OCR Text |
Show frnljy, March 7.2008 HERALD DAILY C4 2003 REGION 7 BASEBALL PREVIEW and Young wiD also be called upon to throw for the Bruins. Roden who had a 1.59 ERA Continued from Cl last year, will fill the void left w ill be M ark Garrett w ho led by Schmidt atop the Mountain all returning Utah County play- View rotation. Schmidt could ers last year with a .4K) batmiss the entire season, but there is also a chance he could ting average. However, don't expect teams to be able to pitch return by the time region play around Garrett with much begins. success. Marcus Draper gives Like Mountain View, Springville returns most of its key Mountain View as good of a hitting punch as any team in hitters from last year. The Red Devils also have a strong the valley. "Mark is a great hitter, punch of their own in Ben Doxey and Corey MacMurdo, great outfielder and a great who both hit around .400 last ballplayer," Cooper said. "Marcus Draper had as season. Isaac Allred, Trevor Jeffors, Jeff Boyd and Colton good a summer as I've ever seen a kid have, he hit over Ramon will also be key con.700. It was absolutely ritributors to the Springville diculous what he did for us this offense. Because of all the returning summer." Sam Roden, Kyle Kendall, talent, both teams have high Travis Jackman, Caleb Loveexpectations going into the land and Tanner Young will season. "We expect to be there help make the Bruin lineup strong again," Child said of Spring-ville'- s chances to repeat. Roden, Draper, Loveland Marcus DraperLuke OF: I Coach Chris Cooixt. 10th season I Assistant coaches: Region 7 projected uneup Mountain View Oldham, Mark Garrett, Caleb Hoveland Jeff Gustm, Jeff Gardner, Brandon Smith, Brandon Dickinson, Jake Fesster, Jared Benson, Curtis Carlson Spencer SSKyie X-- Kendall '" 3B; Sam PROJECTED ROTATION RottenCaleb 1. Cameron Schmidt .If Loveland 2. Sam Roden IB: Tanner roung s ', V-V-V- ; 3. Marcus Draper 4. Caleb Loveland PROJECTED LINEUP Springville OF: Brian Bulow, Corey I Coach: Willy Child, 8th season MacMurdo, Ben Doxey I Assistant coaches: Kelly ROTATION Frampton IB: Isaac 3B; Trevor Jeffers .v. t IV- - Allred '. 'r- 'a. V y ' A closer look at Mon 7 baseball Neil Warner 5. T.J. Whiting w. ivinici men uiaiiuun r DAILY admits he won't know for eral more weeks. HERALD Dewyze A breakdown of Region 7 baseball, with predicted orderof finish (not including Tooele): team-by-tea- PROJECTED LINEUP Provo OF: Andy Isom, Colby I Coach: Lance Moore, 9th season Framp-tonKyl- e Mc-Cla- Valgardson, GriffinKyler Hamilton Assistant coaches: Vern Law, Jim Snyder, Tucker Lougee, Curtis Porter, Brian Preece, Chris Waited PROJECTED ROTATION 2B: McClatn SS: Adam Law GriffinGreg Schofield 3B; Morgan Ventura Cameron 1. Colin Bigelow 2. Willie Isorn IB: Scott KingHayberK V 7 Denton ' 3. Rolf Pawelek 4. Kyle Valgardson C: Matt 5. Griffin Geslison i Utility: Brian Brimhall PROJECTED LINEUP Orem OF: Travis Strong, Harrison Coach: Gary Miner, 3rd season. bie McKinney, Ryan berg, Kyle Flanagan PROJECTED GrayColton Baird, Nikko MelonasJpsh Rob- Hamblin 2B: Jordan Johnston SS: Jordan Fehl- - Sargent 7 ROTATION 1. Marc Morgan 3B:Jeff Mella 2. Nate Adamson J.TyUndsayA IB: Goose KallunkiiVX V Ryaq Vaughn 3. Josh Hamblin 4. Harrison Gray .LMTK.VZDW; Mountain View is in a new position this year as favorite to win Region 7. After several years of being picked toward the bottom of the brutal Region 4 standings, the Bruins have moved down to Class 4A. The move couldn't have come at a better time, as Mountain View lias the talent to make plenty of noise in Region 7 and 4A. The Bruins return seven starters off of last year's 14-8 Vr Griner' Julian Martinez Assistant coaches: C: C.J. Harrison' team and have several other players who saw action last season. Included in the returning starters are outfielders Mark Garrett and Marcus Draper, both of whom coach Chris Cooper refers to as five-toplayers who can hit for average and power, field; throw and run well. Garrett hit .493 last year and had an .500 average in Region 4 play. This year's Mountain View squad goes far deeper than just Garrett and Draper, however. Sam Roden returns to the lineup after hitting in the No. 5 hole for much of last season. Travis Jackman is a tough out who can hit an occasional gap. Cooper believes shortstop Kyle Kendall could be one of the valley's biggest surprises on offense. Tanner Young, Caleb Loveland and Spencer Riley could also have big years at the plate. PROJECTED LINEUP Payson OF: Dallin Willes, Harry Coach: Scott Haney, DavisTadd Menlove, Jason MathewsKyler.Figgins Inn year Assistant coaches: Shawn Johnson, Sam Ford SS: Dalton Smith PROJECTED ROTATION , 2B: McCade Ford 1. Tyson Memmott The Bruin pitching staff suffered a major blow shortly before the season when it lost ace Cameron Schmidt to a torn ACL. However, despite the loss of Schmidt, Mountain View has plenty of capable arms to plug in. Leading the way will be Roden who is a big game pitcher who doesn't give in on the mound, which was 0 ERA evidenced by his last season. Draper will be counted on the most to provide sub-2.0- "IB: Cody 3B;, Austin Atkinson 2. Tadd Menlove v Ferguson v: Tyler Bryson 3. Harry Davis quality innings behind Roden. Draper has the tools to have a strong year. Others who could see time on the mound are Young and Loveland. 4. Cody Ferguson C: Beau Buftorl Cooper has not completely ruled out a Schmidt return, but Al Zuke's Top 5 Players by Position PROJECTED LINEUP Timpview I Coach: 2nd year OF: Dominque Moe, Keir Poland. Lars-enJas- Whittingham, Ben DanielTrevor Whittingham I Assistant coaches: 2B; Kirk Perry mc'tin Carey Whittingham, Jeff Ward, Justin Setlo, Tom Robinson Bronk S I PROJECTED ROTATION 3B; Craig Bills 1. Keir Larsen V ) ' 1B: Thomasi klrliham K 2. Ben Daniel 3. Craig Bills Vv7 Jason Whittingham James Daniels C: Zuke's Preseason P P IB 2B C All-Vall- Gentry Croft (Timpanogos) Brock Duke (Sp. Fork) Riley White (PI. Grove) Andy Lewis (Am. Fork) Bo Fisher (Am. Fork) ey SS 3B OF OF OF Bret Lopez (Timpanogos) Tyler Hanks (Sp.Fork) Marcus Draper (Mtn. View) Gentry Mitchell (Sp. Fork) Mark Garrett (Mtn. View) For more high school baseball (Spnngville) 2B - Andy Lewis (American Fork), Jordan Cooper (Timpanogos), Ktrt Daley (Spanish Fork), Colton Ramon (Springville) C - Bo Fisher (American Fork), C.J. Harrison (Orem). Brandon Healey (Lehi), Beau Button (Payson), Mitch Foster (Timpanogos) CF - Mark Garrett (Mtn. View), Taylor Lyons (Timpanogos), Tanner Christensen (American Fork), Brian Bulow (Springville), Andy Isom (Provo) LF Gentry Haws (American Fork), Ben Doxey (Spnngville). Damon Ward (Spanish Fork). Josh Mooney (American Fork), Caleb Loveland (Mm. View) RF Gentry Mitchell (Spanish Fork). Marcus Draper (Mtn. view), Kade Andrus (Lone Peak), Corey MacMurdo (Springville), Dominque Moe (Timpview) Utility - Grant Jimenez (Timpanogos), Christian Stewart (Timpanogos), Scott LeFrandt (American Fork), Harrison Gray (Orem), Kyle Kendall (Mtn. View) nil iN; Zuke's 2008 Player Projections Bffln( Anragt fcftt loot? (TmpanogMi Mark Garefl Marcus Draper (Mountain (Mountain View! Vww) .504 I'M AS 3-- ' . 3-- 4. OREM 3. o one-tw- non-regio- 0-- 4-- .481 .457 Corey MacMurdo (Spnngville) Adam Law (Provo) Ben Doxey (Spnngville) C.J. Harrison (Orem) Beau Button (Payson) .423 .421 .414 Tyler Hanks iSpamsh For) Gentry Haws lAmencan Fork) Riley White (Pleasant Grave) ' challenge for the region title. :5.PAVSON.::;;x;:;;; The Lions could have the hit t ting to stay with the elite teams in the region, but pitching will be a major question mark. Payson will be counting on Tyson Memmott, Tadd Menlove, Harry Davis and Cody Ferguson make up a rotation. If they can keep opposing teams from putting together big innings, the offense is capable of putting up some crooked numbers. Beau Button should be one of the better hitters in the regioa He hit .404 last year. Spencer Smith was one of the surprise players of the region, when he finished the year bat- ting .458. The infield looks like Cody Ferguson or Tyler Bryson at first, McCade Ford at second, Dalton Smith at shortstop and Austin Atkinson at third. Payson coach Scott Haney has plenty of options in the outfield that include Dallin Willes, Davis, Tadd Menlove, Jason Mathews and Kyler Figgins. 10-1- lewis (American Fork) Murpny (American Fork) Brock Duke (Spanish Fork) Gentry Mitcnetl (Spanish Fork) Grant Jimenez (Timpanogos) Spencer sev- springville; Jake IB - Riley White (Pleasant Grove), Goose Kallunki (Orem), Jordan Mehlhoft (Timpanogos), Nate Pitcher (American Fork), Isaac Allred (Spnngville), Jordan Johnston (Orem) SS - Bret Lopez (Timpanogos). Jake Murphy (American Fork), Brock Duke (Spanish Forii), Adam Law (Provo), Brennan Holmstead (Lone Peak) 38 Tyler Hanks (Spanish Fork), Rhett Nelson (Timpanogos). Sam Roden (Mtn. View), Dillon Robinson (Lone Peak), Trevor Jettons pitched well for Provo last year. Provo's staff got a boost when Rolf Pawelek, the younger brother of Mark Pawelek, 2.' transferred from Springville. The Red Devils will have He's a junior and should add to to make room for Mountain the pitching depth. Adam Law, the team's leadView, but don't expect this team to back down. Springville ing hitter from last year (.395), has the pitching to defend its returns at shortstop where he led the team in stolen bases region title. Brian Whatcott, a senior with 13. Morgan Ventura, a right hander, figures to anchor junior, is back at third base, where he hit .355. the staff. He was 1 with a McClain Griffin could win 3.28 ERA last season. Kurt Avthe job at second base and erett, Todd Oakey and Corey MacMurdo give the Red Devils Scott King could play first. The outfield also has experienough arms to give coach ence. Isom returns at center, Willy Child plenty of options and T.J. Whiting, a lefty who where he hit .370 and stole 11 went 1 last year, could come bases. Look for Colby Frampin and close. ton, Kyle Valgardson and The offense should give the Ky ler Hamilton to battle for the other outfield spots and pitching staff plenty of support. The outfield could be the coach Lance Moore will likely best in the region. Ben Doxey figure out a way to get Brian Brimhall's bat into the lineup. (.398), Brian Bulow (.298) and MacMurdo (.403) all started last year and make for a daunt, ing trio. A year after being the surSpringville returns three starters on the infield. Trevor prise of Region 7 and winning Jeffors (third base), Jeff Boyd the reigon title, Orem took a (shortstop) and Colton Ramon step back last season and fin- sihed The Tigers made (who moved from catcher to a brief appear nee in the state second base) are all back. At first base is Isaac Allred, who tournament and ended the loss to saw spot duty for the Red Dev- season with a n ils. He showed he can hit by Granger. The Tigers are looking to posting a .360 batting average. restore the roar and they have At catcher, the Red Devils the talent to make it happen. return Brandon Miller, who was injured for the first half of With Marc Morgan and the season, then came back to Nate Adamson back from last hit .360 last season. year to anchor the pitching It's no wonder Springville staff, those two should keep was picked to win the region Orem in games. Josh Hamblin and sophmore Harrison Gray by the Region 7 coaches, but the Red Devils do enter the sea- will help give the Tigers more son ranked third in the state options. 4A coaches rioll behind CottonMuch of Orem's offense also wood and Mountain View. returns. Catcher C.J. Harrison is poised for a breakout season. He hit .384 last year. First PROVO baseman Goose Kallunki, also a returning starter, will comAt one time last year, the bine with Harrison to give the After failBulldogs were n game ing to win a Tigers one of the best and starting the season punches in the region. He hit .395 last year. Provo caught fire and made an amazing run in the state 4A Jordan Sargent returns at tournament. shortstop and Jordan Johnston The momentum the Bulldogs is at second. Third base could gained last year figures to still be a question mark, with Jeff be alive because Provo returns Mella, J.T. Lindsay and Ryan several players off last year's Vaughn all battling for playing time. team that finished third in the state. Travis Strong, Harrison Colin Bigelow was 5 with Gray, Colton Baird, Nikko Melonas and Hamblin could all a 3.74 ERA last season and enters the season as the team's see time in the outfield, giving ace. Willie Isom, a junior, also Orem a team strong enough to Andy .445 .441 424 .410 .407 .401 .398 .396 .390 Smith (Payson) Doubles Jake Murpny (American Fork) Marcus Draper (Mountain view) Bret Lopez (Timpanogos) CJ. Harnson (Orem) Josh Swenson (led) Mark Garrett iMountain view) Dominque Moe (limpviewi Andy Lewis lAmencan Corey MacMurdo (Spnngville) Goose Kallunki (Orem) Gently Haws (American Fortil Jordan Mehlhott (Timpanopos) Gentry Mitchell ISpamsh Fork) Beau Button (Paysonl Riley white iPleasant Grove) Tanner roung Mouniam View) Taylor Lyons (Timpanogos) Mark Garrett (Mountain View) Gentry Mitchell IMountain View Jordan Cooper (Timpanogos) Adam Law (Provo) Andy Lewis (American Fork) Dominque Moe (Timpview) Beau Button (Parson) Corey MacMurdo (Sprtngvilk)) 11 10 Morgan Michael Ventura Haynes 9 9 B B PtTCHNG Wins Jaka Murphy (American Fork) C.J. Harrison (Orem) Andy Lewis (American Fork) Bret Lopez (Timpanogos) Riley White (Pleasant Grave) 1 52 2 09 218 2 59 2 66 2.78 2 89 3.01 3.13 3.39 Batting Average it bats minimum) (Based on 26 7 Mark Garrett .493 5 Spencer .458 5 Andy Lewis (Amencan Fork) Bret Lopez fhmpanogos) Gentiy Mitchell (Spanish Fork) .454 Riley White (Pleasant Grave) Beau Button (Paysonl Corey MacMurdo (Springville) Jake Murphy (American Fork) .417 Ben .398 3 3 40 Mk 36 32 Fork) Garrett IMountain view! Brock Duke (Spanish Forkl Corey MacMurdo (SprmginKe) Beau Button (Payson) C J Harrison (Oreml 37 Rhett Nelson (Timpangos) Dsn Securest (Lone Peak) 26 25 Josh 24 30 27 26 Ooiey Spnngwlle Tyler Hanks (SpBnUh Fork) Scott Laf randt (lone .450 .433 .404 7 Gentry Mitchell (Spanish Beau Button (Payson) Peak! Mooney (American Fork) Brack Duke (Spanish Fork) C J. Harrison (Oreml Daniel Securest (Lone Peakl Gentry Haws (American Andy Isom (Pravo) Fork) Taylor Lyons (Timpanogos) Bret Lopez (Timpanogos) Mark Garrett (Mountain view) Gentiy Adam Mitchell 27 Ben Doxey .390 .388 .384 .377 .372 Josh Swenson (LeM) Josh Mooney (Amencan MatVtiarrett (Mountain Jake Murphy (American Beau Button (Payson) 370 Taylor Lyon (Springvilla) Fork) Hew) Fork) (Timpanogos) (Payson) Genty Haws (Amencan Fork) PITCHING Wins Cameron Schmidt (Mountain Adam Duke (Spanish Fork) Riley White (Pleasant Grove) Josh Swenson tLehi) Devm Nelson (Spanish Fork) View) 2 ' 42 5 Securest 1 (Lone Peak) Run Average Josh Swenson (Lehi) Adam Duke (Spanish Fork) Brain Whatcott (Springville) 319 Riley white (Pleasant Grove) Devin Nelson (Spanish Fork) Brack Duke (Spanish Fork) Colin Bigelow (Provo) 3.35 321 328 337 340 3.74 Strikeouts 36 Daniel Brock .395 Austin Atkinson Earned Bret .398 10 8 8 8 6 8 7 (Minimum on 20 Innings pitched) Sam Roden (Mountain view) .59 nhen Nelson (iimpanogos) 2.27 Cameron Schmidt (Mountain View) 2.85 Fork) Rims Bitted la Lopez (Tlmpanogosl Securest (Lone Peak) Duke (Spanish Fork) Kade Andrus (Lone Peak) Morgan Ventura (Pravo) Corey MacMurdo (Spnngville) 13 11 Taylor Lyons (Timpanogos) Matt Webster (Provo) Riley White IPleasant Grove) McCade Ford (Payson) Spencer Smith (Payson) Daniel Ben Doxey (Springville) Cotton Ramon (Spnngville) (Spanish Stolen Bases Adam Law (Provo) Andy Isom (Provoj Mooney (American Fork) Brian Whatcott (Spnngville) T.J. Whiting (Springville) Josh Swenson (Lehi) Beau Button (Payson) Jake Murphy (American Fork) Josh Mooney (Amencan Forir) Corey MacMurdo ISpnngvilla) Jordan Cooper (Timpanogos) Hanks 6 16 16 Josh Home Runs Bret Lopez (Tlmpanorjosi Kade Andrus (Lone Peak) Daniel Securest (Lone Peak) Tyler 18 17 17 17 Boyd (Springville) Tyler Hanks (Spanish Fork) Trevor Jettons (Sphngvillel Gentry Mitchell (Spanish Fork) ' Marc Morgan (Orem) Gentiy Crolt (Timpanogos) Rhett Nelson (Timpanogos) Colin Bigelow (Pravo) Fork) (Spanish Law (Provo) Andy Isom (Provo) Jake Murphy (American Fork) Gentiy Haws (Amencan Fork) Tyler Hanks (Spanish Fork) .402 .395 Joah 6 .403 .395 Adam Law (Pravo) Goose kallunki (Oram) 9 8 6 8 Triples 3 4 4 ' 10 10 10 7 6 6 6 Fork) Rhett Nelson (Timpanogos) Harnson (Orem) C.J Jed 13 Gentry Corey MacMurdo (Spnngville) Boyd (Springville) Leaders of Top Returning players 4 Fork) Jetf (Mountain view) Smith (Payson) The T'Birds made the playoffs last year, a breakthrough season for a program that has struggled to maintain consistency. A playoff berth this year would be a major success. Before the season even started, Timpview had strike one called on it when catcher Max Forest moved to Calif ornia. Ben Daniel is one of the few players returning with experience. He'll pitch and play first. Coach Al Poland will look for innings out of Keir Larsen and Craig Bills. Bills didn't play last year, but is being counted on to make an impact. Dominque Moe provides Timpview with the biggest bat in the lineup. M oe w ill need help from shortstop Justin Bronk, second baseman Kirk Perry and in an outfield that could include Larsen, along with Jason and Trevor Whittingham. Last year Timpview won four straight games, including a play-i- n game over Payson, to get into the playoffs. The hope for Timpview is it can all come together and T'Birds can avoid the cellar. Doubles Haws (Amencan Fork) Josh Swenson (Lehi) Jordan Cooper (Timpanogos) (Left) 6.TIMPVXEW .362 .360 .360 .355 .355 (Provo) (Spanish Goose Kallunki (Orem) Mark Garrett (Mountain View) Brock Duke (Spanish Fork) Gentry Croft (Timpanogos) Cameron Schmidt (Mountain View) Adam Duke (Spanish Fork) Rhett Nelson (Timpanogos) Brian Whatcott (Spnngville) Devin Nelson ISpamsh Fork) Gentry Croft (Timpanogos) Brock Duke (Spanish Fork) Adam Duke ISpanish Fork) Tyler Hanks (Spanish Fork) Rhett Nelson (Timpanogos) Cameron Schmidt IMountain View) SeiDy Brummett (Spanish Fork) Brian wnatcott (Spnngvillel Sam Roden (Mountain view) Brit Lopez (Timpanogos) Jake Murphy lAmencan Fork) Taylor Lyons (Timpanogos) Andy Isom (Provo) Tanner Chhstensen (American Fork) Spencer Smith (Paysonl Gentiy Haws (Amencan Fork) Scott Laf randt (American Fork) ERA RBI Mooney (American 15 Josh Swenson Horn Dun Bret Lopez (Timpanogos) Jake Murphy (American Fork) Daniel Secures! (Lone Peak) Kade Andms (Lone Peak) Goose Kallunki lOrem) Nelson (Timpanogos) Taylor Lyons (Timpanogos) Isaac Allred (Springville) Rhett Stolen Bases Adam Law (Pravo) Colm Bigelow (Prowl Josh Mooney (American Fork) Oevm Nelson (Spanish Fork) Daniel Securest (Lone Peak) Triples th analysis from the Daily Herald's The Zuke, go to neilwarnerbooks.com : XZZ 3. Todd Oakey 4. Corey Macmurdo. . its 2006 region championship team including Goose Kallunki, C.J. Harrison, Jordan Sargent, Jordan Johnston and Marc Morgan. Those players give the Tigers the experience and talent they will need to compete atop the region. Provo will also look to play a spoiler role. The Bulldogs went further in the state tournament than any other valley team last year, finishing in third. Provo returns speedy shortstop Adam Law, third baseman Morgan Ventura and center fielder Andy Isom among others. "Our region's pretty tough all the way," Child said. Which should make for yet another exciting prep baseball season both in Region 7 and throughout the valley. .RamonLu Jeff Boyd 1 Brian Whatcott 2. Kurt Averett 8 with more talent than usual and are poised to try to take the Region 7 trophy away from the favorites. Orem returns several players who played key roles on 2B: Colton v Ewing, Alex Johnson, Eric Bills, Alex Beals PROJECTED Jackman C: Travis 5; Tanner Young "That's our kids' attitude and that's the way they've worked all winter. They want to be the best team in the region. They know teams will be ready to play against us and they know we've got to compete and get better if they want to be there again." Standing in the way will be a Mountain. View team that went 14-last year, but struggled somewhat in Region 4. The Bruins expect to be on the other end of the standings in their new region. "Our guys are set on a region championship for sure," Cooper said. "We have expectations to go a long ways beyond region as well. Every team shoots to win it all don't they? We've got the experience to do it. It's just a matter of playing hard, and peaking at the right time." Speaking of peaking at the right time, several other local programs seem to be loaded 25 24 22 Adam Duke ISpanish Fork) Oamel Welch (Lone Peak) Rhett Gordon (Paraon) Colm Bigelow (Prowl Brack Duke (Spanish Fork) Tyson Memmott (Payson) Josh Swenson (Lehi) Gentiy Crott (Timpanogoa) Rhett Nelson (Tlmpanogosl Riley White (Pleasant Grove) Brian whatcott (Springvlllel Cameron Schmidt (Mountain View) Devm Nelson (Spanish Fork) 63 62 61 53 52 52 46 43 38 38 33 31 X |