Miners versatile with glove and bat

Mat-Su Miner manager Kevin Edwards has a simple offensive philosophy for his ballclub. Get a runner over to third at least once an inning.

"If we get a runner over to third at least once an inning and can drive him in, that is nine runs per game," Edwards said.

His defensive philosophy is equally simple and he believes he has a squad that can adhere.

"We are versatile," Edwards said. "Need to be able to make routine plays and limit the big inning.

"We have to keep the double play in order and can't force throws."

Edwards has brought in a host of talent, handy with both the bat and the glove, to execute the skipper's philosophies on the field.

One of the most talented recruits for the Miners and a possible Alaska Baseball League star is Joey Hooft.

The University of Miami (FL) sophomore is hitting .369 for a team that has won 42 games and that competed in the NCAA tournament.

"He broke into the Miami lineup at the five-hole," Edwards said. "They had to find a spot for him because he was hitting.

"If you are hitting five for Miami, you are doing something right."

Hooft has played both second and left for the Hurricanes, but is a second baseman by trade.

Hooft has also stolen 10 bases during the season.

The 2003 Mat-Su third baseman could be Redlands sophomore Ryan Beggins. The 6-foot 2-inch, 200-pounder hit a whopping .458 for Redlands this season and drove in 44 runs. Beggins struck out just 11 times in 107 at bats.

"He's a gap hitter that can handle the bat," Edwards said.

Contending for the spot on the other corner of the infield could be Pomona Pitzer first baseman Jase Turner.

Turner hit .373 with 11 dingers and 58 RBIs for the California school this season.

The most versatile member of the Miner infield will be Josh Mader. The New Mexico sophomore could play either shortstop, second or third base, but should see the most time at shortstop.

Mader hit .371 and drove in 49 runs for the Lobos.

Rounding out the infield is Stanford's Jed Lowrie.

Lowrie hit .316 for the Cardinal as a freshman.

"He is sure handed and not afraid to play anywhere," Edwards said.

In center field for the Miners should be Jeff Butts. The Mississippi State freshman hit .313 and did not commit and error in 58 games this season.

The potential starting left fielder and lead off hitter for Mat-Su is Matt young. The New Mexico sophomore hit .324 in the lead off position for the Lobos this season.

Also in the outfield is Kevin Noles and Matthew Inouye.

"(Noles) is a good runner with gap power," Edwards said of the New Mexico Junior College sophomore. "To compete in the ABL is a good opportunity for a JC player."

Inouye hit .324 for Hawaii this season, playing both in the outfield and at catcher.

According to Edwards, the Hawaii sophomore could spend time at both positions for Mat-Su.

Also behind the plate will be Matt Eichel, Billy Munich and local product Brian Weller.

"Eichel is good with the catch and throw," Edwards said.

Eichel had over 25 assists as a catcher for the University of Texas- Pan American this year.

"Munich offers us an opportunity to have a left-handed hitting catcher," Edwards said.

Munich, a switch hitter, saw limited action for Oregon State this season.

Rounding out the roster is Weller, a former Palmer High star, who could see time behind the plate.

Nearly every hitter on the Miner roster hit over .300 in college this season. Only Eichel and Munich failed to do so.

"Confidence is the key to hitting," Edwards said. "On paper, these guys have the numbers. These guys are hitting over .300 and it is a matter of confidence to continue what works."

The Miners also have the potential of putting four left-handed hitters in the lineup.

Edwards named Mitch Gregg as the team's hitting coach.

Gregg recently competed in the Oakland A's organization.

"Oakland has a very successful hitting approach," Edwards said.

The Miners will open up the 2003 season at the Kenai Tournament, an event hosted by the Peninsula Oilers, June 8-11.

Opening day at Hermon Brothers Field is June 12 when Mat- Su takes on the California Dons.