After one final tune up on Saturday, the Redlegs will open their season against the Dayton Rangers on April 15th at Xenia High School at 1:00pm. The team has had a promising spring and there are high hopes for the 2012 season. The pitching staff has looked solid in the three pre-season games the team has played so far. Brad Clark returns to lead the staff, Kevin Campbell has been very sharp this spring due in part to adding some new pitches to his repertoire along with some extra velocity, and first round draft pick Bobby Dempsey continues to impress. Jared Bradley, Matt Redman, and Brandon Longacre will all see work from the bullpen and newcomer Josh Smith will add some depth that the Redlegs desperately needed. Hard throwing right-hander Eric Williams will return for his 3rd season as well. The Redlegs recently signed former Ranger and Shocker Jack Millard who will add some pitching depth as well as help all over the diamond. Corey Morris, another new addition, will provide another left handed arm in the arsenal when his collegiate season comes to an end.

With Jacob Robinson still on the mend from his January cervical fusion, the leadoff and centerfield spot will be taken up by Matt Redman. Matt spent most of last season bouncing around all 3 outfield positions but was limited for the 2nd half of the season due to an oblique injury. Matt Mattice and Jared Bradley will roam the outfield with Redman, Bradley has had an impressive spring at the plate at may end up as the 2 hitter to begin the season. Steve Benthal and Caleb Rodriguez will share catching duties once again, with Millard working into the mix when not needed elsewhere. Brandon Howard will remain the club’s cleanup hitter going into 2012, he hit 2 homeruns in Sunday’s scrimmage against the Thunder and will work to continue last year’s success (.355 AVG, .533 OBP, .684 SLG). Sam Mote will be a key offseason addition taking over at short stop and hitting near the top of the lineup. Justin McCurdy will continue his presence in the middle of the lineup, McCurdy was also lost for much of last season due to an injury. John Long returns to a utility role where he will be needed at all infield positions, including catching occasionally, while also providing a big bat in the lineup. Greg Lebouef has his eyes on continuing where he left off in 2011, he batted .450 (9 for 20) in his last 6 games of the season.

We hope to see you out at some of our games this summer! Keep an eye on the schedule tab for the final schedule to be posted.