04/19/2011 3:04 PM Article By:
Wareham Gatemen Welcome Back
Eight Returning Players from 2010
By ASHLEY CROSBY
CCBL WRITER
WAREHAM - When field manager Cooper Farris and general manager Tom Gay sat down to discuss the 2011 season, they decided to take a different approach building their Wareham Gatemen team.
They would fill in gaps around eight returning players, finding “talent without finding talent that won’t come,” as Gay said.
The past several years, the Gatemen lost several highly-ranked prospects to Team USA before the season even began.
Seeking a closer, Wareham picked up Justin Amlung (Louisville), who may find himself in the starting rotation judging by his spring season, according to Gay. “He’s going to surprise everybody.”
Coming back for their return season with Wareham are teammates John Andreoli (UConn) and LJ Mazzilli (UConn), who are having standout years with the Huskies after showing promising improvements at the plate at the end of 2010.
Max Muncy (Baylor), Derek Dennis (Michigan), and Josh Ludy (Baylor), return to the infield, while Josh Urban (Texas), Daniel Feehan (UConn) and Joseph Flynn (Franklin Pierce) will be back on the mound.
The Gatemen also have four incoming players from Georgia Tech, including right-hander Matthew Grimes, infielders Mott Hyde and Daniel Palka, and speedy, power-hitting outfielder Brandon Thomas.
They also have talent coming into their pitching staff, with ex-major league player Curtis Pride joining the staff this year. “It was a no-brainer,” said Gay. “He’ll bring a lot to the dugout.”
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