The Waterloo Bucks announced the signing of right-handed pitcher Thomas Cardona to their roster for the 2011 season. Cardona is a sophomore at the New York Institute of Technology in Old Westbury, New York.

Cardona went 2-6 in 2010 with 45.1 innings pitched and 27 strikeouts for the Bears. He had 15 appearances, starting nine.

“Tommy looks to contend for a spot in our starting rotation,” said Bucks General Manager Dan Corbin. “In speaking with NYIT Coach Bob Hirschfield, Tommy has a great upside with a plus-arm. His velocity is in the low 90’s and we expect to see Tommy drafted out of college after his junior season.”

Last summer, Cardona played for the Sag Harbor Whalers of the Atlantic Collegiate Baseball League. Cardona finished the season with a 3-3 record and 1.62 ERA, striking out 39 batters while walking just 17 in 44.1 innings pitched.