Jay Witasick knows the challenges that fellow University of Maryland-Baltimore County product Wayne Franklin is facing.
Witasick, a 1990 graduate of C. Milton Wright High School, has played for Oakland, Kansas City, San Diego, the New York Yankees, San Francisco and Colorado. Coming full-circle, he has resurfaced in Oakland, after breaking into the majors with the A?s in 1996.
Wayne Franklin, 32, is with his second organization this spring. He went to camp with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays, and is now at Triple-A Richmond in the Braves system.
“It?s hard to keep track of him,” Witasick said.
The same can be said for Maryland Terrapins product EricMilton, 30, who is on the disabled list with the Cincinnati Reds after stints in Minnesota and Philadelphia.
Witasick, 33, noted that getting to the majors is nearly impossible.
“I think, in general, the talent in that area has been overlooked for years,” the 11-year veteran said Tuesday from California. “We have the weather that doesn?t permit us to play baseball year round like others do.”
Witasick injured his ankle avoiding a collision in Minnesota last month, and has been on the disabled list since April 15. He split last season between Colorado and Oakland, going 1-1 with a save in 28 appearances with the A?s. He appeared in three games this season prior to his injury.
