Stanley to Atlantic League

Former Wild Things pitcher Patrick Stanley has signed with the Newark Bears of the independent Atlantic League.

Stanley a Lakewood, N.J. resident, had an 8-4 record and 2.72 ERA in 22 starts with Washington in 2006 and led the Frontier League with 111 strikeouts. Last year, he was 1-2 in four games before undergoing season-ending rib surgery. He had the top rib removed near his right armpit to correct a bloodflow problem.

Newark is the team that former Wild Things Jack Headley and Pat Peavey played for last season.

Though he has signed with Newark, Stanley could find his way back to Washington if he doesn't make the Bears' opening day roster. The Atlantic League season begins April 25. Two players from the 2007 Wild Things - pitcher Aaron Ledbetter and outfielder Jarod Rine - were in camp last spring with Newark but were dealt to Washington.

You would think that after pitching so little last year Stanley will be a longshot to make the Bears' roster - the Atlantic League is the top independent league, so there will be plenty of talent in camp - though the right-hander does have what the scouts call "a tremendous upside."