2003 Northern League All-Star Signs with 'Dogs

Infielder Frederico “Pichi” Balet (LS-3), who signed with the ‘Dogs and placed on the disabled last August 21st, but never played a game for Lincoln, has signed to play with the club for the 2005 season.

“Pichi is the type of player that comes to play,” said Saltdogs Manager Tim Johnson. “He is fundamentally solid, both defensively and offensively and is a fierce competitor. We are looking at him competing for the starting job at first base.”

Balet, before being signed by Lincoln, played for Inland Empire and Visalia in the California League during the 2004 season. He played for Sioux City in 2003 and was named to the Northern League All-Star team. His contract was then purchased by the Seattle Mariners. Balet’s career totals, spanning four seasons, include a .339 batting average with 15 HR’s and 167 RBI.

Balet, 27, a native of West Palm Beach, FL, originally signed with Dubois County of the Frontier League after playing collegiately at Cumberland (TN) University.

The Lincoln Saltdogs are scheduled to open the season at 7:05 pm on Friday, May 20th in Sioux Falls, SD against the Sioux Falls Canaries at Sioux Falls Stadium.