(EVANSVILLE, INDIANA) -The Evansville Otters added another big bat to their lineup this weekend with the addition of outfielder/first baseman Nick Schwaner.

The 24-year old joins the Otters from the Tampa Bay Rays organization where he played for the Bowling Green Hot Rods (Class A) last season. In 2011, Schwaner had 96 hits, collected 44 runs batted in and crushed eight home runs.

“Nick has a lot of power that we will be able to put in the middle of the order,” said Kevin Cope, the Evansville Otters’ Director of Player Personnel. “He doesn't strike out a lot so it is good to have power potential but still have the ability to get on base."

In two minor league seasons, Schwaner played first base, third, left field and in right field, a versatility that impressed Otters’ manager Andy McCauley.

“Nick is an athletic player that can play a few positions,” McCauley said. He is probably going to see the most time at first base. We are looking for him to hit in the middle of our lineup.”

Schwaner has had power for a number of years, hitting 45 total home runs in his college career at New Orleans and 17 of them in his senior season. 

See Schwaner and the Otters on Opening Day at historic Bosse Field on Friday, May 18, 2012, when Evansville hosts the Washington Wild Things. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. CDT, and season tickets are on sale now.

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For more information on the Evansville Otters, please log on to the team’s website at http://www.evansvilleotters.com . The team can also be reached by calling the front office at (812) 435-8686.