The minor league rosters are being announced and the first one I got was from Harrisburg.
- Starters: Stephen Strasburg, Aaron Thompson, Matt Chico, Jeff Mandel, and Tom Milone
- Bullpen: Erik Arnesen, Adam Carr, Victor Garate, Yunior Novoa, Hassan Pena
- Setup: Rafael Martin
- Closer: Drew Storen
- Catchers: Jhonathan Solano & Sean Rooney
- 1B: Chris Marrero
- 2B: Pedro Lopez
- 3B: Andy Fox
- SS: Danny Espinosa
- IF: Michael Martinez
- UTIL: Dan Nelson
- LF: Bill Rhinehart
- CF: Mike Daniel
- RF: Leonard Davis
- OF: Jesus Valdez
#1 by Brian Oliver - April 4th, 2010 at 14:15
It appears that Brad Meyers is going to start in extended spring rehabbing from foot surgery.
#2 by RD - April 4th, 2010 at 14:51
Guess that means Burgess is back at Potomac. I think that’s great news. He needs more at bats at a level where he can gain confidence. Rushing him to AA could have killed his future. Not that staying at Potomac ensures success, but I think it’s a much better move for his long term success.
#3 by Sue Dinem - April 4th, 2010 at 15:11
Looking over that list, this is good news. Of the squad that finished in Woodbridge only Milone deserved to be promoted and previous social promotions (Davis, Daniel) have been knocked back down from AAA. The only (mild) surprise was the survival of Adam Carr, which may be purely a function of injuries.
#4 by cass - April 4th, 2010 at 15:15
Really looking forward to seeing Strasburg, Storen, Espinosa, and Merrero in Altoona and Harrisburg. I’ve got tickets for the 11th and the 16… just one week to go!
Btw, is there any importance to your ordering of the starting lineup? Any idea when we’ll have dates for the starts of each pitcher?javascript:document.tcommentform.submit();
#5 by Paul in PEI - April 4th, 2010 at 19:42
Looks like Harrisburg will be the top Nats farm team this year, inheriting the mantle from Potomac. Does that mean the top team in the system next year will be the Washington Nationals (given that top prospects often skip AAA)?
#6 by cjrugger - April 4th, 2010 at 21:04
Good to see Burgess staying in Potomac
#7 by alexva - April 5th, 2010 at 07:37
I would think Chico moves up when Meyers is ready. I thought Mandel was determined to be a reliever. Big year for Milone if he wants to stay on the radar.
#8 by Mark L - April 5th, 2010 at 09:56
Brian, I thought Arnesen was one of the good stories from last years Potomac team. Why is he in the bullpen? If anyone can fill me in, I’d appreciate it.
#9 by Sue Dinem - April 5th, 2010 at 10:30
MarK L – He’s 26 years old and has never pitched above AA. The rest of the rotation is younger and/or more highly regarded. I would presume he’d be back in the rotation once there are promotions to be had.
A fellow blogger did a four-part interview with him that you might enjoy: http://thoughtsofrs.blogspot.com/2010/02/erik-arnesen-interview-part-1.html
#10 by Russ - April 5th, 2010 at 11:31
This team looks like it is built for success. Makes sense that you want your rising star pitcher to have the best SS in the organization playing defense behind him. Mix in an outfield that could be playing in AAA to help score runs and help with the success. I think this is a smart move and I think Harrisburg is in for a great year and I think Randy Knorr will do a good job with all of these players.
#11 by Jake - April 5th, 2010 at 11:51
Brian- I can confirm that Danny Rosenbaum is the opening day starter for the Hagerstown Suns.
#12 by Mark L - April 5th, 2010 at 12:02
Thanks Sue
#13 by Danny B - April 5th, 2010 at 12:14
I don’t see Dan Leatherman on the roster. Is he back at Potomac? I thought the job he did at Potomac last year would earn him a spot over Carr.
#14 by mcgalinmd - April 5th, 2010 at 12:20
does anyone know when the Suns roster will come out? i’m tired of my 15 year old daughter pestering me about it!
#15 by MiLB Fan - April 5th, 2010 at 12:53
Danny B.
Leatherman is in extended for the time being
#16 by Souldrummer - April 6th, 2010 at 01:05
After the debacle at Nationals Park, this AA roster really does make me smile. That rotation is lethal and it would be really nice to see the Senators continue last year’s second half progress with a shut down rotation. Not many offensive prospects on the roster outside of Espinoza and Marrero, but you hope some of these guys stick.