Yuku free message boards

December 12, 2007 - SIOUX CITY, IA - The Sioux City Explorers announced today that OF Jason Tuttle has signed for the 2008 season. Tuttle was acquired by the X's prior to last season from the New Jersey Jackals of the Can-Am League in exchange for RHP Sean Kramer. Tuttle joins INF Alex Llanos as the first two players signed for the 2008 season.

"It's great to know I will be playing for the Explorers for a second season and I am looking forward to making another strong run at the playoffs," comments Tuttle. "I would also like to personally thank all the fans for all their support last season, with it being my first season in Sioux City."

The 28-year-old Tuttle had a solid first season with the X's in 2007 playing in 90 games and anchoring the outfield from his centerfield position. On the season, he hit .291 from the leadoff spot and finished 2nd on the team in hits (110) and stolen bases (23). In addition to solid offensive numbers, Tuttle quickly became a fan favorite by making a number of outstanding plays in the outfield.

In 2006, Tuttle spent the entire season with the New Jersey Jackals of the Can-Am League. While hitting mostly out of the leadoff spot or two hole in the order, Tuttle compiled a .303 batting average with (10) doubles, (2) triples, while also recording (21) stolen bases. He was selected as a starter for the Can-Am League All-Star team as they took on the American Association All-Stars in El Paso, TX. As the regular season came to an end in 2006, the accolades for Tuttle continued to pour in as the Can-Am League honored him by being named to the 2006 Post Season All-Star team.

Explorers manager Les Lancaster comments, "It's great to have Tuttle back with his knowledge of the league and ability to position the outfield for defense. He brings speed to the leadoff spot and when he is on base he will have the green light to run."

The Winston-Salem, NC native first started his career in 2002 and half of 2003 with Johnstown and Florence of the independent Frontier League. In the latter half of 2003, Tuttle's contract was purchased by the Montreal Expos where he spent a year and a half in Vermont of the NY-Penn League and Savannah of the South Atlantic League. Tuttle began the 2005 season by playing in seven games for West Virginia, a Milwaukee Brewers affiliate of the South Atlantic League, before signing with the Elmira Pioneers of the Can-Am League. With Elmira, Tuttle hit .312 in 81 games with ( doubles, (51) runs scored and (30) stolen bases.