Washington Township Senators 35+

Washington Township Senators GM Nick Frese announced today the signing of Danny Barbara, one of the best players to ever wear a Tri-County League uniform. A former 28 Senator great, Barbara's recurring back issues were the deciding factor in his decision to move up to the 38 Division. "This is a red-letter day for our offense," Frese said. "Danny hitting 3-4-5 with Frank Izzi and Ken Bevenour has to be one of the best power slots in the history of the division. With the rabbits hitting in front of them, those three should sure produce some runs this year." The switch-hitting Barbara seems very happy to be putting on the uniform again. "Coaching the kids is great," he said, "But I did miss playing ball on Sundays. My Sunday coaching schedule is pretty sparse this year, so hopefully I'll be able to make some games and help the ballclub win this thing again." As versatile a defensive player as Barbara is, Frese figures to fit him into the defensive rotations on an as-needed basis, health permitting, of course. "Danny is that rare guy who, when healthy, can play just about anywhere," Frese said. "I've seen the big boy catch, pitch, play first base and third base, and patrol the outfield. Cripes, I honestly wouldn't hesitate to put him at shortstop if the need came up. I have every confidence he would do the job and do it well." The Senators are hopeful that Barbara, who will wear his traditional #22 jersey, will be in attendance at Clearview High School for the season opener against the Sewell Sharks on April 15. "If #22 is there, you can bet your salary that he'll be in the lineup," Frese said. "I didn't sign Danny to have him spend much time watching games. His lumber will be in the lineup whenever he is there."

The Washington Township Senators 38+ club will begin its title defense at Clearview Regional High School against an old nemesis, the Sewell Sharks, who extended the champs to three games in their 2006 playoff matchup. Let the games begin! "I think the guys are ready to go," said skipper Nick Frese. "I know we had some trouble with Ed Brown last year -- the guy can pitch -- but I'm hoping we'll get off to a good start." John DiPietro is expected to have the baseball on opening day, but Frese expects to use his entire pitching staff in the early going. "John is a horse, and he loves to throw innings," Frese said, "But we don't need to get anyone hurt in the early going. If I can get five innings tops out of John, depending upon pitch count, that will be plenty. I'd like to get Chris Lawrence and Frank Rose out there, too, and it wouldn't hurt to see Ken Bevenour toss an inning, either. The Senators start the season with two key hurlers on the shelf. Rookie Doug Crowe was expected to be a big contributor on the hill, but multiple physical setbacks have kept the righthander off the field, and he is unlikely to return before mid-season at best. And second-year lefty Rich Kulikowski is in a similar situation. "I'd love to see both guys back in there tomorrow," Frese said, "but realistically, we are looking at June or July at best. I just hope both of the guys can make it back to 100% health. That's much more important than baseball." Additionally, the Senators are still waiting for word on Pat Dewechter and Dan Barbara as far as their status for the upcoming season. Both would be huge additions to an already solid, veteran ballclub. Looking ahead, the Senators will have their usual doubleheader at Patty Bowker Field (June 24), and have the Medford Angels for a home twin-bill on May 20. "I say the same thing every year," Frese said. "So I'll say it again. I like our chances."

Sources have learned that Washington Township Senators GM Nick Frese has tendered a contract offer to free agent pitcher Pat Dewechter. Dewechter, a former Cinnaminson and Tabernacle White Sox ace, is considering signing on the dotted line. "Pat spoke with our own John DiPietro somewhere out in the world," Frese explained, "And naturally, the subject of baseball came up. Pat was thinking about getting back into the game now that his kids are a bit older and college bound, and this could be a great fit for us and for him." Dewechter says that it be a matter of conditioning, and schedule, as to whether or not he'll be able to make a return to the diamond. "I have a lot on my plate, but Nick has made it clear that he would be happy with an eight-game commitment, plus playoffs, of course," Dewechter said. "Given the fact that the team has two scheduled doubleheaders, that's not asking a ton. I'm hoping I can get it done." But the righthander also needs to be sure of his arm conditioning as well before he'll make the commitment. "I haven't pitched in two years, and of course, I'm not as young as I once was," Dewechter said. "So we'll play it by ear for now and see what happens after I get out and throw." The two-time champion Senators would love to add the talented Dewechter to an already potent mix of offense and defense. The one-two punch of DiPietro and Dewechter, combined with a healthy Chris Lawrence to close games, is a recipe for success in the playoffs. "Dewey already has lots of friends on our club," Frese said, "So I know we have a great fit personality-wise. Given the loss of Gene Michalski, and with Rich Kulikowski's recent health concerns, grabbing a guy with Pat's ability is a no-brainer. We'll just have to wait and see if he can give it a go."

Due to a big commitment on the home front -- a major remodeling of his house -- Senator backstop Rick Amos has decided he will not be playing in 2007. There were other factors as well. "First, let me say that I enjoyed playing with the Senators last year", Amos said. "I had a great time and enjoyed getting to know all of you and win a championship in the process. However, I have decided not to play this year for several reasons. The main reason is that Lori and I are in the process of finishing up a major renovation /addition on our home. Needless to say it has been very stressful and we are looking forward to being able to relax and enjoy weekends around the house this summer." But Amos also knows that Senator #33 is apparently healthy, and ready to get behind the dish and take his usual share of playing time. "I know that Danny is going to be back this season and that he is the heart and soul of the team", Amos said. "I enjoyed filling in and contributing to the cause while he was injured, but I know we are both of the same mentality, catchers through and through, and Danny is that guy for the Senators." With many Senators approaching -- or already past -- the age of 47, the hope is that #44 will consider a return to the diamond as a starting catcher sometime not too far down the road. "Rick is a class act," GM Nick Frese said, "And I sure hope he keeps the jersey around the house. I'd like to see him out here with us sometime in the not-too-distant future."

The Washington Township Senators announced today that they have traded hurler Gene Michalski to the Moorestown Marlins for future considerations, granting the righthander's trade request. Michalski takes two championship trophies to Moorestown, and sends his best wishes to his now former teammates. "I loved my time with the Senators," Michalski said, "And they will always be my friends. But the opportunity to start at shortstop for the Marlins was something I just couldn't pass up, especially considering my friendship with many guys on that club. It's a great situation for me" Senator GM NIck Frese agreed, and made it happen. "Geno personifies everything I believe a Senator ballplayer should be," Frese said. "You hate to see him go, but there was no way I would stand in the way of his chance to start at shortstop. With Jim McAllister, Joe Santone, and Chris Lawrence on board here, that simply wasn't going to happen for him in a Senator uniform. But I did tell Gene to keep that red jersey handy -- you never know when he'll need it again!" Michalski seems destined to replace Joe Basara as the Marlin regular shortstop, as Basara spends his time on the left coast working his casino consulting business. With Don Davis, Steve Guanay and newcomer Evans to pitch, it is unlikely that Michalski will see a ton of mound innings for the Fish. But that's fine with him. "I've always loved playing shortstop," said Michalski, "And when I got the opportunity to play there in Florida, it rekindled my desire to play the position more. So this was just a Godsend for me." "We wish Geno the best with the Marlins," Frese said. " I hate to lose him, but you can't stand in a guy's way in such situations. I'm happy we could get him over there to start for them." The Senator pitching situation now becomes slightly cloudy, especially with the Rich Kulikowski health concerns. But GM Frese hinted that some help might yet be on the way. "We've had discussions with a former SJMSBL hurler who is well know to many of our guys," Frese said. "It's not a done deal yet, but if I can land this guy, it will be a nice addition to our pitching staff. Other than that, you have to expect a lot of innings out of Lawrence and Rose this year, and I sure wouldn't hesitate to put Bevenour out there as needed, too." Frese also reported there has been no further news on the status of former Senators Joe Santone and Danny Barbara. "Nothing from either camp as yet," Frese said. "The ball is in their court in both cases. I expect to hear something within the next few weeks."