Where have you gone Matt Swope?

The Wild Things sent out a press release Tuesday about former Washington outfielder Matt Swope (2005), pictured, who is co-host of a sports talk radio show in Baltimore.

According to the release, the "Swope and Suter Show" airs on Monday nights from 5-7 p.m on the ESPN affiliate in Baltimore. Swope is co-host with Steve Suter, a former All-American wide receiver and kick returner at the University of Maryland. Swope played his collegiate baseball at Maryland.

“I have always been really passionate about sports, and I realized all I did was listen to talk radio and comment on what they would say. Suter and I did our own show on I-tunes and the Internet for four months. We did a demo for CBS/ESPN and they liked us,” Swope said.

“I keep myself very busy. I’m working on my Master’s degree. I do a lot of fundraising for cancer research (Matt lost his sister to cancer in 2008), and I love doing the radio show. I do, however, miss playing baseball every day."

Two former Things back in FL

Two former Wild Things have signed contracts to play in the Frontier League -- but not with Washington -- in 2010.

Relief pitcher Travis Risser, who had an excellent season (4-2, six saves, 1.09 ERA) with the Wild Things in 2007 before being picked up by Tampa Bay, has signed a deal with Lake Erie, where he'll be reunited with former Washington manager John Massarelli. Risser was injured during spring training this year and released by the Devil Rays.

Outfielder Tim Alberts, who played for Washington in 2008, signed with Windy City after being acquired by the ThunderBolts in a trade with Joliet of the Northern League. There was much speculation from the Washington coaches and front office late last season that the Wild Things were going to re-acquire Alberts in a trade with Joliet but that never materialized.

New addition to front office?

Here is the link to a story about Bridgeport Bluefish of the Atlantic League naming a new general manager. Why is this newsworthy for this blog? Well, you'll notice that the Bluefish needed a new GM because their previous one, a guy named Todd Marlin, pictured, has left the organization to take a "similar position with the Washington (Pa.) Wild Things."

I contacted the Wild Things about this Wednesday and was told that a press release would likely be issued later in the day. Nothing was issued Wednesday, so stay tuned.

The Connecticut Post reported Nov. 26 that Marlin had resigned from the Bluefish. According to the newspaper, Marlin said he was seriously considering a new baseball opportunity closer to his hometown of Dayton, Ohio, but couldn't comment on anything.

"I really can't talk yet," Marlin said. "There are still a lot of particulars out there that have to be worked out before any announcements can be made. But I'm excited."

Before go to the Bluefish, Marlin had spent eight seasons as the general manager of the Atlantic League's Nashua Pride (1998-2005) and spent a season with the Worcester Tornados of the Can-Am League in 2006.


Read the story here.

UPDATE: From the Wild Things' press release:

Todd Marlin has been hired to be the Managing Director of the organization.

“On behalf of the ownership group, we are extremely excited to have Todd Marlin join our team as Managing Director,” said Jeff Coury, Managing Partner. “His previous minor league experience makes him the perfect fit to lead our organization, while continuing our mission of offering affordable family entertainment and with making CONSOL Energy Park a vital asset within the community in 2010 and beyond. ”

“I’m very excited to join the Wild Things’ organization,” Marlin said. “This franchise has a fantastic reputation in the baseball world, and I look forward to making the 2010 season the best season yet.”