01/18/2006 9:31 AM - From the time Derek Forbes was signed by the Orioles, the T-Bones searched for an arm to close games. Manager "Dirty" Al Gallagher hopes they've found their man. The T-Bones announced Friday that they have come to terms with closer Byron Embry, who spent part of last season with the Triple-A Omaha Royals.

Embry was originally signed by the Braves in 1996 after being drafted in the 35th round of the 1996 draft. He spent three seasons in their system, advancing to the Class-A Advanced Carolina League before being released out of spring training in 2000. Embry then moved on to the Northern League for five seasons, spending time with Gary, Joliet and Lincoln.

The 2004 season was the best of Embry's career and was also the catalyst for his signing by the Royals. Embry was 3-3 with a 1.46 ERA, striking out an eye-popping 90 in 55.1 IP. Embry averaged 14.7 strikeouts per nine innings while recording a 6.9:1 strikeout to walk ratio.

Embry was signed by the Royals in the off-season, and after enjoying a solid spring training, was assigned to Omaha. Embry picked up eight saves in sixteen appearances before suffering an arm injury in mid-May which led to his release. "Byron Embry is a triple-A pitcher with a tremendous arm," said T-Bones Manager "Dirty" Al Gallagher. "I couldn't be more excited to have him penciled in for our closer spot."