3B Nick Castellanos and SS Dixon Machado
Free Whitecaps exhibition last night vs. Grand Valley ended in a 1-1 tie. They only play for six innings - good thing too, because it was a raw, wet, blustery night, and that made it hard to shoot. Or enjoy sitting still in a seat. Felt so good to be back though. Hugs to all my usher friends, chatting with the die-hard fans that are there all the time, everyone excited about a new season. Smiles all the way around. It's home. And I can't wait until Opening Day Sunday, when temps are supposed to be in the mid-70s. Halle-lu-jah.
Until then, here are a few pics of Tiger bonus baby Nick Castellanos.
Nick Castellanos, a touted high school third baseman from Florida, will make his debut Thursday when the Whitecaps open the 2011 season on the road against the Lansing Lugnuts.
Castellanos, 19, was the Detroit Tigers' top pick in last year’s June First-Year Player Draft. He was the 44th selection overall and received a $3.45 million signing bonus. It was fourth-largest bonus in club history.
Batted .542 in his senior year in high school, leading his team to a state title. Tall, skinny kid, like they usually are at this age. Showed a bit of power on a long fly out in his first at-bat. Seems pretty fast. Looking forward to watching him play this year.
I'll be sure and get the other guys too, as the year rolls along. Yea for Spring, when all things are new again - including your local Midwest League baseball team.