Bajenaru was born in Pomona, California and graduated from Ruben S. Ayala High School in Chino Hills. He began his college career at the Riverside Community College. The Oakland Athletics drafted him in the 13th round after his sophomore season, but he elected not to sign. He parlayed his community college performance into a scholarship at the University of Oklahoma. The Chicago White Sox chose him in the 36th round the next year, but he again returned to school. In 2000, he hit .342 with 11 HR\'s and 58 RBI. On the mound he was 1-2 with 20 saves (setting a conference and Oklahoma record for season and career) and a 2.62 ERA. He was a first-team college All-American as a utility player, and was a 1st Team Big 12 Conference selection as an outfielder and 2nd Team Big 12 Conference selection as a relief pitcher.\n', '

He was projected to be taken between the second and fifth rounds of the 2000 draft by Baseball America, but signed with the White Sox as a non-drafted free agent in May, before the draft was held.\n', '

Bajenaru has generally worked as a closer during his minor league career, striking out more than 10 batters per nine innings, and collecting 24 wins and 91 saves in relief. He missed the entire 2002 season as a result of Tommy John surgery, but recovered well and was able to resume his baseball career in 2003.\n', '

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