09/09/2009 11:32 AM Article By:
Brewster Whitecaps 2009 Season Review
Brewster’s record did not do roster justice in 2009
Katy Fitzpatrick, CCBL Intern
BREWSTER, Mass—The Brewster Whitecaps had one of the most jam-packed rosters talent-wise in 2009, so it was surprising to see them finishing in fourth place in the Eastern Division with a 17-22-5 record.
With new manager Tom Myers on board, Brewster hoped to have fresh energy and new guidance in the clubhouse.
Brewster was led by Jedd Gyorko (West Virginia) at third base. Not only a stellar defensive player, Gyorko ranked third in the league in hitting with a .323 average. He had 41 hits, 18 RBIs, and five home runs during the season. His five homers were good enough to have him tied for third in the league for home runs.
The mound proved to be a productive place for Brewster. Kyle Blair (San Diego) was the right-handed ace for the Whitecaps, ranked second in the league in pitching with a 3-1 record. Blair’s remarkable 1.42 ERA over 44 innings pitched caught the eyes of many scouts this summer. He gave up 25 hits and 30 walks, sporting 51 strikeouts. Tyler Thornburg (Charleston Southern) was the master of the bullpen domain, snagging eight saves for the Whitecaps.
Brewster sent six to the 2009 Under Armor All-Star Game at Fenway Park. They were second behind the Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox with total number of players sent. Colin Walsh (Stanford) got the start at second base, with Gyorko close by at third. John Barr (Virginia) was the all-star slugger for the East, playing DH.
For the All-Star Reserves, Dan Butler (Arizona) was the #2 catcher with Blair earning a spot in the bullpen. Harold Martinez (Miami) earned a spot as a competitor in this year’s Home Run Hitting Contest. The loss of Butler to the Lowell Spinners proved to be a large blow to the Whitecaps defensively later in the season.
The late acquisition of the highly-touted Jarrett Parker (Virginia) was big news for the Whitecaps, as he led his UVA squad in hitting in the College World Series. And while Parker’s bat seemed to be losing steam on the Cape, batting a mere .188, he still managed to make great defensive plays in the outfield.
Three of the Whitecaps made Baseball America’s Top 30 Cape League Prospects lists. Gyorko topped his teammates, being ranked number four, with Blair and Parker following at 13 and 25 respectively.
If Brewster can line up the same type of talent they did in 2009 for 2010, there is no reason they can’t improve their standings and challenge for the Arnold Mycock Trophy.
Katy Fitzpatrick can be reached at [email protected]
