By Nick Brockman, Messenger Sports Reporter nbrockman@the-messenger.com
A week away from Opening Day, the Tradewater Pirates have just one roster spot open, but coach Brandon Kitch isn't going to fill the slot with just any player he can find.
Kitch hopes to sign University of Arizona outfielder Matt Presley in the coming days to complete the 2009 Pirate squad. After being selected in the 24th round of the 2007 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft by the Boston Red Sox, Presley opted to hone his skills in college.
"I watched him workout last week and the kid's got some bat speed," Kitch said. "He's got some juice."
This season, Presley, a 6-3, 210-pound sophomore, started 13 games for the Wildcats and hit .327 and collected eight RBIs in 52 at-bats. Of his 17 hits, seven were extra-base variety.
Although Presley's college experience is still minimal, Kitch said after watching him go through drills, he thinks Presley could "rake" in the KIT League.
"This is kind of a bold statement without seeing everybody else, I think if he came in he'll be the MVP of the whole league," Kitch said. "It's kind of a bold statement. He's got that type of potential. Now all he's got to do is go out and produce."
Baseball runs in Presley's genes though as his father, Bill, played in the Baltimore Orioles and Detroit Tigers organizations. In 2007, Presley earned the Louisville Slugger and Gatorade Colorado Player of the Year awards.
Kitch hopes to sign University of Arizona outfielder Matt Presley in the coming days to complete the 2009 Pirate squad. After being selected in the 24th round of the 2007 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft by the Boston Red Sox, Presley opted to hone his skills in college.
"I watched him workout last week and the kid's got some bat speed," Kitch said. "He's got some juice."
This season, Presley, a 6-3, 210-pound sophomore, started 13 games for the Wildcats and hit .327 and collected eight RBIs in 52 at-bats. Of his 17 hits, seven were extra-base variety.
Although Presley's college experience is still minimal, Kitch said after watching him go through drills, he thinks Presley could "rake" in the KIT League.
"This is kind of a bold statement without seeing everybody else, I think if he came in he'll be the MVP of the whole league," Kitch said. "It's kind of a bold statement. He's got that type of potential. Now all he's got to do is go out and produce."
Baseball runs in Presley's genes though as his father, Bill, played in the Baltimore Orioles and Detroit Tigers organizations. In 2007, Presley earned the Louisville Slugger and Gatorade Colorado Player of the Year awards.
Whether Presley will join the team is still uncertain, but Kitch plans to arrive in Dawson Springs today to begin his preparations for the nearing season. Most of the Tradewater players should be in town by Sunday in advance of the first team meeting to be held Monday.
Some players will not be available until after the beginning of the season, though. Oklahoma City University outfielder Jordan Hughes and pitchers Dustin Williams and Zac Tidholm will be involved in the NAIA World Series. Infielder Colby Price of Oral Roberts University (Okla.) will also be playing in the postseason. Texas Wesleyan University pitcher Kody Thiebaud will attend to a family matter before joining the ball club. All players are expected to be with Tradewater by June 5.
Kitch said he plans to conduct two-a-day workouts on Tuesday and Wednesday with a defensive focus in the morning and offensive drills in the afternoon. The Pirates will hold a batting practice session Thursday.
Tradewater opens its 2009 schedule at 7 p.m. Friday when the Pirates play host to the Marion Bobcats.
Some players will not be available until after the beginning of the season, though. Oklahoma City University outfielder Jordan Hughes and pitchers Dustin Williams and Zac Tidholm will be involved in the NAIA World Series. Infielder Colby Price of Oral Roberts University (Okla.) will also be playing in the postseason. Texas Wesleyan University pitcher Kody Thiebaud will attend to a family matter before joining the ball club. All players are expected to be with Tradewater by June 5.
Kitch said he plans to conduct two-a-day workouts on Tuesday and Wednesday with a defensive focus in the morning and offensive drills in the afternoon. The Pirates will hold a batting practice session Thursday.
Tradewater opens its 2009 schedule at 7 p.m. Friday when the Pirates play host to the Marion Bobcats.
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