WHITECAPS WITH BOLD GOALS FOR 2013
BY JOSHUA BUCKLEY - COPYRIGHT 2013 HOUSTON 5A BASEBALL
World Series or bust.
That is the mindset of Galveston College this season after finishing third place in the Region XIV tournament in 2012.
It's a bold goal considering some of the storied programs the Whitecaps face in region play. However, they are set to show they belong with the big boys.
"Obviously every year you want to be improved and better than the last," said Whitecaps assistant coach Cory Holley. "We anticipate doing better than last and if we don't make it to Grand Junction, it would be a let down. We think we have the talent and everything is coming together."
Holley is part of a young staff led by head coach Chris Joblin. While they may not have the experience that some of the programs in Region XIV have in the dugouts, there are advantages to the staff's age.
"Being that myself and Coach Joblin were playing not too long ago, it helps us relate to the guys," Holley said. "At the same time, we still maintain that coach vs. player respect. We had to come in right away and establish our authority. Since we don't have seniors to show how things are done, we have to provide that."
The Whitecaps entered Region XIV with an 11-6 record, and went (1-2) in the league's opening weekend.
The record is impressive considering the offense has gotten off to a slow start, Holley said.
Early in the season, the Whitecaps went with a rotation of Gerardo Reyes, Derek Wade, Guillaume Blanchette and Brian Baker. With region play in full swing, Baker has been moved to the bullpen, giving the Whitecaps even more depth.
Kyle Leggett and Jose Rendon are also key members of the bullpen, with Dylan Hay flashing signs of a dominant closer.
"We haven't had to score a lot to win some ball games because of those guys," Holley said. "We've been in a lot of tight games, but our pitching and defense have been the difference."
The Whitecaps are starting to turn things around at the plate after a slow start. They've gained nearly 30 points on their team average over the past few weeks.
Sophomore Cedric Vallieres and freshman Tanner Hill are the two keys to the line-up, Holley said.
"Those two guys have gotten off to slow starts, but now their bats are coming along," Holley said. "That has gotten the entire offense going. It's going to be contagious; once they hit, everyone is going to do their part."
Leadoff hitter Jesus Garcia has been the leader of the line-up thus far, and Holley said he has provided great leadership and energy to the squad as well.
Teams need only finish in the top four of their division to advance to the region tournament. However, Holley made it clear that the Whitecaps will settle for nothing but the top spot.
"We are shooting for that No. 1 seed," he said. "That's the best way to win it. We want to win the whole thing and that is the easiest route to Grand Junction."
