The Mankato MoonDogs Baseball Club, a member of the Northwoods League, is proud to announce the signing of three players for 2011 season. Catcher Ryan Breen from the University of Central Florida (Orlando, Fla.), infielder Zak Wasserman from Louisville (Louisville, Ky.), and infielder Matt Reida from the University of Kentucky (Lexington, Ky.), have committed to play for the MoonDogs for the 2011 season.
Breen, a 5-foot-10-inch, 190-pound sophomore has spent time both behind the plate and in the outfield this spring for the Knights. As versatile on offense as he is on defense, the switch-hitting Breen is currently hitting .270 with eight doubles, a triple, and one home run. In 2010, Breen hit .348 with a .435 on-base percentage earning him Louisville Slugger Freshman All-American honors.
“We picked up Ryan to play outfield for us this summer, but he does give us the option to use him behind the plate if both of our catchers need some time off”, said Mankato MoonDogs Field Manager Mike Orchard. “He has had a good season at UCF this spring and look to have him bring that up to Mankato.”
Wasserman, a 6-foot-5-inch, 231-pound sophomore has been a strong defensive presence for the Cardinals this spring, owning a .977 fielding percentage. As a freshman for Louisville in 2010, Wasserman hit .324 overall with seven doubles while knocking in 11 RBI. Finishing high school earning All-State, All-Conference, and All-Region honors, Wasserman was selected in the 21st round of the 2009 Major League Baseball draft by the San Francisco Giants.
“Wasserman is a big kid that was drafted out of high school” said Orchard. “We really like his glove and what he can bring to the table defensively to the MoonDogs.”
Reida, a 5-foot-11-inch, 175-pound infielder surprised Kentucky coaches during fall practices and has emerged as a young leader, seeing action in 40 games this spring as a freshman for the Wildcats. As a senior at Western High School (Russiaville, Ind.), Reida finished the season with nine home runs and was selected by the White Sox in the 47th round of the 2010 Major League Baseball draft.
“Reida is a young, top of the order guy that is expected to start at shortstop next year for Kentucky”, said Orchard. “He is a grind it out guy that we look to get on base and steal some bases for us.”
