Todd Jacobson of the Fredericksburg Free Lance Star was down in the Dominican Republic last week to cover the return of Manny Acta to his hometown. Unfortunately the Free Lance Star website does not have links to his articles (though they are out there).
On Sunday, he gave his perspective on Acta’s return.
On Monday, he reported on the Nationals Dominican academy.
On Tuesday, he explained exactly what ‘buscones’ (Dominican ‘agents’) are.
UPDATE: And today, an article about Smiley Gonzalez.
benji | 20-Dec-06 at 12:01 pm | Permalink
Thanks for the article. That’s a great story. It’s say’s he’ll be in spring training. Does that mean he’ll be with the big club at the age of 17.
Last year when I went to spring training there was the game going on then there was a complex about a mile away where players where training
Brian J Oliver | 20-Dec-06 at 12:35 pm | Permalink
My guess is that he’ll be with the younger players as opposed to the major leaguers
Todd Jacobson | 20-Dec-06 at 1:25 pm | Permalink
He’ll be in spring training, but almost assuredly only at the minor league complex. Sorry that wasn’t more clear. Then, his most likely destination is the Gulf Coast League. I think it’d be a longshot for him to start the year at Savannah. If he does well in the GCL, however, he could earn a promotion to NYP League Vermont.
misschatter | 20-Dec-06 at 1:41 pm | Permalink
When I go down, I’ll have to wander over and get a peek at him :-) And why is it all the newly-signed/bonused go out and buy the biggest honkin vehicle they can?!
Great great series of articles. Makes me want to run down and make sure those buscones are taking good care of those kids.
VladiHondo | 20-Dec-06 at 2:07 pm | Permalink
NFA - thanks for this link!
Todd - Wow, great reporting! In depth view of an area seldom talked about, ahem, elsewhere. Will also try to get a peek at Smiley down in Viera and other youngsters. Again, great articles! Keep ‘em coming!
Basil | 20-Dec-06 at 8:15 pm | Permalink
Noticed this on Ballparkwatch.com. Might be of some interest, maybe:
The Potomac Nationals (High Class A; Carolina League) announced that Anthony Oppermann has been hired as Director of Broadcasting and Media Relations. Oppermann replaces Dan Laing, who recently resigned after four seasons of calling play-by-play for the P-Nats. Oppermann, a native of La Grange, Texas, comes to Potomac from the Daytona Cubs (High Class A; Florida State League), where he served as the team’s Assistant Director of Broadcasting. Prior to his time in Daytona, Oppermann spent time with the Round Rock Express (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) as an In-Booth Producer, and was play-by-play announcer for the Coppell Copperheads and Weatherford Wranglers (both summer collegiate; Texas Collegiate League)….
benji | 20-Dec-06 at 9:09 pm | Permalink
Do any of you know much info on Spring trainging. Last year was my first time. I would like to see some of the Nat’s prospects while im there this year
Todd Jacobson | 20-Dec-06 at 9:50 pm | Permalink
Brian or Scot could answer this, but in Viera, there is the stadium, and then there are outer fields. When the minor leaguers report - usually in early March - they will work out on those outer fields (occasionally with major leaguers interspersed) while the official spring training games take place. There will be minor league games as well on those outer fields and sometimes the minor leaguers go on the road, like the major league team does.
benji | 20-Dec-06 at 10:47 pm | Permalink
Thanks Todd. I link your article to my site.