Mets sign LHP Chuck James

FLUSHING, N.Y., December 15, 2011 - The New York Mets today announced the club has signed lefthanded pitcher Chuck James to a minor league contract and invited him to major league Spring Training.

James, 30, split last season between Minnesota and Rochester (AAA) of the International League.  The 6-0, 190-pound native of Atlanta, GA began the year with the Red Wings before the Twins purchased his contract on May 28.  James appeared in eight games out of the Twins' bullpen without recording a decision and compiled a 6.10 ERA (seven earned runs/10.1 innings).  He was optioned to Rochester on June 16 and finished the year with the Red Wings, posting a 3-2 record, one save and a 2.30 ERA (16 earned runs/62.2 innings) in 38 games.

Originally drafted by Atlanta in the 20th round of the 2002 First-Year Player Draft, James made his major league debut with the Braves in 2005.  In 72 major league games, 55 starts, James is 24-19 with a 4.53 ERA (164 earned runs/326.0 innings).