First Meeting Brings Optimism

When the SoCal Catch host the Riptide for a two game set this weekend, the public will get its first glimpse at the widely national roster assembled by General Manager Moe Geoghegan. With opening day quickly approaching on Saturday, the 2015 squad is preparing for what will all but assuredly be a memorable summer campaign.

As the players assembled for the first time last night, they all met for the first time, as well as heard a few words from their new head coach, Jason Smith. If Smith’s address was any indicator of what to expect for the coming season, fans and players alike should prepare for a thoroughly aggressive style of play and a heavy emphasis on base running.

Given the squad’s collection of speedsters and adept base stealers, the Riptide should stand to swipe their fair share of bags and test the arms of opposing defenders when possible. Some of the players, among others, who project to impact the running game are Lindsey Wilson College’s Brandon Munoz (22 steals in 23 attempts), Cole Gray from Midland University (17 steals in 21 attempts), Central Arizona Junior College’s Nashea Diggs (15 stolen bases two years ago), and fellow Central Arizona Vacquero Tim Hergert (20 steals in 23 attempts). Drafted by the Atlanta Braves in the 29th round of the 2013 Major League Baseball Amateur Draft, Hergert’s presence should be felt across the diamond this summer.

While pitching depth certainly isn’t a question mark for the orange and blue, two stories to follow as the first weekend approaches pertain to who will be in the starting rotation and who will step up into the closer role and shore up the back of the Riptide bullpen. Coach Smith and his pitching coach, Jordan Oseruga, will have some interesting decisions to make with regards to who takes the mound in the first series against the Catch and moving forward into the bulk of the schedule.

In addition, although the roster is loaded with starting pitching depth, on paper there isn’t a clear cut choice to fill the closer role, meaning auditions could be fluid through the first few contests. Capable options certainly rest in the fold, but it will be up to the coaching staff to locate the ideal back end combination to close off tight games.

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