Pelican Rapids Lakers

Tyler Zierke of the Lakers was nice enough to answer my questions about the Lakers and their upcoming season.

TT: Briefly can you tell me about 2007 season with your record and how you did in the playoffs and any special achievements worth noting.

TZ: The Lakers 07 team had a subpar year. I believed we finished fourth in the countryside league ahead of Frazee. In the playoffs we lost to Frazee and then lost to Vergas.

TT: Is there any key additions to the team?

TZ: The Lakers have some new faces and some former Lakers returning to the lineup. Tom Wacker, Matt Malone, Chris Ostile and Brian Heston have left the Flames organization are coming to play with Lakers. Andrew Johnson and Josh Rudie are coming back after a year off. Greg Sjostrom moved back to the lakes area is is planning on making a return. Pat Lisko is also making his return to Laker lineup after spending the last two years with the Moorhead Brewers.

TT: is there any key losses from the team?

TZ: No key losses

TT: What do you view as the teams strengths this season?

TZ: Pitching and catching will be the strengths to the Lakers this year. Starting pitchers will be Josh Holmes, Adam Johnson and Andrew Skow Anderson. Along with a strong bullen of veteran pitchers in Matt Malone, Brian Heston, Andrew Johnson and Tyler Zierke. The catching will be split up between Ryan Mason, Tom Wacker and Pat Lisko. The overall speed of the team increased with the addition of the new players.

TT: What are some things the team needs to work on to be the best it can be come playoff time?

TZ: Hitting will be one of things we need to work. Our pitching will keep us in the game but if we can hit the ball we should have a pretty good year.

TT: What are the expectations you have for your team going into the season?

TZ: The Lakers have a good chance of making the region tournament

TT: If you could say what player is the key to your success or failure and why?

TZ: I don’t know if one player is the key to our success or failure. I think it more so getting big hits when needed, not making the mental mistakes and making the routine plays.

TT: Break down your league for me and where do you see your team fitting into your league?

TZ:As many people have been saying the gap is getting small between FF and the other teams. FF has lost some players that have anchored them for the past couple years but will have a solid team. Dent is young and some excellent talent. Pelican will have solid pitching but can we get the big hits? Vergas is always competitive but without the addition of new players they the still compete. Frazee will be young and with the loss of four veteran players will struggle this season. Hawley should be competitive but since they are new I am not sure what to expect from them.

TT: Where do you see amateur baseball going in the next 5 years?

TZ: I think amateur will be around, a lot of young are going out and enjoying the game.

TT If you could change something about amateur baseball what would it be?

TZ: No real changes.

Knowing a lot of the guys on the Lakers they should be very competitive so all baseball fans in the area go check them out and you will see some very good baseball. Thanks again Tyler for answering my questions and good luck on the upcoming season.

Tuesday, April 15th

Rochester Wrap
Rochester 9 Syracuse 4

• POG: Brian Buscher- Brian continued his strong start for the Red Wings going 2-3 with his 3rd HR of the year and driving in 2 runs and also scoring 2 runs. It brings his season average to .342 on the young season.
• The Red Wings drew 4 more walks to continue a trend they would like to see all year long.
• Brian Duensing got the win going 5.2 innings only giving up 3 runs for his first win of the season.
• Today the Red Wings have a doubleheader with Richmond with game 1 starting at 5:05pm. Phillip Humber gets the start in game 1 while Casey Daigle gets the start in game 2.

New Britain Business

New Britain 7 New Hampshire 2

• POG: David Winfree- David came out of an early season slump to lead the Rock Cats to a victory. Winfree went 2-5 on the night with his 2nd HR with 3 rbi's. The good night brought his average to .200 that just shows how much he struggled to start the year.
• Yohan Pino was strong on the mound going 4 innings without giving up a run. He walked 1 and struck out 3 in a strong outing for Yohan.
• Jason Miller worked 4 innings to pick up the win for the Rockcats giving up 2 hits and 2 runs for the victory.
• Today the Rockcats take on Fisher Cats in game 2 of their series in New Hampshire. Game time is 5:35pm with Ryan Mullins getting the start for the Rock Cats.

Fort Myers Musings

off day

• The Miracle had the day off and start a series with Clearwater in Fort Myers. Gametime is 6:05pm with Jeff Manship getting the start for the Miracle.

Beloit beat

Dayton 10 Beloit 4

• POG: Garrett Olson- Garrett had a great game for the Snappers going 3-5 with a double and a run scored to bring his average up to .282 on the young season.
• David Bromberg was strong for the Snappers going 5 innings and only giving up 2 runs on 4 hits. He walked 4 while striking out 7 on the night.
• The Snappers defense betrayed them they committed 4 errors on the night which led to 7 unearned runs. Your not going to win very often with 7 unearned runs so they need to tighten up that defense.
• Tonight the Snappers continue their series with the Dragons. First pitch is 6:30pm with Michael Mccardell gets the start for the Snappers.