Roster moves

The Wild Things made the first of what could be several roster moves (just a hunch) prior to next week's road trip to Southern Illinois and River City.

Kevin Reese, a right-handed pitcher who played this spring for Lafayette College, has been signed and outfielder Mike Butia (right) has retired.

Reese had a 4-5 record and 2.90 ERA this year at Lafayette. He gave up only 55 hits in 68.1 innings pitched. As a junior, Reese had a 7-1 record.

Butia, a former 5th-round draft pick of the Cleveland Indians, was a player the Wild Things long coveted and was supposed to be a power bat in the middle of the lineup. The former North Allegheny High School standout was batting only .174 (4-for-23 with 8 strikeouts).

Butia was one of three veterans - players with the equivalent of at least three years of pro experience - on the Wild Things' roster. Veterans are typically the most reliable and productive players on the roster, and Washington has rarely been without the league-limit of three veterans. Thus, it's likely a vet will soon be added to the roster.

Butia's retirement means the Wild Things have only three outfielders (don't count Jacob Dempsey, he's a designated hitter). That means infielder Phil Butch will be the emergency outfielder.