Nuno makes Yankees' roster for opening day

Vidal Nuno will become the first former Wild Things player to make an opening roster in the major leagues when the New York Yankees play at the Houston Astros Tuesday night.

Nuno, who was the Wild Things' opening day pitcher in 2011, has made the Yankees as a relief pitcher. The Yankees informed the 26-year-old Nuno on Saturday that he made the big-league club.

“It’s really, really special, just knowing that all the hard work I put in in the offseason has just paid off a little bit, but there’s a long season ahead," Nuno told reporters. "Just want to take it day by day now, so just like I did in spring training. ... It was unbelievable how everything just came true a little bit. Now, I gotta stick here and just produce. I can sleep a little bit better now, just knowing that I’m heading to Houston and then New York. It’s just a long journey, so I’m just really happy, really thrilled about how I got the news and now it’s back to work.”

In that opening day start for the Wild Things in 2011, Nuno gave up two earned runs over six innings and struck out six at Joliet, but he lost to the Slammers and their starting pitcher, Billy Petrick, who retired 19 consecutive Washington hitters at one point. Petrick was a former major leaguer, having pitched with the Chicago Cubs. That had to be one of the few Frontier League games in which both starting pitchers also pitched in the major leagues.

Nuno again playing waiting game

Vidal Nuno's travel plans for the baseball season will again be undecided on the final day of spring training.

The former Wild Things pitcher will learn today where he will open the 2014 season -- either in the major leagues with the New York Yankees or in Class AAA at Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

Nuno began spring training in competition for the fifth spot in the Yankees' starting rotation, only to see that go to high-priced Michael Pineda, who hasn't pitched in the major leagues since 2011, when he finished fifth in the American League Rookie of the Year voting. Pineda was injured for all of 2012 and limited to 10 minor-league appearances last year.

During spring training last year, Nuno was sent to the minors in the final roster cuts. He was recalled early in the season and pitched in five games (three starts) to become the first former Wild Things player to appear in a major league game. Nuno had a 1-2 record and a fine 2.25 ERA before being optioned back to the minors, where he eventually suffered a groin injury that caused him him sit out the rest of the season.

Nuno was informed Tuesday that he was no longer in contention for the Yankees' No. 5 starter spot, though he could earn a roster spot as a relief pitcher. Later Tuesday, Nuno went out and hurt his cause by giving up back-to-back homers to Philadelphia's Ryan Howard and Marlon Byrd in a spring training game. However, Nuno made a final pitch for a roster spot Thursday by throwing a perfect sixth inning in the Yankees' 4-2 win over the Pirates. Of the three batters he faced, Nuno struck out two (both looking), including Tony Sanchez.

Former Wild Things pitcher released

There is one less former Wild Things player in spring training. Left-handed pitcher Alan Williams was released last week by the Milwaukee Brewers.

Williams played in only three games with Washington in 2011 before being signed by the Brewers following an impressive outing out of the bullpen at home against Windy City. He moved from Low-Class A in 2011 to high-Class A the following year and appeared to have a legit chance at someday making it to the major leagues.

Williams' career, however, fell off the tracks last year. He began the season at Class AA Huntsville and continued to pitch very well, striking out 32 in 30 innings. However, he was suspended for 50 games under minor league baseball's drug program following a second positive test for a drug of abuse. He returned later in the year and pitched in five games at lower levels.

Where are they now?

Bruce Baldwin
 

The Wild Things have had more than 300 players pass through their clubhouse doors since they debuted in 2002. If you're a regular reader of this blog, then you know what some former players, coaches and front office people have been doing since they, to steal a phrase from Chuck Noll, have gotten on with their life's work. You know about Chris Sidick and his C-Side Sports Academy, you see Kent Tekulve on Root Sports, you know that Jeff Isom (Joliet), John Massarelli (Kansas City in the American Association) and Mark Mason (York in the Atlantic League) are still managing, and you might have bumped into Ross Vecchio scouting for the Seattle Mariners or working at California University.

But what about everybody else?

Some people have remained in baseball, others are working in whatever field their college degree has taken them. There have been success stories of former players becoming businessmen, government officials, politicians and even a TV "star." And just like in the "the real world" there have been some disappointments, like a former player being arrested for heroin possession.

I decided today to do a Google search and try to find out whatever happened to some of the people who we watched play, coach and manage baseball over the past 12 years. I picked players at random and here's what I learned about some of the people who popped up on my computer screen:

Bruce Baldwin - The former second baseman (2005) is one of the most interesting former players. He has worked for the U.S. Department of Defense and is currently Assistant Regional Security Officer for the U.S. Diplomatic Security Service at the U.S. Embassy in Kampala, Uganda. Baldwin also held the same role at the U.S. Embassy in Sudan. He was recently named "One of 20 Prominent George Mason University Alums."

John Cahill - The Wild Things shortstop in 2003 and '04 is manager of the North Shore Navigators, a team based out of Lynn, Mass., that plays in the summer Futures Collegiate Baseball League,

Andy Carter - Though he put up good numbers, Carter pitched in only 2 games for the Wild Things in 2006. His is now an assistant coach at Davidson University.

Chris Carter - Former outfielder (2005 and '06) is in his 5th season as Director of Baseball Operations at his alma mater, Coastal Carolina University.

John Delaney - Solid fielding third baseman for Washington in the second half of the 2010 season. Is currently associate head coach at his alma mater, Quinnipiac University.

Mark Dewey - The Wild Things' pitching coach in 2010 and '11. After two years as a coach in the Class A Florida State League, Dewey will be an assistant pitching coordinator for the Milwaukee Brewers.

Justin Edwards - Wheeling, W.Va., native who is in his second year as an assistant coach at his alma mater, West Liberty University.

Chad Ehrnsberger - Third baseman on the Wild Things' first team, in 2002, Ehrnsberger is an assistant coach at Ohio Northern University. Ehrnsberger almost won the Ohio state golf championships while in high school, and he spent three years as Ohio Northern's golf coach.

Ryan Ellis - Versatile second baseman on the 2002 and ;03 teams, Ellis is in his third year as manager of the St. Lucie Mets of the Class A Florida State League.

Darin Everson - The Wild Things' manager in 2010 and '11, Everson will be in his second year as the hitting coach for the Tulsa Drillers, the Colorado Rockies' affiliate in the Class AA Texas League.

Alex Gett - Played for the Wild Things late in 2007 when they were running low on pitchers heading into the playoffs. Was on the team that went to the finals. He's now a minor league strength coach of with the Kansas City Royals and will be working with their Appalachian League team in Burlington this year.

Mike Grady - Lefty reliever on the 2005 team is the pitching coach for Malone University in Canton, Ohio.

Drew Hoisington - Outfielder in 2008 who hit one of the most unlikely walkoff homers in Wild Things history. He's the head coach at Nordonia High School in Macedonia, Ohio.

Josh Loggins - The only Wild Things player to win the Frontier League MVP award (2003). Loggins is a financial advisor for Prudential Financial Planning in Lafayette, Ind. He also has coached in the Colt league World Series (ages 15 & 16).

Todd Marlin - The Wild Things' general manager in 2010 and '11, Marlin is back in baseball. He was hired earlier this month as the Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Brockton Rox of the independent Can-Am League. After leaving Washington, Marlin spent two years as senior sales manager for the New Hampshire Motor Speedway in Loudon, N.H.

Nick Massari - Played second base for Washington in the second half of the 2006 season. He is Assistant General Manager of Diamond Nation in Flemington, N.J. He oversees all baseball and softball events at Diamond Nation, including the Jennie Finch Softball Academy and the Jack Cust Baseball Academy.

Brian McCullough - Second on the 2009 team in wins, McCullough is the head coach at Longwood University, an NCAA Division I program in the Big South Conference.

Kyle Padgett - The shortstop on the Wild Things' 2007 team that went to the league finals, Padgett is the head coach at Bishop O'Connell in Arlington, Va.

Nick Peterson - Definitely one of the most interesting post-Wild Things careers. Peterson was a relief pitcher for Washington in 2009, saving 10 games. Two years later, Peterson was on television in "The Bachelorette," a show in which a woman dates 25 men and picks a winner. Peterson was eliminated in Episode 5. In 2012, Peterson was on another elimination-style reality game show called "Bachelor Pad" that was shown on ABC. Peterson won the competition, winning $250,000. I'm not a expert on reality shows, but from what I've read Peterson had an opportunity to share the money in the final episode with a female who was working as his "partner" on the show, but he opted to keep all the cash for himself. That has set up another show for Peterson, something called "Courting America." It seems to be a show in which Peterson goes around the country trying to prove that he's a nice guy. As for his real job, Peterson is a trainer in Tampa, Fla.

Adam Revelette - Pitched in one game for the Wild Things in 2007. His is a volunteer assistant coach at Baylor University.

Ricci Rich - The Wild Things' on-field MC in their first two seasons (maybe more - can't remember), he's now the athletic director at Moon Area High School in Coraopolis, Pa. If you're not from Western Pennsylvania, Moon is the alma mater of John Calipari.

Kris Rochelle - Former Wild Things catcher (2008-09) is an assistant coach at his alma mater, the University of Charlotte.

Andy Schindling - Went 4-3 in 11 starts for the Wild Things in 2009. Is owner of The Complete Player LLC, a baseball academy in Odenton, Md.

Craig Snipp - The Wild Things' opening day pitcher in 2009. His is an assistant coach at Lexington Catholic, a very good program in Kentucky.

Matt Swope - Outfielder (2005) still holds the Wild Things' record for longest hitting streak. After co-hosting a popular radio show in Baltimore, Swope is in his second year as the Director of Baseball Operations at his alma mater, the University of Maryland.

Todd Weaver - Second baseman was in Washington very long after being drafted by the Wild Things in 2003, but he's now the head coach at Berea College, an NAIA school in Kentucky. Berea plays in the same conference as Point Park.

Kyle Werman - Popular second baseman (200-07) is an assistant coach for St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia.

Shane Winkler - Primarily used a pinch-runner over the second half of the 2004 season, Winkler is now in his sixth season as the head women's softball coach at Charleston Southern University.

Matt Yurish - Pitched in 3 games for the Wild Things in 2008. Is an assistant coach at Alderson-Broaddus College.

Bianco released by Diamondbacks

Justin Bianco in his Peters Township days

Justin Bianco, a former Observer-Reporter Player of the Year while at Peters Township High School, was expected to be a part of the Arizona Diamondbacks' future when the outfielder was selected in the third round (93rd overall) in the 2011 draft.

Bianco, who was committed to playing college ball at Pitt, was signed by Arizona to a reported $369,00 signing bonus.

After three seasons in rookie ball, Bianco has been released by the Diamondbacks.

The 21-year-old played in 144 career games in affiliated ball, including 97 with the Missoula Osprey of the Pioneer League. He did get a three-game stint last year with Hillsboro of the Class A Northwest League.

Bianco had a .222 batting average. In 518 at-bats, he hit 27 doubles and five home runs with 65 RBI and 25 stolen bases. He had a .295 on-base percentage.

So what does a 21-year-old with three years of pro experience do? If Bianco wants to continue his baseball career, the Frontier League seems to be a viable option.

Most FL clubs typically wouldn't be quick to call a player with a .222 batting average in rookie ball, but Bianco does have one thing going for him -- his age. Bianco qualifies for Rookie status in the Frontier League because of the league's "21-year-old exemption." If a player is 21 or younger on Jan. 1, 2014, then he is classified as a Rookie instead of Experienced, regardless of how much pro experience has accumulated. Players who have Experience status are typically ones with multiple years of independent experience or have played several seasons in Class A or higher.

A Rookie with three years of pro experience is a desirable player in the Frontier League.

Should the Wild Things be interested in Bianco? They currently have only five outfielders on the roster. Stewart Ijames is coming off an all-star rookie season and is a lock to get one of the roster spots. Scott Kalamar, who struggled at the plate in his rookie campaign last year, apparently has not signed a contract for 2014. Jordan Keur is a rookie out of Michigan State and is considered to have much potential.

The other outfielders are Marinio Guzman, a Dominican who has no pro experience, though he's 23 year old, and Danny Poma, a speedster and former Diamondbacks minor leaguer who was a teammate of Bianco's in Missoula for a few games last season.

Bianco has more pro experienced than any outfielder on the Wild Things' roster. And, hey, he wouldn't require a host family.

Former Wild Things in spring training

Vidal Nuno pitches Saturday against Baltimore.

Two former Wild Things have been playing with major league teams in spring training.

Pitcher Vidal Nuno, who is the only ex-Wild Thing to play in a major league game, is trying to win the No. 5 starter spot for the New York Yankees. Nuno pitched well (1-2, 2.25) in five games, including three starts, with the Yankees last season before being sent back to Class AAA and suffering a season-ending groin injury. Nuno pitched in the Arizona Fall League and is trying to beat the odds to make the major-league club.

The No. 5 spot in the Yankees' rotation appears to be Michael Pineda's to lose, but Nuno had a strong outing in a start Saturday against the Baltimore Orioles. Nuno pitched four shutout innings, allowing only one hit and one walk with three strikeouts. Nuno had a no-hitter through three innings.

"Nuno was terrific," said Yankees coach Rob Thomson. "That's what he does. He works fast, throws strikes, changes speed behind in the count, throws all his pitches for strikes. He's a valuable guy because he can pick up a lot of innings out of the bullpen, he can start, and he can get lefties out. So he’s a versatile guy."

Nuno has pitched in two games against major-league opponents this spring, tossing six innings, allowing three hits, one run and one walk with six strikeouts. His two other outings were against Florida State University and a simulated game.

Quincy Latimore, who spent the second half of last summer as an outfielder for the Wild Things, has appeared in three spring games with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Latimore is 0-for-3 with one stolen base. He was 0-for-1 Sunday against Philadelphia.

Pitching staff takes Flight

Tim Flight

The Wild Things announced this week the addition of two former NCAA Division II pitchers, left-hander Tim Flight and right-hander Casey Cannon, who will compete for rosters spots during spring training in May.

Flight comes to Washington after two seasons in the New York Yankees’ organization. As a junior in 2012 at Southern New Hampshire University, Flight was a finalist for the Tino Martiznez Award, given annually to the top player in NCAA Division II. He had a 9-1 record and 1.31 ERA that year with 140 strikeouts in 102 2/3 innings. After the season, he was drafted in the 17th round by the Yankees.

In two seasons in New York’s system, Flight had a 3-7 record and 4.54 ERA with 70 strikeouts in 67 1/3 innings with Staten Island of the short-season New York-Penn League and the Yankees’ affiliate in the rookie-level Gulf Coast League.

“We’ve been talking to Tim Flight for some time, and we are excited that he decided to join the Wild Things organization,” Washington manager Bart Zeller said. “Tim comes highly recommended by several scouts from the East Coast.”

Flight will try to win a spot in the Wild Things’ starting rotation.

Cannon is a rookie out of LeMoyne University in Syracuse, N.Y., where he had a 3-5 record and 3.89 ERA in 11 starts for the Dolphins in 2013, his senior year. Cannon’s best season came in as a junior, when he was 9-0 with one save and a 1.42 ERA in 14 outings. He gave up only 48 hits that season in 92 1/3 innings.

Cannon recently pitched in the California Winter League, where one of the managers was Zeller.
“Casey comes to us from a very strong baseball school and had a record-setting junior year,” Zeller said. “I saw him pitch in the California Winter League and was very impressed with his command of the strike zone.”

The Wild Things open the 13th season in the Frontier League May 20, when they host the Greys.

Report: Parkersburg has support for ballpark, FL team

According to a story in the News and Sentinel, Parkersburg (W.Va.) residents are at least interested in the potential of the city building a stadium for a Frontier League baseball team.

Stu Williams, owner of the Wild Things, has been working with the Wood County Development Authority's Parkersburg Baseball Committee and is a potential owner of a Parkersburg team.

After a survey showed 70 percent of respondents said they were in favor of the idea of baseball returning to Parkersburg, the project has moved to a second phase, which includes finding potential ballpark locations and financing options.

Those in support of the project include Jonathan Stalnaker, who lived in Washington from 2007-2010 before returning to his native Wood County. He told the newspaper that he attended several Wild Things games.

"They were a lot of fun and gave me something to do outside on a weeknight," he said. "I'd love to see a team in Parkersburg because I'm a big baseball fan first and foremost, but I also think it's a social option that is missing in town.

"I guarantee I'd go to games here, and it'd give me a destination for when friends and co-workers are in town."

Those opposed to the ballpark idea point to the Frontier League's Ohio Valley Redcoats, who were charter members of the Frontier League and played in the league from 1993 until moving to Huntingburg, Ind., in 1999 and rechristened the DuBois County Dragons. The Redcoats played at Bennett Stump Field (photos below), which is not up to current Frontier League standards, and suffered from poor attendance. The Redcoats never averaged 1,000 fans per game.

Here is a link to the story, and some photos of Bennett Stump Field courtesy of our friends at ballparkreviews.com (check out the site, it's worth your time):

http://www.newsandsentinel.com/page/content.detail/
id/584452/Residents-intrigued-by-baseball-plan.html?nav=5061

He gets paid to watch TV

Langbehn

At the bottom of this post is a link to a story about former Traverse City Beach Bums manager Gregg Langbehn, who will be working for the Cleveland Indians this year as the team's Replay Coordinator.

What's a Replay Coordinator? Well, the guy who will sit at pressbox level and watch the game on television, then tell Indians manager Terry Francona if he should challenge a call on the field. Remember, Major League Baseball is using replay challenges, like the NFL, for the first time this season.

One way of looking at it is, Langbehn will be paid to watch baseball on TV. Now there's a job a lot of people I know would love to have.

Langbehn was Traverse City's manager for the last five years and had a 267-212 career record and one appearance in the Frontier League championship series. He developed the Beach Bums into the top franchise in the Eastern Division.

Traverse City hired Dan Rohn, a longtime manager in affiliated ball as it new manager. Rohn was named Manger of the Year four times, once in the Class AA Eastern League and three times in the Class AAA Pacific Coast League. His most recent managerial job in 2010 with Las Vegas, the Toronto Blue Jays' Class AAA affiliate.

The Beach Bums also hired former major league pitcher Greg Cadaret as their pitching coach.

http://www.morningstarpublishing.com/articles/2014/03/10/
grand_traverse_insider/sports/doc531d46be34b51362505396.txt