06/27/2005 5:13 PM - After losing slugger Eddie Pearson to the Tijuana Toros of the Mexican League, the T-Bones countered Sunday by signing former major leaguer and Kansas City product David Segui. Segui, who spent last season with the Baltimore Orioles, brings an immediate impact bat to a team which lost one of its most prolific hitters since the team moved to Kansas City in Pearson. Manager "Dirty" Al Gallagher is more than thrilled with the move and believes Segui brings an added dimension to the team.

“Someone has to replace Eddie, and I can’t think of anyone better to replace him other than David. The presence of a major league ballplayer can be a positive influence, and the experience he brings to the younger players is invaluable,” Gallagher said.

Born July 19, 1966 in Kansas City, Kan., Segui followed in the footsteps of his father, former major leaguer Diego Segui, and excelled in baseball. A standout at Bishop Ward H.S., Segui stayed close to home and played collegiate ball at Kansas City Kansas CC (KCKCC) under head coach Steve Burleson. While at KCKCC, Segui lead his team to Jayhawk East and Region VI championships in both 1985 and 1986. Segui finished his college career at Louisiana Tech University.

The Baltimore Orioles took Segui in the 18th round of the 1987 amateur draft. Segui made his professional debut on May 8, 1990 with the Orioles and appeared in 40 games with the club during his first year. Segui’s best professional season came in 2000 when he batted .334 with 19 HR and 103 RBI while splitting time between Texas and Cleveland. In 15 major league seasons, Segui compiled a .291 career average with 139 HR and 684 RBI. Including Baltimore, the veteran has played for the Mets, Expos, Mariners, Blue Jays, Rangers and the Indians.

Aside from his bat, Segui adds a much needed defensive presence to the T-Bones. Playing mostly first base, the veteran posted a .995 fielding percentage during his career.

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The T-Bones also signed experienced minor league hurler Nate Ruhl. Ruhl, 28, is another local product who makes his off-season home in Lee’s Summit, Mo. After finishing his college career at Johnson County (Kan.) Community College, he was drafted by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in the 61st round and played parts of six seasons in the Devil Rays system. Ruhl advanced as far as Class AA Orlando with the Devil Rays, picking up 19 saves in 2002.

Ruhl spent 2003 and 2004 in the Reds and Dodgers systems, advancing as far as Class AAA Las Vegas in the Los Angeles system in 2004.

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Sunday, the T-Bones signed another local product: former Blue Valley North and University of Arizona first baseman Scott Lucas. Lucas spent one game in 2004 with the Mid-Missouri Mavericks before missing time due to illness, and was signed by the Twins for 2005 before his release. Lucas played in Sunday’s game and had one at-bat.