2011 Puget Sound Roxx Season Preview

The 2011 Puget Sound Roxx have some pretty big shoes to fill. Last year’s club, which was comprised of nearly all seniors, won the Connie Mack State Championship, then moved on to place fifth in the Western Regional Championships. Eight of the 13 players on last year’s roster moved onto Division I baseball programs.

Every player on this year’s team is a fresh face. The nucleus of the roster comes from Puget Sound Shockers, the 16 year old affiliate of the Roxx. Matt Becker (LHP/OF, Puyallup), Connor Cloyd (OF, Tahoma) Austin Divelbiss (RHP/UTL, Puyallup), Joey Gamache (LHP/1B, Bonney Lake), Ryan Malone (INF/RHP, Tahoma), Carson McCord (C, Kentwood), Evan Peterson (INF, Puyallup), and Nate Potterf (C/RHP, Bonney Lake) all played for the Shockers last year. We expect each and every one of them to play a large part in the success of the 2011 Roxx season.  

 The 2011 Roxx will have just two seniors. We expect Roxx newcomer, Ryan Schmitten (RHP/UTL, Puyallup) to be one of the league’s toughest pitchers to hit and a leader amongst the rest of the pitching staff.  Drew Cratsenberg is another senior, new to the club. Drew led-off for last year’s WIAA State runner-up, the Federal Way Eagles. Drew plays with maturity and has a tough approach to the game. We’re lucky to have such leaders around this relatively young group.  

 Ryan Archibald (INF/RHP, Kentlake), Marcus Fielder (RHP/UTL, Bellarmine Prep), Anthony Thompson (C, Auburn Mountainview), Kyle Thompson (RHP, Graham Kapowsin), and Lee “Tex” Larson (INF/RHP, Puyallup) were all key off-season acquisitions, both new to Coach Poil and the Puget Sound organization.

 There is one returning player listed on our roster - Spencer Howard (RHP/UTL, Timberline). Spencer, who played with the Texas Rangers development team this past fall, will platoon between a college summer league team and the Roxx.

 The Roxx have a deep pitching staff with a variety of throwing styles and offense that should be able to put up double digits when they execute. Last year’s club was blessed with power and raw talent – this year’s club should be a bit more strategic around the bases.

 What this group lacks in seniors, they make up for in talent, work ethic, competitiveness, and upside. They also have amazing chemistry, on and off the baseball field, and possess a strong desire to win. We’re excited to see this group compete and expect big things from them this year.