New Photo Friday 10/10

This week’s New Photo Friday takes you to Hagerstown, Maryland where the Nationals Low-A affiliate, Hagerstown Suns play. This was my first 'road trip' representing MLB Advanced Media. I made the 1 hour 15 minute ride to Hagerstown on May 6th to watch the Suns take on the Greensboro Grasshoppers (Marlins). On this trip I met another photographer, Rodger Wood, who shoots for Baseball America and a few other places too.

There is a lot of hype surrounding outfield prospect Michael Burgess. He split the 2008 season between Hagerstown and Potomac. Burgess combined to hit .246, 24 home runs, 79 RBI's with 72 runs scored. He won the SAL Homerun Derby. The free-swinging Burgess struck out 162 times in 2008 (lacks plate discipline), and in my opinion has trouble recognizing some pitches. He is only 20 years old, so he has plenty of time to improve. My best guess is he will reach Harrisburg in late 2009 season, or more likely we'll see him in 2010. I think he needs a full season at High-A Potomac. Senators fans are in for a treat when he gets here. He always hustles, plays hard, and is nice guy. Here is a sneak peak at Burgess...enjoy.

Burgess deep in thought between innings


Burgess went 0-4 but made good contact in all 4 AB's


Running in from the outfield. He has a solid arm and decent range.


Again, more contact but failed to reach base in this game.