Flyers sign former MLB'er Baek!

MLB veteran hurler Cha-Seung Baek signs with Orange County

Flyers begin second half with Game 2 of today's doubleheader

FULLERTON, Calif. -- The Orange County Flyers have signed former Major Leaguer Cha-Seung Baek to continue strengthening the team's pitching staff in preparation for the second half of the Golden Baseball League season. Baek, who spent four years in the Major Leagues between 2004 and 2008, began the 2010 season with the Yuma Scorpions. The Korean right-hander played primarily for Seattle during his major league career, as did Flyers manager Paul Abbott, who pitched in Seattle for five seasons.

Baek, 30, was signed Friday after working out for the coaching staff before Thursday's game at Goodwin Field. He had made four starts for Yuma, going 2-1 with a 3.37 ERA over the course of 18.2 innings of work. In that time, Baek struck out 13 batters while walking two. His last appearance with the Scorpions was on June 9 in St. George.

The 6'4", 220-pound right-hander made his MLB debut on August 8, 2004, with Seattle, working primarily as a starter with the Mariners. In May 2008, the Mariners traded Baek to the San Diego Padres, where he went on to start 20 games that year, going 6-9 with a 4.62 ERA. Baek's career totals in the big leagues include 16 wins against 18 losses and a 4.83 ERA over 44 starts, 59 total appearances, and more than 275 innings of work.

Baek is the second pitcher with ties to the Scorpions acquired by the Flyers this week, after Orange County traded for his former Scorpions teammate Zac Cline during Wednesday's International Minor League All-Star Game in Tucson, Ariz. Both pitchers are expected to compete for spots in the starting rotation while helping to bolster the team's bullpen.