2003 PC Bears Baseball Preview

To road to the National Championship, will be a little tougher for the Phoenix Bears this season, mainly because there will be more competition. With Mesa, Scottsdale, and Glendale all deciding to be Division 2 teams this year, the Bears aren't the only team in the state in Division 2. However first year head coach Ryan Reynolds, feels his Bears have what it takes to win the Region for the third straight year, " I think everyone is evenly split, but I feel we are the team to beat, but there isn't a lot that separate the teams," Reynolds said.

One of the main reasons Reynolds is optimistic, is because of his strong pitching staff. Ryan Heath, is a righty with a major league curveball, he was drafted by Texas, however he declined, and will be in the Bears' starting rotation. Greg Bartlett, transferred in from Glendale CC, he is a hard throwing lefty who throws in the mid 90's. Jeremy Bentz, is a freshman from Trevor Browne HS, who brings his 93 mph fastball to the rotation, as well Fountain Hills lefty, Jimmy Wells. Matt Peterson will be one of the closers out of the bullpen.

The outfield should be strong for the Bears, as it features three sophomores. Pre season All American Steve Morgan, hit a school record 12 home runs last season while batting .320, he will take his talents to the University of North Carolina at Greensboro next year. Joey Cosentino, is a transfer from Southern Nevada, and was drafted by the Milwaukee Brewers last season, finally Brian Kinneberg could challenge for ACCAC Player of the Year with all his ability to hit and run.

The infield will be another area of strength, Alfredo Rodriguez will be the catcher, and possesses one of the best arms in the country. Nate Moore will back him up, Moore is from Utah and has the state's home run record.

Letfy Greg Klimmas and Righty Donny Peterson will share the firstbase and designated hitter duties. Klimmas, transferred in from the University of West Virginia, while Peterson transferred in from Glendale CC. Adam Shaw, from Prescott, and Scottsdale's Chason Deleon will both see time at second base, while their double play partner as shortstop will be slick-fielding Mike Koch, a freshman from Greenway HS.

The Bears' leadoff hitter will be thirdbaseman Mike Jacobs, Jacobs a sophomore from Moon Valley HS, has an on base percentage of over .400. New Mexico Military Institute transfer Joey McCarthy, will be teams utility man, filling in at different positions.

"It takes more than athletic ability to play baseball here", says coach Reynolds,"with a team GPA of 3.4, academics comes first at Phoenix College." Phoenix College also has a trend going over the last three years, every player has had the opportunity to go on to a four year school or play pro ball. It sure sounds as if the Bears' are winners in the classroom and on the field.