Roster set

The Wild Things cut their roster to the Frontier League-maximum 24 active players Wednesday when they released Ryne Nelson, a right-handed pitcher who was acquired several months ago in a trade.

The Wild Things dealt Trinity High School graduate Michael Lucas to Laredo (Texas) of the independent United League in exchange for Nelson, a relief pitcher. Nelson pitched a scoreless inning in an exhibition game Friday night against Lake Erie.

Washington's starting pitcher in the season opener Friday night at home against the Oakland County Cruisers will be Tim Smith. The remainder of the rotation for series will be Spencer Hylander on Saturday and Steve Macfarland on Sunday. Zach Groh, one of two returning pitchers from last season, will start the season's fourth game, Tuesday at Kalamazoo.

Washington's roster - click here.

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.

Lucas traded

The Wild Things have traded former Trinity High School standout Michael Lucas to Laredo of the independent United League in exchange for pitcher Ryne Nelson.

Lucas pitched in 35 games (all in relief) last season and had a 2-2 record, one save and 3.24 ERA. Opponents batted only .231 against Lucas. From the beginning of the season through July, Lucas was probably the best pitcher the Wild Things had last season. On July 29, Lucas' ERA was a mere 1.93 ERA. At one stretch, the right-hander allowed only three runs over 13 appearances, many of which were multiple-inning stints.

According to the Wild Things, Lucas' girlfriend lives in Texas and he requested a trade to a team in the Lone Star state.

Nelson is a right-hander from Hitchcok, Texas. He has two years of independent league experience with three teams. Last year, Nelson split the season between Texarkana of the Continental League and Grand Prairie of the American Association. He had a combined 2-0 record with four saves and and an impressive 1.27 ERA.

Nelson was drafted in 2004 in the 48th round by the Minnesota Twins but did not sign. he played collegiately at Western Carolina and Lamar.

"I think this trade benefits both teams,” Washington manager Darin Everson. “With Lucas moving down to Texas with his fiance, he will have the opportunity to pitch near family and will do well for Laredo. We are very excited to have Ryne join the Wild Things. He is a hard-throwing reliever who will strengthen our bullpen."