SEC connection continues for Wizards

Fort Wayne, IN -- Add the University of Alabama to the list of Southeastern Conference schools represented on the 2005 Fort Wayne Wizards.

Left-hander Brent Carter was promoted to Fort Wayne from the Eugene Emeralds of the Northwest League and left-hander Chris Steinborn was promoted from the Wizards to the San Diego Padres' Double-A affiliate, the Mobile BayBears.

Carter was drafted in the 16th round (488 overall) of this year's June Amateur Draft out of the University of Alabama. A four-year varsity letter winner for the Crimson Tide, Carter closed out his senior season with a 7-4 record (tied for first with wins) and a 3.76 earned run average. In 25 appearances, including 10 starts, he allowed 91 hits and 28 walks, while striking out 96 in 95 2/3 innings (second on team). His ERA was fourth on the 'Bama staff and his batting average against of .254 was also fourth on the pitching staff. He also picked off a team-high six runners.

With Eugene this season, Carter posted a 4-2 mark with a 2.01 ERA in 12 starts. In 67 innings, he allowed 56 hits and only six walks, while striking out 56. Northwest League opponents were hitting .229 against Carter.

Carter joins first baseman Mike Baxter (Vanderbilt) and outfielder Josh Alley (Tennessee) as other members of the SEC to don a Wizards uniform this year. In addition, Carter also becomes the ninth member of the 2005 draft of the Padres to join Fort Wayne.

Steinborn departs Fort Wayne with a record of 1-4 in 19 appearances, including seven starts. He had an ERA of 4.18 and in 56 innings with the Wizards, Steinborn struck out 24, while allowing 65 hits and issuing 16 walks.

In addition the Wizards announced that infielder Kelvin Vazquez has been activated from the Temporary Inactive List. Vazquez left the team on Saturday during their road trip against the West Michigan Whitecaps (Detroit Tigers affiliate).

Vazquez joined the Wizards on August 2 from Eugene. Vazquez was selected in the 26th round of the 2004 June Amateur Draft by the Padres organization. In eight games with Fort Wayne, Vazquez is hitting .310 with four doubles, five runs scored and seven runs batted in. He has appeared at second base, third base and in the outfield for the Wizards.

The Wizards current roster now stands at 24 active players.