Southern Illinois adds to lineup with power-hitting infielder, switch-hitting outfielder
Marion, IL (February 26, 2019) – The Southern Illinois Miners announce that they have signed infielder Trey Ganns and outfielder Joe Moran to contracts for the upcoming 2019 season.
Ganns hails from Burlington, Kentucky, and played the last two seasons in the Boston Red Sox organization, batting .214 in 53 games between Rookie-level GCL Red Sox and Short-season Single-A Lowell. A 35th-round selection by the Red Sox in the 2017 MLB Draft, he played three years collegiately at Northern Kentucky University and was an all-conference selection each year. The slugging first baseman’s finest season came as a senior in 2017, when he batted .348 with 14 home runs, 19 doubles, 57 RBIs and 77 hits in 58 games, taking home First Team All-Horizon League honors.
Ganns was also a two-way player for the Norse, and appeared in 30 career games (24 starts) over his college career while posting 103 strikeouts and 49 walks in 121 2/3 innings on the mound.
“Trey brings a solid left-handed bat and some power to us,” Miners manager Mike Pinto said. “I have reports that he is a very good defensive first baseman as well. We are looking forward to having him here in the spring.”
A native of Scottsbluff, Nebraska, Moran played in one game last season for the Lincoln SaltDogs in the American Association while recovering from an elbow injury. The speedy switch-hitter played his final two years in college at Bellevue University in Nebraska, batting .384 over 104 career games along with 20 doubles, nine triples, eight homers, 60 RBIs, 24 stolen bases in 29 attempts, 94 runs scored and 146 total hits. He was a two-time First Team All-North Star Athletic Association selection for the NAIA program, and also earned an NSAA Gold Glove award for his defense in the outfield as a senior in 2017.
“Joe brings switch-hitting to the spring training roster along with speed and strong defensive skills in the outfield,” Pinto said. “Both of these additions will make for some spirited competition in spring training.”
Be sure to follow the Miners online at southernillinoisminers.com and on social media as they prepare for the 2019 season!
