Wolf Lake Wolf Pack

Boone Caughey of the Wolf Pack was nice enough to answer my questions about the Wolf Pack 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 acheivements worth noting.

BC:We finished with a 23-8 record, won Region 16C, and advanced to the state tournament where we lost in the first round. Our goal the last few years has been to win the state tournament, which we obviously didn’t accomplish, but overall I’d say that 2007 was a success. We won a tournament in Brookings , SD which was fun, in part because the trophy is absolutely huge. I’m not kidding, it’s probably four feet tall.

TT: Is there any key additions to the team?

BC: We haven’t signed anyone new yet but a couple guys have expressed an interest. We are getting a couple guys back from injuries so that’ll help.

TT:Is there any key losses from the team?

BC: Not that I know of.

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

BC: We’re strong up the middle and our pitching staff is pretty solid

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

BC: Our coaching needs improvement

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

BC: I expect Ron Litzau to concoct a lame excuse why he has to DH, Shane and Ryan Hendrickson to each break a bat per game in BP, Isaac Hjermstad to pick up about 30% of the signs, the temperature to be at least 95 the day we play at the always lovely Matt Leritz field, and finally I expect to win all but a handful of the team poker tournaments.

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

BC: Whoever is pitching that day. It’s a lame answer but picking one guy is impossible.

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

BC: We play in the North Division of the Lake and Pine. Wolf Lake and Midway have finished 1-2 for as long as I can remember, and I expect the same this year. However, Lakes Area Lightning is new to our division in 2008 and I think they’ll be far more competitive than Nevis , the team they’re replacing, so it should be interesting. Nimrod and Red Eye are two of the top teams in the South Division and I expect them to battle for the top spot again this year.

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

BC:Unfortunately amateur baseball is on a downswing and I don’t see that changing over the next five years. Ten years ago it was not uncommon to see a 16 year old and a 45 year old on the same field. Now the 16 year old works a summer job or sits on the computer, and the guys that used to play forever retire at 30 so they can be at the lake all summer. It’s a shame

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

BC: I would get rid of the draft.

I would like to thank Boone for answering my questions about the upcoming season and im sure the Wolf Pack will have another outstanding season this year. They are one of the best teams in this area so casual fans if you get a chance to watch them go ahead and do it you will see good baseball.
BC:

Friday, April 18th

Rochester Wrap
Rochester 2 Richmond 1

• POG: Kevin Mulvey- Kevin continued his strong start to the season going 7 strong innings for the Red Wings. He only gave up 6 hits while walking nobody and striking out 9 in the impressive outing. It amazinging heighted his ERA to a great 1.02 ERA on the season. He has only given up 2 runs in 17.2 innings so far with only 3 walks and 20 strikeouts on the young season. All i can say is wow and hopefully he can keep it up.
• Brian Buscher continued his strong start giving the Red Wings all the runs they needed with a 2 run hr in the 3rd inning. Brian is hitting .352 this spring and possibly might be getting a promotion to the Twins soon.
• Mariano Gomez has been a pleasant surprise so far this year. Yesterday he went 2 shutout innings to pick up the save and lower his era to 0.87 on the season.
• Today the Red Wings finish their 5 game series with Richmond in Rochester first pitch is 6:05. Heath Totten is on the mound for Rochester

New Britain Business

Trenton 7 New Britain 4

• POG: Brock Peterson- Brock continued his recent surge with a 3 run HR in the 1st inning to raise his average to .196 on the young season.
• Jay Rainville pitched solidly giving up only 3 runs in 5 innings for the Rock Cats lowering his era to 5.40.
• Jay Sawatski continued his struggles this season giving up 4 runs in only 2 innings of work. He has really struggled this year and you have to wonder if he has much of a future considering that he is 28 years old and he is struggling at AA.
• Tonight the Rock Cats continue their series with Trenton in New Britain first pitch is at 5:35. Oswaldo Sosa is on the mound for the Rock Cats

Fort Myers Musings

Fort Myers 3 Clearwater 2

• POG: Johnny Woodard continued his strong resurgence for the Miracle going 3 for 4 at the plate to raise his average to .273 with a run scored for the Miracle.
• Tyler Robertson was good again keeping runs out when he did not have his good stuff only giving up 1 unearned run in 5 innings. He walked 2 while struck out 5 to lower his era to 2.57 on the season.
• Anthony Slama continued his strong start going 1 inning to get the win for Miracle. He has worked 8 innings so far this season without giving up a run.
• Tonight the Miracle begin a short 2 game series with the Sarasota Reds in Sarasota with the first pitch at 6:05. Alex Burnett gets the start for the Miracle.

Beloit Beat

• Beloit had the day off yesterday but today they begin a 3 game series with Wisconsin in Beloit. First pitch is at 6:30 with Brian Kirwan getting the start for Beloit as the Snappers try to get back on track after losing their last game.