Potomac Nationals name 2007 team

WOODBRIDGE, Va. -- The Potomac Nationals have announced their initial roster to open the 2007 season. The P-Nats roster includes 12 pitchers, three catchers, and five infielders and outfielders respectively.

Out of the 25 players on the active roster, 16 spent time in Potomac in 2006. That list includes pitchers Clint Everts, Dan Foli, Carlos Martinez, Shairon Martis, Alex Morales, Anthony Pearson, Josh Perrault and Craig Stammen. Also returning is catcher Luke Montz, infielders Ian Desmond, Steve Mortimer and Marco Yepez, and outfielders Edgardo Baez, Dee Brown and Marvin Lowrance.

The 2007 team also boasts seven players ranked among the Top 25 prospects in the Washington Nationals organization by Baseball America. Those players include infielder Ian Desmond (10), pitchers Shairon Martis (15), Adam Carr (19), John Lannan (20), Craig Stammen (21) and Clint Everts (24), and catcher Brian Peacock (23).

Returning to Potomac for his second tenure as manager of the P-Nats is former Major Leaguer and World Series champion Randy Knorr. Another former Major Leaguer and Lynchburg, Va., native, Randy Tomlin will serve as the team's pitching coach. Tomlin started Game 4 of the 1991 National League Championship Series while with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Also returning for 2007 are hitting coach Troy Gingrich and trainer Sean Wayne.

The Potomac Nationals will host Media Day tomorrow, April 3, from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. in conjunction with the team's first practice. All media outlets interested in attending should contact Anthony Oppermann, director of broadcasting and media relations, either by phone at (703) 590-2311 ext. 221 or via email at [email protected] -- in order to arrange for interviews and photographs. Members of the media are also asked to complete a Potomac Nationals media credentials application, as well as the Minor League Baseball terms and conditions form.

The practice is also open free of charge to all fans interested in attending. In addition, the Potomac Nationals Box Office will extend its hours for the event, staying open until 6 p.m. to allow fans the opportunity to purchase tickets.

The P-Nats begin the 2007 season on the road against the Lynchburg Hillcats on April 5, and celebrate Opening Day at Pfitzner Stadium on April 9 against the Salem Avalanche. Tickets are on sale now. For more ticket information, please visit www.potomacnationals.com or call (703) 590-2311, ext. 215.