Just like it has been for the last 30 years of Lower Columbia Baseball, expectations are high for the upcoming season. The same goal remains - win the Western Division and take a run at the NWAACC Championships.
The 2001 Red Devils have returning veterans from last season's NWAACC runners-up. "Experience from the battles of last season is something we have plenty of," says head coach Kelly Smith. "Taking second has more impact on these returning players as any motivational tool I could think of. They are willing to make all the effort and sacrifice it takes to get another shot at the big prize."
The loss of six Division I players from last year's class hurts, but that's the way of life in community college baseball. "Several of this year's sophomores have certainly Division I potential," Smith remarks, "We hope they can perform to their capabilities."
Leading the way are the veteran infielders back from last year. First base Ashley McWatters, second base Dave Coogan, short stop Dusty Suiter, and third base Joe Wilbur played well in 2000 and with another year of experience, they should blossom. Catcher Ian McMullen caught 40 percent of last year's innings and may well be the best defensive backstop in the division. Designated hitter/ catcher Tom Morris will provide serious power from both sides of the plate.
The outfield has only one part-time starter Kevin Roth back. Look for a big year from this lefty.
Pushing these sophomore position players are some talented freshmen. "A few may very well push some sophomores out of the line-up," says Smith. "We will be a deeper, more athletic defense this year. Competition should elevate everyone's level of play."
Four skilled freshmen infielders: second base Tucker Brack, first base Derek Verley, short stop Ryan Hostetler, third base Jess Tweit, and red-shirt catcher Adam Wolslegel, will see significant time in 2001. "Fans will especially like the way Brack plays. He's a hard-nosed, all-out player." Freshman Zapper McGrath looks like the man in center field this year. "He's a guy who can run, hit and shag balls down in the outfield," says Coach Smith. Also, contending for outfield playing time are Josh Emmil, John Mellema, Andy Bair and Chris Erhlich. One other distinct possibility is right handed pitcher Dane Renkert. His strong arm and hitting ability will create right-handed hitting depth in a left heavy outfield.
Pitching has been the backbone of the Red Devils since the advent of the NWAACC going to wood bats. For the past two years, Coach Rob Hippi's staff has led the league in ERA.
The problem is a heavy loss of strong, reliable arms that have moved on. Six pitchers are gone who ate up most of last year's innings. Only two return. Right-handers Spencer Stein (10-1 in 2000) and left-hander Ryan Melvin (league leading 0.63 ERA) are the only pitchers who have NWAACC experience. Hopefully a third, left-hander Barry Miller may be back from shoulder surgery sometime mid-season.
"The freshmen pitchers must step up and perform under pressure for us to contend," says coach Hippi. Leading the new crop are right-handers Dane Renkert, Anthony Gaudio, Dan Thigpen, and Aaron Jones. Left-handers Jeremy Howard and Joe Hall bring balance to the options for coach Hippi during game match-ups.
"We've had to reload with young arms, but this new crop may be one of our best recruiting classes," says Hippi. "Every one of them could be a starter as the season progresses. We're well-rounded with strong arms and finesse pitchers."
Coach Smith believes this year's team will have to play fundamentally sound baseball to win the division and contend for the NWAACC Championship. "We've got some work to do until the season starts, but this group I know will work."