Here is a recap of what Washington has done this off-season:
Key Additions
RHP Ryan Mitchell - Ryan Mitchell comes to Washington via a trade with Worcester of the CanAm League. Mitchell went 3-4 last year with a 2.35 ERA in 57 IP and according to the article on the Wild Things website, will join the starting rotation. The 2008 season will be Mitchell's 4th as a professional, but he will still be classified as a Rookie-2, making him extremely valuable in the Frontier League.
RHP Corey Bachman - Bachman was a closer for Virginia Military Institute and got picked up by the Cubs after his senior year in 2007. Bachman was 3-0 with a 5.40 ERA in 23 innings last year in rookie ball before being released this off-season.
RHP Kevin Salmon - Salmon pitched two seasons in the Phillies organization before his release in the off-season. In 2007, he pitched 19 innings in class low-A Lakewood going 1-0 with a 4.29 ERA.
Key Losses
LHP Tom Cochran - Cochran was a workhorse for Washington the past two seasons, pitching 127 innings in 2006 and 115 innings in 2007. He was sent to Worcester as part of the deal that got the Wild Things Ryan Mitchell.
LHP Justin Mattison - Mattison was a great arm out of the bullpen for Washington last season, but since he would be an LS-2 in 2008, the Wild Things weren't going to be able to keep him anyway. He went 6-1 with a 2.37 ERA in 34 games. He was also traded to Worcester.
OF Jarod Rine - Rine led the league in stolen bases last season with 33, but hit a little light to take up a Veteran spot - .275 with 10 doubles, 6 triples, and 3 home runs. He will also play in Worcester in 2008.
RHP Gus Hlebovy - Hlebovy is a significant loss to the Wild Things since he is a great arm out of the bullpen and would only have been an LS-1 in 2008. Last season he went 3-5 with a 2.35 ERA in 43 innings with 53 strikeouts. He announced his retirement a yesterday.
C Mario Garza - Garza hit .237 with 12 home runs in 2007 before retiring following the season. He was a solid ballplayer, but I'm sure the Wild Things will find someone with better offensive production for the Veteran spot he was occupying.
SS Kevin Padgett - Padgett struggled to contribute offensively, hitting just .199, but did have 8 doubles, 4 triples, and 6 home runs. He also fielded .958 at shortstop. He also retired following the season.
Key Returners
Washington hasn't been making any announcements concerning players they have resigned for 2008, but I expect core players such as outfielders Chris Sidick, Matt Sutton, and Rob Vernon to return. I also expect to see Wild Things ace Aaron Ledbetter to be back along with a pretty solid group of guys out of the bullpen.
The Wild Things have a few spots to fill, but they have some Veteran spots to work with, and I expect them to find some great talent to compete for the championship again.
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