Falmouth Heads into Cape League
Season with Great Expectations

FALMOUTH, Mass. — The Falmouth Commodores made it to the Cape Cod Baseball League playoffs in 2008 by narrowly defeating Bourne in a one-game tie-breaker after the two teams finished with identical regular-season records. But a first-round loss to Cotuit sent them home unsatisfied and as the 2009 campaign is about to begin, they are intent on returning to the post-season and doing more damage.

    “Obviously, the simple math makes it more likely that we make the playoffs this year,” said Commodores General Manager Dan Dunn, referring to the new playoff format which widens the field from four teams to six. “But we always expect to make it to the post-season -- anything less is a disappointment.”

    Falmouth’s lineup will feature a pair of bash brothers from the Peach State. Brian Fletcher and Hunter Morris hit third and fourth, respectively, for their Auburn Tigers in 2009. It is possible, but not definite, that they will do the same for the Commodores all summer. Falmouth hopes this pair can power the offensive attack the same way that former Commodore Jacoby Ellsbury (2004) is now sparking the Boston Red Sox attack.

    “It was great to have Fletcher last year, and we’re really looking forward to seeing Morris,” said Dunn. The two led an offense attack that was considered second best in the tough Southeast Conference (trailing only Alabama in most categories). Fletcher is returning from a strong 2008 season with the Commodores. Morris was invited to Falmouth last year, but opted to spend the summer with Team USA.

    One interesting pitcher to watch for Falmouth will be Taylor Wall (Rice). Only a freshman, he led the Rice pitching staff in strikeouts (77). He is “a three-pitch, left-handed pitcher” and was “a coveted recruit,” according to Rice head coach Wayne Graham.

    GM Dunn and Falmouth field manager Jeff Trundy have been working to fill holes with a talented group of players from all over the country. “We should be able to win a lot of games with this group of guys,” said Dunn.

    Falmouth opens the season on the road at Brewster on Friday, June 12. Their first home game will be the following evening at Guv Fuller Field when they host the defending Cape League champion Harwich Mariners at 7 p.m.
 

Jim Chandley, CCBL Intern (chandley@capecodbaseball.org)