Any Ashbrook fans in the house?

[Braves]

Fill us in on the Greenies :D

[SouthPawDad]

I'll give this a shot.

Ashbrook returns a team almost entirely made up of underclassmen. There may be 2-3 seniors who return, but only one starter. Ashbrook's pitching and hitting was dealt a blow when junior starter, Clay Gibson, underwent shoulder surgery in November. Gibson was the number two starter for Ashbrook and hit in the 4 hole last year. It's uncertain whether or not Gibson will be able to return to the Ashbrook lineup as a DH this season, but definitely not as a pitcher.

Ashbrook, if Gibson can DH, returns it's top five hitters in the lineup, including 4 all conference selections. Add to that mix several underclassmen who played summer and fall baseball and Ashbrook should field a competitive team for the next 2-3 years. Four of Ashbrook's players compete on Gary Robinson's Charlotte Express team.

With Gibson out of the starting rotation, the coaches will rely heavily on top returner Wes McCall (Jr/LHP) to carry the load. The other possible starters will be Josh Duncan (So/RHP) and Michael Maples (So/LHP). Behind the plate will be returning starter Steve Klenovic (Jr.), Michael Bogaert (So.) and Jr. transfer Matt Cornwell. When not catching, these three will also work the outfield and 1B.

Up the middle Ashbrook will be young, but very solid. Drew Martin was selected All Conference as a freshman will play SS, with Josh Duncan (So.) at second. Jr. transfer Sammy Asis will get a chance to play the outfield and with his speed will probably be best suited for center.

Coach Parks has put together a tough non conference schedule for his young team including Burns, Kings Mtn., Mt. Tabor, McDowell and So. Caldwell. If this schedule doesn't kill them, it will surely make them a tougher team next year. Depending on their hitting and young pitching staff, I see Ashbrook finishing 3-4 in the Big South 3A.

[Braves]

Thanks Southpaw, it sounds like Ashbrook is a very young, talented team...I'm a big Drew Martin fan. I read somewhere there may be a concern about the new transfers vs team chemistry..any truth to that?

[mathmajors]

Just an alum.:)

[Braves]

Hiya Math :xyzwave:

[SouthPawDad]

I've talked with several of the players and coaches. I don't think team chemistry will be an issue. The two transfers are being treated as team members, visiting each other's homes, spending the night, etc. I think Coach Parks will keep an eye on things, but I really think the returning juniors will be the ones who police themselves. I've heard two remark that "whatever makes us better is what we want".