The Baseball NW Blog

The OREGON HIGH SCHOOL
BASEBALL COACHES ASSOCIATION

2010 Coaches Clinic & Association Business Meeting

[Click to download flier]

Oregon State University Coaching Staff Anchors Two-Day Speaking Line Up!

WHAT:   OHSBCA Sponsored Coaches Clinic & Business Meeting / Lunch Provided
WHEN:  Friday, February 5th & Saturday, February 6th
WHERE: Corvallis High School Theater & Cafeteria, 1400 NW Buchanan St., Corvallis, 97330
COST:  Individual Rate:   $80 For One Coach
Program Rate:  $15 For Each Additional Coach From Same School or Affiliated Youth Program
WHO:  High School & Youth Baseball Coaches
SPEAKERS: Our lineup is representative of the highest quality baseball instruction that exists anywhere at the collegiate level and throughout Oregon High School baseball.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
Friday, February 5th
2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.  Attend Oregon State University Baseball Practice
5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Registration @ Corvallis High School Theater (Enter From Buchanan St.)
6:00 p.m. – 6:50 p.m Marty Lees – Oregon State University “Infield Play & Positioning”
6:50 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Special Presentation:  Bill Harper/Longtime Phillies Scout
7:00 p.m. – 7:50 p.m. Pat Bailey – Oregon State University “Hitting / Situational / Counts”
8:00 p.m. – 8:50 p.m. Nate Yeskie – Oregon State University “Pitching Philosophy & Mechanics”
9:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. No Host Gathering At Hilton Garden Inn (Just South of Reeser Stadium)

Saturday, February 6th
7:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m. Registration@ Corvallis High School Theater (Enter From Buchanan St.)
8:00 a.m. – 8:50 a.m. Marty Lees – Oregon State University “Catching”
9:00 a.m. – 9:50 a.m.  Pat Casey – Oregon State University “What Makes A Championship Program”
9:50 a.m.–10:05 a.m.  Break /Snack/Visit Vendors
10:10 a.m. – 10:55 a.m. Cliff Toney – Willamina High School (3A)  “Cornerstones of a Championship”
11:00 a.m.–11:45 a.m. Chris Lee – North Salem High School (6A)  “The Art & Practice of Manufacturing Runs”
11:50 p.m. – 12:50 p.m. Lunch Provided / Business Meeting
a. COY & State Championship Plaques Awarded
b. Introduciton of OHSBCA Board / Board Rotation Explained
c. Rationale For Unification & Gathering of Contact Information
d. Items For Discussion  (OSAA Playoff Proposals (Power Rankings?), Rule of 2 Concerns, Others TBD)
e. Announcements (All Star Series Promotion & Specifics, OHSBCA Golf Tournament Fundraiser)
f. Thank you to our fine college coaches who support us around the state.  Jeremiah Robbins (WOU), Marty Hunter (George Fox), and Jack Dunn (PSU – HOF) were integral parts of our 2009 clinic, we are blessed to have the entire Oregon State Staff with us today, and you can look for us at The University of Oregon In 2011 & The University of Portland In 2012.
12:55 p.m. – 1:10 p.m. Brandon Bowling – Max Preps
1:15 p.m. – 1:55 p.m. Mike Clopton – Wilson High School (6A) “Fundamentals Of A High School Baseball Program”
1:55 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. Break / Distribute Evaluations
2:20 p.m. – 3:05 p.m. Jeff Stolsig – Lebanon High School (5A)  “Game Day Management & Growth”
3:10 p.m. – 3:55 p.m Dave Gasser – Astoria High School (4A)  “The Buy In: Getting Players’ Best & Developing Team”
4:00 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. Closing Remarks, Door Prizes, Dismiss
4:30 p.m.   No Host Gathering At Local Establishment

Click to Download the Flier

Baseball Northwest will begin conducting two summer of 2010 baseball tournaments for 13u and 14u teams. These unique events will be June 11th-13th and July 9th-11th in Centralia, Wa. Each date will have each age group tournament with 16 teams.

The top two teams in each age group will automatically qualify for and receive free tournament entry into the new invitation only Junior Northwest Championships in Centralia on August 6th-8th. Each team is guaranteed 4 games with the championship game for each team being a 5th game. These tournaments will also be a major identification event for Baseball Northwest’s selection to the Northwest Stars 14u USA Baseball National Identification Series team. A special workout for all players will be included for all tournament teams.

More information on these tournaments is available by emailing Jeff McKay at mckay@baseballnorthwest.com or calling 541-896-0841.

Many Northwest area major league scouts feel that this June’s 2010 Northwest draft of college and high school players could be an above average and the potential to be the best in over 10 years.

Baseball Northwest feels the same way. Below is an early look on how it lines up.

We will monitor it as the spring unfolds and update it periodically with a final draft list review in early June.

— Jeff McKay

1. Josh Sale* OF Bishop Blanchet
2. Drew Vettleson* OF Central Kitsap HS
3. Kraig Sitton* LHP Oregon State
4. Taylor Starr* RHP Oregon State
5. Drew Gagnier RHP U. of Oregon
6. Troy Scott 1B Univ. of Washington
7. Caleb Brown* OF U of Wash
8. Ryan Bret* INF Highline HS
8. Kevin Rhoderick RHP Oregon State
9. Tanner Robles LHP Oregon State
10. Josh Osich^* LHP Oregon State
11. Tyler Waldron RHP Oregon State
12 Tym Pearson* OF Columbia Basin CC
13. Cam Booser* LHP Fife HS
14. Reedy Berg* LHP Gonzaga
15. Levi Dean* RHP Lower Columbia CC
16. Julien Pollard* INF Univ. of Washington
17 Greg Peavy* RHP Oregon State
18. Adalberto Santos OF Oregon State
19. Stephan Romero 3B Oregon State
20. Cody Martin* RHP Gonzaga
21. Chad Arnold RHP Washington State
22. Blake Keitzman* LHP Western Oregon
23. Shea Vucinich* INF Washington State
24. Scott Schultz* RHP Gig Harbor HS
25. Scott Simon* RHP Central Valley HS
26. Zach Varce* RHP Univ. of Portland
27. Drew Heid* OF Gonzaga Univ.
28. Taylor Ard* 1B Mt. Hood CC
29. Tyler Lichty RHP Lewis and Clark St
30. Jeff Ames* RHP Lower Columbia CC

*Baseball Northwest Alumni
^Tommy John surgery—will miss the 2010 season

Most Valuable Player: Brennan (INF, Meadowdale HS)

Taylor was the 2009 Northwest Championship Tournament MVP for the 2010 class. He is a senior infielder from Meadowdale High School in Lynwood, WA and has been a BBNW regular throughout his high school career. Taylor has been highly recruited but has not yet made his final decision on where to attend college. He recently took some time to answer a few questions for BBNW. We hope you enjoy getting to know Taylor a little better.

BBNW: Congratulations on winning this year’s NWC Tournament and earning the tournament MVP. You’ve been a BBNW regular, participating in the Arizona Fall Classic, Junior Olympics and Northwest Championships. Tell me a little about your experience with BBNW and what you have gained from it.

Brennan: My experiences with BBNW have been very rewarding. I have had a lot of fun with the kids and coaches and have become a better player by competing in the events. Also it has given me great exposure to college coaches and MLB scouts.

BBNW: At the 2009 NWC tournament you hit just about everything that was thrown at you. And when you got on base you were wreaking havoc on the opponents. What was your game plan going into the tournament?

Brennan: My game plan was to relax have fun, on the bases I was just being aggressive and having fun with it.

BBNW: You haven’t made your decision about where you want to attend college next year. How is that process going and are you leaning in any one direction?

Brennan: The process is going good. I have been contacted by many schools but I’m just keeping my options open and seeing what happens.

BBNW: Tell me a little bit about your expectations for your senior season, both personally and team goals that you have set.

Brennan: Personally I want to just improve my overall game. Our team goal is to make it to state for the third time in four years.

BBNW: A few MLB teams have contacted you. Have you thought about the draft and the possibility of playing pro ball?

Brennan: Yes, I have thought about the MLB draft and playing pro ball. It is every kid’s dream and I would be honored to play in the MLB.

BBNW: You primarily play shortstop but have also played a little second base in some all-star events. Do you see yourself playing shortstop at the next level or second base?

Brennan: I am comfortable at either position as long as I am on the field. I just want to play!

BBNW: What part(s) of your game are you trying to improve the most this winter to get you prepared for your senior season and your play at the next level?

Brennan: I am working to improve my strength and hitting.

Favorite School Subject: History

College Academic Interest: Sports Medicine

Favorite Book: Dream Catcher (Steven King)

Favorite TV Channel: ESPN

Other Hobbies: weightlifting

BBNW: What is your favorite memory of the trip?

Mondou: My favorite memory was the dog pile once we won the championship and how there was so much excitement.  Also how all the players went from not knowing each other to being great friends by the end.

BBNW: How does it feel to be representing the USA?

Mondou:  Representing the USA was an experience that can’t be copied.  Putting on The Jersey gives you chills every time.  Especially if you think about what exactly you’re doing and that you’re not only representing your state or school team, but the nation.

BBNW: How were playing and living conditions in Equador?

Mondou: In Ecuador there was one field. It was a relatively nice field but we played 54’ pitching and 80’ bases, following 14U international rules.  We stayed in dorms at the field, 6 players to a room with bunk beds and no hot water or bedding.  Being that there were 6 players in a relatively small room, it really created a comradery between team mates.

BBNW: How would you describe your experience at the NTIS?

Mondou: The NTIS was somewhat nerve racking but you just have to have fund and deal with the pressures that come with every game.  The fields were amazingly good and it was a very good atmosphere.

BBNW: What can you tell us about going thru the USA Baseball Trials?

Mondou: The USA Baseball Trials were grueling.  Playing up to 6 hours a day in 90-100+ degree heat with 90% humidity.  We scrimmaged and practiced every day for three days at St. Thomas University’s field in the Miami area.  In the mornings we practiced running through infield and outfield.  In the evening we scrimmaged Red vs. Blue.  The competition was intense but all the guys were supportive of one another and had fun.

BBNW: How has the trip changed you in any way?

Mondou: The trips have really made me a better player and a better person.  We were not only taught baseball, but also manners and work ethic.  Hustle was a very important part of what the coaches looked for.  Seeing the poverty of Ecuador and their lack of many basic necessities made me realize how good we have it.

BBNW: How would you describe the international competition?

Mondou: The level of international competition varied.  It was clear after a few days who the stronger teams were.  Pitching was in the 80’s at 54’.  Overall the competition was tough.  We had to come from behind twice during an elimination game and the championship game.

BBNW: How was it playing with other top players from all over the country?

Mondou: Playing with some of the best players from around the US was awesome.  We all pushed each other to do our best all the time and the support we had from each other and the coaches really made it a great experience.  The coaches expected a lot and challenged us, but they also made it fun.

BBNW: How has this experience made you a better baseball player?

Mondou: This experience really showed me what it takes to make it to the next level and what is expected of me at that higher level.  Working hard and hustling all the time really does make a big difference.

BBNW: What other countries did you play against and what what made them different?

Mondou: We played Puerto Rico twice including the championship game, Nicaragua, Ecuador, Panama and Brazil.  Venezuela and Peru were there too.  Each team had a different style of play that made them unique. I saw some styles of play and trick plays I hadn’t seen before.  Their approach and attitude varied too.  The USA team was more professional and had better sportsmanship.

BBNW: Is there a difference in international baseball than baseball in the US?

Mondou: International 14U baseball has different rules with the 54’ pitching, 80’ bases and shorter fences.  Also you can not communicate as well with most of the other players, coaches and umpires because of the language barrier.

Zach Nice is a right-handed pitcher from La Grande High School in central Oregon. He has participated in a number of BBNW throughout his high school years and recently committed to play his college ball for Coach Sperry and the University of Portland Pilots. Zach took the time to answer a few questions about his high school playing career, his BBNW experiences and his future in baseball.

BBNW: Congratulations on your commitment to play baseball for Coach Sperry and the University of Portland Pilots. Has it always been a dream of yours to play college baseball?

Nice: Yes, it always has been a dream of mine to play college baseball at a high level.

BBNW: I know some MLB scouts have been talking with you. Have you thought about the possibility of being drafted in the upcoming 2010 draft?

Nice: I have thought about being drafted, but I want to go to college.  If I was taken in the early rounds then I might consider as long as I have the option to attend college after I am done playing.

BBNW: I know the recruiting process was a long and tough process for you. Talk about how it played out and how you came to the decision to play for the Pilots.

Nice: In the end I decided to be a Pilot because it fit me and my lifestyle best. I am a home body and Portland isn’t too far away.  It is also a small campus with a feel like home which I also like.  Also how the coaches were very personal and showed me how much they wanted me and where I fit in to their program really meant a lot.

BBNW: I know you play multiple positions in high school but you are projected as a pitcher. How tough will that be to give up playing a position at the next level?

Nice: It won’t be too tough.  I mean I love the game of baseball and love being in the game at all times, but I know I am a better pitcher than a position player.  I will miss the infield and hitting but pitching is where I have the best chance of succeeding.

BBNW: What are a couple things that you have been working at to improve your game?

Nice: I have been working on my control, and being more consistent with my off speed pitches.

BBNW: You’ve done quite a few BBNW events throughout your high school career (Junior Olympics, AZ Fall Classic, NWC). Which has been your favorite BBNW experience and why?

Nice: In terms of college recruiting I feel that the Arizona Fall Classic was the best thing for me.  But at the Northwest Championships I made some friends that I feel I will have for a lifetime and share the same love for baseball that I do so I feel that this was my favorite Baseball Northwest event.

Favorite Movie: Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen

Favorite Book: Exit Here

College Major: Undecided

Favorite TV Show: Criminal Minds

Other Hobbies: Xbox, Shooting, Friends

Favorite HS Subject: Chemistry

The 2009 draft was my first in the last 27 years that I was not working for a major league team as a northwest area scout or as a west coast or national crosschecker. With that history and experience—I offer a candid look at last June northwest draft of high school and college players. I was able to see as much or more of these players last spring as most Northwest area scouts and have for most a history with them as most are Baseball Northwest alumni. Overall I would consider this draft of northwest player as below average in ability as many previous years.

A draft cannot really be evaluated in terms of its effectiveness for any one major league team for about four to five years to see which players develop for actually contributors to the major league team. Scouting is not an exact science and a very difficult thing to do. I had a saying as I began to add up many years doing it—“there are no good scouts—just some are better than others.” It made one of the general managers I worked for mad but with experience and an objective look at it—I could not come to any other conclusion. The draft reflects how difficult this can be also. Many things go into a team deciding if and when in the draft to select a certain player. Many fans do not realize there is a big difference in some areas how certain teams approach scouting amateur players and as a result teams can have a wide difference of opinion on all players. One important aspect of this is the “signability” of a player—which means his interest in signing for the bonus money a certain club would offer. This can be a big factor for certain players as to where or even if they might be drafted. One thing is for sure—most of the successful teams do a better job than others of being productive in the draft. Enough on this for now—more at another time—let’s look at how the draft went from my perspective.

There were a few less players drafted because of the “no draft and follow situation.” Negotiations rights expired for players on August 17 under the new rules. Prior to the rule change—teams could keep the rights to a player if they were playing at a junior college.

Kyrell Hudson was not surprise to be the first northwest player selected. Many clubs backed off because of his high asking price (but he signed for less that half of what he ask for) and he did not play well in the spring and did not play with much passion. I was very disappointed in his development and approach to the game. Hopefully that will change in professional baseball. He signed late in the summer. Darrell Ceciliani in some ways came out of nowhere to emerge as the highest drafted junior college northwest player in a long time. Scouts did not have a lot of track record on him so to be drafted this high—shows his ability and how well he performed last spring. I missed seeing him his senior year at Madras high school in Oregon (yes same high school as Jacob Ellsbury) when I went to Madras to see some other players he was hurt and did not play. I was told about him by his coaches—I should have went back. Sometimes in scouting it can help to be lucky. Makes the old scouting saying so true “ a player can come from anywhere.” He is a talented player with a chance to hit, runs above average—will have to see if he develops enough power at the plate to move to a corner outfield spot or shows he can play centerfield well enough in professional baseball.

May Way did well in his first professional season at the lower levels but that is somewhat expected for a senior college left-handed pitcher drafted this high in the draft. Successful college senior pitches especially left-handers are over drafted because of being a senior—they don’t require as high a signing bonus. He had a great spring—he has a good feel for changing speeds which should advance him quickly in professional baseball. He was drafted the year before but elected to return for his senior year. He was drafted higher but likely did not receive much more in bonus money but was much better prepared to enter professional baseball.

Ryan Ortiz did not go as high as I expected him to. With the lack of catching prospects in professional baseball (many teams are converting infielders) and with his overall production and proven durability—he would not get out of the 4th round before being drafted. The only thing I could see was that he does not pull the ball with much power—so he may have a limited with his power production in the long run. The Rockies like sinker ball type pitchers so the drafting of Eric Stavert makes since—he really pitched well in the last half of the season for the Ducks. I thought he had pitched his way higher in the draft. Kyle Conley improved himself in the draft from last year being drafted after his second good season for the Huskies. He continued to hit well in pro ball his first year—has power potential—but is limited defensively. He was a junior last spring but was drafted the year before as a red-shirt sophomore because of age. Brian Pearl had the biggest upside as any college pitcher in last years northwest draft. He is a good athlete with a fresh arm (converted to pitcher after coming to U of W as an infielder.) But draft status may have been hurt by his being used in a double role (starting and closing last season). He settled in the bullpen well in his first season in professional baseball. Most scouts saw Tyson Van Winkle as a back up type catcher in the major leagues even with his offensive numbers being good at Gonzaga in his whole career. Not all offensive approaches or success in college work with the wood bat in professional baseball.

The drafting and eventually signing of Jake Locker may have been the best job of scouting in last year’s draft by the Angles but Jake’s football development this fall likely made him an NFL player—another tough loss for baseball to football. He is a great athlete, and a great person—those you root for to be successful in whatever he does. We at Baseball Northwest became big fans of his on and off the field so to speak when he played in the Northwest Championships as a junior.

I was alittle surprised Drew Gagnier was not signed by the A’s. It is always tough to draft college closers high unless there stuff is very good. He was a red-shirt sophomore so had two more years of eligibility left. I expect him to get many more save opportunities this spring for the Ducks and move much higher on draft boards. An injury to Blake Keitzman likely kept him from signing last summer. Jorge Reyes could have been drafted earlier but bonus demands caused him to fall to this point in the draft but he did end up signing late in the summer for around 5th round type money so turned out fine for him. Fellow Beaver Kraig Sitton who was a red-shirt sophomore made it know that he was not likely to sign but the Red Sox took a run at him anyway. Look for him to be a top round draft in 2010.

Tampa Bay area scout Paul Kirsh is known for his signing of northwest high school players later in the draft and may have gotten another “slepper” in left-handed pitcher Jacob Partridge who had a good start to his career at the rookie league. I could not understand why more scouts did not have interest in him. More and more clubs are shying away from signing high school players simply because a lot of area scouts have a hard time “projecting” the ability of a player or don’t do their job and find out the real “signability” of a player. It begins up a change in area scouting in the last few years that I call area scouts “cross checking” their own territory. The history of successful area scouts is they go see as many games as they can and let the players come to them but more and more area scouts just go see certain high school players they hear about or saw the summer before—so they are not really covering their area. Some area scouts don’t even see all the colleges in their area play in the spring. Cecillani, who we mentioned earlier would be an example of a player not seen that likely could have been drafted. Another example from last year was Mt Hood CC first basemen Taylor Ard who was putting up tremendous offensive numbers but many scouts were not aware of him until right toward the end of the spring. He definitely should have been drafted. He has a little unordothdox approach to hitting but squares balls up well in all parts of the srikee zone and has as much power as any northwest hitter last spring. . He is returning to Mt. Hood—it will be interesting to see how it works out this spring. Because many club’s cross check scouts don’t belief there area scouts—they won’t take a chance on a player that they don’t have a track record on or they wait until they go to a four year school and put up good offensive numbers—it gives them the safe way out. If hitting a baseball is the hardest thing to do in sports as the saying goes—evaluating hitters may be the second hardest thing to do. How can Albert Pujols go undrafted in high school and one year later be drafted later in the draft and then become the best hitter in the game? Two other players I was surprised was not drafted—Bryce Weidman, right-handed pitcher from North Bend, Or, (now attending Southwestern Oregon CC) and Matt Brown, infielder from Pennisula HS (Wa.) (now attending Central Arizona CC)

Back to looking at last years draft—as we get to later than the 20th round. College senior players begin to be drafted more and more because they don’t demand as much signing bonus. Also high school players that are difficult to sign begin being taken because teams can afford not to sign players in this part of the draft. James Robbins signed here just before the August 17th signing period when Detroit gave him top 5 round type money.

Another hard one to figure out was Tym Pearson from Thurston High School in Oregon. He is a tremendous athlete that just keep getting better and better after having not played baseball in high school until his junior year. There was more of an emphasis from some clubs on drafting more “athletic” type players in this draft. I see that as a good sign—teams had been getting away from that in the last few years. Tym had signed a letter of intent to play football at Portland State but made it know he was very interested in pro ball. The worst part of it was the Rockies never made any kind of legitimate offer to him. It may workout to his advantage—he is attending Columbia Basin CC and will likely improve himself in the draft a lot.

In looking toward the northwest 2010 draft—I consider at this point for it to be above average—the potential to be as good as one ever—we shall see—that is the fun part. One thing I have experienced over and over again—players develop at different rates and times—but players that really end up being players that succeed greatly after high school—whether in college or professional baseball make a big jump in improvement between their junior and senior years in high school.

2009 MLB DRAFT NORTHWEST OVERVIEW

58 players were drafted in the June Major League draft of college and high school players with northwest connections—either played in 2009 in a northwest college or high school or played in college outside the northwest but played in high school in northwest prior. Below is listed the round, number of selection, player, selecting team, position, bats and throws, height and weight, and school. * indicates the 36 Baseball Northwest alumni. If player did not sign—where he is playing now is indicated.

3rd
Phillies #103 Kyrell Hudson* OF R/R 6’1 185 Evergreen HS
SIGNED

4TH
Mets #134 Darrell Ceciliani OF L/L 6’0 185 Columbia Basin CC
SIGNED

Phillies #167 Matthew Way LHP L/L 6’2 200 Washington State
SIGNED

6th
A’s #183 Ryan Ortiz C R/R 6’3 205 Oregon State
SIGNED

7th
Rockies #211 Eric Stavert RHP R/R 6’2 185 Univ. of Oregon
SIGNED

Cardinals #211 Kyle Conley OF R/R 6’4 215 Univ. of Washington
SIGNED

Blue Jays #220 Egan Smith LHP L/L 6’5 200 College of Southern Idaho
SIGNED

8th
Rangers #244 Braden Tullis RHP R/R 6’2 200 Skagit Valley CC
SIGNED

9th
Reds #269 Brian Pearl* RHP R/R 6’1 190 Univ. of Washington
SIGNED

10th
D’backs #306 Tyson Van Winkle* C R/R 6’0 185 Gonzaga Univ.
SIGNED

Angels #321 Jake Locker* OF R/R 6’3 225 Univ. of Washington
SIGNED.

11th
Cleveland #335 Kirk Wetmore* LHP L/L 6’2 205 Bellevue CC
SIGNED

13th
Cleveland #395 Jeremy Johnson* RHP R/R 5’11 185 Washington State
SIGNED

Marlins #398 Tyler Curtis RHP R/R 6’3 230 College of Southern Idaho
DID NOT SIGN

Brewers #406 Sean Halton OF R/R 6’5 245 Lewis and Clark State
SIGNED

14th
A’s #423 Drew Gagnier RHP R/R 6’4 225 Univ. of Oregon
DID NOT SIGN. RETURNED TO UNIVERSITY OF OREGON

15th
A’s #443 Blake Keitzman* LHP L/L 6’0 185 Western Oregon
DID NOT SIGNED. RETURNED TO WESTERN OREGON UNIV.

17th
Padres #504 Jorge Reyes RHP R/R 6’3 195 Oregon State
SIGNED.

Dodgers #517 Steve Ames* RHP R/R 6’0 205 Gonzaga
SIGNED.

Red Sox #528 Kraig Sitton* LHP L/L 6’5 190 Oregon State
DID NOT SIGN. RETURN TO OSU

18th
Rays #559 Jacob Partridge* LHP L/L 6’3 185 Rogers HS
SIGNED

20th
Mets #614 Joey August* OF L/L 6’1 200 Stanford Univ.
SIGNED

22nd
Blue Jays #670 Matthew Fields RHP R/R 6’3 190 Gonzaga Univ.
SIGNED

23rd
Marlins #698 Thomas Peale RHP R/R 6’3 225 Lewis and Clark
SIGNED

24th
Pirates #715 Jason Erickson* RHP R/R 6’0 195 Univ. of Washington
SIGNED

Giants #717 Alex Burg* C R/R 6’0 190 Washington State
SIGNED

Rockies #721 Joey Wong* SS L/R 5’10 175 Oregon State
SIGNED

A’s #723 Dan Straily RHP R/R 6’2 230 Marshall Univ.
SIGNED

25th
Twins #762 Tony Bryant* RHP R/R 6’7 210 Kennewick HS
DID NOT SIGN. ATTENDING OREGON STATE

Rays #769 Ryan Wiegland 1B L/L 6’4 225 Gonzaga Univ.
SIGNED

27th
Blue Jays #820 Brian Justice* RHP R/R 6’2 190 St. Mary’s Univ.
SIGNED

Marlins #818 Nate Simon* 2B L/R 6’0 180 Pepperdine Univ.
SIGNED

28th
Royals #842 Eric Peterson* SS L/R 6’3 195 Liberty HS
DID NOT SIGN. ATTENDING UNIV. OF WASHINGTON

Rays #859 Zach Rosscup* LHP L/L 6’2 205 Chemeketa CC
SIGNED

29th
Reds #869 Jason Braun* RHP R/R 6’5 185 Corban College
SIGNED

Angels #891 William Nicholls RHP R/R 6’2 180 College of Southern Idaho
SIGNED

30th
Tigers #900 James Robbins* 1B L/L 6’0 225 Shorecrest HS
SIGNED.

32nd
Rays #979 Alex Besaw* RHP R/R 6’3 220 Skagit Valley CC
DID NOT SIGN. ATTENDING CENTRAL FLORIDA UNIV.

Mariners #953 Bennett Whitmore LHP L/L 6’3 230 Univ. of Oregon
SIGNED

Astros #971 Greg Peavy* RHP R/R 6’1 185 Oregon State
DID NOT SIGN. RETURNED TO OSU

34th
Rangers #1024 Jared Prince OF R/R 6’2 210 Washington State
SIGNED

35th
Reds #1039 Forrest Cannon* RHP R/R 6’3 190 UC Santa Barbara
SIGNED

Padres #1044 Alberto Santos OF R/R 5’10 185 Oregon State
DID NOT SIGN. RETURNED TO OSU

Rockies #1051 Tym Pearson* OF R/R 6’2 205 Thurston HS
DID NOT SIGN. ATTENDING COLUMBIA BASIN CC

Royals #1052 Levi Cartas OF R/R 6’3 175 Marysville-Pilchuck HS
DID NOT SIGN. ATTENDING EVERETT CC

D’backs #1056 Zachary Morgan* RHP R/R 6’2 165 Shasta CC
DID NOT SIGN. RETURNED TO SHASTA CC

38th
Pirates #1135 Jacob Lamb* INF L/R 6’3 195 Bishop Blanchet HS
DID NOT SIGN. ATTENDING UNIV. OF WASHINGTON

Giants #1137 AJ Proszek RHP R/R 6’3 230 Gonzaga Univ.
SIGNED

39th
Reds #1190 Nic Struck* RHP R/R 5’11 185 Mt Hood CC
SIGNED

40th
Mariners #1193 Jorden Merry* RHP R/R 6’1 190 Univ. of Washington
SIGNED

Reds #1199 Michael Robertson* OF R/R 6’2 190 Bellevue CC
SIGNED

41st
Rays #1249 Matt Stablefield LHP L/L 5’10 190 Lewis-Clark State
SIGNED

42nd
Mariners #1253 Stephen Hagen* 3B R/R 6’2 190 Eastern Oklahoma St.JC
DID NOT SIGN. ATTENDING.TEXAS TECH

D’backs #1268 Zach Hendrix* C R/R 5’11 185 Emerald Ridge HS
DID NOT SIGN. ATTENDING WEST POINT

Marlins #1267 Jordan Poyer OF R/R 6’1 180 Astoria HS
DID NOT SIGN. ATTENDING OREGON STATE

43rd
Orioles #1286 Brad Decatur* INF R/R 6’2 180 Questa CC
DID NOT SIGN. ATTENDING CAL STATE NORTHRIDGE

45th
Rangers #1354 Dale Anderson C R/R 6’0 215 College of Southern Idaho
DID NOT SIGN. RETURNED TO COLLEGE OF SOUTHERN IDAHO

46th
Phillies #1397 Jeff Ames* RHP R/R 6’4 185 Skyview HS
DID NOT SIGN. ATTENDING LOWER COLUMBIA CC

48th
Angels #1461 Jake Rife* OF L/L 5’11 205 Univ. of Washington
SIGNED

SIGNED AFTER THE DRAFT
Giants Jacob Dunnington* HP R/R Shelton HS

Greg Moore comes to the Huskies after 8 season at Univ. of San Francisco. He has been the Don’s pitching coach and recruiting coordinator after his first year as a volunteer assistant. The pitching staff at USF set many school records under Greg’s guidance. Moore began his playing career at Long Beach CC before pitching and catching for USF. He won the team’s most inspirational player while there and the award is now named after him. He was also named to the West Coast Conference All-American team in 2001. The new Husky coach is also pursuing his PH/D in education. He and his wife, Taryn, were married this summer. We thank Greg for taking the time to answer a few questions for us to get to know him better.

BBNW: Welcome to the Northwest–have you spent much time here previously?

Greg Moore: I had not spent much time in the northwest, aside from weekend trips to Spokane and Portland for a conference series.  But, even after those short weekends, I told friends how much I liked the cities and the people. Last year our team spent 4 days in Seattle, again for a weekend series.  The feel of the University and area makes me think I may have talked myself in to the northwest long before the opportunity.

BBNW: What do you see as a difference to this point from coaching at Univ. of San Francisco?

Greg Moore: Good question. The move from USF to UW reinforced to me that coaching, no matter the enrollment, conference or budget is the same.  I have been lucky to work with great people at both places.  What makes them special is that no matter the “circumstance” on a given day they are true coaches.  In a log cabin or a digital classroom, they want excellence in life and baseball for and from those around them.  They work incredibly hard to reach young people, to give the right balance of challenge and support so they can become better pitchers and players, better people. The only thing that surprised me, since I had spent so many years at the same place, is how much the periphery looks different while the core of coaching is the same.

BBNW: What are your thoughts on how Husky Stadium and how it plays for pitchers?

Greg Moore: I like how all stadiums play when we “make pitches.” I like the challenge this “offensive” park brings too.  Pitching in a graveyard can reward poor execution.  In the end we want to see how good we can become, not in terms of numbers, but in execution.  Husky Stadium is a great place to elevate “your approach” over the conditions. On a given day, when the wind blows out, we might throw an extra sinker.  How well can we use our individual strengths? Can we execute at a big league level?  That’s what we work with and toward in each pitch we throw.  So I don’t have many thoughts on how the park plays, aside from believing that indirectly it can make us a better staff.

BBNW: Can you give us a general breakdown of your pitching personnel for this year and where you see them fitting into your staff?

Greg Moore: Variety will make this group fun to watch this year.  We don’t have two guys in our top 10 who will go at hitters with the same style.  We have young pitchers who will show a different look, like side-armer Adam Cimber and lefty Brandon Rohde.  There are more experienced Juniors with very good arms, like Geoff Brown and Forrest Snow.  Andrew Kittredge threw the most innings of any returner.  He and Aaron West, another sophomore, will chew up quite a few innings. Returners, Ben Guidos, Adrian Gomez and Jacob Clem move the ball extremely well. I think our versatility is a good as their makeup. The beauty of being at a new place is that you only know what you see now.  We don’t have much history together so it’s been fun to envision the pitching staff based only on a fall.  The fresh look for coaches and the players encourages good competition.  The guys will settle in to their roles based on work this winter.

BBNW: Describe your pitching approach?

Greg Moore: Steady attack executes.  Our goals is to “make pitches.” We ask each pitcher to first know his strength extremely well, and then to learn to use it effectively.  From that, he develops his own pitching “approach”.  I will try to offer different challenges and ways we can “stay on it” no matter the situation.  Wearing down that challenge, whether it’s a hitter, a long inning will define our success.  If we can attack like it’s an 0-0 count then we have the clarity of purpose to make our best pitch every time.  If the approach can be so pure that a given pitcher will “attack” on the next 1,000 pitches, I think he can have great success.

BBNW

Greg Moore: “On-line Every Time”.  The challenge is to see how athletic we can be, how aggressive with our approach and delivery while staying “on-line” for as long as possible.  If there is one quick check it’s usually the pitcher’s head. I don’t emphasize a “mechanical key” in terms of other body parts.  It’s more of a dynamic center we can create and keep through release.  The balance there is a controlled wrecklessness.  Mechanically, my goal is to find the pitcher’s “signature”, the way their body works most efficiently.  Then, in what he already does well I try to help grease rather than re-invent the delivery.

BBNW: What do you feel is important in their physical conditioning and what type of program do you use for it?

Greg Moore: I think it’s important to be explosive in the lower half and stable in the back and upper body.  “Football players from the core down, swimmers from the core up.”  With our legs we want to be able to explode through holes, change directions quickly and leap over linebackers at the goal-line.  In the upper body the goal is to have the scapular stability let our arms move safely first, efficiently second and explosively third. For explosion we do a lot of single-leg bounding and plyos that help in changing direction. Our strength coach does a great job of that in the weight room.  As a post-throw workout we use a scap routine that is part band and part light weight program borrowed from the Oakland A’s and Dr. Jobe. Underlying all of it is flexibility. I like Yoga and a lot of it.  The winter is a great time for that, especially if you can find a hot bikram studio.

BBNW: What will you see as an advantage for pitchers to come to Washington?

Greg Moore: The pitching staff will be “pitcher-driven”.  The advantage is that we are going to have an open, dynamic communication so that we constantly learn from one another. All of us.  One of our goals is for each pitcher to have such an understanding of their approach that they become their own pitching coach.  Almost every day a pitcher will help another with a grip or an understanding of a game situation. They share great wisdom with me, with their teammates.  It breeds learning. It is fun.  When we get 12 people engaged in and determined to develop it becomes a culture of continuous improvement.

BBNW: What do you see as a difference for a junior college pitcher’s adjustment to the Division 1 level compared to a freshman?

Greg Moore: The biggest difference between a JC pitcher’s first year and a freshman’s is often a level of trust.  While there are plenty of freshman who are ready to pitch in their first year, there are only a few who truly believe it. When you get that special freshman who truly trusts his stuff it sets a tone for the rest of the pitching staff.

BBNW: What is your recruiting philosophy and what do you see specially to the northwest as the biggest challenge?

Greg Moore: My goal when recruiting is to find good character in players who really want to be challenged on and off the field.  If he is genuinely open to the schedule a college baseball player keeps, the intensity of workouts and the academic load, then he is willing to dive in to the work it will take to grow. It’s not just the physical. Sometimes it’s the willingness to be uncomfortable in speaking to a large group or tackling a long research paper.  Talent is obviously important. But I think the willingness to seek a good challenge is the measure of potential to improve. I see the biggest recruiting challenge in the northwest as the other quality schools and coaches in the region.  There are very good coaches in other programs in the northwest.  That’s a good thing.  The level of baseball here is impressive. I would think that the quality of teaching from the youth leagues to the Division 1 one schools is related.  Not only do players benefit from the competition, we will get better as coaches.

BBNW: What are your main hobbies or what do you do to get away from baseball?

Greg Moore: I watch Fox News and like reading a good biography. I like to run and eat burritos. Although, the fresh fish I’ve found here might be my new favorite.

Baseball Northwest’s ranking of Northwest players is done to highlight the regions’ top prospects as evaluated by the Baseball Northwest professional evaluators. It is done to promote and inspire players and also to promote the game. Some college and high school coaches, and professional scouts are consulted but the final lists are put together by the Baseball Northwest staff as a whole. The lists do not reflect the opinion of any specific high school, college, or professional organization.

The evaluaters consider the LONG TERM POTENTIAL OF A PLAYER, the potential of a player at the next level, and not necessarily the success or stats of a high school player.

All players listed have been thouroughly seen by the Baseball Northwest staff to be evaluated—even if the player has not attended a Baseball Northwest event, although nearly all have done so. Baseball Northwest understands the difficulty in ranking players, but no one sees all these players as much as the Baseball Northwest staff. Players develop at different rates and at different times. The complete ability of the player is considered, including their desire to play and improve, because this has proven to make a difference in their long term development.

Players are generally listed at the position or positions they will likely play at the next level. BBNW has a history of tracking the top players. We consider many more players than appear on our lists. The Watch List sections are those players we are considering for the top player section. We have likely missed a player that should be considered—we will add or subtract from the list throughout the year.

Please email us if you would like to recommend a player in any class for consideration. Enjoy the lists—it takes many hours to complete. Rely on Baseball Northwest for information found no-where else. Please obtain permission from Baseball Northwest for reproduction of all or any parts of this information.

IDAHO/MONTANA CLASS OF 2013 WATCH LIST

Bos, Kevin     C         Jerome HS
Brooks, Kyler     3B/RHP        Lewiston HS
Charlo, Tyler     INF/RHP    Lewiston HS
Cook, Dalton     INF/RHP    Great Falls HS
Cunningham, Tres     UTL         Missoula Sentinel HS
Estep, Ryan     INF         Capital HS
Garcia, Michael     RHP/INF    Twin Falls HS
Hammond, Matt     RHP/OF        Post Falls HS
Headstrom, Steaphen RHP/3B    Middleton HS
Martarano, Joey     INF/RHP    Fruitland HS
Merritt, Casey     OF         Twin Falls HS
Price, Cody     INR/RHP    Timberline HS
Podesek, Skylar     C         Mountain Home HS
Rheinschmidt, Tanner UTL         Missoula Sentinel HS
Robbins, Bret     OF/1B         Coeur d’alene HS
Seamons, Justin     OF         Fruitland HS
Sopko, Andrew     RHP/INF    Loyla Scared Heart HS
Thompson, Derek     RHP/OF        Boise HS
Tourangeau, Marc     INF/rHP        Boise HS
Ueland, Gavin     INF         Custer County HS
Vine, Jeff         UTL         Wolf Point HS
Wallin, Kellen     RHP/INF    Enumclaw HS

Baseball Northwest’s ranking of Northwest players is done to highlight the regions’ top prospects as evaluated by the Baseball Northwest professional evaluators. It is done to promote and inspire players and also to promote the game. Some college and high school coaches, and professional scouts are consulted but the final lists are put together by the Baseball Northwest staff as a whole. The lists do not reflect the opinion of any specific high school, college, or professional organization.

The evaluaters consider the LONG TERM POTENTIAL OF A PLAYER, the potential of a player at the next level, and not necessarily the success or stats of a high school player.

All players listed have been thouroughly seen by the Baseball Northwest staff to be evaluated—even if the player has not attended a Baseball Northwest event, although nearly all have done so. Baseball Northwest understands the difficulty in ranking players, but no one sees all these players as much as the Baseball Northwest staff. Players develop at different rates and at different times. The complete ability of the player is considered, including their desire to play and improve, because this has proven to make a difference in their long term development.

Players are generally listed at the position or positions they will likely play at the next level. BBNW has a history of tracking the top players. We consider many more players than appear on our lists. The Watch List sections are those players we are considering for the top player section. We have likely missed a player that should be considered—we will add or subtract from the list throughout the year.

Please email us if you would like to recommend a player in any class for consideration. Enjoy the lists—it takes many hours to complete. Rely on Baseball Northwest for information found no-where else. Please obtain permission from Baseball Northwest for reproduction of all or any parts of this information.

WASHINGTON CLASS OF 2013 WATCH LIST

Anderson, Garrett     INF         Puyallup HS
Andrews, Ben     INF/RHP     Shorewood HS
Carpenter, Brock     RHP/INF     Fife HS
Dohr, Travis     RHP/INF     Bothell HS
Driver, Dustin     RHP/3B         Wenatchee HS
Crowell, Shane     RHP/INF     North Kitsap HS
Dohr, Travis     RHP/INF     Bothell HS
Gallinger, Garrett     RHP/INF     Gig Harbor HS
Garza, David     INF         Othello HS
Gibson, Bennett     C         Mount Vernon HS
Gorecki, Hayes     OF         Garfield HS
Guajardo, Josh     C/OF         Pasco HS
Guenther, Owen     OF/RHP         Gig Harbor HS
Hamilton, Caleb     3B/RHP         Woodinville HS
Hamilton, Ian     INF/RHP     Skyview HS
Hardy, Alex     INF         Emerald Ridge HS
Hellinger, Sam     INF/RHP     West Seattle HS
Hilty, Madson     INF         Richland HS
Horne, Nathan     C/1B         Emerald Ridge HS
Howlett, Tyler     RHP         La Conner HS
Humprey, Ian     INF         Battleground HS
Ice, Logan     C         Rogers HS
Johnson, Cobi     RHP/INF     Kelso HS
Johnson, Reed     INF         Tahoma HS
Knight, Joey     1B         Olympia HS
Marty, Austin     INF         Aurburn Riverside HS
Mazza, Michael     C/RHP         Cascade HS
McCann, Michael     OF/C         Columbia River HS
McCleod, Coty     INF         North Central HS
McCulley, Mitchell     OF         Snohomish HS
McGowan, Jordan     3B/RHP         Mead HS
McGuire, Reese     C/INF         Kentwood HS
McGuire, Travis     RHP/OF         Kentridge HS
McNabb, Hayden     INF         Shorecrest HS
Milton, Drew     OF         Harrison Prep
Mondou, Nate     3B/RHP         Charles Wright HS
Morrison, Tever     INF         Arch Bishop Murphy HS
Myer, Adam     INF         Black Hills HS
Nasinec, Hunter     INF         Rogers HS
Nelson, Drew     INF/rHP         Mt. Rainer HS
Phebus, Blake     C.OF         Shadle Park HS
Riely, Tyler     RHP/1B         Bainbridge Island HS
Reynolds, Colin     OF         Charles Wright Acadmey
Ridgeway, Tyler     INF/RHP     North Thurston HS
Salinas, Bobby     INF         Zillah HS
Salyards, Mikall     RHP/OF         Cascade HS
Saario, Donavon     OF/LHP         Renton HS
Schoemaker, Ben     LHP/OF         Shadle Park HS
Shaw, AJ         RHP        Richland HS
Soderqvist, Joakim     Of/RHP        Jackson HS
Sterne, Cameron     RHP/3B         Shorewood HS
Traxel, Kellen     1B/LHP         South Kitsap HS
Tyndall, Saige     OF/RHP         Bothell HS
Ulrich, Kane     C         Gonzaga Prep
Valenti, Leo     INF         Olympia HS
Van Horn, Stefan     C/RHP         Rogers HS
Weymiller, Alex     RHP/INF    Peninsula HS
Whitaker, Danny     INF        North Central HS
Wilson, Ryan     RHP/INF    Skyline HS
Wiger, Chase     OF         Skyview HS
Wong, Alac     INF/RHP    Lake Washington HS
Wright, Dylan     INF/RHP    Kentlake HS
Zutenhorst, Matt     C         North Thurston HS

Baseball Northwest’s ranking of Northwest players is done to highlight the regions’ top prospects as evaluated by the Baseball Northwest professional evaluators. It is done to promote and inspire players and also to promote the game. Some college and high school coaches, and professional scouts are consulted but the final lists are put together by the Baseball Northwest staff as a whole. The lists do not reflect the opinion of any specific high school, college, or professional organization.

The evaluaters consider the LONG TERM POTENTIAL OF A PLAYER, the potential of a player at the next level, and not necessarily the success or stats of a high school player.

All players listed have been thouroughly seen by the Baseball Northwest staff to be evaluated—even if the player has not attended a Baseball Northwest event, although nearly all have done so. Baseball Northwest understands the difficulty in ranking players, but no one sees all these players as much as the Baseball Northwest staff. Players develop at different rates and at different times. The complete ability of the player is considered, including their desire to play and improve, because this has proven to make a difference in their long term development.

Players are generally listed at the position or positions they will likely play at the next level. BBNW has a history of tracking the top players. We consider many more players than appear on our lists. The Watch List sections are those players we are considering for the top player section. We have likely missed a player that should be considered—we will add or subtract from the list throughout the year.

Please email us if you would like to recommend a player in any class for consideration. Enjoy the lists—it takes many hours to complete. Rely on Baseball Northwest for information found no-where else. Please obtain permission from Baseball Northwest for reproduction of all or any parts of this information.

OREGON CLASS OF 2013 WATCH LIST

Ayo, Ray         OF/RHP         Aloha HS
Baird, Austin    OF         Marist HS
Balfour, Joseph    RHP/INF         Sherwood HS
Brenner, Doug    LHP         Jesuit HS
Bertsch, Jackson    LHP/1B         Pleasant Hill HS
Bordges, Brayden    C/RHP         Redmond HS
Brucker, Willie    OF/LHP         Horizon Christian HS
Carroll, John    1B         Mt. View HS
Choruby, Nick    INF         Jesuit HS
Cliff, Aaron    C/RHP         Thurston HS
Cohen, Ethan    OF/INF         Summit HS
Cowell, Josh    OF/RHP         North Valley HS
Croney, Layne    INF         Crescent Valley HS
DeGaetano, Lucas    INF         Bend HS
Elliott, Hank    INF/RHP         Central Catholic HS
Erisman, Jeremy    RHP/INF         Redmond HS
Evans, Hayden    LHP/1B         North Medford HS
George, Kyle    INF/OF         Tualatin HS
Hagge, Josh    OF         Wilson HS
Henderson, Kyle    C         Westview HS
Kahle, Connor    INF         Glide HS
Kelly, Austin    3B/RHP         Central Catholic HS
Kempt, Kyle    RHP/INF         Aloha HS
Lane, Tommy    1B         Pendleton HS
Loehr, Trace    INF
McClean, Kevin    INF         Southridge HS
McDaniel, Gaje    C         Sheldon HS
MacDougall, Duncan RHP/3B    Summit HS
Mooney, Cyrus    3B/C         Sherwood HS
Nielsen, Brett    LHP/1B         Sheldon HS
Partain, Grayson    INF/C         Hillsboro HS
Ragin, Johnny    OF/RHP         Wilsonville HS
Schlinder, Joe    RHP         South Eugene HS
Smith, Dustin    OF         Willamette HS
Stiles, Cooper    INF         Sheldon HS
Swick, Wyatt    C         Sheldon HS
Thompson, Jordan    RHP         Churchill HS
Watson, Kyle    LHP/1B         Thurston HS
Webb, Buddy    3B/RHP         Jesuit HS

Cody Anderson

Baseball Northwest’s ranking of Northwest players is done to highlight the regions’ top prospects as evaluated by the Baseball Northwest professional evaluators. It is done to promote and inspire players and also to promote the game. Some college and high school coaches, and professional scouts are consulted but the final lists are put together by the Baseball Northwest staff as a whole. The lists do not reflect the opinion of any specific high school, college, or professional organization.

The evaluaters consider the LONG TERM POTENTIAL OF A PLAYER, the potential of a player at the next level, and not necessarily the success or stats of a high school player.

All players listed have been thouroughly seen by the Baseball Northwest staff to be evaluated—even if the player has not attended a Baseball Northwest event, although nearly all have done so. Baseball Northwest understands the difficulty in ranking players, but no one sees all these players as much as the Baseball Northwest staff. Players develop at different rates and at different times. The complete ability of the player is considered, including their desire to play and improve, because this has proven to make a difference in their long term development.

Players are generally listed at the position or positions they will likely play at the next level. BBNW has a history of tracking the top players. We consider many more players than appear on our lists. The Watch List sections are those players we are considering for the top player section. We have likely missed a player that should be considered—we will add or subtract from the list throughout the year.

Please email us if you would like to recommend a player in any class for consideration. Enjoy the lists—it takes many hours to complete. Rely on Baseball Northwest for information found no-where else. Please obtain permission from Baseball Northwest for reproduction of all or any parts of this information.

CLASS OF 2010 IDAHO/MONTANA/WYOMING TOP 30

1.    Cody Anderson    OF/C Shelley HS (Id.)
2.    Devon Austin    C     Coeur d’alene HS
3.    Chris Woolley    INF     Borah HS (Id.)
4    Ryan Peterson    INF     Twin Fall HS (Id.)
5    Caleb Grueber    OF     Post Falls HS (Id.)
6.    Dillon Ness    INF     Billings Senior HS (Mt.)
7.    Josh Benjamin    RHP     Billings Skyview HS (Mt.)
8.    Brookx Andrus    LHP/OF    Hillcrest HS (Id.)
9.    Justin Podabsky    RHP/1B    Lewiston HS (Id.)
10.    Tony Lagaly    C     Billings Senior HS (Mt.)
11.    Kendall Maier    INF     Sentinel HS (Mt.)
12.    Tim Rausch    OF/C     Polson HS (Mt.)
13.    Spencer Dodd    INF     Eagle HS (Id.)
14.    Austin Kiefer    INF     Lake City HS (Id.)
15.    Kasey Knigge    INF/RHP Lewiston HS (Id.)
16.    Tanner Daylong    INF     Emmett HS (Id.)
17.    Ryan Abel    C     Centennial HS (Id.)
18.    Trey Cochran    3B/RHP    Boise HS (Id.)
19.    Nolan Amundson    RHP/OF    Timberline HS (Id.)
20.    Dean Cromwell    LHP     Skyline HS (Id.)
21.    Cory Holm    OF     Emmett HS (Id.)
22    George Casper    OF/LHP    Highland HS(Id.)
23.    Ryan Weigle    RHP     Corvallis HS (Mt.)
24.    Nate Nelson     INF     Bishop Kelly HS (Id.)
25.    Robert King    INF     Missoula HS (Mt.)
26.    Ryan Dunton    OF     Coeur d’alene HS (Id.)
27.    Kyle Knigge     RHP/1B    Lewiston HS (Id.)
28.    Brian Baker     RHP     Butte HS (Mt.)
29.    Ryan Rothing     RHP     Belgrade HS (Mt)
30.    Beau Fisher     OF     Sandpoint HS (Id.)

WATCH LIST

Allen, Austin     INF/C         Corvallis HS
Barney, Tucker     INF         Boise HS
Barr, Riley     RHP         Idaho Falls HS
Borgman, Zach     LHP/1B        Centennial HS
Bostick, Colter     LHP        Cody HS
Burgoyne, Cody     C         Twin Falls HS
Capps, Brian     RHP         Capital HS
Cook, Tucker     1B         Great Falls HS
Dechellis, Mike     C         Lake City HS
Dunton, Ryan     OF         Coeur d’alene HS
Dukart, Jake     INF         Billings West HS
Faust, Sam     C         Laurel HS
Freund, Pat     INF         Belgrade HS
Gaines, Kassidy     OF/RHP        Twin Falls HS
Gillespie, Jeff     INF/RHP    Rocky Mountain HS
Harris, Chase     INF        Centennial HS
Herbert, KJ     OF         Middleton HS
Hernandez, Cory     OF         Madison HS
Herrick, Braxton     INF         Idaho Falls HS
Hortin, Dylan     C         Eagle HS
Jordan, Jared     INF         Twin Falls HS
Kean, Alex     C         Timberline HS
Jordan Lewis     RHP         Hillcrest HS
McCarrell, Joey     3B         Eagle HS
McDonnald, Nolan     RHP         Jerome HS
McVeigh, Myles     RHP         East HS
Mellinger, Ross     LHP/OF        Choeteau HS
Pierre, Cubby     INF        Arlee HS
Reay, Zach     C/RHP         Blackfoot HS
Remus, Zach     C         Glasgow HS
Schwend, Michael     RHP         Dillon HS
Schevers, Corey     OF         Capital HS
Schwers, Jordan     RHP         Eagle HS
Stallings, Brandon     OF         Rocky Mountain HS
Stosich, Taylor     C/RHP         Skyline HS
Stosich, Jordon     RHP         Idaho Falls HS
Sutton, Cody     INF         Vallivue HS
Venturini, Mario     LHP         Kalispell HS
Woodruff, Trevor     INF/RHP     Mountain Home HS
Workman Matt     INF         Three Forks HS
Woolley, Tim     OF         Capital HS
Wylie, Jake     C/OF         Bishop Kelly HS

Dave Nakama is the new top assistant for the Univ. of Washington baseball staff. He comes from Stanford for the last 10 years as an assistant and will coordinate the Washington hitters and assist with team defense and oversee the outfielders. He also assisted at San Francisco State. Dave was the head coach at Mission Junior College in 1992-1996. The Hawaii native played at Willamette Univ. where he graduated in 1984

BBNW: Welcome to the northwest—have you spent much time up here previously?

Dave: I spend four great undergraduate years at Willamette University in Salem, Oregon. I would come up this way once in a year for recruiting for Stanford University.

BBNW: After spending 10 years at Stanford—how do you see your job with the Huskies as different?

Dave: I don’t think that there is much different in the job itself. My responsibilities here are much the same as they were at Stanford. It’s just building new relationships, gaining trust of a new group of players, and planning practices around the elements.

BBNW: Can you give us a brief overview of the Husky 2010 team after seeing them for the first time this fall?

Dave: We have a lot of guys who have tools and athletic ability to play their positions. We need to get them to be better at playing the game.

BBNW: One of your coaching responsibilities is working with the hitters—who do you see as the top potential hitters for this year’s team?

Dave: We have some good young left-handed hitters. Troy Scott comes to mind as he has he experience and the ability to be a top hitter in the Pac-10.

BBNW: What is the main offensive approach that you emphasize?

Dave: I don’t think it’s any different from anywhere else. We want quality AB’s that helps us win games not pad stats, and understand that we need to handle pitches that we are going to get that might not be want we want, and we need to cut down strikeouts.

BBNW: What will be your approach in recruiting especially in the northwest?

Dave: We need to do well in Washington, that’s no secret. We have great resources to recruit to, a great academic reputation and a beautiful campus. There is a lot of baseball talent in the state of Washington but there are also a lot of good collegiate baseball programs to choose from in our state, which creates a lot of competition for players.

BBNW: What do you look for in hitters when you evaluate them as potential recruits?

Dave: Bat speed, balance, the ability to square up balls in the middle of the diamond, and do they hit in games.

BBNW: Husky Stadium is known more as a hitter’s park—do you see it that way?

Dave: Depends on who is pitching and which way the wind blows. It’s always been an offensive park when the wind blows. So to answer your questions, yes.

BBNW: What do you see as the biggest adjustment for a high school hitter coming info this level?

Dave: As a college hitter in the Pac-10 you face a high school ace every day and every at bat.

BBNW: What are your main hobbies or what do you do in your free time to get away from baseball?

Dave: I’ve coached college baseball for 25 years so that is a down fall of mine—no real hobbies. I like to hit the golf ball and I have a passion for college football. But theses days it’s trying to catch up with my kids, one who plays football at Western Michigan University, a younger son who is a football/baseball player at Saint Francis H.S. in Mountain View, Ca., and my daughter who is a former Sun Devil baseball supporter who how works in the athletic department at Kansas University.