(Mankato, MN) – The Mankato MoonDogs Baseball Club, a member of the Northwoods League, is proud to announce the signing of four more players for the 2007 season. Freshman outfielder C.J. Belanger and junior pitcher Mark Haderlein make their way to Mankato from California State-Northridge. In addition to the pair of Matadors, the MoonDogs signed batterymates from Elon University, sophomore pitcher Tom Porter and freshman catcher Mike Melillo.

After redshirting his freshman season, C.J. Belanger has had a solid season. The 6’ 3” 200 pounder started in 50 games while batting .262 with one home run, 19 RBI, and 39 runs. The left-handed hitting Belanger had a great resume coming out of high school in California. Belanger lettered three times, was selected first team All-Empire League twice, and led Cypress to two Empire League titles while hitting .422 and stealing 16 bases during his senior season.

Along with Belanger, teammate Mark Haderlein comes to the MoonDogs after a solid junior season. As one of the top relievers out of the bullpen for the Matadors, Haderlein has a record of 3-4 and one save with an ERA of 5.06 in 21 1/3 innings in 2007. Prior to attending California State-Northridge, the righty spent his first two college seasons at Orange Coast Junior College. While there, the junior went 9-3 with 10 saves and played in the 2005 Junior College All-Star Game.

Sophomore pitcher Tom Porter makes his way back to "The Frank” this season. Last year for the MoonDogs, the righty was 1-3 with a 3.92 ERA, recording 17 strikeouts in 20 2/3 innings. Porter came to the MoonDogs last season after a solid freshman campaign at Elon University, when he made 19 appearances, tallying a 3-2 record and 3 saves and fanning 21 in 20 1/3 innings. This season, Porter has made 21 appearances, recording a 2-2 record, while striking out 25 for the Phoenix.

Porter’s batterymate, switch-hitting catcher Mike Melillo, is also ready to play for the MoonDogs this season. During the 2007 season, Melillo has started 19 games for the Phoenix, hitting .300 with 5 home runs and 22 RBI. The freshman is a solid defensive catcher with a strong arm. In high school, Melillo was an All-Conference, All-County, All-Group, and All-Area selection.

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, single game 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.