After the sign-and-release story of Breland BROWN, the Solingen Alligators finished their off-season work after all. They announced the signings of two Americans, who are supposed to fill the last holes in the roster of the 2006 champion.
Outfielder Derek MALIKIAN played for the Marian College the past two years. Before his time there he was at the New River Community College between 2003 and 2005. He also played summer league baseball with the Cheyenne Grizzlies. He impressed in 2006 with a batting average of .402 (SLG .593) with 24 extra-base-hits, 48 runs scored and 51 RBI in 51 games. During his time in the summer league in 2006 he showed some speed as he stole 27 bases. He hit .307 (SLG .429) with 33 runs scored and 23 RBI. However back at the college level last season the 23-year-old struggled to reach even the Mendoza line (AVG .203/SLG .398). He scored 23 times and drove in 21 in 43 games. He is expected to start in center for the Alligators.
Shortstop Chris BECK is 22 years old and from Havelock, North Carolina. He hit .428 in his last High School year in Havelock. He went to the University of North Carolina in Pembroke and stayed there from 2004 to 2007. Since his freshman year he was a starter on shortstop or third base. He hit .326 (OBP .395/SLG .382) with 39 runs scored and 32 RBI in 54 games last year. He led his team with nine sacrifice bunts.
Both players are supposed to arrive in mid-March. MALIKIAN tries to come earlier to get some playing practice during the pre-season games. The Alligators start their exhibition schedule with a seven-inning doubleheader on March 1st against the promoted club Dortmund Wanderers. Their season opener is on April 5th in Bonn.
2007 Stats:
Derek MALIKIAN
Chris BECK