BRYAN MINNITI NAMED KEYNOTE SPEAKER

(WOODBRIDGE, VA) The Potomac Nationals are thrilled to announce Bryan Minniti as the Keynote Speaker for their 2011 Hot Stove Banquet January 30 at the Hilton Springfield. Minniti, the Washington Nationals' Assistant General Manager, is entering his second year with the big league club.

"We are very excited to have Bryan as our keynote speaker for the banquet," said Potomac General Manager Josh Olerud. "This is a huge addition to our event and we can't thank the Washington Nationals enough for all their support in making this night a success."

A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, Minniti spent nine seasons with the Pirates before joining Mike Rizzo's staff for the 2010 season. A double major in mathematics and statistics, Minniti is part of the new breed of analytical executives whose brand of quantitative analysis has changed the way players are valued. But Minniti resists the notion that he is another in the line of so-called "Moneyball" executives.

"I would say I'm less a statistics oriented guy but I don't have the applied scouting experience," Minniti said during his time in Pittsburgh. "My belief is in the people who have spent their lives out there watching, and playing, and coaching it. The level of appreciation I have for that will never wane - it's such a difference maker."

Minniti will be joined at the annual event by other members of the Washington front office; their names and several other special guests will be announced shortly.

In addition to a plated dinner, the evening will also feature a Silent Auction benefiting S.P.A.R.K. (Supporting Partnerships and Resources for Kids), formerly known as the Prince William County Public Schools Education Foundation. The auction will feature memorabilia from all sports and professional teams around the country, as well as signed Nationals memorabilia. The auction will also include vacation packages, the opportunity to be GM for a day at a P-Nats home game in 2011, and much more. The silent auction will run from 5:30 until 7:45, while the Dinner and Program get underway at 6:30.

Tickets are only available in advance of the event and will not be sold at the door; Call 703-590-2311, extension 212 or email [email protected] to sign up for one of the great days on the Potomac Nationals' 2011 calendar!