AA St. Paul Saints

Saints sign Mexican League Batting Champ

August 17, 2006 - American Association (AA)
St. Paul Saints News Release


ST. PAUL, MN - The St. Paul Saints found quite the heavy bat to help them down the stretch. The team announced today they have signed veteran OF Derrick White. The 36-year old Californian was the 2006 Mexican League batting champion when he hit .407 for Tijuana.

White is expected to be in the lineup tonight when the Saints play at Sioux Falls in the second game of a four-game series. The Saints (47-40) lead St. Joe by a half-game in the race for a wild card spot against Lincoln in the North Division playoffs.

If White's name sounds familiar, it should. White, who has been playing professionally since 1991, hit .317 in 16 games for the Saints at the end of the 2001 season. "He said he really enjoyed his brief time here and is looking forward to returning," said St. Paul manager George Tsamis. "His numbers (career average: .304) are very impressive. Matt Hammons (Saints' relief pitcher) played with him in winter ball and told me he is a very good guy. That was enough for me."

After playing collegiately at Okalahoma, White was a sixth round pick of Montreal in 1991. He quickly worked his way through their system, getting to the major leagues for 17 games with the Expos two years later. He also has seen major league time with Detroit and the Chicago Cubs.

Most of his 15-year career has been spent at the AAA level, including five years in the Mexican League and a season in Japan. In 1503 games, he is lifetime .304 hitter with 199 home runs and 995 RBI. "This is precisely the kind of veteran hitter we were looking for," Tsamis said. "In addition to what he does at the plate, we hear he does a lot of the little things well. That is what we'll need if we get to the playoffs."

To make room for White on the roster, the team placed RHP Mike Meyer on the disabled list.

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