Tuesday, March 27, 2007

MoonDogs Land Speed and Run Producer

(Mankato,MN)--The Mankato MoonDogs Baseball Club, a member of the Northwoods League, is proud to announce the signing of two new players for 2007. Sophomore infielder/catcher Logan Forest and sophomore outfielder Jaime Armendariz, both from Midland Community College located in Midland, Texas have committed to play for the MoonDogs this summer.
Forest, a 6’4” 205 lb. sophomore, has started all 25 games for the Chaparrals this season. With 24 hits, five doubles, and 18 RBI already, Forest is quickly becoming one of the Chaps biggest offensive threats. His offensive prowess has given his team a legitimate bat in the middle of the line-up and someone who can produce at any given time.
Last year for the Chaps, he made an immediate impact and posted some impressive offensive stats. In 52 games he registered a .348 batting average, with 65 hits, 12 doubles, and drove in 56 RBI. The 65 hits and 56 RBI ranked him second on the team respectively.
This summer, the MoonDogs look for the left-handed hitting Forest to fill a similar role in their line-up. “Logan’s size and stature will help us both offensively and defensively. He is a left-handed bat that we can use in the middle of the lineup and someone who can produce in RBI situations. Defensively, he will give our infielders a nice target and will save a couple errors for them this season,” MoonDogs head coach Jason Nell said.
Amendariz, a 5’9” 160 lb. sophomore, is off to a fast start to the 2007 season. Through the first 25 games, he leads the team in batting average (0.380) and RBI (27) and continues to impress with his overall game. As a potent leadoff hitter who possesses great speed, he is also becoming a threat on the bases. He already surpassed his stolen base total (4) from last year with five swipes in 2007. His great plate coverage combined with speed will give the MoonDogs a great table-setter in 2007.
“In the outfield position you look for someone that has great speed, covers his position well, makes tough catches and has an accurate arm. That’s exactly what we are getting with Jamie. He can play all three outfield positions and is another left-handed bat in our line-up. His tremendous speed and offensive skills will put a lot pressure on teams to keep him off the bases. If they don’t, he will make things happen either by beating out infield hits, stealing, or taking an extra base,” Nell said.
Both Forest and Amendariz come from the same program that produced outfielder Tim Smith who transferred to Arizona State University this season.
The MoonDogs Home Opener is set for June 1, 2007 against the defending Northwoods League champions, Rochester Honkers. Mankato will also be the host of the 13th annual Northwoods League All-Star Game on July 11, 2007. To be part of all the MoonDogs action this summer, season tickets are on sale now as well as group and hospitality tickets. For more information go to www.mankatomoondogs.com or call the MoonDogs Ticket Office at 507-625-7047.