First round of cuts

The Wild Things trimmed their roster to the 28-player limit Sunday by releasing the following:

- Left-handed pitchers Cory Caruso and Tyler Stovall

- Right-handed pitchers Quintavious Drains, Tanner Hamilton and Dominick Ruscetti

- Corner infielder Coty Pate

- First baseman/outfielder Corey LeVier

- Catcher Mike Perez

Seven of the eight players cut were classified as Rookies. The only player classified as Experienced is Stovall, who played in the Atlanta Braves system for four years before joining the Normal CornBelters last year.

Caruso and LeVier were obtained in the trade with River City that sent Casey Barnes and Mike Bando to the Rascals. The Wild Things now have nothing to show for that trade.

Fifteen of the 28 players on the active roster played for Washington last year. The Wild Things have never gone into an opening day with more nine returning players from the previous season's final roster.

Of the players released, I was most surprised to find Caruso on the cut list. I thought he had a chance to make it to opening day. Pate also showed that he has some potential.

Washington must get down to 24 players before Friday's season opener at Schaumburg. There are 15 players classified as Experienced or Veteran (not counting Rogelio Noris and Mario Yepez, both of whom are on the DL). At least two of those 15 players must be dropped from the active roster to meet Frontier League rules.

My guess is, one pitcher, one infielder and two outfielders will be let go to get down to 24 players.