One month to opening day
The clock must seem as if it's ticking at warp speed these days for the Wild Things' coaching staff and front office. Time is running out as they put the finishing touches on the roster, the ballpark and an operational plan for the season.
Washington announced the signing of four players Wednesday, but two of those didn't come as a surprise. Pitcher Justin Edwards will be back for his second season after tying the team record by pitching in 43 games a year ago. Edwards had a 4-5 record and 5.40 ERA but struck out 70 in 60 innings. Edwards' was at the team's media luncheon earlier this month, so we knew he was returning.
Also signed is pitcher Ryne Nelson, who was acquired last month from Laredo of the independent United League in the trade for Michael Lucas.
The other two signings are left-handed pitchers, Sean Grieve and Spencer Hylander. Grieve is from Flourtown, Pa., and a graduate of Germantown Academy. He played at William & Mary and spent two seasons in the Philadelphia Phillies' system.
“We look for Sean to be an important part of our bullpen this summer. I was able to see him pitch in 2008, and feel he's has the potential to be a guy we can rely on to get big outs as he's averaged a strikeout per inning in his first pro seasons,” said Wild Things manager Darin Everson.
Hylander played at Oklahoma Baptist University and was drafted in the last round (50th) in 2009 by the Houston Astros.
“He comes to us with great reports and we look forward to have him compete for one of our spots in the starting rotation," Everson said. "With the Astros, he showed very good command and deception as displayed in his impressive opponent batting average (.237).”
I was told there will be two or three more signings announced Thursday. There are still several huge holes in the roster – open Veteran and L2 spots along with no shortstop with significant pro experience.
The Wild Things open the season at home May 21 against the Oakland County Cruisers. By the way, the Cruisers have yet to start construction on their new ballpark, which is scheduled for a July 16 opening against Washington. If you believe that will happen, then I have some swamp land in Florida I'd like to sell you.
Washington announced the signing of four players Wednesday, but two of those didn't come as a surprise. Pitcher Justin Edwards will be back for his second season after tying the team record by pitching in 43 games a year ago. Edwards had a 4-5 record and 5.40 ERA but struck out 70 in 60 innings. Edwards' was at the team's media luncheon earlier this month, so we knew he was returning.
Also signed is pitcher Ryne Nelson, who was acquired last month from Laredo of the independent United League in the trade for Michael Lucas.
The other two signings are left-handed pitchers, Sean Grieve and Spencer Hylander. Grieve is from Flourtown, Pa., and a graduate of Germantown Academy. He played at William & Mary and spent two seasons in the Philadelphia Phillies' system.
“We look for Sean to be an important part of our bullpen this summer. I was able to see him pitch in 2008, and feel he's has the potential to be a guy we can rely on to get big outs as he's averaged a strikeout per inning in his first pro seasons,” said Wild Things manager Darin Everson.
Hylander played at Oklahoma Baptist University and was drafted in the last round (50th) in 2009 by the Houston Astros.
“He comes to us with great reports and we look forward to have him compete for one of our spots in the starting rotation," Everson said. "With the Astros, he showed very good command and deception as displayed in his impressive opponent batting average (.237).”
I was told there will be two or three more signings announced Thursday. There are still several huge holes in the roster – open Veteran and L2 spots along with no shortstop with significant pro experience.
The Wild Things open the season at home May 21 against the Oakland County Cruisers. By the way, the Cruisers have yet to start construction on their new ballpark, which is scheduled for a July 16 opening against Washington. If you believe that will happen, then I have some swamp land in Florida I'd like to sell you.
Labels: Justin Edwards, Ryne Nelson, Sean Grieve, Spencer Hylander
posted by Chris Dugan at
2:18 PM
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