Back in my hometown of Baldwinsville, New York I look back on a full season of baseball and reflect. Being traded to the Chillicothe Paints was a great experience for me. I started off hitting very well at a consistent .290 and then started to fall off but I learned a lot about myself as a hitter. After the all-star break the Paints were going through a bad funk and we couldn't buy a win. Terrible hitting is a like cancer. Great hitters were making small mistakes and we just couldn't scrap together a couple runs. Personally, I felt there wasn't a time were I needed to panic, a lot of my at bats I felt were quality, unfortunately I wasn't getting the right result. My swing felt excellent and I felt comfortable having a patiently aggressive approach (don't swing at a bad pitch, if I feel I can't produce a good swing on a pitch then take, even if its a strike, get deep into a count, focus on the job). "It's better to be 0-1 then 0 for 1." - Zak Farkes. At the end of it all I think I finished hitting .243, 56 runs, 13 doubles, 8 triples, 4 home runs, 33 RBI's and 25 stolen bases. I had the opportunity to meet many good people and players. Doc Hanners, the owner of the Paints, is a great man with a big heart and it was good to have a really genuine owner to look up to and have around for advise on life and baseball. He had to make a big move this year in what he wanted to do with the organization and his final option was to sell the team. There was a lot of different things that could have happened; the team could go in a dispersal draft and managers around the Frontier League can pick a couple players if need be, or we go to a brand new team in the Frontier League, or they could release us all and we do what we want. What they ended up doing was selling our rights to a new team. This new team is located in Avon Lake, Ohio right outside of Cleveland. They are building a brand new stadium and there will be all new ownership. I now have to make a decision where to play next year.

My main goal this off-season is to work toward getting a spring training invite to an affiliated organization. I believe that if invited to camp there will be no problem with me making a roster for next season. I have the ability and now I know what it takes to go up a system. With my talent and hard work there shouldn't be anyone in my way of making a big league roster by the end of next summer.

This off-season is probably going to be my toughest I have ever had. I am currently taking three classes this semester finally resulting in a degree in History and Fine Arts from Niagara University! I have a few different work out and speed programs I am going to put my body through. With school over with in December I am planning on traveling to Texas for a few weeks to start throwing and hitting with Matt and Kyle from the agency. It will be the perfect time to start on field workouts again. I'll be sick of school, it will be snowing in New York and I'm extremely missing the baseball field already. Coming to my 4th season playing professional baseball I am looking forward to this one the most. Working on my mental game and maturing as an athlete this off-season will make it a lot easier for my goal of making a big league roster to be met. I have been working very hard and now with help from Matt and Kyle and everyone at Xclusive, it's going to be a great second chance in affiliated ball and I'm very excited to see my success at the next level.

- Jeff Vincent

Houston, TX a€" September 10, 2008, XSM would like to congratulate its clients on a great year of professional baseball. Alex Merricks finished strong with the San Angelo Colts of the UBL after not playing baseball for roughly 3 years. We are very proud of his comeback and look forward to his progress in professional baseball. James Keithley also had a strong finish hitting his first and second professional career homeruns with the Vermont Lake Monsters of the New York-Penn League. Marcus Crockett played with the Orange County Flyers of the GBL for a few games. He will look to continue the 2009 season with the Flyers as he works his way back into affiliated ball

James and Alex will be taking the next few weeks off to regroup before their off-season workouts begin in Houston. VP/Scouting Director, Kyle Dison, will be leading the pack in off-seasons workouts with the first session going 6 weeks beginning October 9, 2008. XSM will conduct high intensity workouts to strengthen player's weaknesses and prepare them for Spring Training. Also, Kyle Dison will be giving instructions to junior high and high school baseball players throughout the off-season. For information on how to set up workouts with Kyle please email XSM at (mvuckovich@xclusivesm.com).

Hey everybody, James Keithley coming at you again with some more updates up here in the fabulous Vermont. Over the past couple weeks it has definitely been a big change. We have struggled so much to get some wins it has been ridiculous. We went from being in first place in our division to dead last in a matter of 2 weeks. It has been pretty tough on me and the team because it just seems so inevitable of the outcomes of the games now but we still go out and really bust our "butts" to get back on the right track. So I'm hoping that in the last 2 weeks of the season we can turn things around and give a real good finish and finish strong.

So as the long season starts to come to an end there are a few things that I am excited about and that I am gonna miss very much as well. It has definitely been a grind coming straight from college call to here. I have basically been going full speed since January so it's going to be nice to have a little bit of a break. I am also looking forward to going back home and seeing my dad again and seeing my girl again too because I have definitely missed having them around a whole lot. But as fun as it is going to be going back home and as exhausted the long season has been, I'm without a doubt going to miss playing up here. I have had so much fun playing and being up here all summer, I know I'm going to be gone for about 2 weeks before I want to come back again. I can really only go so long without baseball in my life. No matter how long of a stretch I go with playing and how I need a break, once I get that break I'm ready to pack up and get going again.

As of right now I could be going to instructional league at the end of September but its not totally sure yet. I'll be sure to let you guys know what's going on with that and give y'all an update or two while I'm there. If not, I'll be back home taking a break and then back training at full speed getting ready for next spring training. I'll get back to y'all soon have a good one.

This is James and we'll see ya.

Finding the Olympic Ideal in Vermont

Written by Ted Leavengood

Monday, 11 August 2008

As thousands of international athletes gathered in the infield of Beijing's Olympic Stadium Friday night for the opening ceremonies, the US announcers focused the viewer's attention on the well-known competitors from each country as they filed past. For the media the story is the competition at the top, but every Olympic athlete is a hero of some sort. The commentators cannot tell them all but each athlete is a success story born of endless hours of hard work and competition at the highest levels.

The high school and college players recently drafted by the Nationals' are not Olympians, but they have gotten to the pinnacle of the game of baseball through the same regimen of hard work and dedication. James Keithley was drafted in the 39th round of the 2008 June draft out of the University of Texas, San Antonio. He had a nice season for the Roadrunners, hitting .358 with a little pop, a little speed and a willingness to play any position on the field, even catch. He was contacted by scouts from the Nationals during the season and his hopes soared about the amateur draft. He wasn't sure where he fit in, but he was hopeful that he had played well enough in his junior season to get a shot at pro ball.

When the first day of the draft ended and Keithley had not been taken, his hopes came back to earth a little. The next day he worked out and went through his usual routine, but late in the day his best friend texted him with the news. The same big league scout contacted him a while later to confirm the news and Jimmy Keithley became a National, signing a contract with a modest bonus and he began packing his bags for Burlington, Vermont to play for the Lake Monsters in granola land.

Ricardo Pecina had a similar journey. Playing for one of the highest profile programs in the country at the University of San Diego, Pecina was stuck behind the best college pitcher in the country, Brian Matusz, as well as highly regarded Josh Romansky, and Matt Couch. That was the San Diego rotation and it was a good one. But Couch came down with arm problems and Pecina got his chance and has not looked back. He proved to highly respected San Diego coach Rich Hill that he could pitch.

"I struggled at first for a few outings, but then it just clicked for me. I had been inconsistent, walking almost as many as I struck out, and then I had a great game against Southern Cal. Suddenly the coaches started to have confidence in me and I started to believe in myself, and I was pumped every time out after that." Pecina pitched some big ball games for the Torreros down the stretch, winning against Long Beach State in a big elimination game. Ultimately, San Diego lost to the National Champions, Fresno State, in the Regional Finals.

Pecina's big season got him drafted in the eighth round and joined him with Jim Keithley in Vermont. The two are roommates, living with a host family in Burlington, trying to prove to a new set of coaches that they can do it at a much higher level. "Rusty Meachem is the most positive guy I have ever met, " says Pecina of his new pitching coach with the Lake Monsters. "He shows you how to do it and has all the confidence in the world in you." It has had good results for Pecina who ended the eight-game losing streak for the Monsters last week with a six-inning, one-run effort that stood up for a badly needed win. Pecina is part of a rotation that includes Will Atwood, a weekend pitcher for the very successful University of South Carolina program, and 2007 draftee P.J. Dean who was taken one round after Jack McGeary.

The Vermont Lake Monsters have a proud history. Talented players like Ken Griffey and Barry Larkin have lived with many of the same families in this community, played at Centennial Field as they learned the game. Saturday night, Keithley kept the Lake Monster's winning streak going with three RBI on a 1-for-3 evening where he also collected three walks. Will Atwood blanked the Auburn Doubledays for six innings as the Monsters won 5-2, though the team is below.500 and Keithley is struggling at the plate. It remains to be seen how far Pecina and Keithley will go, how many of their team mates will follow in the footsteps of others who have ended this journey on a big league ball field.

But as fans we often have our attention focused only on the high profile guys. Like in the Olympics the announcers are all about the easy success stories. I will long remember Mike O'Connors' dad telling me last year at a game in Potomac, "The one thing that separates these guys out there," he said about the Nationals talent playing that night, "is confidence. The difference in talent is not that great. The difference is up here," he said, tapping his head. For John Lannan it just clicked one summer working out with Glenn Gibson's dad and he has never looked back. It may well happen for Keithley and Pecina the same way. But whether it does or not, they are having an experience that they will not soon forget.

"This is what dreams are about," said Pecina Saturday night. Whether they are Olympic dreams or pro baseball dreams, talented young athletes of all kinds dream the big dream and work hard to make them happen. Both Keithley and Pecina talked about how hard they are working. "It's not just weekends any more. There are no classes during the week. This is an every day grind," said James Keithley. So whether the dream is for Olympic gold or to stride onto a major league playing field, the young men deserve respect for the effort they are making, for showing up every day and hoping that one day it is going to "click," and then there will be no looking back, just dreams to live on.

So in all I think if I break up my day, at least 10 hours of it consist of something baseball related. But even though that is true I actually do have a life outside of it that consists of many different things. Even though I am living a life that most people dream of now it's still tough to leave certain things back home. Now if you remember I live in Vermont now but am from Texas so that is a huge change. Where I lived in Texas and played college ball at was about a 10 minute drive from my dad's house. So it was definitely very nice to be able at any point in time call him up and just be like hey pops you want to grab some dinner tonight. So life here without my dad is kind of different and I know its killing him not getting to watch baseball all the time anymore. Another thing important in my life as well are my friends and to leave them out of my life for a while it also rough. I had to just pick up here where I didn't know too many people and basically start a whole new life. I also have a wonderful girlfriend back home whom I love spending so much of my time with and over the last 3 months I was lucky enough to even see her at all but it was only for 3 days and not having her around is definitely something I miss dearly. So as much fun as I am having up here playing ball it's actually a real test of how bad I want it. Even though it's a childhood dream there are many things that you have to sacrifice to try and meet your goals. So if your sitting there wondering if I regret my decision to go pro, the answer is no way! Sometimes as tough as times get you have got to look at the overall goal and in my life I have wanted nothing more in the entire world then play at the big league level. So my outside life has to be put on hold during the season and I'll just have to pick that up when I move back to Texas. If you don't got a dream in life, then your just not living the right way.

Til next time this is James and we'll see ya.

Its been a rough start to this road trip, we haven't been playing well, we are 1-5 and have three games left against the Windy City Thunderbolts which is located right outside of Chicago. The air conditioner on the bus broke again and everyone has there shirts off sweating on our day off. I sit in the back of the bus where my good friends on the bus sit, Montana Dye, Andy Polk, Travis Storre, and Taylor Camon. We play cards most of the time, we play a game called Pluck, its just like Spades. We try to play that as much as we can to pass the time. Sometimes we put in a movie but the screens are to small and blurry, instead of enjoying a movie it just gets you car sick.

We just got done playing 3 games against Windy City and after the first game got postponed due to rain we had a double header. We finished the first game with a lost and then lost the second game. Things are starting to fall apart but we are a good team and we can over come this losing streak, every team is going to have rough times but we just need win a couple hear and there, we will be ok. The last day of the series was rained out, we only played two innings and were tied at 2, so I don't know what there going to do to make it up.

I'm on the bus right now and its about 3am, we are due back in Chillicothe around 6am so ill prolly be able sleep from 7am-1 or 2pm until we have to be back at the field at 4pm for a 7pm game. These are the worst days because everyone is tired and our sleeping habits are off. We play three games at home and then have 4 days off for the All-Star break. Unfortunately I did not make the allstar team, I was told I had just missed being picked. It would have been awesome to have made the team. Instead I will be traveling home for the four days to see my mom, dad, and two brothers. I miss home a lot and it will be a good four days to relax at home with some good food and quality family time.

I'm at the Columbus Airport right now, its 9:30 am and I am waiting for my flight to board. A lot of guys got to leave and go visit family and friends. Two players that came to the airport with me were catcher Kevin Butler and pitcher Taylor Cameron. Every time I fly I can not get over the pain I get in my ears when the plane descends. Right now I am waiting in Laugardia Airport in New York City waiting for my 12:40 flight but it has been delayed until 2:15. My next blog will talk about the start to the second half and how we plan on turning around season.

- Jeff

I was asked the question earlier today, "Why do you like to pitch?" I didn't hesitate to answer that question because the same qualities it takes to be a pitcher are permanent in my mental makeup as an individual. I chose to be a pitcher for the reason that I love the pressure of winning and losing. Every pitch you make counts, and every pitch you make is a decision that will either lead to your success or failure that day on the mound.

Life is full of challenges. Some people like to play the role of spectator and watch. Not me. I like to take the lead role. Sometimes people cheer for you from all corners of the field excited to see you thriving and winning. Other times, they bull bait and boo you. It is all part of the game. When everyone has their eyes on you, they don't miss anything. I love when my nerves get going and the ball is in my hands and everyone on the field is waiting in anticipation of my every move.

Do not get confused with what I am saying. This isn't a statement of being self-centered or full of myself. This is a statement of the responsibility I love to possess when on the field. It takes courage to possess this much responsibility. Some can take it, others can't.

In my eyes, there is no other place on the field where a player has so much cause and dictates the tempo of the game. You start, change, and stop the game with every pitch.

I remember when I was a little kid, about 7 or 8 years old, and it was the first time I saw my older cousin Charles pitch. I was fascinated with how he stood on the mound throwing the ball with such velocity and I thought to myself that I wanted to do that too. The opportunity still hadn't come and it was the beginning of the little league season. My team and a group of others took a trip to Dodger stadium to watch the Major Leaguers play. They were handing out flip books that day at the entrance of the stadium. I will never forget what I saw in that flip book. It was Nolan Ryan striking out Ricky Henderson for his 5,000th career strikeout. I was absolutely amazed how fast the ball whizzed by Ricky Henderson and I then decided that I was going to be a Major League pitcher someday and I would strike people out like Nolan Ryan.

That is what inspired me to step on the hill. That is why I can step on that mound day in and day out, good or bad, and get excited to face hitters, attacking the zone, and getting the job done. It hasn't been an easy road, but I wouldn't expect it to be. As far as I know, there is only 1 Nolan Ryan, 1 Sandy Koufax, and 1 Bob Gibson, and many other greats who stood out during their eras. What I am saying is, if it were easy, what these gentlemen have done would have no significance. But it does have significance. Their history inspires us to be great in this game. Their history has inspired me to continue regardless of how much pressure or difficulty has come my way. I know in the end, I will have success unimagined to many. It is my dream to stand amongst these men. Dreams are only accomplished with hard work, determination, and a burning desire that cannot be deterred. That is the road I am going to take.

- Merricks

So here i am again writing you about this unbelievable journey i am on. We made our first trip to Lowell, Massachusetts to play to lowell spinners who are the Boston Red Sox affiliate. All three games were a some of the best games i have ever been apart of. All three games were decided in the 9th inning. The first game was a walk off home run in favor of them, the second was a go ahead home run by us hit by robby jacobsen and the third game was decided by a walk off hit for them. Even though they got the the better end in 2 of the games and took the series, the games were so much fun. Also another big thing was in game 2 i ended up getting my first professional hit and my first stolen base. So it definitely felt good to have an average finally. After these games we then headed back home for a long homestand. The home crowd greeted us with open arms. We hadn't had a winning record but yet we were still playing pretty good baseball. We ended up being 3 and 6 in the first 9 games. Then we finally turned it around and won 7 straight to bump that record around and get in first place in our division.

The life on the road so far is actually pretty easy. Every day its the same routine wake up and grab some breakfast. Then after that relax around the hotel then grad some lunch before we gotta hit the field. Once we did that, we just get to the cages to get some early work in then back to the clubhouse to hang out until batting practice. After batting practice had a little bit of a break again and then game time. Then sure enough we repeat the same thing the next day. Now these few trips to Lowell and Tri City weren't too bad because they weren't that long of a drive. But coming up we have our longest trips of all. So in a few days i will be letting you know how those go, could be a rough one going all the way to Ohio on a bus.

-But until then this is James Keithley once again over and out.

As of the last 10 games we are 7-3 and we have a 5 game winning streak. The San Angelo Colts are an amazing group of guys to play with. It has been a lot of fun being here. We finished out the first half of the season and we did make the playoffs. And thus far we are off to a great start for the second half. I made 3 appearances in the last 5 games and I have given up 1 earned run and had 4 strikeouts. I am focusing on the positives and the fact that I have been pitching a lot is a great feeling. Doc Edwards is awesome to play for. With all of his many years of Major League experience as a player and manager, you cannot help but get better when you are in his presence. I am pretty fortunate to be a part of this ball club and I know that this will be a great stepping stone in the right direction for me. My velocity has consistently been in the 90s and I plan to keep it that way. I have a consistent routine that I have been sticking too. My workouts consists of a lot of strengthening and fast twitch exercises. When you play for a team that comes out to win everyday, your approach to your day is to always be prepared and to have a plan for when you get your shot at being on the mound. I know that I always start to decide what kind of a day I am going to have before the game starts and during the game I watch what situations are developing and prepare myself mentally to come into the game, either to face a left handed hitter or to throw a couple of inning of late relief. There is no better feeling than when you are on the hill in competition and the game is in your hands. I have had that experience it quite a few appearances this year and have come out successful in the majority of them. Right now I am focused on getting the job done in every outing and giving my chance a team to win every time I step on the hill. I am looking forward to the rest of my time here and keeping my eyes on the Big Leagues.

-Merricks

Check out this interview with XSM client, James Keithley!

Nobody got a bigger thrill meeting Boston Red Sox great Johnny Pesky on Sunday then Vermont Lake Monster infielder James Keithley.

Keithley, who caught the ceremonial first pitch from Pesky before the minor league game with the Batavia Muckdogs, said he couldn't wait to phone his dad.

"I grew up a huge Red Sox fan. Just having the honor of catching him and even warming up with him, my dad is going to have a fit about it when he hears about it," the Vermont infielder said.

Keithley, who grew up in Texas, said he was assigned to the Red Sox in Little League and forever has followed the major league team.

It was a thrill for others — young and old — to meet "Mr. Red Sox," who played, managed, coached and broadcast for the Red Sox. He signed more than 1,000 autographs on balls, pictures, baseball cards, caps and batting helmets. He also autographed the book "Mr. Red Sox" that details his life.

Pesky made the trip from Swampscott, Mass. on Sunday with his son Dave Pesky, who doubles as his personal manager, and his wife Alison.

When Pesky went onto Centennial Field, the former all-star caught a ball on the bounce like he was still fielding his infield position. The ceremonial first pitch was even called a strike by "Champ" the acting home plate umpire in pre-game activities.

"I wasn't that good a player. I played on good teams and they carried me," said Pesky.

The facts tell otherwise. Pesky had a career batting average of .307 in 1,270 games in 10 seasons. He had more than 200 hits in his first three seasons. He was the first American League player to score six runs in a nine-inning game.

He exchanged greetings with both Vermont manager Ramon Aviles and pitching coach Rusty Meacham, whose professional careers had crossed Pesky's career.

Pesky told Aviles, "You look like you can still play."

"I'm too old," said Aviles, who is in his 38th year of professional baseball.

"You're never too old," Pesky said. He said he was happy to see Aviles still involved in baseball.

"He's a good guy and a good baseball guy and I hope he has some success."Before heading back to the autograph tent, Pesky walked over to the Vermont dugout and offered some advice to the wanna-be major leaguers.

"Play good. There's a lot of room upstairs," he said.

Contact Mike Donoghue at 660-1845 or mdonoghu@bfp.burlingtonfreepress

http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080708/SPORTS/80 7080311

The first days of a pro….

Hey everyone, so after all the drama of going through the draft and discussing contract information I have finally gotten passed all that and made my way to Vermont. Day 1 meetings and seeing all new faces of new guys and returners and knowing that for the most part they all just went through the same stuff. After getting all the paperwork out of the way it was time to get down to business. The first 3 days were what they like to call mini camp. It was definitely a rough three days. The days were long and jam packed with every possibly bit they could fit in a day to get set for game1.

Then the day came my first professional game. We played the Oneonta Tigers who are the single A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers. The old stadium of Vermont was filled with 3000 fans and it was such an experience. Just walking up to the field after bp in full uniform and thinking to myself this is it, your career as a professional baseball player has now begun. It was nothing like I had ever done before. This game that I have played my entire life now had new meaning because I was now at the top level. But even though I had gotten through the process of getting draft I was nowhere near done reaching my goal. This will be a long and eventful year and I'm really excited to get to work everyday. The training for my ultimate goal has now begun. I have gotten this far and there is nothing that will stand in my way now to get to the end of the line and burst through the tape to my dream.

I'll be letting ya'll know weekly how things are going but til next time this is James Keithley and thanks for reading.

It's June 22nd and we're about to leave for a three game road trip in Traverse City, Michigan. The Traverse City Beach Bums were the first team I played for in the Frontier League in 2007. It was good to be back there, I got to see many people that I haven't seen in awhile and it's a great atmosphere to play baseball, selling out almost every night, 3 to 4,000 people. Jeff Brown is one of my good friends from the other team; I stayed at his home in Indianapolis on the way to St. Louis before the season started. We got to hang out for a couple days we were in town and got to catch up on what we have been up to on and off the field. Everyone on the team stayed in suites at the hotel, so there were three to a room. My two roommates were our third baseman Adrian Canto and right fielder Travis Storrer. Those to guys are something else, probably the two funniest guys on the team, it was very interesting staying with them for 3 days. It was fun to play at Traverse City but we struggled hitting, we couldn't hit a lefty who threw 80 and a righty who threw about 84, as a team we struggle when we face pitchers who don't throw hard and throw a lot of change ups and sliders. I did alright, I got hit three times, walked a couple times and I hit a line drive up the middle, hitting the pitchers ankle, knocking him out of the game. I felt bad when I did it but its part of the game, you never want to injure another player but when you can get into the bullpen of another team that's a good thing. The bus ride back was terrible, we ride in a very old bus so there's not a lot of room and we just got the air fixed so it was really cold, normally its really hot and everyone is moody. We arrived back to Chillicothe at 6am and I got about an hour of sleep. I can never get any rest on buses so I had to sleep all day so I can be ready to play that day. We are home for the next six games and play Kalamazoo Kings for the first three, they are in first in our division so it's a big week.

It's June 26th and we just took the first two games from the Kings and have one more tomorrow for the sweep. The first game I got the day off, the three games in Traverse really took a toll on my body and I needed a day of rest. I did get to play however later on in the game. I was coaching first the whole game and we were playing really well but it came down to the bottom of the ninth and we were tired 10-10. Our lead off guy gets on with a walk, then we bunt him over and that's when are Manager, Mark Mason, decides to pinch run me at second. So with one out and our best hitter up, I take a chance at steal third and am called safe! The batter, Adrian Canto, then works a 3-1 count and the Kings decide to intentionally walk him and the pitcher overthrows the catcher and easily I come in to score the winning run. So I say that's a pretty good day off for me!

In game two I'm in the line up again playing centerfield. This game was a pitchers dual both giving up 2 or 3 hits both going into the 7 and 8th innings. We were down 1-0 into the 8th and scored 3 to win 3-1. We have one more game tomorrow, hoping we can win to get the sweep and pitchers get to take batting practice.

- Jeff

What's going on everybody my name is James Keithley and I was recently picked up in the 2008 draft by the Washington Nationals. I was born in San Francisco, California but grew up most of my life in San Antonio, Texas. After high school I attended UTSA (University of Texas @ San Antonio) for 3 years before now when I entered the draft. I am now currently in Short Season Single A playing for the Vermont Lake Monsters.

It's truly funny how I can sit and think back that everything I have ever worked for came down to one day. The day of the draft was anticipated like a little kid waiting on Christmas. I had gotten calls but nothing was a for sure thing but it was still my life long dream coming down to one day. So me and my dad got together on the first day and watched the first couple rounds go by seeing names that I have played against for quite sometime. First day of anticipation goes by and no calls, nothing. I didn't think much of it because they had only gotten through the first 6 rounds. So day 2 started a little early and this was it, it would be today or I would have to wait another year to see if I could get better. This might have been one the most stressful days of my life. All the anticipation built up all day and as the day kept going more and more did I get discouraged that it wasn't going to happen. Once the 30th round hit I had to just get out and go do something because I was pretty upset about it. And sure enough not long later after I get to the field to work out my good buddy, Jake calls me and says hey man you just got drafted. My response was shut up man don't play like that. But it had really happened because now all of a sudden the congratulations came in mass texts messages and calls were coming at me left and right. In that one instant I had realized that my life long dream of becoming a professional baseball player had become true.

As a 39th rounder I was not sure about going but in the end I was ready to start my life and get out there and start playing. I'm excited to be apart of this organization and I could not be happier right now knowing that I am that much closer to my life long dream.

- Till next time this James Keithley over and out.

The Lone Star State

I have been in San Angelo, TX, with the Colts now for about 3 weeks. Getting adjusted to the heat has been tough. The weather ranges anywhere from 95 to 105 degrees. I am happy to be with this organization. I have been training consistently to be prepared to go to the next level. I have made 3 appearances so far and I got my first win on my debut here coming in the game in the 10th and 11th inning and throwing 2 scoreless innings with 2 strikeouts.

My fastball has been clocked as high as 93 mph and my arm is getting stronger and I am starting to develop a rhythm. The hard work is paying off and I am excited about the future. Kyle Dison worked with me about a week before the Colts got back from their road trip and we hit the gym everyday and focused on creating an in-season workout, which would allow me to continue to build strength and be ready for games. Kyle also gave me pointers on my delivery to get more leverage with the legs and generate more power which has taken stress off of throwing and turned my arm into a whip. Kyle and I also talked about doing 100 windups a day to build consistency and create the muscle memory necessary to get the job done in the games. Some of the things Kyle shared with me about using your legs and generating power coincided with a lot of the concepts I learned from Tom House this off-season out in California.

I cannot be happier with the support I have received from Xclusive Sports Management and my family. Our team is doing great and I don't think it will be long before I am recognized as one of the best left-handers to pitch in the game of baseball.

- Merricks

For Immediate Release

XSM Officially Signs Nationals Prospect Keithley

Los Angeles, CA -- June 21, 2008, James Keithley of San Antonio, TX signs with XSM after being the Washington Nationals 39th round draft selection in the 2008 MLB Draft. The 6'1" 185lbs infielder from the University of Texas at San Antonio, recorded 170 games during his three-year career and hit .317 with 36 doubles, 7 triples, 15 home runs, 94 RBIs and 26 stolen bases.

Keithley becomes the first XSM advisee to sign a professional contract. When asked about why he chose XSM to represent him he said, "I signed with Matthew because I feel like I can really trust him. I believe that he is in this whole heartedly for my best interest and wants nothing but the best for me and my career." Keithley is also the son of Fox Sports Radio voice, Pat Evans, who can be heard over 350 radio stations throughout the country.

President of XSM, Matthew Vuckovich, said, "James is the type of player you want to work for. He is a great addition to the growing family at Xclusive." Keithley will begin his professional career with the Vermont Lake Monsters, the Single-A affiliate of the Nationals. For more information please visit the Lake Monsters website: Vermont Lake Monsters

Contact:

Matthew Vuckovich

Xclusive Sports Management

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