The 2012 version of the Douglas College Men’s Baseball team
is an interesting mix of experience, depth, and freshman talent this season. A
year after narrowly missing an NWAACC North Division playoff berth in 2011, the
16 freshman from that squad have grown and developed into a talented group,
while the addition of some key recruits will help fill the void left by the 4
graduating sophomores. Coach Whitely gives us a quick look at what to expect
from this year’s team:
Around the Infield:
Head Coach Cavanagh Whitely is very optimistic about the talent
around the infield this year. “We are returning starters at every infield
position this Spring and having James
Zamko (Surrey, BC) back in the middle should give us a boost to our depth
and experience. Allstar Shortstop Sheldon Sinnott (Surrey, BC) really impressed the entire league at
the NWAACC showcase this year and is poised to have a big season for us as well”.
SO Brendan Gaunt (North Vancouver,
BC) and FR Colby Rossi (Richmond,
BC) will also see some time in big situations up the middle.
At the
corners, Brad Clarke (Cloverdale,
BC) continues to show why he is the team’s most consistent player at 3rdbase. Hayden Macdonald (Surrey, BC) and French National Team freshman Simon Vincente have both showed good
strides in their development as well. Matt
Ney (Qualicum Beach, BC), Kurtis
Malm (Coquitlam, BC), and Matt
Rawdon (Winnipeg, MB) will all battle for time at 1st base and
will be relied upon heavily to drive in runs.
In the Outfield:
Returning
Gold Glove CF, KP Hlatky (Gibsons,
BC) leads a group of quick and powerful outfielders that might be the best the
program has ever seen. 2010 Yankees draft pick and transfer Bryan Arthur (Abbotsford, BC) will help
fill the offensive hole left by Chandler McLaren as he replaces him in right
field. “Bryan has really worked hard to harness the raw ability the Yankees saw
with him in high school and we’re looking to him to make a real impact for us this
Spring.” NWAACC Showcase Allstar Shayne
Kelly (Nanaimo, BC) will move back to LF this year and is hoping to
solidify his reputation as a true power threat offensively. Takato Sakurai (Coquitlam, BC) will use
his tremendous speed to strengthen the outfield defense and create havoc on the
base paths.
From the Mound to the Plate:
Newly hired
Pitching Coach Shawn Schaefer has
been working hard with the ten arms on the mound this year. Clayton Franco (Surrey, BC) had a very
strong Fall and Sean Callegari (Richmond,
BC) is hoping to continue the success that he had at the beginning of last
Spring. “We’ve increased our depth on the mound which takes some of the
pressure off the starters to go complete games” says Whitely. Newcomers Dylan Remenyk (Bonanza, AB) and Matt Whitehead (Calgary, AB) along with
red-shirt freshman Dan Altoe(Burnaby, BC) have impressed the coaching staff and will get opportunities to
play major roles this season. Top ERA man, Scott
Piesche (Surrey, BC) and LHP Thomas
Lefebvre (Surrey, BC) will hold down the late inning duties for the Royals
this year. January transfer Cale Reining (Ridge Meadows, BC) and FR
– LHP Keenan Kapp (Richmond, BC) are
working hard for chances to prove themselves at the college level as well. Coach
Schaefer is confident that the staff will rise to the challenge of our
conference and believes that the pitchers feel very confident in their
preparation so far this spring.
The catching position has securely been locked
down by returning sophomore Jeremy Kral(Prince George, BC). After spending the summer with the Okotoks Dawgs of the
Western Major League and Team Canada at the World Baseball Challenge, Kral has
matured and become more consistent with both his swing and defensive abilities
behind the plate. Jeremy has already signed a Letter of Intent to attend and
play at the University of British Columbia for next season. -------
The overall feeling within the team is one of determination. “We’re
excited to get out on the field and show everyone what we are capable of. We strongly
believe in each other and what we can achieve this year” says shortstop James Zamko. The DC Royals will start its exhibition
schedule with some games against local college programs before heading down to
Tucson, Arizona on March 13th to compete at the Jack Howell Classic versus some
strong U.S. Junior Colleges. Their official NWAACC North Division conference
schedule will commence March 31st against rivals Skagit Valley and
continue every weekend through mid-May. Follow the Royals all Spring as they
push for a post-season spot in the League’s top four@ http://www.douglife.ca/dcroyalsathletics and www.ballcharts.com/douglascollege |