Wild about Things

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hfunk@observer-reporter.com (Harry Funk) — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 16:40:00 +0000

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Rosenbaums! Get your Rosenbaums

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Dugan) — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 21:49:00 +0000

The Wild Things will start the season leading the Frontier League in one category: most players named Rosenbaum.

Washington signed three players Wednesday, including catcher Chris Rosenbaum, who played in the Los Angeles Angels' organization. Also signed were former James Madison University pitcher Kurt Houck and ex-Lock Haven University infielder Matt Palko.

Rosenbaum, from Albany, N.Y., is the only one of the three with pro experience. All three are rookies by Frontier League standards.

Rosenbaum spent three seasons in the Angels' system, advancing to high-Class A Rancho Cucamongo, where he batted .319 last year but played in only 31 games. Rosenbaum played at the University of Tampa and was signed as a non-drafted free agent.

“Chris is coming off the best offensive year of his career," Washington manager Darin Everson said. "Throughout Chris' three-year career with the Angels, he has been known as a solid defensive catcher.”

Earlier this month, the Wild Things signed pitcher Zach Rosenbaum – apparently, no relation to the catcher.

Houck (6-6, 210) was a 2004 draft pick of the Atlanta Braves but did not sign, opting instead to attend James Madison. He had a solid career at JMU before missing the 2009 season because of an injury. He won 13 games for James Madison and posted a 7-2 record in 2008.

“Kurt is coming to us following a good stint in spring training in the Atlantic League,” Everson said. “We look forward to him reaching his potential as a reliable, hard-throwing reliever. We hope he can be an impact rookie."

Palko earned All-PSAC honors in 2009 after leading Lock Haven in home runs (11), triples (4), on-base percentage (.381) and walks (24). He batted .291 for the Bald eagles and played in the California Winter League.

“Matt comes highly recommended from many people who ran the California Winter League where he showed a solid bat and was very good defensively,” Everson said. “We look forward to having Matt be a solid option for us at third base and hope he can become an impact rookie for us this season.”

The Wild Things also dropped one player from the roster, former California University pitcher Rob Hedrick.

Two dropped

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Dugan) — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 21:48:00 +0000

The Wild Things released two players from the roster Tuesday. Gone are right-handed pitcher Andy Schindling and catcher Kyle Obal.

Schindling was a solid starting pitcher last season before wearing down late in the year. He had a 4-3 record and 4.80 ERA. Obal was signed late last season and had only 11 at-bats. With Obal released, there are only two catchers (Alan Robbins and Billy O'Conner) on the roster. The Wild Things will likely be looking to sign at least one catcher either Saturday at their open tryout or next week at the Frontier League tryout and draft.

L2 added

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Dugan) — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 17:24:00 +0000

The Wild Things filled one of the holes in their roster Friday by signing outfielder Luis Rivera, a former fifth-round draft pick of the Los Angeles Angeles.

Rivera, 23, has played five years of pro ball after being drafted in 2004 out of high school in his native Puerto Rico. An L2 by Frontier League roster standards, Rivera spent three years in rookie ball before being released by the Angels and sitting out the 2007 season. He then spent two years in the short-season New York-Penn League, one with Toronto and last year with the New York Mets' affiliate in Brooklyn. Rivera batted .297 for the Brooklyn Cyclones last year with 14 doubles and 13 stolen bases in 66 games. He does have a high strikeout rate -- more than a quarter of his career at-bats have ended in strikeouts.

Rivera was the 143rd pick in the 2004 draft and was selected nine rounds before the Angels drafted the late Nick Adenhart.

Also signed by Washington was catcher Billy O'Conner, who was a college teammate of former Wild Things pitcher Michael Lucas. O'Conner played rookie ball last summer for the Texas Rangers' affiliate in Arizona league and batted .304. He also appeared in three games with Class A Spokane.

One month to opening day

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Dugan) — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 21:18:00 +0000

The clock must seem as if it's ticking at warp speed these days for the Wild Things' coaching staff and front office. Time is running out as they put the finishing touches on the roster, the ballpark and an operational plan for the season.

Washington announced the signing of four players Wednesday, but two of those didn't come as a surprise. Pitcher Justin Edwards will be back for his second season after tying the team record by pitching in 43 games a year ago. Edwards had a 4-5 record and 5.40 ERA but struck out 70 in 60 innings. Edwards' was at the team's media luncheon earlier this month, so we knew he was returning.

Also signed is pitcher Ryne Nelson, who was acquired last month from Laredo of the independent United League in the trade for Michael Lucas.

The other two signings are left-handed pitchers, Sean Grieve and Spencer Hylander. Grieve is from Flourtown, Pa., and a graduate of Germantown Academy. He played at William & Mary and spent two seasons in the Philadelphia Phillies' system.

“We look for Sean to be an important part of our bullpen this summer. I was able to see him pitch in 2008, and feel he's has the potential to be a guy we can rely on to get big outs as he's averaged a strikeout per inning in his first pro seasons,” said Wild Things manager Darin Everson.

Hylander played at Oklahoma Baptist University and was drafted in the last round (50th) in 2009 by the Houston Astros.

“He comes to us with great reports and we look forward to have him compete for one of our spots in the starting rotation," Everson said. "With the Astros, he showed very good command and deception as displayed in his impressive opponent batting average (.237).”

I was told there will be two or three more signings announced Thursday. There are still several huge holes in the roster – open Veteran and L2 spots along with no shortstop with significant pro experience.

The Wild Things open the season at home May 21 against the Oakland County Cruisers. By the way, the Cruisers have yet to start construction on their new ballpark, which is scheduled for a July 16 opening against Washington. If you believe that will happen, then I have some swamp land in Florida I'd like to sell you.

Mascot fail

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Dugan) — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 01:06:00 +0000

Many a summer night I've wondered how a person dressed in a furry costume with oversized floppy feet/shoes can dance on a wet dugout roof and not slide off and break his/her back.

Seeing out of one of those big mascot heads isn't easy, let alone trying to dance while watching for where the dugout ends and a killer of a first step begins.

During a recent exhibition game between the University of Nevada and the Class AAA Reno Aces, the school's mascot "Wolfie" had a Wile E. Coyote moment.

Your not-so-normal Normal ballpark

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Dugan) — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 13:10:00 +0000

The ballpark for the Frontier League's newest team, the Normal CornBelters, located in Normal, Ill., is almost complete. Installation of the artificial turf playing surface is starting today and the seats will be delivered Tuesday. Among the unique features of the ballpark, which is dubbed "The Corn Crib," are a drive-in movie screen and something described as the "world's greatest women's restroom."

Here is the link to a video about the ballpark's status:

Watch the video here.

Changing the blueprint?

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Dugan) — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 01:25:00 +0000

The Wild Things announced the signing of seven players to contracts during a two-day period last week. Nothing surprising about that. Mid-to-late April is the busy period for Frontier League transactions. Plus, first-year manager Darin Everson said he wants to bring 32 players to spring training, and he was more than a dozen short of his goal.

Several things, however, stand out about the signings of pitchers Matt Vieira, Jeff Sonnenberg, Kevin Hammons, Matt Lyons and Ben Rodewald, ultilty player Joel Hartman and infielder Devin Murphy. One is that six of the seven are rookies (Hartman is an L1), according to Frontier League standards. Washington still has open L2 and Veteran roster spots. The second noteworthy thing is where the new players come from. Only two of the seven have experience in affiliated ball, which often seemed to be a requirement for players on past Wild Things teams.

Of the seven newcomers, Vieira and Hammons played in the Florida Marlins' system, in which Everson did his coaching the past four years. Hammons, however, last played in affiliated ball in 2007, when he played for Everson in the New York-Penn League. Hammons posted an 0-2 record with Gateway of the Frontier League in 2008, his last year in pro ball.

“I saw some improvement on Kevin’s delivery from our time together in the past, and he seems very focused and determined to become an impact left-hander on the mound for us,” Everson said.

Hartman spent the last two years playing in independent ball in Texas, and his numbers were quite good last season (.290 with 40 stolen bases in 55 games).

This is what we know about the other four guys:

- Rodewald: Drafted out of high school but did not sign. Played at Central Michigan University but his last season there was 2007.

- Lyons: Played the last two years in a sandlot league.

- Sonneberg: Played winter ball in Australia.

- Murphy: Also has no pro experience, having last played in college in 2008.

Those aren't your typical Wild Things backgrounds. That doesn't mean these guys can't play. What it does tell me is either there were fewer cuts than normal by affiliated teams this spring or Everson is thinking outside the box – working without Washington's previous blueprint. In past years, the Wild Things were heavy on players who had affiliated experience, were natives of Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, Virginia, Maryland and New Jersey and/or were released by the Pirates, Phillies, Mets and Astros. You could almost correctly guess who they were trying or not trying to sign.

Who knows if any of these guys will make it to opening day. Vieira, however, looks lock a lock to make the team while Hartman and Sonnenberg – who was dominant pitcher for a very good NAIA school – seem to have a solid chance to stick around this summer. We do know that the Wild Things aren't rejecting players because they live outside the Eastern time zone or have no experience in affiliated ball.

Lefty off to fast start

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Dugan) — Sun, 18 Apr 2010 00:53:00 +0000

Former Wild Things pitcher Tom Cochran, pictured, is off a good start with the Carolina Mudcats, the Cincinnati Reds' Class AA affiliate in the Southern League.

Cochran won his second game in as many starts Friday night, throwing six shutout innings in Carolina's 8-0 victory over Montgomery (Tampa Bay). Cochran allowed only two hits and one walk, and struck out eight.

Cochran has a 2-0 record and 0.75 ERA. He has 15 strikeouts and only three walks in 12 innings.

Sidick back for 6th season

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Dugan) — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 21:27:00 +0000

The Wild Things announced today that center fielder Chris Sidick, pictured, has been re-signed for the 2010 season, which will be his sixth in the Frontier League.

A Cecil Township native, Sidick holds several league records, including career games (430), hits (460), at-bats (1,625), triples (44) and walks (256). He also holds nearly all of the Wild Things' career hitting records. Two that he does not hold are doubles and RBI.

A career .283 hitter, Sidick batted .240 last year with 61 runs, 81 hits, nine doubles, seven triples, nine home runs and 38 RBI. Sidick had a 16-game hitting streak and 24-game on-base streak last season. In 2008, he batted .311 with a career high in doubles (16) and RBI (45) and a league-leading nine triples.

“Chris has accomplished so much in his career with the Wild Things. We are proud of his contributions both to the team and to the local community," said Todd Marlin, managing director of the Wild Things.

According to Tim Perry, the Frontier League's unofficial historian, Fran Riordan, John Tavares and Phil Warren each played six years in the FL. Among pitchers, Matt Schweitzer and ex-Wild Things standout Aaron Ledbetter played six seasons. Schweitzer, a left-hander, is the only player in league history to play six seasons with a single team (Richmond 2000-05).

Two pitchers signed

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Dugan) — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 21:09:00 +0000

The Wild Things have added two more pitchers for spring training, signing a pair of right-handers who were recently released by the New York Mets after spending two years in the organization. Joining the Wild Things are Zach Rosenbaum and Tim Smith. Both are considered rookies by Frontier League standards.

Rosenbaum and Smith spent the bulk of their affiliated careers in rookie ball. Smith did pitch in nine games (0-0, 5.87) last year for Savannah in the Class A South Atlantic League.

Smith (5-11, 195) had an outstanding career at NCAA Division II Catawba, posting a 31-13 record with 239 strikeouts and was the South Atlantic Conference Pitcher of the Year. He even had a win over Florida Southern, which was ranked No. 1 in Division II at the time.

"We are planning to put Tim back into the starting rotation, where he had so much success in college,” Wild Things manager Darin Everson said. "He can build on his two years of professional experience with the Mets organization and solidify one our starting positions.”

Rosenbaum (6-4, 190) had a 3-7 record in 28 games in rookie ball. He was a teammate of former Wild Things catcher Kris Rochelle at UNC-Charlotte, where he went 9-1 in 2007. Rosenbaum was a 19th-round pick of the Mets in 2008.

“We look for Zach to be an important part of our pitching staff’s success this year,” Everson said. “He brings two solid years of experience with the Mets to Washington.”

Meeting the manager

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Dugan) — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 21:14:00 +0000

New manager Darin Everson, pictured, was in town Thursday and Friday for the Wild Things' media luncheon and an invitation-only tryout camp.

My first impression of the new manager? The guy likes to talk. That's good news for the players, fans and media. It's probably not so good for the Frontier League's umpires.

Among some of the items Everson talked about Thursday:

* Though the Wild Things have not announced the contract signings, Everson mentioned outfielder Chris Sidick, second baseman Michael Parker, catcher Alan Robbins and pitcher Justin Edwards will be back with the team. Sidick will fill one of the three Veteran roster spots, while Parker and Robbins are two of the three L2 players.

Washington has one Vet spot and one L2 to fill. The decision to re-sign Robbins is an interesting one because his .234 batting average last year was a career-high in four pro seasons. You usually don't see an L2 hitter with a .215 career batting average. Robbins is more valuable as a defensive catcher. He threw out 23 percent of opposing base stealers last year (the league average was 25.8 percent).

* Everson already has contracts out to "seven to 10 guys" who were cut from minor league spring training.

"I'm looking for pitchers who pound the strike zone," Everson said. "Independent baseball leagues are generally known as offensive leagues. Washington had a .263 batting average last year – which is good – but was in the middle of the pack in the Frontier League. You know the offense is going to be there. If you have pitchers who pound the zone with strikes, then you have a chance to be special."

Washington led the league in walks allowed for most of last season and finished with 427. Only Gateway (428) issued more. It was no surprise that Washington finished 15 games out of first place in the East and Gateway was 16 out in the West.

* Everson likes his coaching staff of Wild Things holdover Bob Bozzuto, pitching coach Mark Dewey and hitting coach Dana Williams. Dewey, who spent part of his major league career with the Pittsbugh Pirates, has been a coach in the New York Mets' system and Williams spent 12 years coaching in the Seattle Mariners' system.

"I think our coaching staff, in terms of experience, rivals that of any coaching staff in minor-league baseball," Everson said.

Cochran starts at Double-A

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Dugan) — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 23:34:00 +0000

Former Wild Things pitcher Tom Cochran, pictured, who last year went from the independent ranks to Class AAA in the Cincinnati Reds' organization, will start the 2010 season with the Carolina Mudcats in the Double-A Southern League.

Cochran had a 5-6 record between Double-A and Triple-A last year after being signed by the Reds from Lancaster of the independent Atlantic League. During spring training, Cochran was pitching with Triple-A Louisville and threw four hitless innings in a start March 29. He was on Louisville's roster until Wednesday. Louisville had 18 pitchers Tuesday, and still has 14 (seven lefties) as of this writing.

Carolina opens its season Thursday against the Birmingham Barons, which is an affiliate of the Chicago White Sox. Birmingham's starting first baseman is likely to be former Peters Township High School standout Jim Gallagher. Though not on the 40-man roster, Gallagher started a couple of spring training games with the major-league team and had about a dozen at-bats.

Busy, busy, busy

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Dugan) — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 20:42:00 +0000

This will be the busiest week of the offseason for new Wild Things manager Darin Everson. Affiliated minor-league teams made their final cuts either over last weekend or early this week, so it's now a feeding frenzy for the independent league managers, who are sifting through the releases to find players who fit their league and team.

Everson and his coaching staff will be in Washington on Thursday and Friday – just in time for the rain and cold front. The Wild Things will host a media luncheon Thursday, and a tryout camp for released pro players on Friday (weather permitting).

Pitching will likely attract much of Everson's attention. Washington has announced the signing of only three pitchers: right-handers Zach Groh, Andy Schindling and Rob Hedrick.

Lucas traded

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Dugan) — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 21:33:00 +0000

The Wild Things have traded former Trinity High School standout Michael Lucas to Laredo of the independent United League in exchange for pitcher Ryne Nelson.

Lucas pitched in 35 games (all in relief) last season and had a 2-2 record, one save and 3.24 ERA. Opponents batted only .231 against Lucas. From the beginning of the season through July, Lucas was probably the best pitcher the Wild Things had last season. On July 29, Lucas' ERA was a mere 1.93 ERA. At one stretch, the right-hander allowed only three runs over 13 appearances, many of which were multiple-inning stints.

According to the Wild Things, Lucas' girlfriend lives in Texas and he requested a trade to a team in the Lone Star state.

Nelson is a right-hander from Hitchcok, Texas. He has two years of independent league experience with three teams. Last year, Nelson split the season between Texarkana of the Continental League and Grand Prairie of the American Association. He had a combined 2-0 record with four saves and and an impressive 1.27 ERA.

Nelson was drafted in 2004 in the 48th round by the Minnesota Twins but did not sign. he played collegiately at Western Carolina and Lamar.

"I think this trade benefits both teams,” Washington manager Darin Everson. “With Lucas moving down to Texas with his fiance, he will have the opportunity to pitch near family and will do well for Laredo. We are very excited to have Ryne join the Wild Things. He is a hard-throwing reliever who will strengthen our bullpen."

Coaching staff announced

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Dugan) — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 21:06:00 +0000

The Wild Things announced Wednesday its three-member coaching staff for first-year manager Darin Everson. The coaches include one holder from previous seasons, one former Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher and one former coach in the affiliated ranks.

Bob Bozzuto will be back for his fifth season with the Wild Things as the team's bench coach. Last year, Bozzuto was the third-base coach for the Wild Things.

“Bob brings a great factor to our coaching staff with his experience with the Frontier League," Everson said. "He really knows the ins and outs of the league.”

Mark Dewey, pictured, who spent six seasons (1990 and 1992-96) in the major leagues including two as a relief pitcher with the Pittsburgh Pirates, will be Washington's pitching coach. Dewey had a 12-7 career record with the Pirates, San Francisco Giants and New York Mets. Dewey spent the 1993 and '94 seasons with the Pirates, appearing in 66 games with a 3-3 record and eight saves.

Dewey was the pitching coach at Emory & Henry College last spring. His previous coaching experience includes working as the pitching coach with the Kingsport Mets in 2000 and 2002 and with the Aiken Foxhounds of the independent South Coast League in 2007.

“I am excited to join the Wild Things organization and am looking forward to working with Darin,” Dewey said. “I'm also excited to return to the Pittsburgh area, as I enjoyed the two summers I spent with the Pirates.”

The third coach will be hitting coach Dana Williams. A Weirton, W.Va., native, Williams spent 12 years coaching in the Seattle Mariners' system, serving as manager of the Mariners' team in the rookie-level Arizona League for two years and as a hitting coach with various affiliates for 10 years. He played minor league ball for seven seasons (1983-89) in the Boston Red Sox and Chicago White Sox systems. Williams made it to the majors in 1989 and appeared in eight games for Boston.

One interesting note about Williams is he had one major-league hit (1-for-5). It was a double off Minensota's Allan Anderson in a June game.

“Dana has significant minor-league coaching experience. He not only has expertise in hitting, but also in base running and outfielding, so we look for him to help our players in those areas as well," Everson said.

Todd Marlin, the Wild Things' managing director, said, “We are very excited to have a coaching staff with this amount of experience for the 2010 season. We feel these four coaches will do an excellent job putting a quality team on the field and give Washington a great opportunity to capture our first Frontier League championship.”

Young cruises into the FL

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Dugan) — Sat, 20 Mar 2010 21:14:00 +0000

Dmitri Young, pictured, who spent more than a decade in the major leagues as an outfielder and first baseman, has joined the Oakland County Cruisers as vice-president and senior adviser-baseball operations for Diamond Heroes of Southeast Michigan, Inc., the ownership group of the Cruisers.

Below is a link to the story about the hiring from the Oakland Press.

Read the story here.

What I found interesting about the story is the Cruisers' ballpark is still not under construction. Apparently, owner Rob Hilliard has been attempting to get a group of investors from Long Beach, Calif., to provide additional funding. Hilliard said he wants construction to begin no later than April. The Cruisers will play some of their home games at Eastern Michigan University (again). The site for a July 6-8 series against Normal is listed on the Cruisers' homepage as "TBD" and the July 16-18 series against the Wild Things is still listed as the first game in Waterford Township at the new ballpark.

Three months to build a ballpark? Here's saying it won't be close to being ready by July 16.

What I found extremely entertaining about the article are the reader comments. If you thought this blog had wild comments, then this story is must-read material.

Vecchio's 6 things about the Things

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Dugan) — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 20:54:00 +0000

Though it didn't make the story in Thursday's edition of the Observer-Reporter about Ross Vecchio, pictured, resigning as general manager of the Wild Things, I asked Vecchio to give me five things he will remember most about his days with Washington and the Frontier League. He gave me six:

Opening night in 2002 – "Just getting there was a major undertaking. Then, after a few weeks, it was automatic that the ballpark was going to be packed every night. The community had embraced this team, which made all the hard work worthwhile."

The 2005 All-Star Game – "Those two nights – the skills competition and the game – stand as one of the best all-star games in Frontier League history. We sold out both nights, the skills competition and the game, which was unheard of for the league."

The players – "We had more than 30 players move on to affiliated ball, from Ben Ally, who was the first, to Tom Cochran and Patrick Stanley, both of whom made it to Triple-A last summer."

The 2007 season – "We had our backs against the wall just to make the playoffs that year and nobody really gave us a shot to win. But we win two games we weren't expected to at Gateway, then get to the finals. It was disappointing that we didn't win the championship. I remember sitting in the stands at Windy City late during Game 5 and thinking how much a championship would have meant to our fans. I know it meant a lot to Windy City, but I think it would have meant more to this community, our fans, our staff and to to this organization.

"In 2002, when we made it to the finals, I don't think we realized the magnitude of what we had accomplished and how difficult it would be to get back to the finals. We were caught up in the moment."

Community reaction to the team – "One of the most amazing things I've seen is going to Pirates games or even Steelers games and seeing people wearing Wild Things shirts or hats. I was at a Steelers game once and had a guy walk up to me and say 'That was a great trade you made for ...' That's something you don't expect to happen at a a Steelers game."

The Barry Bonds contract offer – "That, of course, was a publicity stunt in the middle of winter, but we didn't expect it to take off like it did. ... For the 48 hours after we issued the press release, the phones here and my phone were ringing off the hook. People were asking me to appear on radio talk shows all over the country, especially in San Francisco. Even Jim Rome was talking about it on his shows.

"The most amazing thing about that was, some people in the Frontier League didn't like it. Several teams called (FL commissioner) Bill Lee and complained that Bonds doesn't meet the league's age limit. They complained so much that Bill had to take the press release down off the league's Web site. Barry Bonds wasn't going to sign with us, but Bill still had to explain some things to the teams that were complaining. We opened that year at Chillicothe, and Bill said that if Washington rolled into Chillicothe with Barry Bonds on the team, 'Do you think I'm going to tell (then-Paints owner) Chris Hanners and the thousands who would show up at the ballpark that Barry Bonds can't play? No.'"

Super Vet?

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Dugan) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 22:51:00 +0000

When talking to Ross Vecchio earlier this week about his resignation from the Wild Things, he passed on this interesting nugget of information about a Frontier League rules change this season that involves rosters.

The FL has carved its niche in the independent baseball landscape by having a strick age limit. It's the only independent league that has an age limit. No FL player can be 27 years old prior to Jan. 1 of any season.

Teams lose players to the age limit rule every season. The Wild Things are no exception. Players like Shaun Argento, Josh Loggins, Aaron Ledbetter and Grant Psomas have aged out of the league while with Washington.

This season, however, teams can add what will be termed a Vet-2 to their roster. This is any player ages 28-30 who has played at least 100 games with a franchise in previous seasons. Teams can have only one Vet-2 on the roster and he will count against the limit of three Veterans.

Looking at the Wild Things' roster last season, Brett Grandstrand falls under the Vet-2 category. Psomas, though he played the entire 2009 season with Washington, could not be a Vet-2 because he did not play 100 games with the Wild Things.

Had this rule in place since 2002 -- when the Wild Things joined the Frontier League -- Washington would have had the option of keeping players like Argento, Loggins, Chris Carter, Travis Copley etc.

Wild Things swing trade

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Dugan) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 01:08:00 +0000

Outfielder Phil Laurent, who helped the Wild Things climb back into the playoff race last July before suffering a season-ending knee injury, has been traded by Washington to the Normal CornBelters, the Frontier League's newest team.

In exchange for Laurent, who batted .335 with eight home runs in 49 games for the Wild Things, Washington receives the rights to first baseman Paul Chmiel and infielder Pat Kenny. Neither team announced the trade Monday but it was listed on the Frontier League's homepage.

Laurent suffered the season-ending injury in a play at home plate during a game at Florence in late July.

Chmiel (6-5, 200) was drafted in the 22nd round by the Baltimore Orioles in 2005 out of Mount Pocono High School. He spent four seasons in the O's system with his best year being 2006 when, as a 19-year-old, he batted .286 with 13 doubles in 44 games for the rookie-level Appalachian League. An Internet search revealed no statistics for Chmiel in 2009.

Kenny (6-4, 215) appears to be a former player at Madonna University, an NAIA school, and Saginaw Valley State, an NCAA Division II program. Both schools are located in Michigan. He played third base for Madonna.

With the addition of Chmiel, the Wild Things have acquired three first basemen in the last month. The others are Robbie Wine and Adam Amar.

What's next for Wild Things?

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Dugan) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 23:58:00 +0000

Now that they've hired Todd Marlin to run the franchise's daily operations, cleaned house in the ticketing department, changed job responsibilities for several front-office employees and hired Darin Everson, pictured, as manager, the focus for the Wild Things becomes putting together a team.

Washington has announced the signing of only five players -- outfielders Matt Cotellese and Mark McGonigle, first basemen Adam Amar and Cory Wine, and infielder Rich Michalek. Pitchers Craig Snipp and Nick Petersen have retired and pitcher Brian McCullough has been released. The Wild Things picked up the option on 13 others players including seven pitchers.

What areas will gain the most attention of Everson and general manager Ross Vecchio during the weeks leading up to spring training? Here's thinking the left side of the infield and pitching will be the priorities (isn't pitching always a priority?). The catching situation must be cleared up and a decision must be made on what to do with the remaining Veteran roster spot.

Chris Raniere is the only shortstop or third baseman on the roster with pro experience, so I'd expect at least two players will be signed after minor-league spring training to fill those positions. If Michael Parker returns, that will solidify second base. Amar would have the inside track for the first base job with Wine, son of Penn State coach Robbie Wine, having a shot to play first or the outfield.

Alan Robbins and Kyle Obal are the only catchers on the roster. Obal had just 11 at-bats last year and Robbins is an L2, which is usually a roster spot reserved for an impact hitter. That's something Robbins has never been in his career. His reputation is that of a solid defensive catcher, which means Washington is likely to be in the market for two catchers.

The holdover pitchers are lefty Jason Neitz and right-handers Andy Schindling, Keith Meyer, Zach Groh, Rob Hedrick, Michael Lucas and Justin Edwards.

The Frontier League voted last year to increase the number of L2 (players with the equivalent of two full seasons in professional ball) roster spots to three beginning in the 2010 season. That leaves with the Wild Things with one open Vet spot and one L2 (two if Robbins is not back). If you build your team the right way, then the Vets and L2s are the guys who should carry your team.

The Wild Things have plenty of roster flexibility, but finding a shortstop and third baseman and putting together a pitching staff should be at the top of Everson's to-do list.

Billy Petrick: From the majors to the Frontier

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Dugan) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 23:24:00 +0000

Here's a link to a New York Times story about former Chicago Cubs pitcher Billy Petrick, who made it to the big leagues in 2007 before his right shoulder gave out on him. He ended up in the Frontier League last season, pitching in 11 games for Windy City before blowing out his right elbow. If it weren't for bad luck, Petrick would have no luck at all.

Read the story here.

Have some Wine with that?

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Dugan) — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 22:07:00 +0000

The Wild Things don't have a manager but they do have their third player signed for 2010. The team announced Monday the signing of first baseman/outfielder Cory Wine.

If pedigree means anything, the Wild Things made a good signing. Wine is a third-generation professional player. He's the son of Robbie Wine, who was an All-American at Oklahoma State, the No. 8 pick in the 1983 Major League draft and is the current head coach at Penn State. He's also the grandson of former major league shortstop Bobby Wine.

“Cory comes from a baseball background and has been around the game his entire life,” said Wild Things general manager Ross Vecchio. “Scouts have raved about his power potential and we feel he’ll be able to realize that potential with the Wild Things.”

As a senior at Penn State in 2009, Wine batted .307 with five home runs and 41 RBI.

The Philadelphia Phillies drafted Wine in the 38th round last June. He appeared in 34 games for the Phillies' affiliate in the rookie-level Gulf Coast League but batted only .189.

Washington made one other move, trading right-handed relief pitcher Aaron Guinn (0-0, 4.91) to the Las Cruces Vaqueros of the Continental League in exchange for future considerations.

By the way, there are only 79 shopping days left before the start of Frontier League spring training. Time to pick a manager, wouldn't you say?

Cleaning out the notebook

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Dugan) — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 23:52:00 +0000

Received an email notice today that the Wild Things are holding a snowman contest. Build a snowman wearing Wild Things gear, take a picture, send it to the team. Winner gets something.

Maybe the winning snowman will be named manager.

* An interesting trade from earlier this month had the Kalamazoo Kings sending shortstop Kyle Higgins, outfielders Jeff Grose, OF Brandon Anderson and OF Josh Short, third baseman Amos Ramon, second baseman Joe Ramos and right-handed pitcher John Brownell to the Lake County Fielders in exchange for three pitchers, an infielder and future considerations.

Basically, Kalamazoo sent six starting position players from last year and their best pitcher to Lake County to be reunited with former Kings manager Fran Riordan. Kalamazoo is starting from scratch under new manager Jamie Keefe.

* The Rockford Riverhawks, formerly of the Frontier League and now of the no-age-limit Northern League, have signed Randall Simon.

That's the same Randall Simon who played for the Pittsburgh Pirates and is best known for using a bat to plunk Guido the Italian Sausage during a between-innings sausage race at Miller Park in Milwaukee.

* There are 81 days remaining before Frontier League spring training and the Wild Things still don't have a manager.

* Former Wild Things outfielder Matt Sutton has signed a contract with the Lake Erie Crushers.

* Yancy Yeater, who worked for the Wild Things for four years and coordinated the audio and video at Consol Energy Park before being let go during the offseason purge, has started a Frontier Legaue blog. You can view it at http://frontierleague.blogspot.com/

* Former Wild Things manager Jeff Isom (2002-03) is returning as manager of the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, the Milwaukee Brewers' affiliate in the Class A Midwest League.

* Former Wild Things second baseman Ryan Ellis will be the hitting coach of the Savannah Sand Gnats, the New York Mets' affiliate in the Class A South Atlantic League.

84 days and counting

noreply@blogger.com (Chris Dugan) — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 22:16:00 +0000

In case you're not counting, there are 84 days remaining until the start of Frontier League spring training ... and still no manager for the Wild Things.

It will likely take 84 days to remove the snow from Consol Energy Park.