(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 Jason Christian and freshman outfielder Alan Oaks, both from the University of Michigan have committed to play for the MoonDogs this summer.

Christian, a 6’3” 170 lb. sophomore, has taken full advantage of being named the starting shortstop for the first-place Wolverines (17-6, 4-0 Big Ten). In his first full season as the starter, Christian already earned Big Ten Player of the Week honors (March 9-11) and is ranked first in doubles (11) and total bases (54) in the Big Ten Conference.

Through the first 22 games this season, he is hitting .382 with 11 doubles, 15 RBI, 22 runs, 7 stolen bases, a .618 slugging percentage and is currently on an eight-game hitting streak (March 24-April 3). In addition to being the team leader in several offensive categories this season, he has had a nine-game hitting streak and on March 3, 2007 he hit for the cycle against the Oklahoma Sooners.

A slick fielding shortstop with speed and great presence at the plate will give the MoonDogs an excellent option in the line-up in 2007. "Jason is a younger guy who has already proven himself for a championship caliber team in the Big Ten. He can play several infield positions and offers speed to the batting order. This summer, he will compete for either the shortstop or second base position,” MoonDogs head coach Jason Nell said.

Oaks, a 6’3” 230 lb. freshman, is a quality player who has shown great power potential at the plate. In four seasons at Divine Child H.S. in Dearborn, MI, he finished with 36 doubles, 21 homers, 143 RBI, and 93 walks. The 143 RBI places him in the top 20 in career RBI in Michigan High School record books. With his strong performance in high school he was ranked the #1 prep player in Michigan and #154 nationally by Baseball America. Major league scouts have taken notice as well and the Detroit Tigers selected him in the 2006 Major League first year player draft last June (50th round, 1, 480 pick).

In his first season with the Wolverines, Oaks has been used as a spot-starter in right field (8) and designated hitter (2). However, his power potential has already been on display posting a .485 slugging percentage with four doubles, one triple and one home run.

"Alan is a High School All-American who has outstanding potential. Again, he plays for a championship caliber team who will eventually be the number four or five hitter in their line-up. He has outstanding gap to gap power and can play either corner position in the outfield. His power alone will be a great addition to the middle of the MoonDogs line-up this summer,” Nell said.

The MoonDogs Home Opener is set for June 1, 2007 against the defending Northwoods League champion, 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.