The Milan News-Leader
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
Big Reds confident in Huron chances
By Jerry Hinnen, Staff Writer
PUBLISHED: March 20, 2008
A high school baseball team that graduates more than half its roster, including both its No. 1 pitcher and cleanup hitter, wouldn't usually have a better season the following year.
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But despite losing nine seniors from his 2007 Big Reds, Milan head baseball coach Adam Gilles is confident that the team's 2008 mix of incoming talent and returning veterans could lead to the Huron League title that has narrowly eluded the Big Reds in recent years.
"We know we have a lot of talent coming up," Gilles said before practice this week. "We've got a lot of guys who can throw strikes, a good group of guys ready to step into the middle of the lineup. We think we'll be as competitive, if not more, than we were last year."
It won't be easy. Gilles must find a way to replace the departed Cameron Hynds, the team's top starter, and Ryan Bordine, the Big Reds' longtime cleanup hitter, along with catcher and captain Matt Craig as well as three other starters.
But plenty of firepower returns for Milan both at the plate and on the mound. Senior Zach McGovern will continue to hit leadoff and will be one of Milan's go-to starting pitchers. Returning senior starters Jake Hall and Lance Smith will help anchor the middle of the lineup along with junior infielder and pitcher Kyle Crump and first baseman-slash-pitcher Aaron Straub. Senior Josh Bellers should see time both on the mound and behind the plate as Craig's potential replacement.
The depth of Milan's pitching and the speed and bat skills of players like McGovern mean that the Big Reds should be able, Gilles said, to jump on opponents early and turn those leads into win.
"Our pitching is a strength," he said. "We've got a couple of really talented juniors and with Zach back, we're going to be confident in whoever we put on the mound ... What we want is to score early and force the other team to play catch up."
Although some positions are claimed, much of the Big Red lineup is in flux. Gilles believes that's a good thing, however, as his players have shown flexibility and a willingness to compete for positions in what he called "the best first eight days of practice we've had since I've been here."
"We've got a great group of athletes, the kind of guys who can either pitch, play the infield or the outfield. We're more versatile than we've been the last few years," Gilles said. "It's opened up a lot of possibilities. We're trying guys out at a lot of different positions."
Battling for time alongside Hall in the outfield right now are senior Kyle Keilitz and juniors Matt Drewyor, Rocky Garcia, and Sam Rowe. Junior Demetries Love could see time at first base, with Anthony Smith and Paul Irwin are also in the infield mix. Craig's younger brother Michael, the varsity's only sophomore, will also be available as a catcher.
Love, Drewyor, and Garcia will each add to Gilles' options on the mound as well.
That Gilles can expect the Big Reds to be as deep as they were in 2007, despite the losses, is due in large part to the success the program has had on the JV level. The Milan JV has gone undefeated for two consecutive seasons under coach Dave Hoskins, the kind of winning that Gilles said has given the Big Red's new faces plenty of confidence despite their relative inexperience.
"The JV has been very successful," he said. "When these guys were in clinics in sixth and seventh grade, the players then were saying 'Just wait until these guys are juniors and seniors.' And that's now. They're ready. It speaks to the dedication our younger players and their parents have shown, starting with youth leagues and travel teams and moving on up to now."
Not everything is perfect for the Reds, however. Like every baseball team across Michigan, the extended winter could play havoc with the Big Red's schedule—starting with their scheduled season-opener against Ann Arbor Huron, currently set for and Milan has yet to enjoy a full outdoor practice.
The good news, Gilles said, is that the Big Reds are getting the most out of the indoors (and parking lot) practice time they do have.
"(Assistant coach) Andy (Schwantes) and I have worked on our organization and we're a lot more efficient," he said. "The kids know they have work quick, that they can't waste time, and they've done that."
Both encouraging and discouraging is what Gilles expects to be a more competitive Huron League race. While the Big Reds will face more difficult games in Huron play, the balance means that if Milan can repeat their 11-3 record, it might be good enough this time around for a championship.
"The league's as tough as it's ever been. Instead of two or three good teams there are going to be five or six vying for that title. It's the sort of year where 10-4 could win the league instead of having to go 13-1."
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