With the conclusion of the 2007 baseball season, it’s time to take another look at the MoonDogs alums in Minor League Baseball that have had great years in pursuit of joining former Mankato players Curtis Granderson (Detroit Tigers) and Jack Hannahan (Oakland Athletics) in Major League Baseball.

Neil Wagner (pitcher), a 2005 Mid-Season and Post-Season Northwoods League All-Star for the MoonDogs in his second season, began 2007 with the Lake County Captains (Class A) before being promoted to the Kinston Indians (Class A-Advanced) on August 17. Both affiliates for the Cleveland Indians, Wagner impressed with 49 strike outs, 11 walks in 44 innings pitched and led the Captains with 11 saves before his promotion. Now a teammate once again with former MoonDog, Kevin Dixon, Wagner is well on his way to another promotion. After a descent season with Kinston the Indians placed him with the West Oahu Canefires of the Hawaii Winter League. This winter league is a prospect finishing school and will give Minor Leaguers additional work in a competitive environment over the off-season.

Reid Fronk (outfielder), a member of the 2005 MoonDogs and a Mid-Season Northwoods League All-Star, had a terrific first season as a late arrival with the short-season Hudson Valley Renegades, a Class A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. After leading North Carolina to a runner-up finish in the College World Series, he led the Renegades with a .311 batting average and .961 OPS (on base percentage plus slugging percentage). In addition, he finished with 14 doubles and five home runs that placed him second and third respectively on the team.

Tyson Brummett (pitcher), who holds the MoonDogs career strikeout record with 126 from 2005 and 2006, completed the 2007 season as a member of the Williamsport Crosscutters, a Class A-Short Season affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies. His first year in the minors, Brummett posted solid numbers in the Crosscutters starting rotation. He ranked third on the team with 12 games started, 55 strikeouts and 76.2 innings pitched. His five wins placed him second on the team and was one of only two pitchers on the Crosscutters staff to throw a complete game.

Johnnie Lowe (pitcher), a member of the 2006 MoonDogs, caught the eyes of many as a starting pitcher for the Great Falls White Sox, a Rookie League affiliate of the Chicago White Sox. Baseball America reported in its Draft Report Cards that Lowe, whose fastball sits 92-95 mph, had the second best fastball out of the White Sox 2007 draft class. In 15 games started, he ranked second on the team with 56 strike outs, third with 65 innings pitched and helped lead Great Falls to a Pioneer League North Division Championship.

With nine players starting in the minors after the 2007 MLB Draft, the MoonDogs now have 30 alumni playing professional baseball. Please check back soon for another installment of MoonDogs Alumni Update.

Be sure to stop by the MoonDogs office during the holidays for great gift ideas such as apparel, gift certificates and season ticket packages to name a few. Please check back to www.mankatomoondogs.com or call the MoonDogs Office at 507-625-7047 for more information.