The Revolution expected to make the announcement in the next few days or hours. They had inked former Braves prospect Jake Stevens, a talented young left-hander who did not pitch last season after jumping from Class A to Triple-A in 2007.
The Orioles -- in desperate need of pitching -- signed Stevens to a minor league deal before the Revolution could make an announcement. The Revolution also revealed they had agreed to terms with catcher Josh Johnson this winter, only to watch him earn a contract with the Padres.
It's not unusual for players to earn contracts with major league organizations before playing a game for the Revolution. Reliever Steve Schmoll played for the Harrisburg Senators last season (3-5, 3.07 ERA) after being the property of York for about 24 hours. And pitcher John Ennis earned a minor league deal with the Phillies in March after being one of the first two players signed by the Barnstormers this winter.
Atlantic League Executive Director Joe Klein explained to me last season that the league does not receive money if an Atlantic League player earns a contract in affiliated baseball before actually playing a regular season game.
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