2008 PRE-SEASON REPORT

The Dans’ 2008 Pre-season Roster currently includes players from 6 of the nation’s top 25 Division I programs in rankings issued by national baseball publications and web sites. Schools include: Arizona State, Vanderbilt, San Diego, Mississippi State, Louisville and Baylor. Other outstanding schools represented on the ’08 team include LSU (ranked 12th in recruiting class), Purdue, High Point, Pepperdine (ranked 13th in recruiting class), University of Evansville (ranked 2nd in recruiting class - Upper Midwest), Danville Area Community College, and Florida International. Watch this blog for a 2008 pre-season player roster in the near future.

DANS RECOGNIZED

Baseball America has recognized two Dans, Van Pope (Dans 2003, Ole’ Miss) and Chris Coghlin (Dans 2004, Ole’ Miss), in their Top 10 Prospect report. Van is listed as tops in the Atlanta Braves minor league organization in two categories – Best Defensive Infielder and Best Infield Arm. Chris is listed as the Best Hitter for Average in the Florida Marlines minor league system and is projected to be the 2nd baseman starting for the major league club in 2011. According to the publication, Coghlin could be on track to reach the majors by 2009. Danville host families were the Goldens (Pope) and the Westphals (Coghlin).

ALUMNI NEWS new

Danny Worth (Dans 2005, Pepperdine University) is playing in the Hawaii Winter League which runs from October thru November 18th . You can find information on Danny, who plays for the North Shore Hanus on the island of Oahu, at www.mlb.com. Danny lived with the O’Shaugnessy family.

ALUMNI NEWS

Four Dans are currently playing in the Arizona Fall League which began in early October and ends in mid-November. Danville's Jason Anderson (Dans 1998, 1999, Univ. of IL), J.C. Holt (Dans 2002. Ole' Miss), Chris Coghlin (Dans 2004, Ole' Miss), and Steve Hammond (Dans 2004, Long Beach) were chosen in August in a Major League Baseball (MLB) position draft. Players selected were Double-A and Triple-A Minor Leaguers. Each club opted to send one player considered a Single-A player. The teams are not exclusive affiliates of any one MLB team, instead, each team provides 6 players to fill the 30 man roster of each fall league team. Over 60% of the players who have played in the Arizona Fall league have made the majors. Some notables are: Derek Jeter, Albert Pujols, Tony Pena, and Alfonso Soriano. You can follow these Dans alumni by going to www.mlb.com. J.C. plays for the Peoria Javelinas, Steve for the Mesa Solar Sox, and Jason and Chris for the Peoria Saguaros. Of special interest, look for Steve Hammond’s Player Journal.

Dans news!

The Danville Dans would like to say thanks to our sponsors, host families, and fans for a great 2007! Watch this blog for who the new team/s in the league will be, the 2008 Preseason roster, and other news about the Dans and Danville Stadium.

Congratulations to Danville Dan, Jon Papelbon (Dans 2001, Mississippi State). He finished a World Series Championship run (Red Sox) with 3 saves and a zero ERA. Jon is from Baton Rouge, attended Mississippi State, and played here under Coach Bill Ferrari. The Moederndorfer's were his host family.