Miners could have strong staff

The Mat-Su Miners pitching staff will be like a room full of Republicans.

They are heavy to the right.

The Miners have 11 hurlers on the roster, 10 of whom are right-handed throwers.

Though the Mat-Su pitching staff is predominately right-handed, Miner manager Kevin Edwards is excited about the quality of his pitchers. Edwards noted that the staff could be loaded with quality starters.

"Overall we are fortunate to have a staff loaded with potential starters," Edwards said.

Nearly every Mat-Su pitcher has experience as a starter on the collegiate level.

"It is easier to move a starter to the pen, than a reliever to a starting spot," Edwards said. "The players will decide their role by their performance."

The Miners' staff not only includes experience, but pitchers with experience at some of the top schools in college baseball.

Wake Forest, Stanford and UCLA are among the schools represented.

Representing Wake Forest is right-hander Brian Bach. The sophomore with the Demon Deacons was a freshman All-American last season after posting a 6-1 record. This season Bach went 5-2 and struck out 40 hitters in 15 appearances.

"He's a strike thrower," Edwards said. "He has been successful in the ACC as a starter."

The Mat-Su staff has a pair of pitchers from both UCLA and Stanford.

David Johnson and Bryan Beck are each sophomore middle relievers for UCLA.

"Both pitched well for UCLA and are projected as starters," Edwards said. "They will compete for a starting spot (with Mat-Su)."

Johnson and Beck combined for a 5-4 record and 63 strikeouts in 38 appearances for the Bruins this season.

Billy Paganetti is a sophomore with Stanford and Jeff Gilmore just completed his first season with the

Cardinal.

"Paganetti has big upside, but needs work," Edwards said.

Paganetti posted a 3.68 earned run average with 12 strikeouts in eight innings.

Gilmore saw limited action, but did not allow a run in three innings of work.

"(Gilmore) didn't see much action, but anytime you get a reference from Stanford you will give him an opportunity," Edwards said.

Edwards expects Gilmore to work the middle innings for Mat-Su.

Mike Kelly played shortstop and pitched for Monmouth University this season. Kelly was Monmouth's closer.

"He will get a lot of work," Edwards said. "It would be nice to see him concentrate on the mound. He has a good opportunity to close.

"He is familiar with the position and that is important to us," Edwards said. "We want to put him in the position and be comfortable."

Edwards also noted that his defensive abilities will also be helpful while he is on the mound, especially late in the contests.

"He will be able to field his position late in the game," Edwards said. "Take bunts and such."

Edwards also noted that Kelly will see time in the field early in the season, possibly at second base. Mat-Su's projected starter at second, Joey Hooft, is still playing for Miami in the collegiate national tournament.

The Miners expect Navarro Junior College hurler Koley Kolberg to compete for a starting spot. Kolberg was named All-Region at Navarro and started for his club in the junior college national tourney. This spring Kolberg signed a National Letter of Intent to join the University of Arizona.

Kyle Knoblaugh could be one of the biggest pitchers in the Alaska Baseball League. The Bowling Green State University hurler has a 6-foot 8-inch, 240-pound frame.

Knoblauch went 7-1 as a sophomore and led the Falcons in ERA his junior season.

Jeff Snyder will also compete for a starting position with the Miners.

The Dixie State College freshman was recently drafted by the Seattle Mariners.

Snyder sat out during the college season, but is ready to go for the ABL season.

"He told us he is in shape and ready to go," Edwards said.

Edwards noted Snyder recently threw 85 pitches during a workout.

Rounding out the right-handers for Mat-Su is Ryan Heil.

"Heil is a strong right hander, with limited action at San Diego State," Edwards said.

Heil pitched just seven innings at Tony Gwynn U.

The lone lefty on the Mat-Su squad is Steve Kline.

Kline is the most recent edition to the Mat-Su staff.

"I thought at one time we would have an all right-handed staff," Edwards said.

Edwards said that Mat-Su had possible southpaws fall through and there were others with pro opportunities. Taking such a player would be a risk for Mat-Su.

Kline was the top starter for Middle Tennessee State this season.

He finished 7-4 and struck out 65 hitters.

Kline started for the Blue Raiders during the regional tournament earlier this month.

Mentoring the Mat-Su pitching staff will be Mike Zirelli.

Zirelli recently completed a stint in the San Francisco Giants organization and is now the head of baseball operations at Santa Clara University.

"His experience in pro baseball will help him prepare for 50 games in 54 days," Edwards said. "He has a plan. He'll develop the rotation, guys will thrive."

Coming soon to a Frontiersman near you! Part two of the Mat-Su Miners 2003 season preview- the fielders.