Baltimore Orioles’ relief pitcher Alfredo Simon likely to be cleared of murder charges soon
Alfredo Simon of the Baltimore Orioles is expected to be proven innocent in the murder charges of his cousin Michael Castillo by a court in his native Dominican Republic within a week or 10 days. The 29-year-old right-handed pitcher for Orioles was arrested
last month, accused of the murdering his 25-year-old cousin who was shot dead after the New Year’s celebrations in the town of Luperon. The mysterious firing incident also injured 17-year-old Starlin Castillo, the younger brother of Michael Castillo. Simon
was accused of the crime, but his lawyer made a statement that his client was shooting in the air.
Simon was denied bail earlier this month, as there was speculation that he would be jailed for one year as the investigations continued. Recently, it has been observed that police and the Dominican authorities have moved their interrogations towards another
suspect in the case, creating some hope for Simon to be discharged from these allegations.
Phil Isaac, one of Simon’s agents has said that he was confident enough of the inclusion of his client in the 2011 season. "We fully expect him to be back up -- and pitching very soon," said Isaac but also refused to make further comments.
Simon was put on the restricted list by the team, when the officials heard this news a month ago. According to some people acquainted with the team, Simon could remain in the restricted list until his arrival in camp without any allegations. The organization
has also stopped his payments, due to his ban. Major league Baseball has set 26 February, 2011, as the last date to report in the camps.
The right-hand pitcher from the Dominican Republic seems to have some strong friends in the team. It is has been revealed, that the fees for his lawyer are being paid by Michael Tejada. Tejada and Simon were in the Baltimore Orioles in 2010 and this friendship
seems to have lasted.
Simon set a 4-2 record with 4.93 Earned Runs Average and also managed to save 17 runs in 49 appearances in the last MLB season. He was unfortunate not to be the part of the team in 2009 due to Tommy John’s surgery on his right elbow. Before the injury, he
was nominated as the starting rotator for the Orioles in 2009. However, he was injured in second start of the year.
Many people familiar with the case believe that if Simon is convicted, he could have faced two years in prison. If he succeeds in proving himself innocent, the Orioles will breathe a sigh of relief.
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