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St. Louis Park Seeking a Back-to-Back Title in 2009
After a Championship season in 2008, St. Louis Park is looking to add another Championship. The task will not be easy as the team has lost several key players and contributors over the last five plus seasons. Key losses to everyday position players are Matt Moriarty who had been with the team for both Championships and more than 10 seasons. Bobby Dennis the teams best defensive outfielder will also have a significant impact, a streaky hitter who could carry the team when hot. The staff lost TJ Nelson to graduate school and Kris Edwards to Commanding Edge where once done playing at the Unversity of St. Thomas we hope to lure back. Key additions include Aaron McEachran a former player who has retired from professional baseball. He looks to add left-handed pop in the order and is likely slated in the 3-spot of the batting order. With the Bloomington Bulldogs folding Park took very little time in grabbing one of the Riverview's 5-Best Players in Mike Arlt. A "huge pick-up" is what all players have said. Mike is a switch hitting outfielder with the ability to play nearly everywhere when needed. Park is also hoping to secure the services of Adam Brett, another former Bulldog and team favorite. All indications are this scrappy player will join the team this seasons as well.The pitching staff will be headed by returning Class A Co-MVP Gabe Eikum, followed by Neil Koepcke, Jon Knez, Pete Fuller, Bryan Edstrom, and Shane Wright. The bullpen will be anchored by Rian Heaslip and steadied by veteran Keelan Conley. Additionally, Jesse Eikum who returned to form last year should be in great shape to fill any and all rolls depending on his coaching commitments for the summer. The offense will be extremely tough once again with no easy outs no matter the line-up. Ryan Benson will return as the teams lead-off hitter after collecting 48 walks last seaon. Dave Lindstrom tallied 12 home runs and Chris Johnson added 10 himself, while Matt Paulsen set a single season wood bat record for doubles with 20. Strong season performances out of Scott Miller and Jason Mihalakis were extremely beneficial to the success of the team. Casey Garven began switch hitting again and the change was very favorable to his overall performance both offensively and defensively. And as usual Pat Fix and Chris Duda had solid years and hope to build on that success in 2009. The biggest dilemmas will be who is healthy and who is in attendance. Last season with no injuries Park was always able to put it's best players on the field, we are hoping then can do so again at the end of the 2009 season as well. In any event, it should be an exciting and competitive year!!!
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