Before we get to what happened Wednesday in York’s first exhibition game of the year against visiting Southern Maryland, just wanted to point out a few newsworthy items.

–The Atlantic League is aiming to speed up games this year by implementing new pace-of-game rules. Check out that article by clicking here and check out reaction from Revs manager Mark Mason and his players, plus thoughts from Atlantic League executive director Joe Klein and chairman Peter Kirk, by clicking here.

–York signed infielder Andy Gonzalez, a 31-year-old former big leaguer, on Wednesday. Click here to check out that story. Gonzalez was in York’s clubhouse following Wednesday’s exhibition and Mason said he intends to start Gonzalez at short stop in Thursday’s exhibition at Somerset.

–Former Revs reliever Matt DeSalvo told me he’s “retired” but is leaving the door open to returning to York this season. Mason also isn’t ruling out bringing DeSalvo back. Click here to check out that full story.

Spring training: In its first exhibition game of the year, York defeated Southern Maryland, 10-4, on Wednesday at Sovereign Bank Stadium. At the plate, Tyler Graham, Eric Patterson, Jeff Fiorentino and Jason Repko had big days. Graham went 2-for-4 with two doubles, a run scored and a walk. Patterson went 2-for-4 with a solo homer, RBI single, two runs scored and a walk. Fiorentino went 2-for-5 with an RBI double – he also had a laser hit right at the first baseman for it’s worth. Repko was a double shy of hitting for the cycle, going 3-for-4 with a solo homer, a triple and two runs scored. Brian Burgamy also had a solo homer.

“Offensively I thought we were really good,” Mason said. “We ran the bases well. We were aggressive. I told the guys we weren’t going to steal bases today even though Wilson Batista wanted to run (Batista stole a base mid-way through the game). But I told them I didn’t want them to steal bases today because we don’t have our legs under us yet and I don’t want anyone to get hurt. Overall the outs were hard. Defensively we played pretty good.”

On the mound for York on Wednesday was starting pitcher Chris Cody followed by starting pitcher Nick Schumacher and relievers Joe Torres, Stephen Penney, Yunior Novoa and Mike Wuertz.

Cody had a rough 30-pitch first inning that seemed to get out of control after he walked the second batter of the game with one out. He then gave up back-to-back singles before getting the next two batters to ground out. The left-hander ended up going three innings, tagged with three runs (two earned) on four hits, two strikeouts and one walk.

“The arm feels great,” Cody said afterwards. “A 30-pitch inning will get you a little winded no matter what time of year it is. I felt like the pitches ended up where I wanted them to be. For the most part they (batters)  just did a good job of fighting off what I thought to be quality pitches. I thought I did a good job of getting ahead of a lot of hitters today. (York pitching coach) John (Halama) said it was 13 out of 16 first-pitch strikes, which is something I always strive to do. Obviously now the thing is to figure out how to put them (hitters) away once the count is in your favor.”

Schumacher went two innings, allowing one earned run on two hits with a walk and two strikeouts. He also had a tough go of things in his first frame, allowing a solo homer to Cyle Hankerd, then getting the next two outs before allowing a single and a walk until he worked out of trouble with a strikeout.

“Nick and Chris had really shaky first innings,” Mason said. “Chris’ first inning got set up when he walked the two-hole hitter, maybe a couple pitch selections maybe he should’ve went after him a little bit more. In Nick, this is the first time you’re seeing live hitters and you’re trying to do too much. The second inning he scaled himself back. I was pleased with the pitching. We can definitely get better but I thought it was OK.”

Torres, Penney, Novoa and Wuertz each threw a scoreless inning. The most notable performances of that bunch were Penney and Wuertz. Using his trademark slider, Wuertz was getting batters to swing at pitches down in the dirt. Revs pitching coach John Halama said he has been really impressed with Wuertz thus far.

As for Penney, the right-hander was throwing in the low 90s, at least according to the radar gun being held up by Revs baseball operations manager Andrew Ball. That’s a good sign for Penney, who only reached the high 80s last season. Halama is also really on high on Penney, a former Seattle Mariners prospect who went 2-1 with a 3.20 ERA in 60 games last year for York.

Chatting with the 6-foot, 7-inch Penney afterwards, he credits his improvement to an off-season workout program that requires him to grip a weighted ball in his hand while he goes through various arm motions – I got to see him in action doing the drills following Tuesday’s practice and while they don’t look physically demanding, I can see how they build up stamina in the arm muscles. It’s the first time he did such a workout program. In previous years as a Mariners prospect, he followed the routines laid out for pitchers in the Seattle farm system.

“I did a velocity program,” he said. “It’s weighted balls. There are weighted balls where it just builds up your muscles. There’s a whole science behind it.”

Penney, 26, said he worked out in front of a handful of pro scouts in December out in San Diego, where he lives during the off-season.

“It’s completely different.” “I didn’t do it so much other off-seasons because I was so beat up. But this off-season I felt great. I didn’t take off any time.”

Liriano: Reliever Pedro Liriano still isn’t in camp yet as the team is dealing with visa issues with the Dominican Republic native.

Thursday: York will travel to Somerset on Thursday for an exhibition game.

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The Revs announced the signing of former big league outfielder Jason Repko and the returns of relief pitchers Stephen Penney and Kris Regas on Friday.

With spring training set to begin in a month, the Revs now have a total of 17 players (including seven former big leaguers) signed for the 2013 season – eight position players and nine pitchers.

I chatted with Repko by phone for about 15 minutes. And I gotta say, I get the impression he’s going to be a really good clubhouse guy. He’s one of those rare people I’ve come across where I feel like running through a wall after we’re done talking. Plus, it looks like he’ll quickly become a fan favorite in York if he does anything like his previous ridiculous highlights in the outfield.

Anyway, Repko brings a reputation of being a solid outfielder as well. While the 32-year-old admits some of his many injuries have been unlucky, he also knows most are because of the ferocity he plays with in the outfield. (Seriously, check out this over-the-wall grand slam-robbing leaping catch, which apparently was a Sportscenter Top 10 play).

Just take his last injury. A partially separated acromioclavicular joint in his left shoulder came as a result of crashing into the Green Monster after tracking down a fly ball off the bat of New York Yankees’ Russel Martin last April 20 when Repko was in a Boston Red Sox uniform.

“Unfortunately I got a wrap (of being injured),” Repko said. “Some guys tell me ‘Hey man, won’t you tone it down (in the outfield)?.’ But I like to go all out and make plays for my pitchers. Maybe it’s cost me a lot of opportunities just as far as staying healthy. But if I think I’m gonna catch it, I’m gonna go for it.”

Repko comes to the Atlantic League for the first time in his career after racking up 360 games at the big league level since 2005.

“It’s disappointing when (big league) teams don’t wanna sign you for the first time (in your career),” Repko said. “But at the same time I’m really excited about coming to York and getting a chance to play on an everyday basis instead of being a bench player or playing sporadically like I’ve been doing the last few seasons.”

According to Revs’ baseball operations manager Andrew Ball, Repko has the same agent as former big league outfielder Bobby Kielty, who retired last season after a brief stint playing for the Revs. Repko also did his fair amount of research on the Atlantic League.

“I kept hearing good things about the league,” he said. “I called (Camden Riversharks’ infielder) Valentino Pascucci. That was another team I looked at a little bit because he offered me and my family to stay with him there. I talked to Reggie Abercrombie, who plays in the American Association. I just picked their brains to see how the change was and see what it was like (playing independent ball).”

A first round draft pick out of high school by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1999, Repko has played in the majors for the Dodgers, Minnesota Twins and Red Sox. For his career, he has a .224 average, 16 homers and 67 RBIs in the majors. The right-handed batter is a career .270 hitter in 877 games at the Class AAA level.

His only full season in the majors came in his big league debut with the Dodgers in 2005, when he batted .221 with eight homers and 30 RBIs in 129 games.

Repko, who lives in Washington state his wife and their two kids, says he feels as healthy as he’s ever been, mainly thanks to doing the popular Insanity workout over the off-season. The 5-foot, 11-inch Repko said he went from 194 pounds and 10.5 percent body fat down to 182 pounds and seven percent body fat.

“I made some huge adjustments in my diet and nutrition, which has led to more energy and messing with my workout a little bit. I had great results from the Insanity workout. I’m lighter than I’ve ever been,” Repko said. “Getting married, having a son and a daughter you have to figure out what your routine is gonna be every year. I said I’m gonna put a little bit more (responsibilities) on my wife so I can get after it this off-season.”

(By the way, it’s probably a great thing that the walls at Sovereign Bank Stadium were given pads in 2012. Especially after seeing all these highlights by Repko. Just search for his name on MLB.com, where you can find highlights of an impressive catch at the wall, another impressive catch at the wall, a game-winning throw for the Red Sox from center to home for the final out, a sliding catch in foul territory, among other highlights. Also, check out an 18-minute video of him talking about his career or a grainy eight-second video of a leaping catch into the centerfield wall somewhere).

Repko joins center fielder Tyler Graham and right fielder Jeff Fiorentino – all former big leaguers – in a York outfield that’s shaping up to be one of the best in the league this season. Ball didn’t rule out signing one more outfielder by the time spring training opens April 8, but he also noted that Limonta and Perez have previously played the outfield in their careers, so the Revs don’t necessarily need one more outfielder for insurance should a starter go down.

“We’ve had good defensive outfields every year since I’ve been here,” Revs manager Mark Mason said. “I think what it does is it makes it easier on the pitching staff because they know guys are willing to go hard after the balls in the gaps. And that’s a lot of the reason guys get hurt. They play all out. But if it’s good for them it’s good for our pitching staff, too.”

While the Revs still have to fill the short stop position, two of the eight position players signed so far are left-handed hitters (Fiorentino and Limonta), something Mason is comfortable with.

“I think we’re gonna be able to do a lot of alternating with right- and left-handers throughout the lineup,” Mason said. “I’m sure there will be some switch-hitters who will show up here shortly. We’re putting it together. And I’m keeping it in mind to not be dominant on just one side. We play in a ballpark where the ball flies everywhere.”

Penney, Korpi: Penney, a 6-foot, 7-inch right-hander and former Seattle Mariners‘ prospect, put together an impressive 3.20 ERA and 2-1 record in 60 relief appearances for York last season. Ball said the California native was busy this off-season working towards  a degree in Statistics with quantitative management at UC Riverside. (Check out features on the charismatic Penney here and here).

The left-handed Korpi, 26, is a former Miami Marlins’ prospect who went 4-0 with a 2.27 ERA in 15 relief appearances and three starts for the Revs in 2012.

Korpi’s most memorable outing last season came in a spot start for Corey Thurman on Aug. 16 against Camden. The lefty went five scoreless innings, holding the Riversharks to two hits while striking out three and walking one and throwing 38 of 60 pitches for strikes while issuing first-pitch strikes to nine of 18 batters.

Afterwards, the 6-foot, 185-pound lefty joked about how he still hears from people on claim to Internet fame when a Youtube video went viral that showed Korpi getting hit in the face by a 100-mph line-drive on the mound for Notre Dame (warning, it’s a pretty shocking video).

“I actually made my start the next week,” Korpi had said of the incident. “When I threw my fastball down the middle I was a little on edge. But it wasn’t too difficult.”

Anyway, here’s what Mason envisions for both Penney and Korpi this season:

“I see Penney in the role he was in last year,” Mason said. “I love him against right-handed hitters. We have to develop some things with him against left-handed hitters. Korpi was good in the role he was in last year. This year he’ll be built up to go as a long reliever.”

YORK INFIELD (Position Name, Age, Bats L/R):

C Patrick Arlis, 32, R

C Salvador Paniagua, 29, R

3B Andy Marte, 29, R

2B Andres Perez, 28, R

1B Johan Limonta, 29, L

YORK OUTFIELD

CF Tyler Graham, 29, R

RF Jeff Fiorentino, 29, L

LF Jason Repko, 32, R

YORK STARTING PITCHERS

LHP Chris Cody, 29

RHP Corey Thurman, 34

RHP Matt Fox, 30

RHP Nick Schumacher, 27

LHP Kris Regas, 27

YORK BULLPEN

LHP Yunior Novoa, 28

RHP Josh Judy, 27

RHP Stephen Penney, 26

LHP Wade Korpi, 26

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Among the cast of ballplayers each season, there’s always one with a whacky personality that makes him stand out from the crowd.

As it is, York Revolution reliever Stephen Penney could easily fill that role being that he stands 6-feet, 7-inches tall and has a full head of red hair.

Then you see how he interacts with teammates and coaches. And hear his crazy stories. And he fits the mold of the player with the outgoing personality.

(To check out a video story on Penney, click here)

For instance, in the Revs’ clubhouse prior to Wednesday’s game, Penney could be found playing ping-pong with fellow reliever James Houser, then going to teammate Chris Cody to put him on a list of players interested in trying a hand at the craft of table tennis. Then he turns around and grabs a flab of skin on the hip of pitcher Chris Waters and tells Waters to trim down.

“He is a professional when it comes to getting his work in,” Revs pitching coach Mark Mason said. “He can be very straight laced. But he is a clown. He is always kidding around. He is loose. He keeps everybody loose. He’s a lot of fun.”

Solid on the mound: Like Mason said, though, Penney knows when to be serious. The former Seattle Mariners prospect has held opponents scoreless in 17 of his 23 appearances thus far for York. At one point from May 21 to June 5, he threw seven straight scoreless innings over seven appearances. He admits he hasn’t been as sharp lately, allowing eight runs over his last six games to balloon his ERA to 4.79. But Mason believes Penney will turn it around after recently working with him on his pitching delivery.

Prior help: It’s likely just another step in the development of the 25-year-old Penney, who came to York earlier this year after being released by the Mariners following the club’s minor league spring training camp.

During the off-season, Penney picks the brain of Mark Prior. Yes, that Mark Prior, the former Chicago Cubs star pitcher who is now with the Boston Red Sox Class AAA Pawtucket team. During the winter months, the two are throwing partners in California.

“We went to the same high school and we both have the same agents,” Penney said. “We just kind of met through that. He works hard in the off-season.”

Penney also spends his off-season surfing on the west, something he’s done all of his life.

“I learned how to swim before I learned how to walk,” he said.

While his three younger brothers (who are also tall) have picked up pro surfing and volleyball, Penney grew up playing baseball and water polo – high schools on the west coast commonly have water polo teams.

“I was right in front of the goalie. So, if you’re on offense, in the middle right in front of the goalie, it’s tough,” he said. “It’s a little bit of a tussle back and forth. You’re trying to get in good position.”

Penney said he was good enough at water polo to be recruited by Loyola Marymount (Ca.) University, but opted to play baseball at UC-Riverside.

Personality: Throughout his journey in his now five-year pro career, Penney’s outgoing personality hasn’t changed. Neither has his unique sense of style. He personally tailored his batting practice jersey by cutting a V-neck down the middle and lacing it with a shoe string, which he says is not following in the style of a former NHL goaltender with the same name who won a Stanley Cup with the Canadiens in 1986.

“One of my teammates told me to lace it up,” he said. “Hockey-style. Vintage. Whatever.”

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As the York Revolution have put together the 2012 roster, manager Andy Etchebarren has reiterated his confidence in the team many times over. On a few occasions, he’s said this is York’s best roster he’s seen assembled at the start of a season. However, we have to be cautious with those thoughts. I mean, what else is he going to say?

But as more and more pieces have been added in recent weeks, I’m beginning to buy in. The most recent additions came on Friday – just a day before spring training starts – with left-handed starter Ryan Feierabend, right-handed reliever Stephen Penney and second baseman Andres Perez.

Word came down earlier in the week that left-handed starter Jake Stevens, who had previously signed with York, is now heading to play in the Mexican League. At the time, it left a gap in York’s projected starting rotation. With Feierabend coming on board, though, he might actually be an upgrade.

Feierabend (I can already tell I’m going to enjoy spelling this guy’s name this season), 26, is a former major leaguer, having last played in the big show in 2008 with the Seattle Mariners. He was originally drafted by the Mariners in 2003 in the third round and was, at one time, considered a big name prospect. For his career, the left-hander has a 2-11 record and 7.22 ERA in 19 starts and six relief appearances – all with the Mariners – at the major league level. His career was derailed in 2009 when he missed the entire season due to Tommy John surgery. He has since returned and last season went 10-8 with a 5.39 ERA in 23 starts and five relief appearances at Class AAA Lehigh Valley (Phillies). He had re-signed with the Phillies in December but was released on March 18, according to the team’s transactions page.

Feierabend gives York another solid left-hander in the starting rotation. At this point, the Revs projected starters should be (in no particular order) Feierabend, RHP Corey Thurman, LHP Chris Cody and RHP Omar Javier. As for the No. 5 spot, well, that could be a toss-up between RHP Jesus Sanchez, RHP Shaun Garceau, LHP Yunior Novoa and LHP James Houser. No matter how the starting rotation shakes out, it looks pretty strong, on paper, anyway.

In addition, the bullpen received a nice upgrade in Penney, 25, who is also a former Seattle Mariners prospect. First drafted by Seattle in the 29th round in 2008, Penney is only four seasons removed from playing at the college level for UC Riverside. The right-hander topped out at Class AA Jackson (Mariners) last season, going 5-2 with a 4.25 ERA and two saves in 38 games. He struck out 33 batters in 48.2 innings pitched.

INFIELD: At this point, York’s infield is starting look like it could be better than last year’s, and that’s saying something. We already know Ramon Castro (.323, 14 HR, 62 RBI with York last year) is moving from short stop to third base to replace the retired Vince Harrison (.327, 10 HR, 61 RBI). In Castro’s place at short will likely be Danny Gonzalez (.289, 4 HR, 81 RBI with Road Warriors last year). Slugger Chris Nowak should be back at first base. And now the second base slot will be filled by Perez.

The 27-year-old has spent the majority of his five-year pro career playing in the outfield as a prospect of the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers. However, he moved to second base last year playing for the Atlantic League’s Bridgeport Bluefish, where he batted .313 with 15 homers and 54 RBIs in 87 games. He also had a fielding percentage of .960. In affiliated ball, Perez reached High Class A in three separate seasons.

In 2011, York saw quite a few guys shuffle in and out at second. So, having a solid glove and a bat at that position will definitely help. Plus, the Revs will also have strong backup options in infielders Liu Rodriguez and Joe Spiers, who can both play multiple positions.

SPRING TRAINING: York’s spring training begins this Saturday at Sovereign Bank Stadium. Below is the tentative schedule:

Saturday, April 14: Workout

Sunday, April 15: Workout

Monday, April 16: Workout

Tuesday, April 17: York Revolution morning workout, Sugar Land Skeeters noon workout

Wednesday, April 18: York Revolution workout, Sugar Land Skeeters workout

Thursday, April 19: York Revolution morning workout, Southern Maryland Blue Crabs noon workout. SCRIMMAGE: Southern Maryland at York, 1 p.m. (free exhibition game is open to the public)

Friday, April 20: York Revolution bus departure in the morning for scrimmage later in the day at Southern Maryland

Saturday, April 21: York Revolution Fan Fest: Jason Aspito Home Run Derby at 12:10 p.m., Susquehanna/Central League vs. York Revolution at 1:15 p.m. For more details on the Fan Fest, which will include concerts outside the stadium prior to game, click here.

Sunday, April 22: SCRIMMAGE: Lancaster Barnstormers at York, 11 a.m. ( free exhibition game is open to the public)

Monday, April 23: York Revolution morning workout

Season begins on Thursday, April 26 with a four-game series at Sugar Land. The Revs will have their home opener on Tuesday, May 1 against the Camden Riversharks at 6:30 p.m.

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