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Leagues  | Story  | 3/31/2017

Spring League Week 3 Preview

Steve James     
Week 3 of the Iowa Spring League is upon us and we have quite a few interesting match ups this weekend.  Before I get into the preview for the players, I want everyone to be aware of the schedule changes and contingency plans for possible rain on Sunday.  On Saturday we will be using Cedar Falls HS and Independence HS.  On Sunday we will be using Independence HS and Upper Iowa University.  The most recent forecast calls for light rain starting around noon on Sunday.  The best case scenario is the rain stays light as the forecast calls and we play through the rain.  If weather dictates an adjustment to the schedule Sunday, plan on all games teams being moved to Independence with each team playing one 9 inning game.  Hopefully it doesn't come to that, but that's the plan to make sure every team gets as much in this weekend as possible.  Also a reminder for all teams at Independence there are no stands built yet and spectators should bring lawn chairs if they want to sit.  For players at Independence there is no sunflower seeds allowed.  Coaches make sure players are aware.  

On to the preview!

Will the Grey Wolves remain undefeated??



So far the Grey Wolves have started 3-0 with a balanced attack of both hitting and pitching.  Luke Patzner (2018 - Urbandale) made big strides from Week 1 to Week 2 and looked more like himself.  The uptick in velocity (89 MPH top) and improved command was great to see.  Kade Vander Molen (2018 - Pella Christian) has been a consistent performer both at the plate and with the bat.  Will the Black Magic pitchers be able to keep him in check?  Total team defense has been the name of the game thus far for the Grey Wolves.  They've only committed 2 errors and have a stout .981 fielding percentage.  Playing quality team defense and making all the routine plays leads to positive results.  Also watch for Landon Vander Leest to make an impact on the mound and with the bat.  He was up to 85 MPH with his fastball last week and should continue to improve with that.  

They will face some tough pitching this weekend as they face Trever Brown (2018 - Don Bosco), Tony Comellas (2018 - Iowa City West), Austin Krob (2018 - Lisbon), Braden Houston (2018 - Iowa City West), Connor Van Scoyoc (2018 - Jefferson), Connor Schultz (2017 - Cedar Falls), Austin Marchesani (2017 - Cedar Falls), and Nic McCay (2018 - Carlisle).  That's 8 quality arms to contend with over the course of 4 games.  The Grey Wolves will need to be on their game to stay undefeated, let alone go .500 on the weekend!

Pitching Match-up to watch for

The pitching match-up on Sunday of the Navy Seals vs the Blue Crew is the best match-up of the weekend.  The Navy Seals will go with Ben Probst (2017 - Dowling Catholic) and John Swanda (2017 - Roosevelt) while the Blue Crew counters with Clayton Nettleton (2018 - Davenport West), Evan Reifert (2017 - Wilton), and Trevor Burkhart (2018 - Davenport West).  Probst was very impressive last weekend in his first outing of the spring pitching stead at 90-91 MPH touching a 92 with command of his fastball.  He should get quite a bit of pro attention this spring if that trend continues.  Swanda looks to build on last weekends outing and projects very well on the mound.  Nettleton struggled with his command in his first inning of work, but settled in while topping at 88 MPH last weekend.  Reifert looked outstanding in inning 1 last weekend and looks to bottle that up for his entire outing this weekend.  Burkhart was efficient in Week 1 and showed solid two-way ability.  

I'm looking for a very competitive Week 3 as the match-ups appear pretty even on paper.  Who is going to make big strides this weekend?  What young player is going to make a name for himself?  Check for the Week 3 Recap on Monday to find those answers.  
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