June 29, 2006

HOUSTON - Former University of Houston southpaw Matt Farrington became the fifth player in 2006 to join the professional ranks when he recently inked a free agent deal with the San Diego Padres.

Farrington joined pitcher Brad Lincoln (Pittsburgh Pirates), outfielder Matt Weston (San Francisco Giants), catcher Brett Logan (Washington Nationals) and infielder Isa Garcia (St. Louis Cardinals) in the professional ranks.

Farrington will begin his professional career at the rookie level with the Padres' AZL Padres organization in Peoria, Ariz. As of June 27, he had already tossed five strikeouts in six innings, all out of the bullpen.

It marked the fifth consecutive season and the seventh time in the last eight years that at least four players signed to play professional baseball following their collegiate careers.

Farrington was an All-Conference USA First-Team pitcher in 2005 when he posted an 8-5 record with 60 strikeouts and a 3.24 ERA. The Sugar Land, Texas, native would also add two C-USA Pitcher of the Week honors to his mantel.

In 2006, Farrington compiled a 5-4 record with 36 strikeouts and a 4.36 ERA in 66.0 innings of work while seeing the bulk of his time on the mound as a midweek starter. He also ended his career winning each of his last four decisions.