(Mankato, MN) – The Mankato MoonDogs Baseball Club, a member of the Northwoods League, is proud to announce that third baseman Nate Hanson (University of Minnesota), shortstop Jason Christian (University of Michigan) and infielder/pitcher Adam Abraham (University of Michigan) have been named to the Perfect Game Crosschecker list of players who are projected to have breakout seasons in 2008. The list recognizes one player from each position, which gives the MoonDogs three out of the 10 fielding positions, along with three starting pitchers and one relief pitcher.
PG Crosschecker, which is produced by Perfect Game USA, is a comprehensive scouting notebook complete with lists and rankings of all the top college and high school players in the upcoming draft classes and underclassmen, broken down nationally and by state.
Hanson, who was recognized seven different times for his outstanding play with the MoonDogs in 2007, led the Northwoods League in hitting (.363) and was third in slugging percentage (.515). When compiling information on players PG Crosschecker said, "Hanson received praise from each and every single coach and scout in the Northwoods League for his character, hustle, intensity and on-field leadership.” Now in his junior season with the Golden Gophers, Hanson will look to improve on last year’s numbers when he batted .338 with 10 homeruns, 51 RBI and 50 runs for the Gophers.
Christian, a highly touted shortstop, just started to get into a groove last summer with the MoonDogs when his season ended prematurely due to a shoulder injury. A scout that spoke with PG Crosschecker said, "Had Christian not left the Northwoods League early due to injury he probably would have received more consideration as one of the top prospects in the league.” In 40 games with the MoonDogs, he finished with a .290 batting average, .400 slugging percentage, 22 runs, nine doubles and 10 stolen bases.
Christian was earlier named to the Louisville Slugger Preseason All-America third team selected by Collegiate Baseball.
Abraham, who has grown a reputation for having a rubber arm, dominated opposing hitters when he took the pitching mound for the MoonDogs in 2007. In 19 relief appearances, Abraham finished with a 4-1 record, 1.31 ERA, 18 strikeouts, and one save in only 20.2 innings pitched.
In 2008, Abraham will anchor third base once again and help solidify the Wolverines bullpen. In regards to Abraham, PG Crosschecker says, "He gives Michigan yet another talented two-way talent to complement the more nationally recoginized Zach Putnam, and he is the second of the two Wolverines on this list that has the potential to make an even bigger impression this spring.”
The Mankato MoonDogs will begin their seventh season in the Northwoods League on May 29, 2008. Season and group tickets along with the 2008 early edition pocket schedule are now available. For more information, please visit www.mankatomoondogs.com or call the MoonDogs Ticket Office at 507-625-7047.
