THE JUICE TO GET LOOSE
Cannons Acquire Free Agent John "Juice" Giudice For Stretch Run

West Hartford, CT (AP)--Not since a white Ford Bronco driven by A.C. Cowlings ambled along the California freeways back in June of 1994 has there been such a frenzy and fanfare surrounding someone nicknamed "Juice." In an unprecedented trade deadline move at 2:00 p.m. (EST) on Friday, the West Hartford Cannons signed John "Juice" Giudice to a one-year deal with an option for the 2007 season. With eight games remaining--44% of the team's eighteen game schedule--the Cannons will have Giudice for this weekend's contests against the Manchester Cubs and the slugger will be available for postseason play if he participates in each game over the following four Sundays. "[Assistant Manager Mike] Weber really worked for this one," Manager Matt Celio told reporters outside of the team's practice facility earlier this afternoon. "We've been interested in signing Johnny for quite some time and it even looked as if we might have him locked up at the start of the year but unfortunately talks stalled. We remained optimistic that a deal could get done and it couldn't have happened at a better time for us." Giudice is represented by super-agent John "Boras" DeMorais who insisted on getting top dollar for his client, even if it meant sitting out the early portion of this season. In a prepared statement, DeMorais said, "I know the Cannons have a lot of high-priced talent locked up in long-term deals but I just wanted to make sure that John got fair market value for his services. We're both very pleased with the Cannons final offer. This is where JG wanted to play and he is ready to go." At Cannons World Headquarters Weber added, "I'm excited to have John in Cannons red. To sign a player of this caliber helps us tremendously, especially on offense. He's a confident player, the consummate teammate and he can only make those around him better. His on- and off-field attitude is just the shot in the arm the Cannons need. We look forward to having him in uniform this weekend."

Giudice, thirty-five, played his college ball at Eastern Connecticut State University where he was part of the 1990 National Championship team. After graduating in 1993, Giudice was drafted as an outfielder by the Colorado Rockies in the 20th round (576th overall) of the Major League draft. Giudice compiled a .273 average with seventy-one extra base hits--forty-two doubles, four triples and twenty-five home runs--in two seasons of Minor League ball (he spent part of the 1996 campaign and all of the 1997 season with the New Haven Ravens of the Eastern League) and played several seasons for the Bridgeport Bluefish before turning his full attentions to the Connecticut North Men's Senior Baseball League and the Cannons. Giudice spoke briefly with reporters outside of his Berlin, CT home: "I'm just happy and relieved to get this deal done. I've been itching to play and I think that the Cannons have some great young talent to compliment solid veteran leadership. This is an ideal fit for me and I just hope I can contribute starting this Sunday."

So members of Cannon Nation, be prepared to get juiced...and you won't need Victor Conte or even Ron Popeil to do it. The time has come for West Hartford to put the squeeze on the CNMSBL A Division. Single-seat tickets are still available for the Sunday, July 23 games against Manchester at Cannon Yards (10:00 a.m.) and can be purchased by phone at 1-800 CANNONS or by e-mail at whcannons.blogspot.com.