Monday, March 19, 2012

GRAND PRAIRIE, Texas – Grand Prairie AirHogs manager Ricky VanAsselberg added another familiar face to the 2012 lineup on Monday, as the AirHogs signed slugger Andres Rodriguez to a contract.

The 6-foot-5 infielder spent the last three seasons with the Shreveport-Bossier Captains, spending the first two seasons under VanAsselberg’s guidance. In Shreveport, Rodriguez hit .327, .327 and .323 with a total of 23 home runs and 192 RBIs.

Born in the Dominican Republic, Rodriguez can play first or third base. He spent four years with the Mets organization and then two years in San Angelo (Texas) of the United League, playing against VanAsselberg’s Alexandria Aces.

The righty-swinger’s best season came in 2008, when he just missed out on the United League’s triple crown, hitting .368 with 21 home runs and 107 RBIs in 83 games. In his career, the 33-year-old has a career average of .302, with 68 home runs and 458 RBIs.

Grand Prairie also agreed to contract terms with two offseason trade acquisitions, outfielder Keanon Simon and infielder Trent Lockwood.

The 2011 American Association Champion Grand Prairie AirHogs begin the defense of their title on Thursday, May 17, against the Laredo Lemurs at 7:30 p.m. The 2012 home opener is Monday, May 21, at 7:05 p.m. against the El Paso Diablos. Check back at the team’s official Web site www.airhogsbaseball.com for any other off-season news as develops. For information on 2012 tickets, promotions, advertising, and other opportunities with the AirHogs, check out the Web site as well, or call the QuikTrip Park office at (972) 504-9383.