The Northwoods League ‘NWL Alumni in Spring Training’ feature finished up as MLB Spring Training camps culminated and ‘Opening Day’ began on Thursday, March 31st. The Northwoods League was well represented as twenty-six former NWL players were named to ‘Opening Day’ 25-man rosters.
Familiar NWL faces Curtis Granderson, Ben Zobrist, Andre Ethier, Juan Pierre and Max Scherzer were named to MLB rosters. Granderson, Zobrist, Pierre and Scherzer were all named to American League rosters; Yankees, Rays, White Sox, and Tigers respectively. Andre Ethier begins the season in the National League West with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Although various familiar faces begin the season with Major League teams, many new faces will sport Major League jerseys in 2011. For instance, fresh faces Daniel Descalso, Lucas Duda, Sam LeCure, Pat Neshek, and Matt Reynolds all are listed on various MLB 25-man rosters.
Former Wisconsin Woodchuck and current St. Louis Cardinal, Daniel Descalso, spent 11 games in the Majors in 2010, but won the utility-job for the Cardinals after a great Spring Training. Descalso put Cardinals manager Tony LaRussa in a tough situation this spring after batting .308 with 22 total bases in 27 games and playing superb defense in various positions.
Lucas Duda made the New York Mets 25-man roster after Jason Bay was placed on the 15-day disabled list. The former Alexandria Beetle outfielder had 71 at-bats in 2011 Spring Training while slugging .394. Duda had a short stint with the Mets in 2010 as a late season addition with 92 plate appearances.
Also making Major League 25-man rosters are pitchers; Sam LeCure, Pat Neshek and Matt Reynolds. Former Brainerd pitcher, Sam LeCure, is a member of the Reds bullpen that finished 2010 with the 4th best ERA in the National League. Pat Neshek is a familiar name in Minnesota, but will be in a very unfamiliar stadium this season. The former Minnesota Twin and Wisconsin Woodchuck was released this past month, but signed with the Padres in mid-March. The side armed right handed pitcher was named to the Padres 25-man roster and is expected to be the set-up man for All-Star closer Heath Bell. Matt Reynolds is the Colorado Rockies top left handed set-up man after a successful 2010 season. The former Rochester Honker was the most reliable bullpen pitcher for the Rockies in 2010 in set-up roles for closer Houston Street.
The most interesting story of Spring Training might be veteran Jack Hannahan of the Cleveland Indians. The utility-man has made stops in Detroit (’06), Oakland (’07-’09), and Seattle (’09) before signing a Minor League contract with the Indians in December of 2010. The former Minnesota Golden Gopher played himself into starting role as the Indians 3rd baseman this spring. The former Mankato Masher hit .340 in twenty-one games this spring and credits making the jump from non-roster invite to starter on his dedication to his swing and relentless work this off-season.
These former Northwoods League players along with various NWL players beginning the 2011 season in the Minor Leagues will provide an exciting 2011 baseball season. Follow these former NWL players at www.northwoodsleague.com for the most current NWL player news and information.
