Nov. 30, 2007

Daytona Beach, Fla. - Bethune-Cookman University has traditionally been one of the top teams in the MEAC for baseball, and the 2008 recruiting class seems to try and keep it that way as head coach Mervyl Melendez has announced the signing of 11 players to National Letters of Intent.

With 11 players signed to the NLI, this is undoubtedly the best recruiting class in the history of B-CU baseball. Melendez has several young men that will probably be high draft selections in the future, and could be drafted right away.

"This is the biggest and most talented class we have signed, at least in my time here, at Bethune-Cookman University," expresses head coach Mervyl Melendez. "We are certainly making the necessary strides to winning a Regional, and hopefully getting to Omaha one day soon."

The class starts with Luis Mateo (SS) from Orocovis, P.R. He is a phenomenal athlete with an up-side that looks extremely bright. Mateo is ranked as the #8 prospect out of Puerto Rico, and is a slick-fielding shortstop. "He is going to be an exciting shortstop," states Melendez.

Jeramy Matos (3B/1B) is the 47-ranked prospect in the state of Florida out of Lake Worth, Fla. The American Heritage High School senior has massive power, according to the B-CU baseball staff, and will be a sure-fire corner-guy with his speed and power. "He is going to be a force to be reckoned with in the conference," exclaims Melendez.

Rayan Gonzalez (RHP) is also a top player from the baseball heavy island of Puerto Rico, ranked #3 on the island. He comes from Arecibo, P.R., and is a guy that B-CU feels they can count on immediately. He is a great talent to watch both for the future and right away at B-CU. "Ryan has a tremendous arm and could be a top-rounder this year in the Major League Baseball draft," exclaims Melendez.

Christian Vazquez (C) is a catcher that truly has a future behind the plate for the Wildcats. According to the staff, he is a great sign for the `Cats out of Bayamon, P.R. He is another in a long line of B-CU talent to come from the baseball-heavy Puerto Rico Baseball Academy and High School. He is ranked #9 in Puerto Rico as a prospect. "Defensively, he will be able to step in and play for us right away. He is an aggressive catcher that plays the game with passion," states Melendez.

"It is exciting to know that we were able to sign some of the best players in the nation," states Melendez. "That is definitely a good accomplishment, and we look forward to many great months with these guys."

Jeremy Davis (3B) hit .417 as a junior college player at Mississippi Gulf Coast C.C., and comes from Saucier, Miss. as a native. The B-CU staff believes he is an experienced player that can bring his talent and knowledge to the program right off the bat. "Jeremy has the potential to hit in the middle of the lineup for us next year," expresses Melendez.

Ali Simpson (LHP) is a crafty left-handed pitcher from Campbell River, British Columbia. The Canadian talent came to B-CU with the help of new assistant coach Brad Frick ... also a British Columbia native. He could emerge as a weekend guy right away for the `Cats, and will only get better with time on the mound and working with B-CU pitching coach Joel Sanchez. "In my opinion, this is a pitcher who could play at this level right now," states Melendez.

Luis Cruz (LHP) is a native of the hometown of B-CU head coach Mervyl Melendez. "Luis has a great arm, and just knows how to pitch. He could be a high draft pick," expresses Melendez. He comes from Carolina, P.R., and is another strong southpaw pitcher that is highly-touted out of Puerto Rico. If he is not drafted and elects to go pro, he is a guy that B-CU believes is a definite starter right away.

"We will benefit from these recruits right away," claims Melendez. "We don't have to wait a few years for them to be contributors."

Vincent Castro (C) is another catcher from nearby Orlando, Fla. The Timber Creek High School star is listed as being very strong with a lot of ability and agility behind the dish. The staff looks forward to working with him, and watching him develop into what they believe will be a fine-hitting catcher in maroon and gold. "Vincent has the ability to be a great hitter with occasional power," states Melendez. "He will be a great addition."

Alejandro Sanchez (SS/2B) is one of the best fielders in the state of Florida. The Flannagan High School senior is from Pembroke Pines, Fla.--an area that has produced several B-CU players like Rob Caruso (22003-06) in the past. He is a utility player that could play all three positions in the infield, and can play them with ease ... according to the B-CU infielding coaches. "He is a great defender who will solidify the infield with his ability to play either second or short," says Melendez.

Probably one of the best hitters to sign with the `Cats is Daniel Ortiz (OF) from Cayey, P.R. He is listed as one of the top five hitters, statistically, on the island of Puerto Rico, and is just a great centerfielder with awesome defensive skills. He could emerge as a top college player in the nation by his sophomore or junior season. "Danny is one of the best hitters in Puerto Rico, and he will be another great left-handed hitter in our lineup," states Melendez.

Last, but certainly not least, is Milton Velazquez (RHP) from Las Piedras, P.R. He is a heard-throwing pitcher that is tall and skinny, but packs plenty of precision on the mound. He stays loose on the rubber with good velocity and control of an array of pitches. "Milton has a lot of up-side, and he will probably be our #1 pitcher in a year or so--and I'm extremely happy to have him," exclaims Melendez.

"Once again, I am extremely excited about the players we are bringing in for the 2008 signing class," exclaims Melendez. "Our staff has identified the players that will take us to the next level. Now, we have to wait until the draft and pray that they don't decide to play professional baseball before wearing the maroon and gold colors of Bethune-Cookman University for at least three years."

For more information on this year's recruiting class and Bethune-Cookman University baseball, please call the B-CU Baseball Office at (386) 481-2241. Or log on to www.BCCathletics.com, the official website for all 17 varsity sports at B-CU.