Enright tries to revive career in winter ball

HERMOSILLO, Mexico -- Barry Enright is trying to regain his 2010 form and get another shot at the Majors, either with the Angels or with another team.

That's why he decided to play winter ball for the second time in his career, this time with the Naranjeros de Hermosillo in the Mexican Pacific League.

So far, so good.

After a very solid preseason with the club, Enright was the Opening Day starter for Hermosillo on Sunday and left a very good impression on the mound, going 5 1/3 innings and allowing one run on five hits while striking out four and walking none.

"I felt good, executed my pitches and got ahead of the hitters early in the count," said the red-headed Pepperdine University product of his victory.

Naranjeros manager Matias Carrillo, a former All-Star outfielder in the Mexican League, also had positive comments about the performance of his No. 1 starter that led to a 3-1 win over the Mayos de Navojoa.

"He kept the ball down all night, got ahead in the count and didn't walk anyone, which is a very good thing for him considering it was his first start of the season," said Carrillo.

The former D-backs starter is coming off a disappointing year at Triple-A Salt Lake in the Angels' farm system, where he posted an ERA above 7.00. Enright also made four appearances with the Halos this past season, in which he struggled with walks while posting a 12.96 ERA and failing to pitch into the fourth inning in either of his two starts.

"Thats why I'm here, to regain confidence and get back to who I am as a pitcher," Enright said. "For the first time in my career, I wasn't happy with my last season, statistically speaking. I've had ups and downs in other years, but last season, I really wasn't happy with."

Enright enjoyed a solid season with the D-backs in 2010, when he posted a 6-7 record with a 3.91 ERA in 17 starts, but he's struggled at the Major League level since then.

Playing for a new team in a different country can sometimes be challenging for a player, but the 27-year-old from California is already feeling at home with the Naranjeros.

"It's been a great club. I've been treated very well and the city is great," Enright said. "My focus here is to help this team win. Pitching well here will be huge for me before going back to the States to be ready for Spring Training."