Well folks, admit it, you've been looking forward to this day almost as much as we have. Next Monday is the big day. We open April 26th at 7:20 on Diamond E against the snow thrashers of the Alpine Inn at the Sherman Park Complex, and then we move over to field I for the nightcap against TC's Referee (we presume they haven't paid off the umps) at 9:10.
The team, needless to say, is really pumped for the season to get going. They look pretty solid, so let's take a quick rundown to see what the season may hold in store for the team.
The Dugout, our fearless leaders......Looking to take this team to the next millennium. 1st off, the Crusty Curmudgeon, Manager Clint Straw. Clint (rumors of his demise have been greatly exaggerated) brings years (and years and years and years) of experience to the team. Never one to wait until the last minute, he has had the team practicing since the first of April and everyone looks to be in tip top shape. "The team looks really good top to bottom," he said in a recent interview, "the young guys are starting to come around, and the veterans are playing their way back into shape. There's 2 or 3 potential All Stars out there." Having a deep bench never hurts either.
Next up, Brad Adams. Although many believe that his so called "retirement" is a ruse, Brad claims that it is permanent and that he plans to go through his Monday nights drinking beer, coaching third and teaching the younger guys now NOT to get their neck broken.
The Battery
After a blazing 1st season as a pitcher, Scott Christensen is back on the mound and hopes not to have that mysterious Sophomore jinx affect him. Projected to be batting in the 8th spot, his reliable bat should bring in a lot of RBIs.
Terry Carter will also be looking to avoid the Sophomore jinx, although after being on the DL most of last season, he may actually have a shot at rookie of the year honors. Reporting in better shape than even his wife can remember, Terry should be getting a lot of innings this year.
Behind the plate, Brian Burg moves to a new full time position. Bring his youthful enthusiasm and wisecracks behind the plate should either befuddle the opposing batters or he may wind up in the hospital with a bat in his ear. Projected to hit 11th, he is just the guy to get us back to the top of the order.
Backing up Brian in case of injury or an unforeseen beer run will be Matt Unruh. Even though a rookie, he has already shown what type of ball player he is and as listed on his bio, his position of "in the cooler" could be very prophetic as he reported to Spike after last Monday's scrimmage that he was injured.
The Outfield
A different look this year, both in the field and at the plate. Moving left to right from your view in the stands.
Glen Heinrichs returns to left field looking better than ever. An off-season workout regimen has him running like the Glen of old and fielding with newfound confidence. Projected to be batting 2nd, his left handed bat and speed should push the leadoff hitter around to third with ease, setting the table for the heart of the order.
Shawn Ulmer is in his first season with the Dog Kennel. Practice has shown that he has great range, a cannon for an arm, speed on the bases and a bat with more than a little pop in it. Projected as the lead off hitter and the right center fielder, Clint is looking for a lot out of this first year regular, but he should be up to the challenge.
Ron McCuen is back in left ceter for the, oh, 8th season in a row on one team or another. To look at the guy, you would never believe that he has got wheels from hell, but the guy can really motor. And when he cocks the arm for the throw to the infield, people in the stands have been known to take cover. Projected to bat 9th, he is a guy that can still take it out of the park.
Scott Roth looks to be the starting right fielder this year. Projected to be batting 10th in the order, Scott, through hard work and determination has played his way into the starting lineup, and is ready for what should be a breaktrhough and injury free season. He is also looking at marriage on the horizon. Sorry, girls. He is also said to be working on a Van Halen reunion with his long lost cousin David.
Mike Ewert will be the primary backup for the outfield. After off season workouts seem to have gotten him over the injury hill, he will be watched closely so he can be with the team through the whole season.
The Infield
Some retooling in the off season also took place here. With Brad's retirement, we were on the hunt for some new blood. So once again, moving left to right....
3rd base will once again be anchored by Pat Buck. Veteran of many seasons at the 'hot' corner, Pat brings leadership, a big bat, a quick glove and an arm (you watch and describe it on your own) to an infield that really needs to be seen to be believed. Projected to bat 3rd, he has been working on a "high leg kick" (mothers, please hide the kids' eyes) that could provide even more enjoyment.
Newcomer Justin Becker will be taking over the shortstop position this year. Showing a lot of speed, range and a strong arm, his bat also has some pop and is projected to be batting 5th. He should provide some base running and RBIs that have been missing from that spot in the lineup in years past.
Travis Dumke will be playing a lot of 2nd base this year. The former standout football player checks in at over 6' tall and 300+ pounds. he covers a lot of ground for a man his size and shouldn't have to worry about people trying to break up the double play. The guy who sends moonshots over the fence with regularity is projected to be batting 6th where he is the early favorite to lead the team in RBIs.
Nate Knuth is back for what he once again proclaims to be his last season. The anchor of the 'cold' corner, he has found a team that he at last really likes to play for. Projectd to be batting 4th again this year, his reliable bat should put plenty on the table for the guys behind him. Even after last Monday's defensive fiasco, he hopes that he has a repeat of last year's defensive prowess, and hopes it doesn't turn into defenSEIVE prowess, but that shouldn't be a concern.
Ted McCann is the utility man this year and will most likely be the DH in games where he is not in the field. Able to fill in at any position, if you were a fantasy softball owner this is the guy you would want to pick first. He will qualify at all positions and has a bat that has to be experiences to be appreciated. "Teddy Ballgame" brings a gritty and gutsy (baseball term) to a team that needs all that they can get.
Mike Jones will be the primary backup for the infield this year. After a slow start last season, Mike's glove has come around and he looks defensively sound. The bat is also starting to work better. With a tad bit more seasoning, it is a safe bet that it will be tough to keep him out of the lineup.
And last but not least, taking the postition of "in the cooler" we have Dan "the Feral" Ferris, Kevin "Sparky" Steele and Boone "Here" Boyum, the morning crew from KSOB radio can get the team going pretty quickly with their witty, off the cuff remarks at the diamonds and on the air.
In the broadcast booth this year is RoseMary Carey, favorite cousin to the departed Harry Carey. RoseMary will be doing the updates on KSOB radio in the mornings as she can better goose Boone that way. RoseMary brings to the game years of familial knowledge and a zest for life that very few appreciate.
The Dog Kennel Softball team (a wholly owned subsidiary of Kennel Productions) is pleased to announce the signing of Rosemary Carey to do the softball updates on KSOB 95.7 FM radio in Sioux Falls. The updates should run during the sports updates on Tuesday or Wednesday mornings. "We are very pleased at this latest merger of two of the best things going in Sioux Falls", Spike - VP of Marketing was quoted as saying this morning, "The cousin of legendary Hall of Fame announcer Harry Carey brings even more credibility to our organization." "I just feel sorry for Boone," says Clint, President and CEO of Kennel Productions, "this is just another reason for her to show up and harass him." Big Dog, VP of Damage control added, "This signing came after extensive negotiations (and more than a few beers) last night at BW3. Kevin Steele, sports director at KSOB, and I worked hard into the night. I am not sure who came out on the better end of this deal, but my head hurts." Be sure to tune into 95.7 FM KSOB radio for your updates on the airwaves.