Alumni report

The Wild Things have five former players currently in minor league spring training, led by left-handed pitcher Tom Cochran (pictured).

Last year, Cochran became the first ex-Wild Thing to make it to the majors when he was with the Cincinnati Reds for two games. He did not, however, play in either game and was sent back to Class AAA Louisville, for whom he went 7-4 with a 3.55 ERA.

Cochran was a minor-league free agent after the 2011 season and has signed with the Philadelphia Phillies. He'll try to earn a spot on the Phillies' Class AAA affiliate Lehigh Valley.

Also with the Phillies is right-handed pitcher Casey Barnes, who was second in the Frontier League in ERA last year.

Milwaukee has two former Wild Things relievers in left-hander Alan Williams and righty Mark Williams. Alan Williams had an impressive season last year split between rookie ball and Class A, going 2-2 with six saves and 49 strikeouts in 32.2 innings in affiliated ball.

Lefty pitcher Vidal Nuno, who was the Wild Things' opening day starter last year, is in the New York Yankees' minor-league camp.