Back to the ballpark

After 10 days of playing intrasquad and simulated games, the Wild Things finally face another team today when they play the Lake Erie Crushers - managed by John Massarelli - in a day-night exhibition doubleheader today at Consol Energy Park.

First-year Washington manager Mark Mason indicated that he prefers to have his roster trimmed to 24 or 25 players by Sunday, so the three weekend exhibition games against Lake Erie might be the final chances for players to make a good impression. Most of the undecided roster spots are on the pitching staff, especially in the bullpen. Jon Lewis will be the closer, and two or three relief spots will go to pitchers who lost out in the competition for starting positions. That leaves no more than three spots open, so guys like Trinity graduate Michael Lucas, Dan Horvath, Matt Maradeo, Kyle Heyne, Kedrick Martin, California University product Rob Hedrick and Kalen Gearhart might need a good weekend to make the club. Corey Bachman (shoulder) is a candidate to begin the season on the disabled list.

The starting position players will be Ernie Banks at first base, Michael Parker at second base, Brett Granstrand at shortstop, Grant Psomas at third base, Chris Sidick, Matt Sutton and Chris Demons in the outfield with Jacob Dempsey as the DH. Kris Rochelle and Alan Robbins will handle the catching. That leaves no more than three bench spots to be won. One of those spots will go to an infielder, either Chris Carrara or Joe Spiers. It's doubtful that Mason will keep both players. Dempsey will be the fourth outfielder, which might open up a spot for first baseman Aaron Janusey, a Peters Township graduate. It wouldn't surprise me if the Wild Things bring in another outfielder before the regular season starts.