a year ago this was the defender's first Opening Day lineup...

(note how "Navigators" hadn't been changed yet). Who will be back, who has been promoted, who has drifted to the indy leagues, and who has hung them up? Should find out pretty soon as the season will be under way a week from today.

Of the ten names, Brian Buscher was taken in the Rule V draft by Minn., Chris Begg and Nate Schierholtz are certian to be with Triple A Fresno. I think Justin Knoelder and Clay Timpner are in Triple A and Travis is on the bubble for Fresno. EME I predict will be back with the Defenders. The rest? Maybe some are back and some have moved on. Any updates on D-Mac, Jake, and Tyler out there?

Will Eddy Martinez-Esteve be back...

this season? A star on San Jose's 2005 championship team, EME got off to a fast start in 2006 with the Defenders until a May injury ended his season. With Triple A Fresno loaded in the outfield I think the highly touted prospect will be returning to Dood in 2007.

Closer, ever closer to the new season.....

First off, fond farewell to Shawn Holliday, THE VOICE, radio-wise of this franchise for many years over two tours of duty. He has a perfect voice for the medium and a great memory for detail. He's the reason plently of people would listen to the game in the park. I'm really going to miss listening to him.
Another farewell to Bill Bulter, head groundskeeper last year, who really brought the field back into shape. Good Luck Bill with the Thunder!
On the promo front, the front office has a couple of interesting ones on tap. A fan can bid on him or herself on eBay for their own night at the park topped off by a giveaway of 1000 bobblehead figures fashioned in the winning bidder's likeless. Bidding is happening as I type.
Another unique promo links the release of the last Harry Potter book with a Harry Potter night at Dodd. Both are very clever promos.
On the player front we should be getting an idea soon of who is coming back, who is the new 'hot" player, etc.. Can't wait!

A roster move....

as the Giants assigned pitcher Kelyn Acosta to the Defenders yesterday. Acosta spent most of 2006 on Single A DL and this may just be a "paper"move by the parent club. Still spring is coming and part of the preseason fun is going to be seeing what players land in Norwich. The New London Day had Defender manager Dave Mac blogging for them last year during spring training; hopefully the paper will bring him back.