http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slu...v=ap&type=lgns


From Marines in Iraq to Padres in Spring Training, Minus a Finger

By GREGG BELL
PEORIA, Ariz. (AP) -One by one, more than 80 players seated on a back field of the Padres' spring training complex stood and gave their names and where they were last season.

"Jesus Lopez. Fort Wayne. Eugene."

Class-A teammates laughed and teased.

"Michael Johnson. Pittsburgh Pirates. Indianapolis."

The group welcomed Johnson into the organization.


Then a tall, broad-shouldered and tanned No. 40 stood.

"Cooper Brannan. United States Marine Corps."

No one said a word.

No one had to. They all knew the story of the player unlike any other in camp. Or in baseball this spring. Brannan, a 22-year-old Marine infantryman home from a second tour of duty in Iraq because he lost a finger to a grenade, is trying to win a minor league pitching job with San Diego.

"It's not every day.....

Rem