4/10/10: 10 CLUBS IN 10 DAYS

Team Preview - SPRINGFIELD INDIANS

   The Indians return 8 players from last season's roster and look to improve on their 11-13 record. The Tribe has hovered around the .500 mark over the last few seasons and have yet to make it out of the second round of the playoffs. But new skipper Joey Cherry looks to turn things around for the Springfield club in 2010. Right-hander Matt Spradlin returns for his fifth season with the Indians after setting the league's all-time single-season strikeout mark of 126. Matt Coleman will look to improve on his 5-win total on the mound, and he will get some support from behind the plate with top draft pick Matthew Buynak. Joe Parsley and Donnie Black return with some power and speed at the top of the lineup.
   Keys to a Championship: The Indians lost a couple of prominent hitters in their lineup, so they need to somehow duplicate their hitting output from 2009 (2nd best in the league). Spradlin and Coleman are a solid 1-2 in the rotation, but the ERA (4th highest in the league in '09) and defense need to show some improvement.
   Key Additions: C/OF/IF Matt Buynak, IF/OF Chase Collins, C Steve Jackson, IF/OF Justin Daniel, P Jason Moore
   Players to Watch: Matt Coleman...The catcher/3B/pitcher was 14th in the league in batting average last season. Matt will be looked upon to provide some leadership at the plate for the rookies on the squad.

Team Preview - MIAMI VALLEY DRAGONS

   After two consecutive seasons of only a combined 4 wins, the Dragons look to finally make their mark in the MVABL. The Dragons have been busy in the offseason acquiring an array of new players to go along with all returning players. Coming back for his 5th season, third as a Dragon and second as the Dragons' manager, Scott Jones will be looking to take over the hole at shortstop that opened up with All-Star Chris Flaherty’s part-time role. The Dragons went out and got Wright State club catcher Atrayu Wolter to take over behind the dish and former Ranger Gary Robinson to back him up. With Dustin Cope battling tennis elbow, this year’s Opening Day start will go to 2-game winner TJ Lee and will take over the ace spot. Battling for the number 2 starter will be Brian Bay, Aaron Bischoff and rookie Adam Poff, when healthy. New at the hot corner is rookie Matt Berger who will also split time with sophomore Ryan Smith. First base is to be occupied this year by Jon Rose who tied for most HRs on the team last year, and Dustin Cope. To team up with Jones in the middle looks to be Ian Baker who is also a rookie this year. Once Brian Spears leaves June 28th to serve our country overseas, that will open up the centerfield spot which will be taken over by Ryan Nollen. Corner spots after the departure of Spears looks to be rotated depending on the game. Making a big utility role this year will be Justin McCollum who will also take a big coaching role with the team this year.
   Keys to a Championship: Cut down on errors on defense, bigger offense and smarter on both sides of the ball. Pitching also has to be almost perfect.
   Key Additions: Atrayu Wolter C/OF, Heath West OF/P, Troy Pearson OF/P, Josh Lambright OF, Matt Berger 3B/1B, Ian Baker SS/2B, Gary Robinson C/OF, Bert Wray OF, Phil Dickerson INF, David Turpin OF, Adam Poff OF/P, Cam Colbert OF
   Players to Watch: Look for Ryan Smith to play a big part in the lineup. Look for all Rookies to step up and fill in spots. Also look for Brian Bay to have a big year on the mound, as well as Aaron Bischoff to be strong out of the bullpen.

Team Preview - MIAMI VALLEY THUNDER

   After finishing the 2009 season with a .500 record under the leadership of Jeremy Lippincott, long time veteran of the MVABL, the Miami Valley Thunder is back in the league for their second year with a new coach and many new faces. The team’s new skipper, John Ramsey (assistant coach in 2009), and 7 other players are returning for the 2010 season. In addition to the 8 solid returning players, the team has picked up 4 players new to the league and 3 veteran league All-Stars.
   Among those returning is MVABL league MVP, 2009 All-Star, and team captain, Drew York playing shortstop and possibly taking the mound as a closer. 2009 All-Star David Moss is returning to play infield and pitch in relief. James Hammock, a key starting pitcher in 2009, will be back on the hill in 2010. Evan Koogler (C), Drew Bost (OF), and Chris Heaton (OF, 1B) have worked hard in the offseason and expect to make a good start this year. The eighth returning player, Lance Berner (OF and outstanding hitter), will be joining the team later this season for a couple months between attending college in Akron.
   With the league batting average leader and the league MVP filling the 3rd and 4th spots in the lineup, and the addition of 4 new players likely to contend for a batting title, the Thunder is hoping it all adds up and that they can compete alongside the other outstanding hitters in the league. Depth is the key word here. Opposing pitchers are going to have a hard time finding a weak spot or an easy inning against the Thunder. In addition to a strong lineup, the Thunder has solid starters in about every position, and some versatility as well. If all stay healthy, the defense should be solid throughout the year.
   After losing a solid starting pitcher in Lippincott, Jared Ramsey, and a couple good relief pitchers, the team’s biggest issue may be pitching. However, time will tell with the addition of a former college pitcher, a veteran workhorse pitcher from the west, and a lefty reliever, the Thunder has had a full change of command on the mound. Returning starters James Hammock and John Ramsey are in good shape to provide a solid foundation. That foundation and the likelihood of good run support from the lineup may make up for some uncertainty on the mound.
   Keys to Championship: Chemistry...the talent is there, but the team will have to stay focused and in good spirits to be successful. The league is competitive and the season is deceptively long. The attitudes of the new players will make or break the team. Thus far, they have shown lots of character, and things look promising for a smooth ride throughout the season. Run Support...The players that returned to the game for the first time in years last season will have to continue to tune their bats and produce. If we have those players show a significant improvement at the plate, that will be key to a championship. This in addition to veteran league sluggers in the lineup should give the pitching lots of runs to work with.
   Players to Watch: Drew York will be looking for a three-peat for the league MVP award. So whether he’s putting the ball in the woods at AIA, or striking out the side to close a game, he’ll be one to watch as always. John Milliron, the MVABL batting average leader for the last two years should be one to watch as he looks to get a three-peat himself. Lee Jury brings some speed to the Thunder and will be determined to set the team’s stolen base record in 2010 while posting some good numbers with the bat, and swiping would-be base hits in centerfield. Andrew Verrett and David Moss will also be ones to watch offensively. Verrett batted .467 with 14 extra base hits, while Moss batted .381 and had 10 extra base hits. Finally, the new pitchers Matt Walters and Greg Moss will be 2 players to watch as they could be poised to make a huge impact on the success of the Thunder.
   Key Additions: John Milliron, Lee Jury, and Andrew Verrett will all be a tremendous boost to the lineup, as well as bringing solid defense on the field. Matt Walters with a smooth windup and good velocity could prove to be an ace on the hill for the Thunder.

Team Preview - MIAMI VALLEY CARDINALS

   The Miami Valley Cardinals begin their inaugural season in 2010. In working out a preseason trade, the Cards were able to move up the draft board to grab Aaron Thacker with the league's overall No. 1 draft selection.
   Coach Nathan King has brought in veterans Ryan Kreitzer and Josh and Chad Jaynes to help ease the transition for the rookies. In addition to Thacker on the mound, King has brought in Clark State pitcher William Howard to give the Cards a nice 1-2 punch.
   Keys to a Championship: The Cardinals will need to gel both offensively and defensively. If the pitching and the defense hold up its end of the bargain, the team could threaten for a deep postseason run.
   Players to Watch: Aaron Thacker. As all previous No. 1 selections have made the All-Star team in their rookie season, Thacker has a lot of pressure to succeed right away.
   Key Additions: As the majority of the team are newcomers to the MVABL, the Cardinals were able to add league veteran and reigning HR Derby champ Josh Jaynes to the club's roster.

Team Preview - SOUTH DAYTON SLAMMERS

   After a successful run to the championship series in their first year as the South Dayton Slammers, many new faces are joining the roster for 2010, while the core group of veterans return.
   Two 2009 All Stars return in RF/P Justin Dunlap and LF Matt Owens. Justin was the Slammers' first draft pick last year and made an impression both on the mound and at the plate. Matt returns for his 3rd year in the league and looks to continue his great play. At shortstop is 7-year league veteran Kevin Ashworth. Kevin occupies the two hole in the batting order and became the Slammers go-to guy to close down games last year. His double play partner, PJ Dixon, returns as the Slammers 2B and leadoff man. Also returning is veteran catcher Rick Anderson and first baseman Dan Wayman. Rick is entering his 6th year while this will be Dan's 7th.
   Last year's second draft pick, Deane Grandfield, looks to duplicate his success on the mound and the plate while helping out in the outfield. Joining Deane in the OF is Mike Ivers, who will roam CF, while also taking his turn on the hill.
   The Slammers are welcoming 7 new members to the roster and they are all ready to help the team. At third base is Greg Marlow, a 2008 Stebbins grad. Greg is looking to bring new energy to the Slammers while manning the hot corner. Chris Copeland and James Pickens look to make a name for themselves in the OF while providing pop at the plate. 2010 draft pick Luke Lawson is ready to take the mound as are three other pitcher pick ups in Orlando Noguera, Ryan Georges, and Sean Casey.
   Keys to a Championship: The Slammers need to play solid defense to back up their pitchers as their offense gels together.
   Players to Watch: New pitchers. The Slammers, like every team, were looking for pitching depth and believe they found it this off season.
   Key Additions: Greg Marlow at 3B. Greg looks to bring youth with his glove and bat to spark the Slammers. Two new OF's Chris and James along with new pitchers Luke, Orlando, Ryan, and Sean.

Team Preview - CAMDEN REDLEGS

   The expansion Redlegs look to hit the ground running in 2010 and immediately contend in the MVABL. One strength the team has early on is the versatility of its players. Many players are comfortable playing in a variety of different positions, giving the team many options and a better chance at putting a solid defense on the field every week. First round draft pick Matt Mattice fits directly into this philosophy and will likely see time in all outfield spots. He also adds more speed to an already fast offense. Likewise, early addition Nick Johnson adds depth all around the infield.
   One hole the Redlegs had hoped to fill by draft day was their need of a catcher; one position no player on the team has any experience playing. With just two weeks before the beginning of the season, a late free agent appeared in Steve Benthal and the Redlegs, having the highest waiver priority, were able to add him to the squad as their starting backstop.
   The team's greatest strength going into the season is a very deep and talented pitching staff. With former MVABL Cy Young Jacob Robinson still unable to pitch with a shoulder injury, the team loaded up on arms for the 2010 campaign. Former Rangers pitcher Brad Clark looks to lead the staff and improve off of his 7 win season in 2009, while rookies Kevin Schaeffer, Brian Kuhbander, Taylor Guntle, Eric Williams, and Andrew Alcorn all look to make a big impact on the mound this year. The Redlegs offense contains a lot of speed near the top and bottom of the order, something they plan to utilize to manufacture runs this season. The heart of the lineup will be anchored by Brandon Howard, coming off of a 6 home run rookie campaign, as well as Brad Clark and Brett Sutton.
   Keys to a Championship: Rookie pitchers settling in and living up to high expectations and throwing a lot of low scoring games.
   Players to Watch: Jared Bradley and Eric Williams. Jared will play right field and bat in the 2nd spot in the order this season. He had the best year at the plate in 2007 with the Rangers when he spent much of the year batting in this spot in the lineup. That year he hit .333 and was amongst the leaders on the team in runs scored and hits, and made his first All Star appearance as well. The team's second round draft choice Eric Williams brings a defensive specialist to the team that can play virtually any position on the field. He also has a lively arm and will provide a challenge to opposing hitters this season.
   Key Additions: As an expansion team, all players are key additions and will contribute to the Redlegs success this season!

Team Preview - Warren County Shockers

   The Warren County Shockers are set to take a crack at the Miami Division and MVABL league title in 2010. Returning Head Coach Thomas Fluty posted a winning record in the league last year and will look to improve on that this season. With the 2009 campaign cut short by a 12-inning shootout with the Slammers in the postseason tournament, the Shockers will look to take advantage of missed opportunities in the 2010 season. The Shockers will have a new look, out with the old black and white uni’s that were reminiscent to the 1919 Chicago White Sox. The boys added some color to their game this year.
   The ace on the staff and returning all-star Jeff Cherry will take the hill as the Shockers #1. Cherry, who was the league's comeback player of the year, will look to improve on his league-best 90 innings pitched, 117 strike outs and 8 win season. Cherry also held the distinct honor of most hit batsmen on the '09 crusade. The right-hander will be joined by MVABL veteran Damon Barr, Casey Middleton and Scott Garrett. Newcomers to the staff that will add depth in the rotation includes Chris Smith and Jonce Tackett.
   Returning all-stars Doc Hayes, Taylor Hause, Josh Allen and Thomas Fluty will look to start the season where they left off in '09. All four were among the league best in batting categories in 2009 and will look to have a repeat year to ensure the Shockers success. With the departure of speedster Jeremiah Rodriguez, Georgia native Zach Etheridge will step in and fill the void at SS. Pairing with Etheridge in the middle infield will be Springboro native Chad Paden. Duties behind the plate will fall on Thomas Fluty this season, with Chris Kuhn taking the bag at first and Doc Hayes maintaining the hot corner. The outfield will be as strong as ever with returning starter Taylor Hause setting up camp in center and Casey Middleton in left. Veteran Ryan Diehl will make his return to right field this year after missing the last two seasons with a foot injury.
   The Shockers will open up the season on April 11th against the Miami Valley Dragons.

Team Preview - Kettering Royals

   The Kettering Royals enter the 2010 season looking to rebound from their 8th place finish in 2009 and return to the top. After back-to-back championships, the 2009 Royals were plagued with personnel issues. The Royals hope to alleviate this issue by adding a few more players to their roster.
   Returning 13 players from 2009, 10 of which are from the Royals Championship teams, they hope the veteran core can help them bounce back. New additions to the team include MVABL veteran Matt Finster, who has had time with the Woodpeckers and Dayton Astros; Drew Dobbins, LHP from Xavier; Adam Thomas, former Miamisburg Vikings pitcher looking to get back on the hill; and Royals 2010 Draft selection DJ Swearingen, a middle infielder from Bowling Green who will also see time in relief on the mound. These new additions will help add to the core of veterans that include 2nd year Royal Chris Jergens, who set several Royals career stat categories in his first season despite battling a sore hamstring; 4th year Kevin Reynolds, who is always a tough batter leading the team in At-bats & AB/K ratio, and 2nd in hits; and 4th year Jason Holmberg and 2nd year Frank Burgos will again anchor the pitching staff. These are just a few of the Boys in Blue that are looking to the 2010 season as a chance to bounce back for a tough 2009 season and return to the tops of the MVABL standings.
   Keys to a Championship: Solid Pitching, 12 of 16 Royals can help off the mound.
   Players to Watch: Chris Jergens, who led the 2009 team in 7 offensive categories; Jason Holmberg, looks to rebound from a 3-5 pitching record; and Eric Jameson, with a new batting approach he is looking to at least double his hit count in 2010.
   Key Additions: More pitchers, which include rookie left-handers Drew Dobbins & Adam Thomas, and rookie right-hander DJ Swearingen.

Team Preview - Dayton Rangers

   The Dayton Rangers will have a slightly new look to the 2010 season, and that's not because of the new uniforms! The Rangers lost four key contributors from their championship team to the Camden Redlegs. While the team remains to be the most veteran of teams (avg. age is 30), the team will once again lean on its experience in an effort to repeat as league champs.
   2010 Hall of Fame inductees Jake Kingsolver, Clint Wolf, and Jonmarc Lippincott lead the way offensively as evident by their 857 career MVABL hits amongst the trio. First base will be bolstered by lefties Joe Staten and Shawn Schmitt. Schmitt's 117 putouts in 2009 were the most ever by a Ranger in a single season. Jelani Arnold, the 2009 MVABL Postseason MVP, will anchor second base once again. Lippincott and Steve Marshall will split duties at short. Several opportunities arise at the hot corner with James Robinson, Robert Riley, and longtime Ranger Matt Caraway returning to the fold. Robinson and Shane Fallen will get backstop support from rookies Ben Schooler and Brandon Riley. Schooler, Marshall, and Caraway will spell Wolf and Kingsolver in the outfield, alongside newcomers Jason Sarver and Tim Sullivan. Aaron Armstrong returns for his 13th season with the club.
   Pitching will be an enigma in 2010 as Jonathan Silverman returns for his sophomore season trying to continue his hot streak of eight straight winning decisions. Shawn Schmitt, the league's all-time strikeout king, will attempt to bounce back from offseason back problems to give the Rangers a solid 1-2 punch at the top of the rotation. Besides these two, other players will need to step up and contribute. Miami-Middletown alum Joe Becker will also get some opportunities to toe the rubber this season. Clint Wolf will get his first shot at some starts on the mound in 2010. Other players like Schooler and Sarver may see some roles in relief.
   Keys to a Championship: Pitching needs to remain solid. They need to find one or two dependable relief pitchers to be the stopgap at the end of ballgames. Even though the age of the team is Roy Hobbs-esque, an injury-free campaign will be tremendous in competing late in the season and during the playoffs.
   Player to Watch: Tim Sullivan - Tim returns from a 7-year absence from the league. The former league president latched on with the Rangers in the offseason after 8 years in the league spanning stints with the Cubs, Mariners, and Flames. Sullivan is a career .419 hitter, but at 48 years young, can he carry his smooth batting practice stroke over to live pitching?
   Key Additions: 1B/OF Tim Sullivan, P/OF Jason Sarver, P Joe Becker, 3B/OF Matt Caraway, C/3B Brandon Riley, UT Ben Schooler