2009 Klubhouse Kids....
From the Press Release
"The Senators are proud to announce that Maya Wasileski and Darihus Cotta will represent them this year as the 2009 Klubhouse Kids."
Senators Announce Two New Ticket Plans
From the Press Release
"Each three-game plan is $35 per seat and includes one reserved seat to all three games and a $15 gift certificate good for anything (merchandise, food, & tickets) at the ballpark during the 2009 season."
Terry Byrom, the Senators Director of Broadcasting and Media Relations, has started a blog.
Terry's Tidbits made it's debut today. Be sure to check it out.
The Nationals allowed no runs on only 2 hits in a 2-0 victory over the Astros.
Justin Maxwell played CF & RF and was 1/1
Ryan Zimmerman started at 3rd and was ½.
Leonard Davis came in to play LF and was 0/1 with a strikeout.
Marco Estrada pitched 2 innings allowing no runs or hits, while walking 2 and striking out 2.
Saul Rivera registered one inning of relief work and logged a strikeout.
Box Score
The other day on the Washington Nationals Fan Forum (WNFF) a question was asked, what are some things to do in the Harrisburg area. This person was planning a trip to Harrisburg in July to see the Senators (this is after stops in DC to see the Nats and then a visit to Potomac to see the P-Nats play). I complied a quick list of ‘things to do’ in the Harrisburg area when not on City Island watching the Senators. Feel free to add comments if you can think of anything else.
EDIT: Updated to include Gettysburg
Another good site is the official Visiting Guide for Harrisburg and Hello Harrisburg.
A List of Hotels is available for all of your lodging needs.
For visitors looking for things to do close to City Island you can visit the Whitaker Center, Pa State Museum, National Civil War Museum, or take a tour of the Pa Capitol (pictured above); all of which are located in downtown Harrisburg.
For families staying for a few days and looking for additional places to visit that are fairly close, I would suggest a 30 minute drive to Hershey where you could visit Hersheypark, Zoo America, Hershey Museum or Milton Hershey School.
Other places of interest would be Penn National race track and the Hollywood Casino's which are located 30-40 minute drive on 81 North.
When your not eating a Spot dog or drinking a beverage on the new boardwalk at at Senators game, you could find places to eat in harrisburg casual dining reference or Harrisburg Hello Food Guide. One of my favorite places to eat is Dockside Willie's, which is located on Front Street in Wormleysburg. Dockside's food is good and the atmosphere is top notch as they have deck seating located almost on the Susquehanna River.
In addition to the Gettysburg Battlefield, other famous attractions include The Outlet Shoppes at Gettysburg and
Boyd’s Bear Country.
These are just a few ideas of things to do in the Harrisburg Area when you're not at Commerce Bank Park.
I received a bunch of positive feedback on this topic so I added a link for it on the left side tool bar under the Harrisburg Senators Links. This like might be updated frequently, and I will repost each time.
Jordan Zimmermann and Collin Balester pitch well in Nationals win.
Edited to add game story
How did the former Senators do....
Balester started for the Nat’s; pitching two innings allowing no hits or runs, while striking out 1 and walking 1.
Jordan Zimmermann came on in relief of Balester. 6 up, 6 down….3 strikeouts and 3 groundouts.
Mike O'Connor followed Zimmermann. O’Connor allowed 2 runs on 2 hits over 1 inning pitched, while walking 2 and striking out 2.
Ian Desmond started at SS and played 5 innings going 0/2 with a K and 1 left on base. He committed no errors and turned a double play.
Ryan Zimmerman started at 3rd going 0/2 with 2 runners left on base.
Leonard Davis came on in the 4th inning to play LF and was 0/1 with a run and a strikeout.
Justin Maxwell entered the game in the 5th inning to play RF and was 0/2 with a strikeout.
Bernadina entered in the 6th inning playing CF, was 0/2 with 3 runners left on base.
Luke Montz entered the game in the 6th inning at Catcher and was 0/1.
Javier Herrera caught the final inning.
Jorge Padilla entered the game as a pitch-runner for Dmitri Young
Box Score
Balester, Zimmermann shine
Balester, Zimmermann and Young put six scoreless innings on Tigers
Edited to remove Seth Bynum. It is actually Freddy. Got a little ahead of myself thinking that was Seth (would have been nice). Thanks to the person who pointed that out.
Nationals lose their spring training opener 6-3 to the Astros.
Roger Bernadina played CF and was 1/3 with a double and an error
Jorge Padilla played RF and was 0/2 with a walk.
Justin Maxwell served as DH and was 0/1
Kory Casto played 3B and was 0/1
John Lannan pitched 2 innings allowing no hits and struck out 1.
Shairon Martis followed Lannan pitching 2 innings allowing 1 hit and struck out 2.
Mike Hinckley was rocked in his 1 inning of work allowing 4 hits, and 3 runs (all earned).
Garrett Mock pitched 1 inning allowing a hit and a run scored, while striking out 1.
Box Score
Nationals Journal Live Blogging the Game
Injury update on Ian Desmond's hand (Good News!!) 
“Desmond was in Baltimore yesterday, having his left hand examined by specialist Thomas Graham. The team -- and Desmond, a 23-year-old shortstop -- feared the possibility of surgery a possible stress fracture in his left hamate bone. But Desmond, after getting X-rays and a CT scan, was told that no surgery is necessary, and today he is back with the team.”
"Definitely relieved," Desmond said.
Very good news for Ian. As previously stated I think he will return to Harrisburg to start the 2009 season.
Baseball America released their list of the top 100 Prospects.
The Nationals have one player in the top 100. Of course it is Jordan Zimmermann at #41. BA is projecting Zimmermann will make his big league debut in 2009.
Complete list available at Baseball America's Top 100 Prospects
According to Mayor Reed, the reopening of City Island has been delayed.
From the Mayor's Press Release:
NORTH END OF CITY ISLAND TO AGAIN BE CLOSED TO PEDESTRIANS FROM FEBRUARY 23 - 27
Harrisburg, PA – Mayor Stephen R. Reed today said additional infrastructure work associated with the major stadium renovation project on Harrisburg’s City Island will again close the north end of the Island from February 23 – 27, 2009.
Reed said the north end of City Island will be closed to both vehicular and foot traffic during that time. He said no pedestrians will be allowed to use that end of the Island for recreational use and said there will be limited vehicular access, as well. Crews will be installing an underground electrical duct bank, causing a possible safety hazard to any pedestrian in the area.
He said work on City Island also forced the north end of City Island to close from Wednesday, February 18, to Sunday, February 22, 2009, as crews have been busy cutting up various areas of the roadway. Reed said it is expected that City Island will fully reopen to both pedestrian and vehicular traffic on Friday, February 27, 2009.
Any further questions, contact the City’s Department of Parks and Recreation at (717) 255-3020.
For more information please visit: Harrisburg Events
I completely forgot I uploaded a few photos back in September and never released them for viewing. Back when I uploaded them I had the photos listed as restricted (only I could view them). I was going through my flickr account and noticed this error. I released them for viewing. Sorry for the delay...
Justin Jones
9/1/2008 vs. Bowie
Yunior Novoa
9/1/2008 vs. Bowie
For those interested (which I'm sure we all are), I started working on my list of players that I think could start the season in Harrisburg. Actually I started back when I posted my interview with Terry Byrom in January but got sidetracked and I'm finally getting back to it now. Plans are to post it on March 9 (one month before opening day) or on March 16 (one month before the Senators home opener).
At this point I'm guessing the ACTUAL rosters will be released by the Nationals around April 6th.
Just a few notes/updates to pass along from the weekend.
Updated...
The Senators released information on programs for local schools. Basically the programs offer students to opportunity to earn tickets to Senators games for achieving goals outlined by each program.
“As each program deals with something different, the Senators are giving every student at the participating schools the ability to earn a free ticket. These programs are free to schools or students making them win-win programs.”
For more details on the programs please visit Here or Here
Jordan Zimmermann got rave reviews from his first appearance in spring training. He threw some batting practice and after word one reported stated “he is as good as advertised”. This is not a surprise to Senators fans who were priviladged to watch him pitch most of last season.
From the Washington Post:
Federal Investigators Looking Into GM's Role in Latin American Scouting
“An international scouting coordinator who worked for Jim Bowden for various periods from 1994 to 2003 connects the current Washington Nationals general manager to others in baseball already fired for wrongdoing, SI.com reported Sunday, citing two unnamed sources.”
UPDATE from the Nationals Journal
Bowden Denies Wrongdoing
“Washington Nationals General Manager Jim Bowden this morning denied any wrongful practices in Latin American scouting, saying simply, "I'm innocent of any wrongdoing, and besides that I don't have any comment."
Spring training slide show courtesy of the Washington Post.
I don't usually post links to other peoples photos or use other photographers work on here but since I will not be traveling to Florida for spring training I figured I would pass along this link to Washington Post photographer, Jonathan Newton slide show from spring training.
The 13 spring training photos include the following former Senators: Balester (photo 4), Javier Herrera (photo 5), Jordan Zimmermann (photo 6), and Luke Montz (photo 11).
Although I won't be making the trip to spring training just seeing these photos makes me want to grab the first flight to Florida.... I'm ready get the camera out and start shooting!!
*No updates on Desmond's hand. Also nothing yet on the status of Justin Maxwell after his season ending surgery (he did play in a winter league, batting .220 with 7 HR's in 41 games).
Unfortunate news about Harrisburg Senator, Ian Desmond's hand injury.
Desmond who missed majority of last season with a hand injury is still having issues with the it. When he returned late in the season everything appeared to be fine. Defensively he showed great range. He was even impressive with the bat during the final weeks of the season. I had been projecting a return to Harrisburg to start the 09 season but at this point let's just hope he is healthy.
From the Washington Post: Desmond's Hand Injury
"Washington shortstop Ian Desmond missed out on a full season in 2008 because of a stress fracture in his left hamate bone. Desmond, with Class AA Harrisburg at the time, had surgery in June. The 23-year-old, now on Washington's 40-man roster, arrived in spring training this year feeling no pain.
But the results of his routine physical indicated what one team official today described as an "abnormal finding." In other words: Desmond's hand still shows the sign of a stress fracture.
"It either didn't heal correctly or it came back," Desmond said.
On Monday, Desmond will fly to Baltimore to see hand specialist Dr. Thomas Graham, who will determine the next step. The previous surgery was performed by Dr. Richard Barth.
Before leaving for the consultation, Desmond will be able to fully participate in Washington's workouts."
As I posted on here yesterday, Nationals top prospect Esmailyn “Smiley” Gonzalez, who’s real name is Carlos Daniel Alvarez, is actually 23 years old not 19. For those following this saga additional information has been published by the Washington Post.
Coverage from the Washington Post:
Natioanls Journal spoke with Baseball America regarding Smiley's "prospect status".
"I spoke yesterday with Baseball America executive editor Jim Callis about what happens now to Smiley the prospect. Just a month ago, BA ranked Smiley as the 10th-best prospect in the Washington organization. Given the new information about the player's age, Callis said, Alvarez would probably earn a ranking within the organization somewhere between No. 20 and No. 30. (BA, in its handbook, goes 30 deep with its rankings for every team.) In other words, Alvarez is a marginal prospect at best. His numbers from 2008, Callis said, "are meaningless."
Nationals Learn 'Teen' Prospect Is Not Who He Said He Was
How Gonzalez Became Alvarez
Here is a part from the Washington Post article titled Kasten: "I am angry. We've been defrauded."
"You know, to say I'm disappointed doesn't begin to describe how I feel. I'm angry. I am very angry. We've been defrauded, and make no mistake -- this wasn't a college kid with a fake ID that came in and did this. This was a deliberate, premeditated fraud with a lot more to this story, and we are going to get to the bottom of it. There were many, many people involved in this premeditated fraud."
More Coverage at: Google News: Smiley Gonzalez
The 2008 Harrisburg Senators Negro League Commemorative Night held on June 30th, was one of the highlights of the season for me. I absolutely enjoy talking baseball with all of the living legends who participated in the Negro Leagues. Hearing the hardships they were subjected to and the conditions they played under, help me to appreciate the history of the game of baseball and how far it has come.
Negro League Night 2009 will be held on May 2nd. The game vs. Reading Phillies is scheduled to start at 7 PM. More details on this event will be posted soon.
Harrisburg Mayor Stephen R. Reed. Mayor of Harrisburg since 1982 and one of the people responsible for bringing baseball back to Harrisburg in 1987. Mayor Reed typically attends the annual Senators Commemorative Negro League Night.
Tom Hailey - Captain of the 1953 Eastern Negro League Champion Harrisburg Giants, as well as Eastern Negro League MVP.
Negro League historian, Ted Knorr (center), reads a statement on Clarence “Fats” Jenkins. He is flanked by Senators GM Randy Whitaker (left) and Mayor Reed (right).
Al Chambers – Was in attendance filling in for his uncle Leo "Syke" Burnett. Chambers was a First round pick (#1 overall) by the Seattle Mariners in the 1979 amateur draft. A Harrisburg native known for his power and speed on the baseball field, was drafted straight out of Harrisburg High School but his career was cut short do to injury. Chambers, also known as “Coach”, served as a high school baseball coach for several years (including my coach at Harrisburg High from 1992-1994).
Jim Weedon played outfield for the Harrisburg Giants in 1954 & 55
Bruno DiMartile played short stop for the Harrisburg Giants from 1954 to1956.
Danny Werner threw out the first pitch.
Willie Fordham, a fan, Mayor Reed and Randy Whitaker pose for a group shot.
This photo contains everyone who participated in the 2008 Harrisburg Senators Negro league Commemorative Night.
With spring training underway and only 57-days until the Senators opening day (April 16th) the Senators continue their recent media blitz releasing more information on the renovations and additions to Commerce Bank Park for the 2009 season. This media release comes with artist renditions of the new picnic areas located in right and left fields. According to the press release the addition of the picnic area will provide the “ability to handle over 1,000 fans in all of their picnic areas”.
RCF Picnic Zone "will accommodate 100" people
LF Wall area where "approximately 385 new seats" will be added. "There will be four sections of seats with one section starting in foul territory and three sections into fair territory."
LCF Picnic Zone "will accommodate 65 " people.
Right Field Bar where "100 new seats" will be located. According to the release "These new seats are all individual molded plastic seats much like the Senators existing box seats."
The Press Release added:
"Both of these areas are available to groups of 20 or more."
"Picnics, regardless of the area, are $20 and include a pre-game buffet and a ticket to the game. The buffet includes BBQ chicken, hamburgers and hot dogs along with baked beans, pasta and potato salad. Chips, cookies, soft drinks and water are all also included in the price! In addition, new for 2009 are alternate menu options for groups of 150 or more with appetizer, dessert and bar options."
For complete details please visit: Senators Expand Picnic Areas
Photos have been added to the slide show Senators Renovations .
News on Beth Jerrett, and Esmailyn Gonzalez
Beth Jerrett
Very good article on Beth Jarrett moving to Triple-A
Jarrett Trained For Her Historic Job
Esmailyn Gonzalez
Another interesting article on Carlos Alvarez Daniel Lugo AKA: Esmailyn Gonzalez. Gonzalez, the Nats 10th best prospect according to Baseball America is actually 23 years-old not 19. This should greatly hurt his prospect status considering he was23 playing in the Gulf Coast League (GCL Nationals); that league is typically reserved for rookies18-19 years old. When looking at age only, a 23 year old prospect should be at High-A (Potomac) or Double-A (Harrisburg). This is a big blow to the Nationals organization and their hopes to field prospects internationally.
From MLB.com
"Shortstop Esmailyn Gonzalez, one of the best prospects in the Nationals organization, isn't who he says he is.
According to SI.com, which cited four sources, Gonzalez is actually a 23-year-old named Carlos Alvarez Daniel Lugo. The Nationals list him as being 19 years old. "
Full MLB Article:Nats' top prospect falsified age, name
Just an FYI.......
The north end of City Island will be closed from 2/18-2/22 because of renovations under way to Commerce Bank Park. Construction crews will be cutting up parts of the roadway on the north end.
UPDATE: My next scheduled trip to City Island to take images will be 2/28.
Also, the Senators are posting photos on their site of the renovation process.
The Senators announced their full promotional schedule this evening. To help fans out during these difficult economic times, the Senators put together an aggressive value packed promotional schedule for 2009. "Kids Eat Free Monday Nights", "Cheap Gets Cheaper" Wednesday with half-price GA tickets, and Thursday Nights "2 Bucks Beers on the Boardwalk" are just a few of the cost savings offered by the Senators in 2009.
I'm a fan of this promotional schedule. It offers something for everyone at a good discount price. Let me know what you think....
Here are a few details from the Senators Press Release:
Kids Eat Free Monday Nights (kids 13 and under will receive a voucher redeemable for a hot dog, chips, drink and dessert)
Every Tuesday this year is Baseball Bingo night at Commerce Bank Park.
“Cheap Gets Cheaper” Wednesday Night-Half Price GA Tickets presented by Ollie’s Bargain Outlet. All general admission tickets on Wednesday Nights are only $2.50 each.
Thursday game this season fans can purchase beers for only $2! The 2 Buck Beers on the Boardwalk Thursday Night promotion gets started with the home opener on April 16. The Senators will also be giving away 2009 Magnetic Schedules and Hard Hats to fans as they enter the park.
Fridays are going to be fantastic with giveaways and fireworks every Friday.
Saturdays are giveaway nights
Sundays are family days with kids 12 and under running the bases after each Sunday game. Sundays also have a giveaway and a pre-game catch on the field.
All season long gates open 90 minutes before the first pitch on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
For complete details please visit: Senators Full Promotional Schedule Announced
Baseball Prospectus is proud to present its Top 100 Prospects list for 2009. Compiled by Kevin Goldstein.
The Top Ten are as follows:
1. Matt Wieters, C, Orioles (pictured above)
2. David Price, LHP, Rays
3. Madison Bumgarner, LHP, Giants
4. Pedro Alvarez, 3B, Pirates
5. Travis Snider, OF, Blue Jays
6. Neftali Feliz, RHP, Rangers
7. Rick Porcello, RHP, Tigers
8. Colby Rasmus, OF, Cardinals
9. Buster Posey, C, Giants
10. Jason Heyward, OF, Braves
Nationals players that made the list are:
56. Jordan Zimmerman, RHP, Nationals
65. Michael Burgess, OF, Nationals (Pictured Above)
81. Ross Detwiler, LHP, Nationals I'm a little surprised at Zimmermann being ranked so low. I figured him to be in the 30's.Burgess is about where I thought he would be. Maybe the 50's would have better place for him. Detwiler is a surprise at 81, I think that might be a little high for him.
Just a reminder for those interested in watching the Klubhouse Kids auditions, it will be held tomorrow from 11am until 2pm at the Harrisburg Mall. The Senators will be located by the Pavilion in front of the Escape Theater and will have games and activities available for children; as well as Senators items for sale.
As noted in a previous post, this event will be separate from Fan Fest which is scheduled to "take place on city island this year” according to GM Randy Whitaker.
Here is a brief write up on this event from the Senators Press Release:
“For the second consecutive season the Senators are looking for their two biggest young fans to be their Klubhouse Kids. These two lucky youngsters will receive VIP treatment throughout the exciting 2009 season. Tryouts this year are on Saturday, February 14 from 11am until 2pm at the Harrisburg Mall.”
For additional information regarding this event please read the entire release here: Klubhouse Kids
World Series Trophy
Also at the Harrisburg Mall tomorrow will be the World Series Champion, Philadelphia Phillies. The World Series trophy and Phillie Phanatic will be available for photo opportunities. The Phillies will be set up by Bass Pro Shop from noon until 1:30 pm. Note: to the best of my knowledge there will be no players there.
Schmidt
The Senators were visiting the Reading Phillies back on June 25th and I had the privilege of participating in a news conference with Hall of Fame member and one of the 3rd baseman in the history of baseball, Mike Schmidt.
I had previously posted “Mike Schmidt Photos Coming Soon". Considering my brother passed away about a week after the Schmidt event, I was kind of sidetracked and I pretty much lost interest in editing photos and doing photography. I’m finally starting to get interested in the world of photography again. It’s not like riding a bike, as I find myself making simple mistakes (might be adjusting to a new camera). So bear with me as I continue to get used to the new equipment (for those interested it is a Canon 50D). Anyway, over the past few days I’ve been going through my 08 games photos and came across the Schmidt event. I started editing them the other day, so if all goes well my Schmidt photos will finally see the light of day in the coming week or so.
Negro League Night 08
Negro League night 2008 photos will be posted at some point next week.
MLB.com and MiLB.com are starting to kick into high gear as pitchers and catchers start reporting to Spring Training today. MLB posted their list of “Prospects to Watch” in the National League and American League. The list comes complete with slideshows and write-ups on the players they feel could make an impact for each organization this year. 
Harrisburg Senators fans were treated to a heavy dose of Zimmerman after his early season promotion on May 6, 2008 (photo above is from his Senators debut). He appeared in 20 games for the Senators, compiling a 7-2 record, with a 3.21 ERA, and 103 strikeouts (106 Innings pitched), while holding Eastern League hitters to a stingy .226 average. Zimmermann should start 2009 at Triple-A with the potential for a mid-to-late season call up to the Nationals.
Senators could see Chris Marrero to start the season but there is a chance he could repeat at Class-A Potomac as he is recovering from a season ending injury. Regardless, Senators fans should see Marrero at some point before mid-season.
Here is a sample of MLB’s article: “Prospects to Watch” National League and American League
Jordan Zimmermann: There is a good reason the Nationals are projecting him to be part of their rotation. Zimmermann, Washington's second-round selection in the 2007 First-Year Player Draft, went a combined 10-3 with a 2.89 ERA in 25 games for Double-A Harrisburg and Class A Potomac in 2008. He led the entire organization in ERA and strikeouts (134), and finished tied for first in wins.
The 22-year-old earned midseason Eastern League All-Star honors, his second All-Star selection in as many years as a professional. He went 7-2 with a 3.21 ERA in 20 starts for Harrisburg. Prior to his May 4 promotion to Double-A, Zimmermann dominated the Carolina League, going 3-1 with one save and a 1.65 ERA in five appearances with Potomac.
Chris Marrero: Washington wants him to report to Spring Training early after missing half of the '08 season because of a broken right fibula. The Nationals also want to see how Marrero handles Major League pitching and how he performs defensively at first base.
Defense has been Marrero's biggest bugaboo. He started out as a third baseman, but he's blocked there because of Ryan Zimmerman. Marrero then switched to left field, but he didn't have enough range for the spot, so he was moved to first base, where he's expected to be for years to come.
Back in June 2008, Negro Leaguers were drafted in a pre-draft ceremony; a tribute formulated by MLB Great and Hall-of-Famer, Dave Winfield and was embraced by Major League Baseball. This was Winfield’s way of keeping the memory and dreams of Buck O’Neil alive.
Bobo Henderson realized the significance of the day.
"It's just like being born again," Henderson said on Thursday as he sat waiting for what had been decades in coming.
Finally, Henderson, a shortstop and outfielder with the Kansas City Monarchs, and 29 others from Negro Leagues' yesteryears were welcomed into the family of Major League Baseball.
It was a day Henderson won't forget.
Nor will the people behind the idea.
"I've often said Jackie Robinson coming to the big leagues was baseball proudest moment," Commissioner Bud Selig said. "Therefore, the recognition of all these people who played a role in that day, should have been recognized and, in many cases, should have been playing in Major League Baseball, I'm proud of that."
Selig, Hall of Famer Dave Winfield and Jimmie Solomon, baseball's executive vice president, devised a strategy for the special Negro Leagues Draft.
Credit for the Draft goes to Winfield, who envisioned it serving as a bridge between baseball's past and its present."It's a wonderful day," said Winfield, now a vice president with the Padres.
The event served as a prelude to 2008 First-Year Player Draft. Every team in Major League Baseball selected a player whose career encompassed the Negro Leagues.
BaseballChannel.TV streamed the Negro Leagues Draft live in front of several hundred people at The Milk House at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex.
The fans here saw Major League Baseball tie up some of its loose ends, and were brought face to face with living baseball history.
The living history was embodied in men like Emilio "Millito" Navarro, whom the Yankees drafted. Navarro, now 102, is the oldest living professional ballplayer. The living history was embodied in Mamie "Peanut" Johnson (Nationals), one of a handful of African-American women to play professional baseball.
Who knows what they might have achieved had baseball's doors been open to them? But baseball opened those doors on Thursday, even if belatedly. Yet none of the draftees looked at it as anything other than a tribute.
"I was glad that they picked me for the Atlanta area," said Red Moore, a smooth-fielding first baseman for the Atlanta Black Crackers, Baltimore Elite Giants and the Newark Eagles.
Moore thanked Selig for this day.
But Selig, as did Winfield, didn't want the spotlight on him."It's not about me," Selig said. "It's about baseball as an institution and it's about them. I'm proud that we were really able to recognize them for what they've done."
The Negro Leagues Draft was a continuation of baseball's effort to fix a historical wrong.
In the past, baseball has used other initiatives to right the wrong:
• The Commissioner's Office provided the money for a research project that led to the induction of 17 Negro Leagues ballplayers and executives into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2006.
• Major League Baseball has partnered with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City on several projects, including fundraisers for educational programs.
• Baseball has organized the Civil Rights Game as a tribute to the role the sport has played as a social force in America.
Until Thursday, the game hadn't welcomed the few surviving links to Robinson, Larry Doby, Leon Day, Satchel Paige, Rube Foster, Martin Dihigo, Oscar Charleston, Josh Gibson and Cool Papa Bell into its family.
At the Disney sports complex, baseball did. It showed Henderson (Angels), Moore, Joe B. Scott (Brewers), "Mule" Miles (Mariners), "Lefty" Bell (Twins) and Mack "The Knife" Pride (Rockies) that they belong.
They were all under the Major League spotlight at the Disney complex, if only for this day.
"It brought us exactly full circle, because it was something we had always hoped for," said Henderson, who lives in San Diego. "It's just like Martin Luther King always said:' One day -- one day -- there's gonna be a white boy and a black boy holding hands together.'
"That is this day."
Complete list of Negro League players Drafted:
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim: Neale "Bobo" Henderson, SS, Kansas City
Henderson was a product of the San Diego school system where he polished his talents well enough that he could think about continuing to pursue the game. In 1949, Henderson signed with the Monarchs, a team he played with for one season as primarily an outfielder. But he also was a solid infielder, often playing shortstop. Henderson later played for a traveling team that Negro Leagues legend Cool Papa Bell managed.
Baltimore Orioles: Bert Simmons, P/OF, Baltimore Elite Giants
Simmons, a World War II veteran who played college ball at North Carolina A&T, spent nine seasons in various lesser leagues before joining the Elite Giants in 1950. While with the Elite Giants, he and his teammates once played in the historic Polo Grounds to a reported crowd of 50,000 people. After he retired in '52, Simmons coached Little League, American Legion, high school and college baseball for more than 40 years.
Boston Red Sox: Jim Colzie, P, Indianapolis Clowns, Atlanta Black Crackers
A pitcher for seven years, Georgia native Jim Colzie characterizes his finest career moment as the time he beat future Hall of Famer Satchel Paige in 1947. After his retirement from playing professionally, Colzie spent two decades working with Little Leaguers and umpiring in semi-pro leagues, all while working as a junior high history and math teacher.
Chicago White Sox: Hank Presswood, SS/3B, Cleveland Buckeyes, Kansas City Monarchs
A native of Mississippi, he broke into the Negro Leagues in '48, a season after Jackie Robinson, Larry Doby, Willard Brown and two others had integrated the Major Leagues. In his three seasons with the Buckeyes, Presswood played mostly shortstop, hitting a Mendoza-like .198 as a rookie, but his numbers improved over time. With the Buck O'Neil-coached Monarchs, he played third.
Cleveland Indians: Otha "Li'l Catch" Bailey, C, Chattanooga, Cleveland, Houston/New Orleans, Birmingham
The nickname "Li'l Catch" fit Bailey, a pint-sized catcher with good speed but no power. He broke into the Negro Leagues in 1950 when he was 20, and Bailey, a scrappy ballplayer, prided himself on calling a good game. He stayed with various teams until '59.
Detroit Tigers: Cecil Kaiser, P/1B/OF, Homestead, Pittsburgh
Kaiser was the quintessential barnstormer. He bounced around baseball, playing ball in Puerto Rico, Mexico, Cuba, Panama and the Dominican. In five seasons in the Negro Leagues, Kaiser was a pitcher who mixed a fastball with offspeed stuff. He was the typical crafty left-hander, surviving with his control. He produced a dominating 1949-'50 season in the Puerto Rican League.
Kansas City Royals: Ulysses Hollimon, P, Birmingham, Baltimore
Hollimon played for various Negro League teams from 1948 to 1956. In 1951, he pitched in the East-West All-Star Game in Comiskey Park, an event that routinely drew large crowds of black fans. Nicknamed "Slim," he attended Tennessee A&I College and coached Little League baseball after his playing days.
Minnesota Twins: Bill "Lefty" Bell, P, Kansas City Monarchs, Birmingham Black Barons
Bell, renowned for his ability to work the corners of the plate, joined the Monarchs in '49, as the Negro Leagues were transitioning from a major force in baseball to a lesser renowned league.
New York Yankees: Emilio "Millito" Navarro, SS/2B/3B, Cuban StarsHe might have been one of the first athletes whose nickname sufficed. Millito was a superstar in his homeland of Puerto Rico. A versatile infielder, he could play anywhere, flashing good hands wherever he played. But he was more than a good field/no hit player, which is why he's enshrined in the Puerto Rican Hall of Fame. Millito, 102, is the oldest surviving professional player and the first Puerto Rican to play in the Negro Leagues.
Oakland Athletics: Irvin Castille, SS, Birmingham Black Barons
Castille, who now lives in Los Angeles, played shortstop for Birmingham in the 1951-53 seasons. He signed autographs and shared stories about his playing days at the Times of Greatness Mobile Museum in Chicago last June.
Seattle Mariners: John "Mule" Miles, 3B/OF, Chicago American Giants
Legendary manager Candy Jim Taylor pinned the nickname "Mule" on Miles, a power hitter who was noted for his long homers. Miles wasn't known for his speed, but he could cover a decent amount of ground in the outfield, and he could throw. He was more a Dave Kingman-type slugger: a home run or nothing.
Tampa Bay Rays: Walter Lee Gibbons, P, Philadelphia, NY Black Yankees, Indianapolis
Gibbons began playing sandlot ball when he was 8 with the Pepsi-Cola Juniors. He broke into the Negro Leagues with the Stars in 1941. He split the season with the Stars and the Black Yankees, compiling few innings and losing his only decision. After World War II, the barnstorming Clowns saw Gibbons playing in Tampa and signed him in 1948. He played two seasons with the team, and then went to play in Canada, along with the Dakota League before entering the military for the Korean War. Gibbons returned to baseball after the war and played in a lesser league in North Dakota.
Texas Rangers: Charley Pride, P, Memphis Red Sox, Birmingham Black Barons
Later a star of country music, Pride had more than a fair amount of success playing professional baseball in the 1950s. Found on the sandlots in Memphis, he never became the star in baseball that he became in music. Pride, a right-hander hurler, was noted for his sharp curveball. He also went to camp with the New York Mets and the Milwaukee Brewers and routinely worked out with the Texas Rangers after he hit it big in music. He once served as the Rangers' designated pinch-hitter in a Spring Training game, going 1-for-2 vs. Hall of Famer Jim Palmer.
Toronto Blue Jays: Harold Gould, P, Philadelphia Stars
Gould, a right-hander, got his start playing in 1942 for Gouldtown, a town in New Jersey named for one of Gould's family members. He joined the Stars in 1946 and stayed with the ballclub through the 1946 season, the year before Jackie Robinson integrated the Major Leagues. Gould then played for a couple of lesser leagues before leaving the game behind.
Arizona Diamondbacks: Bob Mitchell, P, Kansas City MonarchsHe had a brief career with the Monarchs in the 1950s, as the league wound to its end. But Mitchell, a Tampa native, became an advocate for those men whose careers in the Negro Leagues didn't pave the way for inclusion into organized baseball.
Atlanta Braves: James "Red" Moore, 1B, Atlanta, Baltimore, Newark
Moore, a slick-fielding Atlanta native, had one of the best gloves of any first baseman in the history of black baseball. During his career, he played alongside Hall of Famers Willie Wells, Ray Dandridge and Mule Suttles at various times. Few players had Moore's gift for the flash. His pregame routines treated fans to the kind of entertainment that drew laughter. Unfortunately, his bat didn't match his glove work.
Chicago Cubs: Walt Owens, P/1B, Detroit Stars
A native Clevelander, Owens played for the Stars from 1953-'55. At the time, he was attending Western Michigan University, where he picked up a bachelor and master's degree. He went on to teach in the Detroit Public Schools and at Northern Illinois, where he coached the baseball and basketball teams.
Cincinnati Reds: Charlie Davis, P, Memphis Red Sox
Nicknamed "Whip," Davis managed the Rockdale Rawhides in the late 1950s after he stopped playing for the Redbirds. Upon leaving baseball altogether, Davis spent three decades working as heavy equipment operator. He owns a shop where he rebuilds older cars.
Colorado Rockies: Mack "Mack the Knife" Pride Jr., P, Memphis Red Sox, Kansas City Monarchs
Pride spent two seasons in the Negro Leagues from 1955 to 1956. He later coached Little League baseball, as well as having an active role in ministry.
Florida Marlins: Enrique Maroto, P, Kansas City Monarchs
Maroto carved out a professional career in leagues throughout Latin America and the United States. A 5-foot-9, 150-pound left-hander, he spent two seasons with the Monarchs in 1954-'55, as the impact of the Negro Leagues waned. He also played in his native Cuba. The Cardinals and Senators both signed him to contracts, but he never reached the bigs.
Houston Astros: Bill Blair, P, Detroit Stars, Indianapolis Clowns
Blair didn't have a long career in black baseball. He left the game and has been running black newspapers in the Dallas area with his sons. Blair, a World War II vet who attended Prairie View A&M, played for the Clowns and for other Negro League teams from 1946-'51. Blair, who pitched a no-hitter in the Denver Post Tournament, toured with Jesse Owens and the Harlem Globetrotters.
Los Angeles Dodgers: Andrew Porter, P, Baltimore, Louisville, Cleveland, Newark, and Indianapolis
His nickname was "Pullman," and the powerful Porter worked as hard as a Pullman porter. Noted for throwing smoke, he became one of the linchpins in the 1930s of an Elite Giants rotation that featured Bill Byrd and Jonas Gaines, legendary pitchers from black baseball. Porter, who played in Cuba, Mexico and Venezuela, played in the Negro League East-West All-Star Game in 1932 and 1950. He is second oldest Negro Leaguer and one of the few who barnstormed against Major Leaguers. In his later baseball days, he played for the first all-black team in organized baseball (Porterville Comets in 1952).
Milwaukee Brewers: Joseph B. Scott, OF/1B, NY Black Yankees, Memphis Red Sox
Scott was a hustling outfielder who broke into the Negro Leagues while talent like Monte Irvin, Josh Gibson, Cool Papa Bell and Satchel Paige still toiled in the league. A leadoff hitter, Scott had a reputation as a hustling ballplayer on some solid Memphis teams. In a historical footnote, he played at Wrigley Field on a high school team in Chicago, earning the distinction as the first black to play at Wrigley.
New York Mets: Robert Scott, P/1B, NY Black Yankees, Memphis Red Sox
A Georgia native, Scott spent five seasons in the Negro Leagues --1946-1950. In his last season, he barnstormed with the Jackie Robinson All-Stars. After leaving the sport, Scott was a union bricklayer for almost 40 years.
Philadelphia Phillies: Mahlon Duckett, 2B/3B, Philadelphia Stars, Homestead Grays
Duckett broke into the Negro Leagues in 1940 at the age of 17 with the Stars. In nine seasons with the Stars, he proved a versatile infielder with a slick glove but a lightweight bat. His bat never did develop much punch, particularly in the early '40s when the league boasted some of its brightest stars.
Pittsburgh Pirates: James Tillman, C, Homestead Grays, Charlotte
Tillman had the task of filling in for Josh Gibson -- but what player could ever take the place of the "Black Babe Ruth"? He played for the Grays, a powerhouse franchise that split its home games between Pittsburgh and Washington, D.C., from 1941-'43. He played for black teams in the D.C. area before joining the Grays.
St. Louis Cardinals: "Prince" Joe Henry, 2B/3B, Memphis, Detroit, Indianapolis/Detroit
When he broke in with Memphis in 1950, Henry saw black baseball in transition. Its best players had jumped to the Majors, but Henry still found solid competition in the Negro Leagues. During his career he hit well, but displayed little power. Henry also struck out a lot, which was somewhat unusual for a player like Henry. He later became one of the clown princes of the game, playing for Goose Tatum's Detroit Clowns. In recent years, Henry has written a column for The Riverfront Times in St. Louis.
San Diego Padres: Walter McCoy, P, Chicago American Giants, Kansas City Monarchs
McCoy, a sandlot star in San Diego, spent four seasons with the American Giants at Comiskey Park in the mid-1940s. A left-hander, he had decent success before moving to organized baseball. He played in various Minor Leagues and also in the Mexican League before giving up baseball in 1955.
San Francisco Giants: Carlos Manuel Santiago, 2B/SS, New York Cubans
On a barnstorming trip to the United States, Santiago caught the eye of John Beckwith, manager of the Atlanta Black Crackers in '45. He played half the season with Atlanta before jumping to the Cubans, where he played short and second. Two years later, he became the first black Puerto Rican to play organized baseball, signing with the Stamford Bombers in the Continental League. Santiago's signing created opportunities in the United States for Minnie Minoso, Roberto Clemente and other men with dark skin and Latino blood. In 1951, Bill Veeck invited Santiago to training camp with the Indians, but he didn't go. Uncle Sam drafted him and sent him to Korea. After he returned, he continued to play in various leagues in the United States and outside. His play in his homeland, Puerto Rico, earned Santiago induction into the country's Hall of Fame in 1993.
Washington Nationals: Mamie "Peanut" Johnson, P, Indianapolis Clowns
A right-handed pitcher of slight stature, Johnson threw as hard as some men. She didn't, however, have a long career in black baseball; she was one of the three women who suited up for the Clowns, a team Henry Aaron once played for. She signed with the ballclub in 1953 and played until 1955. Johnson won 33 games in her career.
Article courtesy of MLB:MLB honors Negro Leaguers in Draft
Complete list of players Drafted courtesy of MLB: Special Negro Leagues Draft; Team by Team
Last year a person by the name of Katy Widrick posted a comment on one of my Negro League articles passing along a link for interviews her company conducted with Negro League players at MLB’s symbolic draft of in June 2008 (more on the draft in part 2 of this post).
(Note:Video Inside)
The feature video is titled Righting a Wrong with the following description:
"They had the skills to play in the big leagues but were denied the chance because of their skin color. In a symbolic gesture of goodwill, Major League Baseball "drafted" 30 former Negro League players -- the last living links to Jackie Robinson and Satchel Paige -- and celebrated those it once excluded.This story was done at Walt Disney World's Wide World of Sports complex."
The full video and article is available here:Growingbolder.com: Righting-a-Wrong
Additional bonus interviews were made available later in an article titled MLB Draft Bonus. The brief write up on the bonus footage said:
"When we met some of the surviving Negro League baseball players at the recent Major League Baseball draft at Walt Disney World, we were blown away by the stories these men -- and one woman -- shared about their climb to the the big leagues. And we shared those stories in the video Righting a Wrong. Now, we're sharing a longer version of some of the interviews, with stars like Dave Winfield, Ken Griffey, Bill Blair, Peanut Johnson and more."
The additional footage is avaible at Growingbolder.com: MLB Draft Bonus. There are 6 separate videos.
I would like to thank Katy Widrick for stopping by and passing along these links.
I made a trip over to City Island to take some more photos of the construction site at Commerce Bank Park. This trip was considerably warmer then my previous trip.
Enjoy…
Commerce Bank Park Construction site. The left field area is where the major construction is taking place at this point.
Large drill used to drill down to the river rock.
Oversized drill bit.
More construction equipment.
This view shows various construction supplies. From this view you can see the large mound of dirt has been removed.
View looking towards home plate. You can see various construction equipment and supplies. This view also shows that the large mound of dirt has been removed.
The Giant Foods, Time and Temp sign has been removed.
2009 will be the final year for the current set up of GA seating. It will be renovated as part of Phase 2 of the construction process which is scheduled to begin after the 2009 season.
The Left field area is where the major construction is going on at this point. Construction is well underway for the building of the new a new 8,600 square foot Operations Building which will house the Senators front offices, ranger, security, first aid and the new box office along with the new Senators souvenir store, concession stand, and public rest rooms.
View of the Right Field construction area. Show the outfield wall and the bull pen have been removed. This will make way for the new outfield wall, bull pen, bar, left field seating area and an upgraded scoreboard.
I'm having a small problem with Flickr right now but once it is resolved all the higher resolution, larger size photos will be available for viewing on there too (Senators Renovations).
EDIT: Photos are available on Flickr(Senators Renovations).
I've had several people e-mail asking questions about the status of the renovations. Senators GM Randy Whitaker was kind enough to answer them.
Most of the e-mails have been questioning the status of the scoreboard.
Randy said the "old scoreboard will come down right before the new one goes up. They will use the same grid that the old uses." He noted that hopes are to have it up by the "end of March".
An "anonymous" e-mailer asked if there will be seating in right field by the scoreboard and bar area.
Randy replied, "There will be seats in the left field corner and seats right under (in front of) the scoreboard as well. The bar is wrapped around the base of the scoreboard."
Randy assured me that the workers have been working during the cold weather and they are making progress.
I posted earlier this week that the huge mound of dirt located behind where the left field wall was has been removed to make room for the new office area.
More Photos....
I've made arrangements with the Senators to go over on Saturday to take photos. I'm hoping to have them posted at some point early next week.
MLB.com posted the following article on former Senators outfielder Jorge Padilla trying to make the 'bigs' with the Nationals. 
Here's Jorge Padilla's stat line through 11 years of service since being drafted in the third round by the Phillies in 1998: 1,070 Minor League games, zero Major League at-bats.
But lately, Padilla -- currently a Minor League outfielder for the Nationals -- has shown he's at least capable of getting a shot at the big leagues.
In his last three years in the Minor Leagues -- during which he played for the Mets, Royals and Nationals, respectively -- Padilla has batted a cumulative .308 with 31 home runs and 162 RBIs. That includes a stellar 2008, when, through 81 games for Triple-A Columbus, the 29-year-old right-handed hitter batted .312 with four home runs, 25 RBIs and 13 stolen bases.
Then, while playing for the Lobos de Arecibo, Padilla was named Most Valuable Player of the Puerto Rico Winter League, where he hit for a .317 batting average with a league-leading 10 home runs and 44 RBIs in 38 games.
"I'm really proud of myself, and it's a good feeling [to win MVP]," said Padilla, whose team lost to the Leones de Ponce in the championship series, 4-1. "I was just thinking real calm. I was just taking it at-bat by at-bat, pitch by pitch. I was just really focused on waiting for the ball and just trying to hit the ball the other way and react to whatever pitch was [inside]. "It was just something that clicked really quick, and I was real consistent throughout the whole season."
With his regular-season and winter-ball success in 2008, Padilla has further staked his claim to get a crack at a Major League roster.
But he likely won't get that in Washington, D.C.
The Nationals are currently loaded with outfielders in newly acquired Josh Willingham, Elijah Dukes, Lastings Milledge, Willy Mo Pena, Austin Kearns and Willie Harris. All of those, except Harris, are righty bats just like Padilla.
"I want to be there, and I think I'm ready," Padilla said. "I don't think I'm ready, I'm ready to play in the big leagues, as a matter of fact. All the tools are there, and all I'm waiting for is just to get a chance somehow."
Padilla said his agent, Paul Kinzer, was in negotiations with the Nationals about a trade earlier in the offseason, but doesn't know the developments of what came out of it.
For now, Padilla -- who is on Puerto Rico's provisional roster for the World Baseball Classic -- can only focus on his production on the field.
"I'm just trying to stay focused, trying to get better with my baseball skills, and I wasn't paying attention to [the possible trade]," said Padilla, whose agent could not be reached for comment.
"There are more organizations out there. Something's got to be done. Now I'm in Washington, and I have no control over that. I just have to keep playing baseball."
Source: Padilla seeks chance in bigs with Nats
MLB.com ran an feature article entitled “MLB.com 2009 Fantasy Baseball Preview”. It takes a look at the top 100 prospects that could impact your 2009 Fantasy Baseball team.
Nationals prospect, Jordan Zimmermann, came in at #36. Here’s what MLB had to say about Zimmermann.
“Zimmermann finished with a 2.89 ERA and 134/47 K/BB ratio in 134 innings across two levels in his first full professional season last year, earning MLB.com’s Nationals Minor League Pitcher of the Year Award. The 22-year-old will likely begin 2009 in Triple-A in hopes of improving his secondary stuff, but he learns quickly and could join the big club by midseason. NL-only owners should target Zimmermann, who could emerge as a frontline arm before long.”
Jordan was the only Nationals prospect to rank in the top 100.
If you venture over to look at the complete list, my photo was used for #84, Orioles pitching prospect, David Hernandez.
Mets sign former Senators outfielder Frank Diaz. Diaz has played eight years professionally but has never played in the Major Leagues.
Diaz played two good seasons (06-07) with Harrisburg. 08 saw Diaz dropped back to the A+ Potomac Nationals to start; he was later promoted to Triple-A Columbus.
This is a good move for Diaz. He was kind of stuck in the Nats organization. He needed a change. I could see him playing at the MLB level; either filling in for a injured player or serving as a 4th outfielder.
Source: Baseball America
MLB & MiLB's Negro League Coverage:
MiLB: 2008 Black History Month in the Minors
MiLB has started their 2009 Black History Month coverage
Also, MLB has started their 2009 Black History Month coverage. This years focus is,
Top five Negro League executives explored during February
Milestones: 300 articles and nearing 18,000 visitors
Updates: Black History Month and Negro League Baseball. Construction Updates
300 Articles
Earlier this week I posted my 300 article (interview with Terry Byrom). I never thought I would find enough to write about to amass 300 articles. I’ve said on here several times that I’m not a writer but a photographer trying to write. I’ve put in a lot of hours reading AP Style Book and various other punctuation and grammar books and Web sites to try to learn about writing. Hopefully it has paid off.
Closing in on 18,000
Also, I checked the ‘hit count’ for the site and it nearing 18,000 visitors in only a year. I consider that a huge success for a small site/blog covering a small market Double-A baseball team. I want to sincerely thank everyone that continues to check out this site. It's been my pleasure to sever Senators fans for the past year and hopefully many more to come.
Negro League Baseball
February is Black History Month. So each week I will post at least one article on Negro League Baseball (no specific day). My goal is to close out the month with an interview I conducted last year with Negro League legend and accomplished author, Willie Fordham (I will let you know if that changes). I also plan to post photos of 2008 Negro League night in Harrisburg.
Construction Updates
The only time I have available to photograph the construction process is weekends. Weekends are typically when we try to spend time with the kids and do our shopping for the week. I will try to update my readers as frequently as possible with photos and stuff.
I’m sure you are aware that the Senators have been doing a excellent job of keeping everyone updated on the construction process via photos galleries and a live cam (refreshed every 5 minutes). If I start to slack, you can always check their site for the latest updates on the project.
Last I heard the huge mound of dirt, where the new offices will be, has been removed. I can see huge cranes over there. Maybe I can make a trip over this weekend for a photo update.
Thanks to Steven over at firejimbowden.blogspot.com for sharing the Nationals Top 31 Prospects list with me, while I await the arrival of my copy of Baseball America 2009 Prospect Handbook. 
Rank – Position- Name – (08 Rank) – Finished season at
1. RHP - Jordan Zimmermann (7) - Hbg
2. LHP - Ross Detwiler(2) - Potomac
3. 1B/OF - Chris Marrero (1) - Potomac
4. OF - Michael Burgess (4) - Potomac
5. LHP - Jack McGeary (5) - Vermont
6. C - Derek Norris (22) - Vermont
7. OF - Destin Hood (unranked) 08 Draft
8. C - Adrian Nieto (unranked) 08 Draft
9. OF - J.P. Ramirez (unranked) 08 Draft
10. SS - Esmailyn Gonzalez (17) – GCL Nats
11. OF - Justin Maxwell (8) - Hbg
12. RHP - Garrett Mock (15) -
13. RHP - Shairon Martis (18) – MLB Nats
14. SS - Danny Espinoza (unranked) - Vermont
15. LHP - Graham Hicks (unranked) - Vermont
16. 3B - Leonard Davis (unranked) - AAA
17. 1B - Bill Rhinehart (unranked) - Hbg
18. OF - Roger Bernadina (29) - AAA
19. SS - Ian Desmond (14) - Hbg
20. RHP - Craig Stammen (unranked) -
21. RHP - Marco Estrada (unranked) -
22. LHP - Mike Hinckley (unranked) -
23. 3B - Stephen King (16) - Potomac
24. LHP - Will Atwood (unranked) - Vermont
25. LHP - Josh Smoker (6) – GCL Nats
26. RHP - Colton Willems (9) - Hagerstown
27. RHP - Luis Atilano (unranked) - Potomac
28. LHP - Cory Van Allen (unranked) - Hbg
29. C - Luke Montz (unranked) – MLB Nats
30. RHP - Terrell Young (unranked) 08 Rule 5 Draft
31. OF - J.R. Higley (unranked) – GCL Nats
14 of the 31 prospects listed above have appeared in uniform for the Senators (bold).
I think we could see Detwiler(2), Marrero(3), Maxwell (11), Rhinehart (17), Desmond (19), Atilano (27) and Van Allen (28) possibably start the season in Harrisburg.
firejimbowden: "baseball-america-top-31-prospects.html"
