Perhaps the greatest batter in the entire Northern League, Juan Diaz is now part of the Winnipeg Goldeyes roster.
Manager Rick Forney announced the acquisition of the playing rights to the slugger from Sussex of the CanAm League for cash and future considerations. Diaz was also signed today, bringing the number of players on the pre-season roster to 24, of whom 11 are position players.
Diaz, 35, is no stranger to Winnipeg fans, having played the past two years with Joliet. Over that time, he batted .356 with 40 home runs and 127 runs batted in, putting up .443 on-base and .606 slugging percentages for a mammoth 1.049 OPS.
The Cuban native, who now calls Missouri home, has a tremendous record, with 224 home runs while driving 695 runs. This guy breaks bats when he steps up to the plate!
As the Goldeyes welcomed Diaz, they bid good-bye to infielder Brandon Sing, whose rights were dealt to Bridgeport of the Atlantic League for future considerations.
Training camp opens May 1 at Canwest Park.
