Cubs release Steinert grad after eight years in system
Steinert graduate James Pugliese’s time with the Chicago Cubs organization has come to an end after eight years, as the 25-year-old righthander was released from the Tennessee Smokies Thursday.
Pugliese was in his second season with Tennessee, the Cubs’ Southern League Double-A affiliate. In six appearances, all in relief, he was 0-2 with an 18.56 ERA in just 5.1 innings pitched. It was a far cry from last season, when the former Mercer County Community College standout went 7-2 with a 1.84 ERA, 48 strikeouts and a 1.14 ERA.
Making no excuses for his performance, Pugliese is now looking forward to resuming his career with another organization. Unable to give a phone interview as he was making an 11-hour drive back to Hamilton from Tennessee, Pugliese did tell The Trentonian via Facebook, “I had a really bad start . . .I just didn’t have it . May sign with a new team. Waiting for my agent to do his job now.”
Pugliese came up through the Nottingham Little League and Babe Ruth system and was a fixture on three straight World Series team for Nottingham Babe Ruth. He became a reliever his senior year at Steinert and excelled out of the bullpen; and was outstanding upon his return to a starting role in American Legion that summer.
After one season with Mercer, the 6-5, 205-pounder was taken in the 18th round of the First Year Player Draft.
Pugliese slowly rose through the ranks, going from Rookie Ball, to Short A, Full A, Advanced A and finally Double A. But he could climb no higher. His best seasons were last year, and in 2014 when he went 4-0 with a 1.66 ERA in winning a Full Season A championship with the Kane County Cougars.
After playing for five different teams, his career record is 29-24 with a 3.42 ERA in 186 games (48 starts). He has 391 strikeouts in 462.2 innings and a 1.30 WHIP.
On his Facebook page, Pugliese delivered the following message:
“Thank you to everyone who followed me/supported me throughout my career with the Cubs. It was an amazing journey and I made so many lifelong friends and been to places I never thought I’d go. I’m not sure what the future holds in the game of baseball. Only time will tell for opportunities I still may get.”
He showed no bitterness whatsoever when he tweeted, “Thank you to the entire Cubs organization for everything they have done for me. I was blessed to even play the game of baseball for as long as I have. I made so many lifelong friends and been to places I never thought I’d go. I wouldn’t change a thing. Thank you!”
And in a reply to a text message before he hit the road Pugliese sounded optimistic in texting “No worries! We will be OK.”