Font ResizeThe word to describe the Cubs this year is fresh. There are some returning veterans from last year’s winless squad but the dominant theme will be freshness -- as in 7 freshmen on the 18-man squad, a fresh start with first year coach Mat Bigham, and a fresh outlook that has the Cubs looking for improvement as the season rolls on and looking to have some fun in the process. Whereas last season South Fork struggled often to merely field a full team for games, this season’s squad will demonstrate some depth and versatility as well as the exuberance of youth.
Of course, with the youth comes inexperience; in fact, even some of the older members of the team have little or no high school baseball experience as the season opens. Thus, it will be what is often termed a “rebuilding” season albeit one that is not without expectations of success. In fact, Bigham is aiming for a .500 record of wins and losses. He will be greatly aided in this quest by his two assistants, former Cubs baseball standouts Andy Olsen and Nate Parkinson.
Six seniors are on the roster. Hungarian exchange student Marton Takats has not played baseball before now, so he will be an outfielder for starters. Bigham is very favorably impressed with his attitude, noting that, “...he never gives up. He loves to learn.” Jazper Strange has limited previous experience but the football star is an all around good athlete who will play middle infield positions and some outfield and will be expected to hit and field well. Joe Gauvain is a first year player as a senior who is described by his coach as a natural athlete who will need to develop patience at the plate but who leads by example and has definite power potential in his swing. Gauvain is ticketed for the outfield on defense. Nate Grant is another first year senior. Bigham says he hits very well and is capable at third base, shortstop, and second base and will probably do some pitching as well. The coaches like his solid fundamental basis and field savvy. Brandon Steele will be the most experienced senior for the Cubs, playing outfield mostly and doing some relief pitching. Yet another first year senior is Casey Odisio, who has demonstrated good speed and is considered a solid hitter.
Three juniors will be playing baseball for South Fork this season, led by Mitch Anderson. Anderson is the most experienced player on the roster and he is capable of the long ball when he makes contact. He will be the number one or two pitcher for the Cubs and otherwise be holding down the first base position on defense. Carlos Ayala is another good natural athlete who is learning the game. He is projected as a lower part of the batting order hitter who will play some left field, second base, and do some pitching. He will flash good speed once he is on base. The coaches also like what they see in Scott Kearney, who has a good attitude and athletic potential. He is expected to do backup catching, play some outfield, and perhaps be designated hitter.
The Cubs have two good returning sophomores. Hokeem Sadon, described by Bigham as “..one of our better players,” will pitch, catch, and play middle infield after polishing his fundamentals in the Babe Ruth league last year as well as for South Fork. Wherever he plays, Sadon should provide some of that strength up the middle that baseball purists swear by. He will also be expected to spark the batting lineup at the number one or two slot. Mathias Nicklin, who played only the first part of the schedule last season, is counted on to use his intelligence and sound fundamentals to solidify the outfield defense and be selective and make consistent contact when taking his turn at bat.
Jordan Roe is one of the brand new freshmen who will , it is hoped, develop into a Cub star of the future. Despite his inexperience, Bigham likes the good speed, intelligence, and ability to listen he has shown so far. Although he is in ninth grade, good things are expected sooner rather than later from Keith Wittlake. Bigham says he is an experienced, smart catcher who will be a backup for now but whose potential is there. Matt Preciado plays first base and second base and is considered a good, aggressive hitter who only needs experience. Matt Wilson will pitch a little and play third base. He’s got power in his batting stroke and fields well. Michael Meeks is a good outfielder with power potential at the plate who needs to learn selectivity while batting but already knows how to run fast. Perhaps the most promising of the freshman Cubs is Nate Miller. Bigham likes his command and speed as a pitcher and also projects him as a 3,4, or 5 hitter, big and strong like Wilson. Sean Stock will probably catch when Sadon is pitching and also do some pitching himself.
March 23, next Tuesday, The Cubs’ home schedule begins with Laytonville High coming to Miranda for a pair of games. Let’s hope that the weather is warm (or at least dry).
