2013 season preview

Posted April 26, 2013


2013 season preview

By CJ Siewert

A fresh start for the St. Peter amateur baseball club’s 2013 campaign is slated for Friday and that comes with new expectations. The reigning three-time River Valley League West champions return their entire roster from last season along with a few additions. The Saints are poised to make another run at the League title and the possibility of a State tourney berth – which would mark their first since 2010.

The Saints begin their season with arguably the toughest season-opening schedule in decades. Their season opener will be at the reigning Class C State Champion Maple Lake Lakers – who are also hosting this year’s State tourney – on Friday, May 3. They follow up the ensuing Friday night (7:30) for their home opener at Veterans Field against perennial town team powerhouse Blue Earth, who has reached the State tourney 11 times in the past 12 years, claiming State titles in 2004 and 2006.

Including the season opener at Maple Lake, the Saints have the pleasure of facing both the Class C and Class B State Champions from last year as they will square off against the reigning B champ, Victoria, on June 11. Both games against last year’s State title winners are on the road.

All of last season’s regular starters are in the fold, which includes a balanced mix of seasoned veterans and capable young players. The starting rotation will include the usual mix of veterans Jesse Anderson and Jeremy Braun, while Jeff Wenner – who led the team on the mound last season – enters his third season in the rotation. Second-year hurler Ty Kaus will see a significant increase in innings this year as a regular starter as well. Other key contributors to the pitching staff include veterans Grant Nelsen and Jordan Seebach as middle relievers and closers.

At shortstop, the infield will be quarterbacked by third-year veteran Jesse Munsterman, while 12-year vet Ryan Wenner will complete the middle-infield combination at second. Jeff Menk – now in his third season – has gained the confidence from the team as a valuable asset at first base, while the other corner-infield position may likely be run by committee. Shea Roerkasse made 23 starts at third base last season during his first year with the Saints, but he will see some time behind the plate in 2013 as a proven catcher during his four-year career at Gustavus Adolphus College. This will allow Billy Hanson – the Saints full-time catcher for the last eight seasons – a much needed break from time-to-time. Hanson’s ability to play virtually any position will add a key component to the success of the club.

In the outfield, Kaus will continue to take control in center when he’s not pitching, while CJ Siewert retains his role in left and 29-year veteran Mike Enz continues in right. Matt Knutson, Luke Bollum and Cody Weingartz all contributed to the outfield’s success last season and will be called upon to do the same. Knutson and Bollum were also designated hitters when not in the field. Tony Vetter has been St. Peter’s utility player since his high school days and will continue to do so this summer.

The next generation of town team baseball in St. Peter includes Seth Wenner and Jordan Wilmes, who both graduated from SPHS in 2011. Both Wenner and Wilmes saw time in the infield last season and hope to increase their roles this year.

The wildcard to the Saints’ 2013 lineup, though, is the return of their 2010 All-Star – Ben Mikelson. Mikelson, who has not played amateur ball for the past two years, led the Saints at the plate during their run to the State tourney in 2010. “Carlton” looks to add another dangerous bat to the lineup and hopes to make a positive return to the pitching rubber as a reliever.

The newest addition to the team is 2012 SPHS graduate Nick Kempenich. He will look to see some time off the bench wherever needed.

After a 28-game regular season, RVL playoffs begin on Aug. 2. There is a new format this year, though, since Winthrop folded in the offseason, decreasing the number of teams among the RVL’s Class C teams to an even 10 (five from both the Central and West divisions). The top eight teams in the League will comprise a double-elimination playoff for Region 6C, foregoing divisional playoffs. The top three teams to come out of the region will advance to the State Tournament held at Maple Lake and Delano in August. 




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