3 arrive, 5 gone

The Wild Things have made their first significant roster moves of the year, acquiring two players, reinstating one from the retired list and releasing five from last year's 48-48 team.

Washington reinstated infielder Jeff Beachum from the retired list, signed right-handed pitcher Jace Smith and acquired right-handed pitcher Justin Edwards from Worcester of the Can-Am League to complete a trade for pitcher Ryan Mitchell prior to last season. Released were pitchers Chris Rivera and Sam Mann, catcher Gerad Haran, second baseman Phil Butch and outfielder Rob Vernon.

The only real surprise was Butch being released, though you can argue that Rivera and Haran have potential.

Beachum began last year as the starting shortstop but a back injury limited him to 16 games (.294, 8 RBI). If Washington brings back Bret Grandstrand as expected, Beachum will likely move over to third base or second base.

Edwards, pictured, is a West Liberty State product who was used as both a pitcher and third baseman by Worcester. Edwards batted only .173 in 52 at-bats and was 1-0 with a 4.37 in 16 games (2 starts) as a pitcher. Edwards is a Wheeling central graduate, the all-time hits leader at West Liberty and the son of Wheeling Jesuit baseball coach Terry Edwards.

The Wild Things did not annouce the signing of Smith, though it is posted on the Frontier League's Web site. More details about Smith when I find them.