The Mankato MoonDogs Baseball Club is proud to announce the signing of three players for 2011 season. Infielder Nathan Goro from Jefferson College (Hillsboro, MO), left-handed pitcher Kyle Richter from the University of Southern California (Los Angeles, CA), and outfielder Joe Loftus from Vanderbilt (Nashville, TN) have committed to play for the MoonDogs for the 2011 season.
Goro, a 6-foot-1-inch, 180-pound sophomore is currently hitting .276 for Jefferson College with six doubles, five home runs and 28 RBIs. A bolt of lightning on the base path, Goro is 19 for 19 in stolen base attempts for the Vikings this spring. A talented glove in the field, Nathan ranks second on the Vikings in assists (66).
"Nathan will give us great defensive flexibility on the left side of the infield," said MoonDogs Field Manager Mike Orchard. "He can play multiple positions and has the talent that will allow him to succeed in the Northwoods League."
Richter, a 6-foot-4-inch, 220-pound freshman has the second lowest batting average on the USC staff, holding opposing hitters to a .230 batting average. Kyle has 2 wins this spring, with 20 strikouts in 26 2/3 innings of work for the Trojans. Kyle was selected in the 44th round of the 2010 major league baseball draft by the Colorado Rockies.
"Richter is a big body pitcher that throws in the 90-93 MPH range" said Orchard. "With good control I think he will fit well for us within our rotation this summer."
Loftus, a 6-foot-4-inch, 220-pound junior hails from Savage, Minn. In 2010 for the Commodores, Joe hit .277 with eight home runs, 15 doubles, and knocked in 39 RBIs. During Vanderbilt’s 2010 playoff run, Loftus was named to the NCAA Louisville Regional All-Tournament team after hitting .316 with three RBIs, two doubles, a home run and five runs scored in five games. In high school Loftus hit 25 career home runs, breaking current Minnesota Twins’ catcher Joe Mauer’s state record. Before attending Vanderbilt, Loftus was selected in the 29th round by the Minnesota Twins.
"Joe is one of the guys we’re going to look to for his experience this summer," said Orchard. "He has played summer ball before in the Cape Cod league, so he knows what to expect and how to win."
