American Association Daily provides insights and features on the American Association of Professional Baseball League, as well as player and coaching profiles and transactions going on with teams around the league. In today’s edition, Matt Rau is named as the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks General Manager, succeeding Josh Buchholz. 

Matt Rau Takes Over as General Manager

The Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks hired Matt Rau to be the club’s new general manager. Rau will take over for the longtime G.M. Josh Buchholz, who moved to the American Association’s office to become the new executive director of the league.

Proven Track Record of Excellence

While Matt Rau may be new to independent baseball, he is no stranger to professional sports. The new RedHawks general manager spent time with the Cleveland Indians organization at A-Kinston (N.C.) and with the Royals organization at AAA-Omaha. He has also spent time with the Dubuque Fighting Saints in the United States Hockey League. Rau has worked in operations and sales with these organizations.

Most recently, the G.M. worked for Learfield Communications as the general manager of St. Cloud State Sports Properties. St. Cloud State has been had a successful Division-II football program for some time, and has one of the top hockey programs in all of Division-I hockey.

The hiring is a homecoming for Rau, who is a Fargo, N.D. native and attended North Dakota State University. It is also an opportunity to serve in one of the most prestigious organizations in all of independent baseball, and the club is excited to have their man.

“After a nationwide search, with quite a few outstanding candidates, our organization is extremely pleased that we could come to an agreement with Matt,” explained RedHawks President & CEO, Brad Thom. “Matt brings a wealth of knowledge from the various positions he has held in the sports industry and will help the RedHawks grow even more. Matt has some pretty big shoes to fill, and I am confident he will do a fantastic job.”

Rau will be replacing Josh Buchholz, who was with Fargo-Moorhead for 22 years and had served as the team’s general manager since 2005. While it is a challenge, the new G.M. is excited about the opportunity.

“Growing up in Fargo, the RedHawks have been a staple in this community for as long as I can remember. My career has come full circle and I look forward to continuing the RedHawks tradition in my new role.”

American Association Daily Notes

The St. Paul Saints announced the signing of OF Jordan Smith. Smith is a local product, drafted in the ninth round out of St. Cloud State by the Cleveland Indians in 2011. He has spent his entire career with the Indians organization, playing at AA-Akron and AAA-Columbus last season. Combined he hit .212 with 3 homers and 24 RBI in 97 games…The Lincoln Saltdogs announced the signing of RHP Austin Robichaux. The right-hander was in the Los Angeles Angels organization for the first four seasons of his professional career. Last season he pitched primarily at High-A Inland Empire (California League) where he was 6-9 with a 6.80 ERA in 23 appearances. Robichaux also made three starts at AAA-Salt Lake City where he was 1-0 with a 3.29 ERA…The Winnipeg Goldeyes announced that LHP Mitch Lambson signed with Puebla (Mexican League).

Follow the Latest Podcast of Sioux City Explorers Manager Steve Montgomery on Mound Talk.

By Robert Pannier
Member of the IBWAA