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Show Three of Owlz still succeeding despite usual roster upheaval a kind A trio of college team- mates make their jump to the pros — together By JONATHAN BOLDT Asst. Sports Editor For most baseball players, there is nothing more nostalgic than the first few years of little league baseball, when the game is more enjoyable as friends play with friends. Even if they aren't on the same team, they play in the same league and compete against each other. Camaraderie develops and rivalries begin, only magnifying friendships. Eventually baseball gives way to extreme competitiveness and the child-like euphoria wears off, leaving only wins and losses to determine success. This is not true for three Orem Owlz teammates. Although they had not met prior to college, pitchers Shane Waller, Daniel Vargas-Villa and shortstop Brandon Brewer all made their roundabout way to the same professional team after playing for Division II Western Florida. Vargas-Villa and Brewer were drafted, but it took a free agent signing to bring Waller to the Angels organization. "These two had it easy, they were drafted," Waller laughed. "I had to wait it out and struggle to make it here!" Not only did they come from (and end up on) the same team, they all went pro the same year. Right after winning the College World Series. We are lucky. Not many people get a chance for two rings in the same year. 0, -Daniel Vargas-Villa Orem Owlz pitcher "We are lucky. Not many people get a chance for two rings in the same year," Vargas-Villa said, referring to the Owlz chance to win a championship this season. As the Owlz make a push for the playoffs and a possible championship run, the three credit team chemistry as a major factor to their success. "This team gets along really well," Brewer said. "We all have fun, and when we have fun we play well together. It makes the long road trips more bearable too. It would be a lot harder if everyone kept to themselves." Shane Waller echoed Brewer's take on how their bond has translated to success in the season. "We all know that we have each other's back, not just for goofing around but when it gets tough on the field," Waller said. "That goes for the whole team, but having played with these two for so long, that adds another layer to it." While each has their own demeanor and personality, it only takes a few minutes to notice little things they have picked up from each other. When asked if they had ever dreamed of this, they all nod in unison. When asked if they thought they could be the next Andy Petite, Derek Jeter, and Mariano Rivera minor league class to make an impact in the majors, they smile. Not because they find the idea funny or out of the question. To a man, they all had that glint of confidence in their eyes as a smile crept over each of their faces. "There is not a doubt in my mind that we could have beat any team in the country last year," Vargas-Villa said. "I don't care what anybody says, we were that good." Photo by lhomas Larsen/OYU Review OwIz outfielder Gary Mitchell prepares to swing in a regular season game against division rival Ogden. Orem and Ogden have made the postseason for six consecutive years. By JONATHAN BOLDT Asst. Sports Editor The Orem Owlz have seen it all. Blazing hot win streaks, freezing cold losing skids, surprise players, and superstars in the making. For diehard baseball fans and even the casual fan, this season has had all the drama of the major leagues. One abnormality that is unique to minor league system, is that players get called up to play in higher divisions within the Angels organization. Tom Kotchman not only deals with the typical injuries, he has to balance the comings and goings of all players. One player in particular was hard to let go: catcher Francis Larson. "Larson may not have the bat that some of our other guys do, but for some reason the pitchers like throwing to him," Kotchman said. "He has a real good way of handling the pitching staff and he calls a great game." The Owlz haven't just lost players, however. They have picked up a few diamonds in the rough along the way. Two weeks into the season, first-round pick C.J. Cron signed and made an immediate impact. Prior to injuring his knee, Cron went on a tear, skyrocketing to the top of the league leader board for home runs. After two weeks of being injured, he still leads the team with 13 home runs. The Achilles heel of the Owlz has been their pitching, as Kotchman has shuffled and toyed with the rotation all season. The two biggest signings have been Nick Maronde and Michael Clevinger. "If I was a little more athletic I may have done cartwheels when we were able to get him in the third round," Kotchman said. "Maronde is going to be the real deal." Clevinger was a more recent signee, making his debut last week on the road against the Missoula Osprey. "Clevinger has some good stuff, he's just getting to where he needs to be but he is going to be huge coming down the stretch," Kotchman said. As important as pitching has been, the fans make the trip out to Brent Brown Ballpark to see the offense. Cron had been the main draw until his injury, but there were two consistent performers prior to Cron's arrival, continuing while he was in the line-up, and now as he rides the pine. Taylor Lindsey has been the offensive juggernaut that the Owlz needed all season, putting up nine home runs, 32 RBI, and hitting at a clip of .371. Lindsey was the first of two Owlz to hit for the cycle this year, Jerod Yakubik being th other. The unsung player of the year has been Jerod Yakubik. He hit his first ever professional home run last week against the Casper Ghosts. It was his other contributions that game that define Yakubik's season. That home run capped off a game where he hit a single in the first inning, a double in the third, a triple in the sixth, and the home run in the eighth. Hitting for the cycle had not been accomplished since 2008. If that weren't enough, his bomb to right center gave the Owlz a one-run lead that would prove to be the game winner. Making the feat even more impressive was Yakubik hitting them all in sequential fashion (single-to-home run), statistically the hardest thing to do in all of sports. No big deal. "I haven't done that before," Yakubik said. "As long as it helps us win, I'm happy." Yakubik would strike again last Thursday, capitalizing on a wild pitch to score the gamewinning run in the 10th inning against Helena. All things considered, the Owlz are looking forward to a chance to perch atop the standings once again and bring another title to Orem. Key Performers Taylor Lindsey 9 home runs 32 RBI 371 average Jerod Yakubik Aug. 14 vs. Casper 1st inning single 3rd inning double 6th inning triple 8th inning HR PIONEER LEAGUE STANDINGS* 2nd Half Standings* North Division Great Falls Billings Missoula Helena 16-9 15-10 13-12 7-18 South Division Orem 16-9 Casper Ogden Idaho Falls 12-13 11-14 10-15 *as of Friday, Aug. 26 YOUNG FAMILY DENTAL • Serving Utah Families for 40 Years! • Wisdom Teeth, Root Canals • General Dentistry, IV Sedation • Open Saturdays, Emergencies $49 for Exam, Xrays, & Cleaning UTAH VALLEY UNIVERSITY Not valid with any other discount or offer. Orem Office 1834 S. State www.youngfamilydental.com Text CODE WOLVERINES to 46786 MIGHTY ATHLETIC WOLVERINE LEAGUE ONLY $15.00! Benefits Include: -MAWL T Shirt -Admission into Every NCAA Home Game -Free Food at Tailgate Parties -Monthly Giveaways and Much MORE! Sign up at SC 105 M-F Sam-5pm GEICO Your "Local" Insurance Office Student Discount • Motorcycle Insurance GEICO. 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