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Show -N fe W S- Spanish Fork WEDNESDAY, MARCH 5, 2008 Covering what matters most Dons baseball preview: From BASEBALL • B l throwers as in years past. All pitchers from last year's team are returning, and can all throw some heat. Anchoring the staff will be sophomore, Adam and junior, Brock Duke, who combined to win 12 games last season. Devin Nelson enters his senior year with high expectations. The tall, hard-throwing pitcher was 4-0 for the Dons last season. Last season there was no doubt that Tyler Hanks could throw as hard as anybody around, but he had some trouble with his control. Hanks pitched very well in the fall league, and has looked good in early practices. If that were not enough, Selby Brummett has emerged as another dominate pitcher for this year's staff. According to coach Shoe, Selby has worked hard in the off season and is vastly improved. That is great news because Selby pitched quite well last season. The list goes on with juniors Chase Castleberry and lefty Tyler Duffin, both of whom could easily see varsity time on the mound. Coach Shoe said, "All of ;*t* Courtesy photo READY TO PLAY: Whitney Holm and Nate Binks get in some spring training for Softball and baseball season. In Utah, spring training can look an awful lot like winter. these pitchers could easily throw at the next level." Additionally, juniors Brett Grover and Taylor Brockbank, as well as sophomore Jordunn Mattinson could be called upon as needed on this deep, talented pitching staff. Defensively, the Don's return three starters in the infield. Brock Duke will play shortstop, while Tyler Hanks will play short and second base, depending on who is pitching. Kirt Daley looks to be playing the hot comer at third. Shaun Peterson, Trever Randolph, and Hadley Thorpe will likely be used up the middle, but are versatile enough players they may be called upon at any time. First base looks to be handled by Selby Brummett, Kade Christensen, or Devin Nelson, however juniors Greg Money, Tyler Duffin, and Chase Castleberry as possibilities. Junior Braden Warren has I would like to invite all of our friends, neighbors and customers to come get acquainted with t:he ne\y management staff at Barber Brothers. For over 23 years now we've been selling and servicing our customers, and giving back to the community which supports our dealership and our families. No you don't need to drive to Provo, or Idaho, or even leave town. Why not spend your hard earned dollars at the dealership that supports everything in your hometown, and will be here for service when you need it. If you vastly improved and just may work himself into the lineup in the infield. Catching duties belong to junior Tagg Lunceford. The catcher they call "Pinky" is about as solid as a defensive catcher as there is. Backing up Pinky will be Kade Christensen and sophomore Dallas Smith. Most infield position will be determined by who is pitching. The outfield looks to be led by returning slugger Gentry haven't been able to make a deal in the past, I assure you that will not be the case now. I have instructed my new management team that if you are from our surrounding towns, you will receive the best deal you ever thought possible. I am dedicated to winning you back to your hometown dealership, that is so far ahead of all the others when it comes to service after the sale. I don't need a red phone in my dealerships.. .1 am here! I don't need to start bending over backwards...we always have. If you think that you can drive to another Mitchell. The hard working Mitchell is being counted on as a leader of this year's team. With Mitchell in right field, Michael Hayes has looked to have control of center field, however Brett Grover is challenging him for playing time. Left field will be manned by another reluming starter, Damon Ward. Ward plays hard-nosed baseball that will be relied upon heavily in the outfield and on the base paths. Other possibilities include Jacob Clark, Nate Binks, Chris Olson, and Ryan Ware. Even though pitching is the strong point of the Dons team this year, there are plenty of players that can flat out swing the bat. Last season Gentry Mitchell posted an impressive .420 batting average, while Tyler Hanks hit .400, and Brock Duke hit .390 for the season. Damon Ward, who will likely handle the lead-off responsibilities, hit .310 last season. Also at the top of the order will be Shaun Peterson and Trever Randolph, depending on who is pitching. The Middle of the order will be Mitchell, Hanks, Duke, and Michael Hayes who hit .350 last season in limited time. Brett Grover and Kade Christensen may also see time in the middle of the order, while Selby Brummett, Devin Nelson, Tagg Lunceford, Jacob Clark, and Nate Binks at the bottom, again depending on who is pitching. Early season predictions have the Dons at the top of the 5A ranks. Spanish Fork and Timpanogos are the favorites in the very tough region 4. but none of that matters to Coach Shoe. "I don't care about any of the rankings, all that stuff is for the fans," he said. "What I do care about is working to get better, and playing the game the right way. Respect the game and play with class, that's what I care about and the rest will take care of itself." The season officially begins this Friday, March 7, when Layton comes to the Dons' field. Next week the Dons tune up with a Tuesday game against Timpview, then on to Dixie for the annual Sunshine Tournament where they will be seeking their fourth straight Dixie Sunshine Tournament championship. state or another town and get a better deal... .come see me personally. I am sure I can show you why you should stay with your local dealer that cares about your town! - Fred Barber Montana 2840 Model Value Pack FEATURES; -4Cyl.MHKjbtiM0taNl -4WD *9hum$tm * Front-end Loafer '07 Dodge Nitro MSRP $27,750 SALE: $22,999 or$299/mo Or 0% APR for 72 months w/S0Down,OAC '08 Chevrolet Aveo $9,995 '08 Chevrolet Silverado MSRP $22,920 SALE: $18,995 '05 Chrystler Sebrlng '07 Forest River Wlldwood Convertible Touring 19-tt. $13,995 $11,888 T85121 I have been buying cars and trucks from Fred since 1987. He cares about the community and wants to make your buying as simple as possible. He stands behind the cars and trucks he sells and Robby Lee in the service department does a great job taking care of my Dodge truck.. Thanks, Warren Johnson, Spanish Fork Spanish Fork If your car, truck or van doesn't say N 1400 N BB Brothers Exit 257 Spanish Fork, 2 Utah Don't forget to listei to the Barber Brothers car talk show every Saturday at 10 a.m. on 1280 AN on the back, you definitely paid too much! 1341 N. Main Street • Spanish Fork 801-798-7431 • 800-798-7430 |