The NorthStars, looking to shore up their pitching staff, did that and more. NS added four pitchers including Nick Saldutti (Westfield), Alex Delk (Cowan), Trent Gaw (Pendleton Heights) and Brock Hammond (Noblesville). The NorthStars will also benefit from the return of pitcher Kyle Williams (South Montgomery), who was injured in the first game of the year. Saldutti, Delk and Gaw are expected to see action in the starting rotation, along with Williams and Tyler Harvey (Frankton). Hammond is expected to join Michael Hornak (Cathedral), Ben Yoder (Noblesville), Dylan Logan (Anderson) and Eli Jones (Winchester) in the bullpen. Williams, Gaw and Hammond could also see action as a closer.
The NorthStars will also benefit from the return of Catcher/Outfielder, Chris Minks (Crawfordsville), and the addition of utility player Conner Pannell (Eastbrook).
Other current NorthStars returning include Nevin Fansher (Noblesville), Michael Kseniak (Cathedral), Mike Nichols (Noblesville) and Taran Temple (Delta). Fansher and Kseniak appear to be the frontrunners for 2nd & 3rd base positions, and Alex Delk, looked strong at shortstop. Saldutti looked good at 1st, as did Yoder and Temple. Temple will likely platoon with Minks at cathcer, and Saldutti and Yoder both pitch so it may take a committee to hold down 1st base. Harvey, Nichols, Hornak, Minks and Yoder will see action in the outfield. Williams and Pannell appear capable of playing every position on the field. One thing is for certain, there will be plenty of competition for playing time at each position.
Offensively, the NorthStars primarily added power. The already potent lineup will have have some serious slugging power throughout the lineup and ready on the bench. Coach looks to better utilize the roles of EH and DH, as well as pinch hitters.
On paper, it appears that we have all the pieces in place to become a very good baseball team. If we can meld this talented mix of players, coaches and parents together as a team, we have a chance to do something special!
To those players not selected by the NorthStars, we wish you the very best in your effort to find opportunities for development and exposure. It is particularly difficult when you have players from your roster that will not be returning. This year we were in the fortunate, but difficult position, of having 21 players we wanted to keep. Obviously we can’t provide opportunitites for that many players. I’m sure those players we didn’t select will get even we when we play against them. It seems that they always do!
Any rostered players that do not receive an email from me today should contact me at john@indiananorthstars.com so I can update your contact information.
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