CHIEFS PICK UP VELANDIA

The Syracuse Chiefs announced that they have signed veteran shortstop Jorge Velandia after he was released by the Pittsburgh Pirates at the end of spring training. 

Velandia, 33, spent the 2008 season with Durham and batted .249 with 5 HR's and 32 RBI and made only 7 errors in 120 games at shortstop.  He also appeared in 14-games with Tampa Bay and batted .320 with 11-RBI.

Velandia was an International League All-Star in 2006 with Charlotte when he batted .291 with 10 HR and 56 RBI.