"The addition of these three players should provide our lineup with speed, and base stealing potential from top to bottom," said River Rats head coach Darin Vaughan.  "All three can hit the ball and score runs."

Outfielder Nick Hogan, a sophomore at Pitt Community College, is 6-0, 175 lbs, and the team leader in games played (45), runs (54), hits (51), and stolen bases (20).  The left-handed native of Atlanta, Georgia, is hitting .345 on the season with three doubles, four triples, two home runs, and 29 RBIs, as well as an impressive .459 on-base percentage.

"Nick is having an outstanding year and we hope that he can continue that success in New Bern this summer," said Vaughan.  "He is an extremely talented athlete who can hit at the top of the order, steal bases and play outstanding defense. Nick comes from an extremely successful junior college program at Pitt Community College."

Jamie Johnson, a freshman outfielder from Texarkana, is 5-8, 185 lbs., and a native of Calhoun, Louisiana.  In 44 games, Johnson is hitting .471 with 15 doubles, five triples, three home runs, 36 RBIs, and 21 stolen bases.

"We have heard tremendous things about Jamie's playing ability and the type of person he is," Vaughan said.  "Jamie is another junior college player that we expect to have an extremely successful summer. From the reports we have received, he is an all-around good player that can hit, run and play defense."

Brian Randazzo, a sophomore infielder from Jefferson College, is 6-0, 165 lbs., and his team's leader in batting average (.386), games (50), runs (52), hits (61), and stolen bases (45).  The St. Charles, Missouri native has eight doubles, three triples, and a .479 on-base percentage so far this season.  The coaching staff at Jefferson College includes River Rats pitching coach Jason Immekus.

"Brian is another player capable of hitting at the top of the order and stealing a lot of bases," Vaughan noted.  "He is having much success with over 40 stolen bases thus far while playing for Coach Immekus at Jefferson College.  With Brian McBryde playing shortstop and Randazzo playing second base, we hope to have an excellent double play combination. Having played for Jason for two years, we hope that familiarity will help once he arrives in New Bern."

The updated 2007 River Rats roster is on the team's website at www.newbernriverrats.com.

The River Rats third season opens three weeks from Wednesday on May 30, as the River Rats host the Wilmington Sharks at New Bern High School's Boykin Field.

Rats notes:

River Rats "Traditional" and "Flex" season tickets are now on sale.  Traditional season tickets include one game ticket for each of the 30 River Rats home games in 2007 and are priced at $100 for adults, $75 for seniors and military, and $50 for children ages 3 to 12.  Flex plans include 30 undated vouchers which can be used in any combination for River Rats 2007 home games. In addition to discounted ticket prices, season ticket holders receive a number of extra benefits.  These include a VIP Parking Pass (one per account, first 30 accounts only) and specials events like our “Meet the Players” pre-season picnic and “Batting Practice with the Team” in-season event.