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Feb. 8, 2013

PULLMAN, Wash. - Three former Washington State baseball student-athletes currently professionally in Minor League Baseball were on hand for Cougar practice, Friday.

Alex Burg, Patrick Claussen and Derek Jones were there to check out the 2013 Cougars, visit with old teammates and coaches and get some swings in at the Indoor Hitting Facility as they prepare for 2013 Spring Training.

Burg, who was played for the Cougars in 2008-09, is currently in the San Francisco Giants' organization. He will make the drive to Arizona toward the end of the month.

"I am hoping to open the season in AA," Burg said. "This is my Rule IV year, so I think I have a decent chance to be in AAA toward the end of the season.

Claussen and Jones, both four-year Cougars who were drafted last season by Miami and Colorado respectively, are looking forward to their first spring training after playing in short season leagues last summer.

"I'm excited," Claussen said. "Last year, I didn't show my best, but I've worked hard in the offseason and I'm anxious to see what I can do. There was definitely an adjustment from college ball to the pros. One thing I miss is the camaraderie with my teammates in college. Those guys are your friends. In pro ball, it is more like co-workers."

Jones spent some time in the instructional league following his first taste of pro ball. He thinks the time already spent in Scottsdale, Ariz., will help.

"I think I would be a lot more nervous if I had not had that experience," Jones said. "I met a lot of the guys I will be playing with and several coaches. I feel like spring training will be similar, but with 200 guys instead of 60."