greene, 35, played in 61 games for San Francisco in 2006 and hit .289 (46-for-159) with 12 doubles, two triples, two home runs, 17 RBI and 16 runs scored. He batted .326 (44-for-135) with 11 doubles, two home runs and 16 RBI in 37 starts behind the plate. Greene made 42 appearances overall at catcher and also played in five games at first base.
Over parts of 11 Major League seasons with the California/Anaheim Angels (1996-99), Toronto Blue Jays (2000), New York Yankees (2001), Texas Rangers (2002-03), Rockies (2004-05) and Giants (2006), Greene has a career batting average of .252 (397-for-1573) with 82 doubles, 71 home runs and 217 RBI in 536 games.
Estes made one start for the Padres in 2006, suffering the loss after allowing three runs over 6.0 innings April 5 against the Giants. The 33-year-old was placed on the 15-day disabled list April 7 (retroactive to April 6) with a strained left elbow and underwent successful “Tommy John” surgery on the same elbow June 7. Estes was transferred to the 60-day disabled list on August 25.
Greene, 35, played in 61 games for San Francisco in 2006 and hit .289 (46-for-159) with 12 doubles, two triples, two home runs, 17 RBI and 16 runs scored. He batted .326 (44-for-135) with 11 doubles, two home runs and 16 RBI in 37 starts behind the plate. Greene made 42 appearances overall at catcher and also played in five games at first base.
Over parts of 11 Major League seasons with the California/Anaheim Angels (1996-99), Toronto Blue Jays (2000), New York Yankees (2001), Texas Rangers (2002-03), Rockies (2004-05) and Giants (2006), Greene has a career batting average of .252 (397-for-1573) with 82 doubles, 71 home runs and 217 RBI in 536 games.