Dans Spring Training Report

Wow!   There are a lot of Dans participating in 2013 spring training!    Just a quick count at 30 to 35 at all levels.   In MLB camps are - Chris McGinnis (Cleveland), Zach Walters (Nationals), Ryan Schimpf (Blue Jays), Dan Black (White Sox, AJ Griffin (Oakland), Louis Coleman (Royals), Mitch Moreland (Texas), Neil Schenk (Tampa Bay), Danny Worth (Detroit), Chris Coghlan (Marlins), Matt Daley (Yankees), Randy Ruiz (White Sox), and Jon Papelbon (Phlliadelphia).  13 Dans!  Some of these alumni have already made major league clubs.   Others are minor league players on the way up.  Being invited to the Major League camp for spring training does not insure you will begin the season with the major league club, but it does provide a chance to continue upward movement, and to make a statement.

I recently returned from watching a few spring training games in the Sarasota area and had a chance to watch several play.   A special treat to see Ryan Schimpf play left field for the Blue Jays at Baltimore's home stadium.   I didn't realize he was in the MLB camp, so when he came to the plate (yes he got a base hit!) it was a great surprise.   We had a few minutes to visit after the game and he sends a big hello to his host family and friends here in Danville.

Dans open at home on May 30th against the Quincy Gems!

DANS NEWS FLASH!!!!!!

Under the radar! 2007 Danville Dan, Chris McGuiness (The Citadel), has been named the Arizona Fall League’s Joe Black MVP (Rangers-Surprise Saguaros) leading the fall league with 27 RBI. He authored 6 three-RBI games and seven multi-hit games. On Oct. 10, he went 4 for 5 with a double, home run, and three RBI. In the 13 Saguaro home games, he hit .340 with 18 RBI and six of his nine extra-base hits. In his 4 year minor-league career, McGuiness hit for a .260 batting average with 51 homes and 212 RBI. The 24 year old lefty from Charleston, SC is known for his strong left handed swing, his ability to get on-base, and his good approach at the place. Now the Big News! Chris McGuiness has been selected in the Major League phase of the Rule 5 Draft by the Cleveland Indians, which places him on their 40 man roster, making the 1st baseman the 21st Danville Dan to appear on a major league roster. Under the Rule 5 draft, he must remain on Cleveland’s major league roster for this coming season or be sent back to the original club for $25,000. McGuiness was coached in Danville by Pete Paciorek.

Congratulations Coach McNickle!

The Dans have worked with Coach Russ McNickle, who was to start his fifth season at the helm of the Saint Leo University baseball team in February, since his days as an assistant to the legendary Ron Polk at Mississippi State. He is also the father of 2012/2013 Danville Dan, Trey McNickle. This week, he submitted his letter of resignation to take a position in Major League Baseball within the San Diego Padres organization. "A few times throughout my career I have been approached about working on the professional side of the game," McNickle said. "I was honored about those discussions and very humbled to have even been asked. This fall, I was approached again about the opportunity of working with Major League Baseball. I have been offered and just accepted a position with the San Diego Padres organization." In addressing his players, McNickle stated, "I am very excited about the development of the Saint Leo University baseball program and the strides we have made since our arrival on campus in July 2008. I strongly believe in this team, the experience of this team, the senior leadership of this team, and the successes that are waiting for them." Congratulations Russ! Go Padres!

Dans Rule 5 Watch

Dans fans may remember Chris McGuiness (Dans 2007- The Citadel). Baseball America has listed him as one their top 6 Rule 5 players that stand out as likely additions to major league rosters. Rule 5 is complicated, in addition to giving recent draftees, injured and suspended players an opportunity to log innings and at bats, the Arizona Fall League also gives organizations a chance to evaluate players with regards to filling out 40-man rosters. According to the collective bargaining agreement, players must be added to the 40-man roster by November 20, 2012 four years after they signed, if they signed at age 19 or older (most college players) or after 5 years, if they signed at age 18 or younger (most high school and Latin American players). Those that are not added will be subject to the Rule 5 draft, held on Dec. 6 this year. Selected players must remain on the team's 25-man roster for the entire duration of the following season or they are returned to the previous team. This year, 76 players in the Arizona Fall League will be Rule 5 Draft-eligible unless "protected" or added to their 40-man rosters. According to the publication, these Arizona Fall League players stand out as likely additions due to prospect status within their organization: 1. Jarred Cosart, rhp, Houston Astros 2. Hak-Ju Lee, ss, Tampa Bay Rays 3. Kyle Gibson, rhp, Minnesota Twins 4. Grant Green, if/of, Oakland Athletics 5. Travis Witherspoon, of, Los Angeles Angels 6. Chris McGuiness, 1b, Texas Rangers If Chris is added to the Rangers Club, he will join Dans alumni Mitch Moreland (Dans 2005)

Daniel brings in more awards

A 2012 Danville Dan continues to bring in the postseason awards from the spring season. Shortstop Andrew Daniel from the University of San Diego was named a Freshman All-American by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association. Daniel burst onto the scene as a true freshmen for the Toreros, hitting .339 on the season with 18 doubles, a pair of triples, four homers, and 45 RBIs.