Current Contract:
Contract renewable through 2009.

Became a Cardinal:
Selected in the fourth round of the June, 2003 First-Year Player Draft. Received a $220,550 signing bonus.

2005 Season:
Michael missed nearly two months (May 26 - July 20) with shoulder tendonitis. Overall, in 18 games for high Class A Palm Beach, he posted a 4-5 record with a 4.04 ERA, allowing 68 hits, striking out 57 and walking 35 in 82-1/3 innings.

Career Notes:
In 2003, posted a 3.17 ERA in 54 innings pitched for short-season Class A New Jersey, striking out 56 and walking 20. In 2004, he did not miss a start in the first half of the season for low Class A Peoria, but injured his shoulder in a start on July 26 and eventually needed surgery after a MRI revealed a frayed rotator cuff in his throwing shoulder as well as a micro tear in the ligament next to the humorous. In 20 starts, went 6-6 with a 3.36 ERA, striking out 95 and walking 39 in 120-2/3 innings.

Photo: Palm Beach Cardinals