Lefty Tom Gorzelanny , a River Bat in 2001 is in the mix for the Pirates rotation . Former Waterloo Buck catcher Tim Gradoville is in Phillies camp after missing time last year with a broken jaw. Wisconsin alum Ben Zobrist is a candidate to start at SS for Tampa Bay . Another former Woodchuck Pat Neshek looks to follow up on an excellent rookie campaign. He also has a website you should check out.
Alexandria alum Jeremy Accardo will be in the Toronto bullpen this year after spending a few years in the Giants system. Former Brainerd OF TJ Bohn has a chance to be the Braves fifth outfielder this season after spending 5 years in the Seattle organization. Joe Bisenius could wind up in the Phillies bullpen this year after being an all-star for Duluth in 2003. The first Mallard to reach the majors OF Ryan Spilborghs will try to stay in the Rockies outfield this season. Former Mankato 1B Paul McAnulty might break through as a bench player in San Diego. Rochester alum Brent Dlugach was invited to spring training by Detroit, but will probably be the starting SS in Double-A Erie .
With spring training starting up in the majors and college baseball season underway I am getting excited for the opening of the 2007 season in the Northwoods League. I hope to be one of your main sources for news about the Northwoods League teams and alumni. Check back often as I will be adding news and articles on a daily basis. This will be a big year in the Northwoods League with expansion to Green Bay and Battle Creek , former Milwaukee Brewer Jim Gantner named as manager of the Wisconsin Woodchucks , a few games airing on ESPNU , and surely more current and former players being drafted and hopefully more alumni reaching the majors.
