The 2012 version of the Douglas College Men’s Baseball team is an interesting mix of experience, depth, and freshman talent this season. A year after narrowly missing an NWAACC North Division playoff berth in 2011, the 16 freshman from that squad have grown and developed into a talented group, while the addition of some key recruits will help fill the void left by the 4 graduating sophomores. Coach Whitely gives us a quick look at what to expect from this year’s team:

Around the Infield:

Head Coach Cavanagh Whitely is very optimistic about the talent around the infield this year. “We are returning starters at every infield position this Spring and having James Zamko (Surrey, BC) back in the middle should give us a boost to our depth and experience. Allstar Shortstop Sheldon Sinnott (Surrey, BC) really impressed the entire league at the NWAACC showcase this year and is poised to have a big season for us as well”. SO Brendan Gaunt (North Vancouver, BC) and FR Colby Rossi (Richmond, BC) will also see some time in big situations up the middle.

At the corners, Brad Clarke (Cloverdale, BC) continues to show why he is the team’s most consistent player at 3^rdbase. Hayden Macdonald (Surrey, BC) and French National Team freshman Simon Vincente have both showed good strides in their development as well. Matt Ney (Qualicum Beach, BC), Kurtis Malm (Coquitlam, BC), and Matt Rawdon (Winnipeg, MB) will all battle for time at 1^st base and will be relied upon heavily to drive in runs.

In the Outfield:

Returning Gold Glove CF, KP Hlatky (Gibsons, BC) leads a group of quick and powerful outfielders that might be the best the program has ever seen. 2010 Yankees draft pick and transfer Bryan Arthur (Abbotsford, BC) will help fill the offensive hole left by Chandler McLaren as he replaces him in right field. “Bryan has really worked hard to harness the raw ability the Yankees saw with him in high school and we’re looking to him to make a real impact for us this Spring.” NWAACC Showcase Allstar Shayne Kelly (Nanaimo, BC) will move back to LF this year and is hoping to solidify his reputation as a true power threat offensively. Takato Sakurai (Coquitlam, BC) will use his tremendous speed to strengthen the outfield defense and create havoc on the base paths.

From the Mound to the Plate:

Newly hired Pitching Coach Shawn Schaefer has been working hard with the ten arms on the mound this year. Clayton Franco (Surrey, BC) had a very strong Fall and Sean Callegari (Richmond, BC) is hoping to continue the success that he had at the beginning of last Spring. “We’ve increased our depth on the mound which takes some of the pressure off the starters to go complete games” says Whitely. Newcomers Dylan Remenyk (Bonanza, AB) and Matt Whitehead (Calgary, AB) along with red-shirt freshman Dan Altoe(Burnaby, BC) have impressed the coaching staff and will get opportunities to play major roles this season. Top ERA man, Scott Piesche (Surrey, BC) and LHP Thomas Lefebvre (Surrey, BC) will hold down the late inning duties for the Royals this year.  January transfer Cale Reining (Ridge Meadows, BC) and FR – LHP Keenan Kapp (Richmond, BC) are working hard for chances to prove themselves at the college level as well. Coach Schaefer is confident that the staff will rise to the challenge of our conference and believes that the pitchers feel very confident in their preparation so far this spring.

 The catching position has securely been locked down by returning sophomore Jeremy Kral(Prince George, BC). After spending the summer with the Okotoks Dawgs of the Western Major League and Team Canada at the World Baseball Challenge, Kral has matured and become more consistent with both his swing and defensive abilities behind the plate. Jeremy has already signed a Letter of Intent to attend and play at the University of British Columbia for next season. -------

The overall feeling within the team is one of determination. “We’re excited to get out on the field and show everyone what we are capable of. We strongly believe in each other and what we can achieve this year” says shortstop James Zamko. The DC Royals will start its exhibition schedule with some games against local college programs before heading down to Tucson, Arizona on March 13th to compete at the Jack Howell Classic versus some strong U.S. Junior Colleges.