Bears Take Swing, Titans Make Pitch For Playoffs In Gsl
GSL baseball
Annual appearances in the Greater Spokane League baseball playoffs are not an aspiration but an expectation for teams at Central Valley and University high schools.
Historically, both have generally made top six finishes the GSL norm.
“The bottom line is,” said Titan coach Don Ressa, “when the dust clears you want to have a chance to play for a regional spot.”
The Bears have had two successive second-place finishes and been to the playoffs some 13 times during the past two decades. Their senior class, said Ressa, might be the best in district history.
His Titans, however, are no slouch. They have been in the district playoffs for the last 11 seasons.
Both teams are in the midst of preparations for an expanded league season that begins next Thursday and includes 18 games.
Making another playoffs is a realistic goal for both teams.
Bears can swing the lumber
There is little doubt that the dozen returnees from last year’s varsity will produce offense.
“Our strength is our speed and power,” said Bear coach Ed Garcia, “and as corny as it sounds, senior leadership.”
CV also will be tough defensively once catcher Justin Folkins returns to the lineup.
Folkins broke a finger on his left hand last week and expected to miss at least two more.
“He can throw but can’t catch or swing the bat,” said Garcia. “That’s tough on a catcher.”
Folkins is a power-hitting junior who will be temporarily replaced by last year’s GSL batting champion and University of Washington-bound Ben Miller.
When Miller gets back to shortstop, said Garcia, “defensively we’re better than we were last year.”
Another all-GSL player, Chad Adamson returns in centerfield.
And the Bears have experience in pitcher Brian Chance, first or second baseman Bret Johnson, and outfielders Ryan Nelson and Jared Wilson among a host of lettermen.
They are outfielder Mike Tasca, junior pitcher-shortstop Chris Funk, pitcher-third baseman Nick Ostrom, pitcher-outfielder Joe Paventy, who is also an outfielder, and pitcheroutfielder Colin White.
Newcomers are juniors Kris White, a pitcher and potential first baseman, pitcher-shortstop Rob McGlothin, a transfer from U-Hi, second baseman Bob Gosney and third baseman Jeff Crouch.
“The kids expect to be a good team,” said Garcia.
Titans build around pitching
University is mentioned by opposing coaches as a likely contender this year.
Pitching is the reason.
Although the Titans will field an entirely new infield, two-thirds of their outfield and catcher, the staff is experienced.
“Pitching is our strength and I think we can hit a little bit,” said Ressa. “If we have an Achilles heel it will be our ability to play defense.”
Sean Ruscio and Chris McMurtrey are veterans who had superb summers. Brad Valkenaar is another experienced hurler and the Titan third baseman.
They are joined by seniors Chris Short, last year’s junior varsity hurlers Russ Ellersick and junior Chris Barth to form U-Hi’s mound staff.
Short, a second-year starter, and Barth are outfielders.
All told U-Hi brings back 11 letter winners. Others are outfielders Kyle Sale, moved from shortstop, Nick Binkoski, shortstop Troy Svelmoe, first baseman Andy Price, catchers Brandon Florence, moved from first base, Rusty Davis and third baseman Marcus Merrifield.
Davis hit .356 with 23 runs batted in as last year’s designated hitter.
The Titans have added Josh Sheffield at second base, a hard-hitting transfer from Freeman.
New junior prospects, who Ressa wants at the ready, are first baseman Jon Spear, second baseman Conor Jordan, shortstop Josh Thompson, third baseman Josh Karnitz and outfielder Mike Johnson.
“If you’re a backup player you’ve got to stay in the game,” said Ressa, “because you never know when you’re time will come.”
Bullpups are senior oriented
Second-year coach Darryl Stephens and his baseball players are familiar with each other.
The Bullpups field 14 seniors, a dozen of whom were on his varsity last year. Remainder of the 16-man roster played for him during American Legion ball last summer.
“I think personally it will be easier,” said Stephens who would like to challenge for a league championship. “It’s been a long time since Prep was at the top.”
Zach Yarbrough, a 6-foot-4 220 pounder, is the returning pitching ace. He’ll be backed by veterans John Blakesley, Kurt Paras, Joe Gumaer and Ben Coffman.
Paras and Coffman are also outfielders and Gumaer is a catcher.
Sean Thacker, Kevin O’Connell and Jay Herrin return in the outfield. Sean O’Connor is back at catcher. Tom Black will play first base, moving from shortstop where junior newcomer Derek Pegg takes over. Brian Frankovic returns at third base, backed by Nick Korst.
Other newcomers are senior second baseman David Sullivan, outfielder Damien Ramirez, who was injured and did not play last season, and junior infielder Garth Erickson.
, DataTimes