Monday, March 8, 2010

Wild Things swing trade

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.

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6 Comments:

Anonymous Benside said...

Sign Big Ben and you can have 4 first basemen.
He would also be an instant him in the hot tub.

March 8, 2010 at 6:21 PM  
Anonymous Natural Grass said...

The rumors at the end of last season were true. Ross Vecchio did go to CUP as an "athletic supporter".

March 10, 2010 at 3:18 PM  
Blogger Swisscheda said...

From the Frontier League site, further to the post above:
WASHINGTON GM ROSS VECCHIO RESIGNS TO TAKE POSITION WITH CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY



The Washington Wild Things, presented by Washington Financial, announced today that general manager Ross Vecchio has resigned. Vecchio has accepted a position with California University of Pennsylvania, where he will serve as director of athletic development for the university.

Vecchio, the 2004 Frontier League Executive of the Year, had been the general manager of the Wild Things since the team’s inception in 2002. The franchise was honored as the Frontier League Organization of the year in 2002, 2004 and 2005 with Vecchio at the helm. Prior to his resignation, Vecchio was the longest tenured general manager working in the Frontier League.

“The past eight seasons have been some of the best of my baseball career,” said Vecchio. “Our organization has accomplished a lot during that time and I would like to thank all the staff, managers, coaches and players who contributed to that success.”

“The opportunity I have been presented with at California University is a perfect fit for me professionally at this time in my career,” he said.

Prior to joining the Wild Things, Vecchio served as general manager of the Jupiter Hammerheads of the Florida State League where he oversaw spring training for the Montreal Expos and the St. Louis Cardinals. He has worked in the baseball industry for more than 20 years, including with the Philadelphia Phillies, New York Mets, Lehigh Valley Black Diamonds and Salem Avalanche. With the Mets organization, he was the Florida State League Executive of the Year in 1994.

Todd Marlin, managing director of the Washington Wild Things, said, “Ross has been a huge part of the Wild Things’ success in the last nine years. We thank him for his contributions to the organization, and wish him the best of luck for future endeavors.”

The Wild Things open their ninth season on May 21 at CONSOL Energy Park when they host the Oakland County Cruisers. Individual tickets will go on sale on April 10 during the Wild Things’ Open House from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Season ticket packages are available at the box office or by calling 724-250-9555.

March 10, 2010 at 3:30 PM  
Anonymous MoneyMan said...

wow, thats really breaking news, I'm pretty sure I reportred that in August of last season... hmmm

March 10, 2010 at 3:51 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

You know what they say about rats off a sinking ship!
If Ross thinks working for Angelo Armenti will be an easy job well, he is in for one BIG awakening. The old man will drive Vecchio out of his mind before you know it. Ross is a hothead and so is Angelo.
Since Angelio makes more money than Ed Rendell and, since ol' Angelo has driven MANY people out of their jobs at Cal U, look for Ross in some other minor league baseball job in a couple of years.

March 12, 2010 at 8:31 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Natural Ass is one smart cookie.
NOT.........................
HAHAHAHAHAHA HA HA HA

March 19, 2010 at 6:22 PM  

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