One of the primary areas of focus for Matthew LeCroy, the manager of the Nationals' top minor league team, is the development of future Washington Nationals players. He has been entrusted with the responsibility of nurturing prospects like James Wood, Darren Baker, Trey Lipscomb, and others. This responsibility is not lost on the 48-year-old Red Wings Manager and former baseball player. "Learning what it takes to be a professional every day, and understanding what it takes to win," appears to be the manager's foremost objective in shaping the Nationals' future.

For LeCroy, the biggest goal in getting these top prospects ready for the majors is “making sure that these guys are developing routines that they can carry to the big leagues that help them be successful. And that's why we have a minor league is [so] that [they] can make mistakes here. And it may affect our game. But we want to minimize that for the big leagues so they win games. And, you know, we try to develop championship players. And that's what we're doing that.”

Additionally, “It's all about consistency and polishing their skills," he emphasized. With names like James Wood and Darren Baker making waves, there's a palpable excitement about their potential. Coach LeCroy highlighted the analytical perspective, identifying strengths and weaknesses to mold these prospects into complete players.

When asked about the top prospects and the lineup he is in charge of putting together each night stacked with talent and power, LeCroy mentioned that GM and President of Baseball Operations Mike Rizzo, Nationals Field Coordinator Bobby Henley, Vice President & Assistant GM, Player Development & Administration Eddie Longosz, and others within the Washington Nationals organization provide input on the construction of the roster. “[Rizzo] kind of gives us an idea of where they want these guys to hit. And then there are certain guys on the team here that I can plug wherever I will, but they all know they only need to earn their time,” LeCory said. LeCory stressed that even though he is in charge of some of the top prospects, they still need to earn their playing time, “And what I mean by that is, you know, they're not hustling. They don't play.” He continued, “I feel confident with makeup with these kids that we have, along with the guys that came back last year…”

Rochester Red Wings

Quick Notes: Rochester Red Wings announce 2024 Opening Day Roster

Richard • Mar 28, 2024

With the Rochester Red Wings kicking off their season tomorrow in Syracuse against the Syracuse Mets, the team just announced its Opening Day roster for the 2024 season under fourth-year Manager Matt LeCroy. The roster boasts 19 players with prior ML…

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Coach LeCroy acknowledged the pressure on the coaching staff when discussing the responsibility of preparing prospects for the big leagues. "It's about more than just on-field performance," he explained. From personal and professional development to honing their skills, the goal is to instill routines that breed success at the highest level.

LeCroy also shared a personal connection to James Wood, adding an extra layer of anticipation to watching him play. "I'm looking forward to seeing his work ethic and how he interacts with his teammates… I’ve seen him play back when he was 15 or 16 years-old for just a small amount of time, but then to see him now as a young man, you know, kind of grown into being a very impactful big leaguer. I'm looking forward to watching them play and watch the work before the games. And how he is with his teammates…”

Two interesting players that he thinks are going to be what I call “sneaky good” were Travis Blankenhorn. LeCory continued to mention a player that many think time is up with the Nationals is Carter Kieboom. “I even think a guy like Carter Kieboom, a guy like Carter Kieboom, who's big got designated for us, finally got taken off the roster. He's still young and battled injuries for the last two or three years as a former first-round pick. I think he's gonna take a turn for the better and rejuvenate his career.

Ultimately, the fourth-year coach of the Rochester Red Wings is “just excited for Rochester for position for the Nationals, because we got guys that are pretty special talents that can help us win some games.”

The Rochester Red Wing 2024 season kicks off this afternoon, as they will play against the Syracuse Mets at NBT Bank Stadium in Syracuse, NY. First pitch is at 2:05 p.m. The Rochester Red Wings will kick off their 2024 season at home next on April 2, 2024 against the Lehigh Valley Pigs at 4:05 p.m. at Innovative Field in Rochester, NY.

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