Tradewater Pirates ink five players for 2009 season

Thursday, December 18, 2008

The Tradewater Pirates increased their roster by five on Monday when the organization announced the signed contracts of four players from Nicholls State University (La.) and one from Oral Roberts University (Okla.).

Of the newest Pirate players, three are infielders and two will roam the outfield.

Tradewater coach Brandon Kitch said recruiting players he has not personally seen can be difficult, but the one common denominator between the five is all are renowned for their quickness.

“Doing this and not going out and watching these guys play, you’re hoping you can take the word from the coaches and every one said they could fly, could run well especially in the outfield,” Kitch said. “That’s what I like. I like guys that can go get it and run balls down in the gap.”

Kitch said the four players from Nicholls State came as a result of a conversation he had with Colonels head coach Chip Durham.

When Kitch called Durham, he inquired if 2008 Pirate Kevin Schlegel would like to return, but instead got four different players.

“They told me about some guys that could play and be contributors to the Pirates,” Kitch said. “I’ve never been around any Nicholls State guys, but from what I understand they’re very well-coached and play the game right.”

From Nicholls State, Tradewater will have Michael Cagley and Beau Faulk in the infield with Lanc Crochet and Drew Snider in the outfield.

Cagley, a freshman, will split time behind the plate and at first baseman. During his senior season in high school, Cagley, at 6-0, 185 pounds, earned a first team all-district distinction and honorable mention all-state (La.).

Faulk will work the opposite infield corner at third base. With a 6-0, 220-pound frame, Kitch said Faulk can “swing it a little bit.” As a senior in high school, Faulk hit .423 with five home runs and 11 doubles, but redshirted in 2008 with Nicholls State.

In the outfield, Kitch said tracking down fly balls should be no problem for Crochet, a 5-10, 180-pound speedster.

“Supposedly he can run pretty good and is very good offensively and defensively for that matter,” he said.

Snider, at 5-10, 160 pounds, will be the veteran of the Colonel group as he enters his junior year; he spent his first two collegiate seasons with Meridian Community College (Miss.) where he was named all-region in 2007.

The most notable sign of the latest round of Tradewater signees may be Oral Roberts’ Colby Price, who has made a name as a defensive specialist at shortstop.

“He played 40 games last year and didn’t make an error,” Kitch said. “I honestly believe that pitching and defense are going to win you championships. You can teach guys to hit or you can get guys to hit, but defense is going to help you win.”

When it comes to the defensive side, Kitch said those in the middle of the field are the most key.

“Up the middle I think is more important than any other position,” he said. “You have to be athletic and be able to turn the double play. Between Colby and the second baseman I got coming in and our two centerfielders we got, we’re going to be pretty solid up the middle defensively.”

With the latest roster expansion, the Pirates now have six players and many more close to signing. Each of the latest five players throw and bat right-handed, but Kitch has recruited left-handed batters and pitchers as well.

Assistant coach Brad Cowan has also aided in the recruitment process.

“With Brad on, he’s made some contacts in the last couple days that we’re going to get some guys,” Kitch said. “I’m looking for about three to four left-handed arms that will help us out in those situations, a left-handed starter and some relief guys.”

Currently, Kitch said he has approached 24 players and received 17 verbal commitments. Each player has been given until Jan. 1 to sign or Kitch will look for other players to fill the roster.

Among those Kitch is waiting to receive signed papers from are two right-handed pitchers from Indiana, one pitcher and a position player from Northeastern Junior College (Colo.), and single players from Oklahoma City Community College and Lee University (Tenn.).

“I’m waiting on some other guys that told me they would send in their contracts and their checks this week or after Christmas,” Kitch said. “We’re going to have some team speed from what it looks like on paper and who I’ve talked to.”