It may be snowing, but it's baseball season.
The Montezuma-Cortez High School Panthers swung into practice Monday. Although the Panthers have been caged indoors because of inclement weather, they and second-year coach Sam Perry are roaring and ready to go.
“I'm extremely excited about the potential that we have,” Perry said. “Right now, our main concern is to develop pitching. That will always be the main concern. That's our primary focus.”
M-CHS lost veteran pitchers Chris Black (Trinidad State, golf) and Ryan Haley (Colorado Mesa, football) to the college ranks last season. It would be an understatement saying the Panthers are a mystery on the mound. Senior captain Devin Fox will try starting pitching for the first time. The infield specialist is looking forward to the challenge.
“I'm excited for it,” Fox said. “I have pitched before, just not as much as I'm going to this year. It's definitely going to be a new experience. I'm looking forward to it.”
Mancos senior Manuel Hernandez returns the most pitching experience. But Perry says he'll also “be at every position on the field.”
Freshmen Randy Haley and Raudy Castillo will look to see time at pitching as well.
Seniors Stephen Candelaria and Tam Phan return at first base and outfield. Junior catcher Tallon Ralstin is expected to play a mature role.
“He's one of our top hitters, if not our top hitter,” Perry said. “He's a good team leader.”
The Panthers have young pieces and veteran experience. The team is raw and ready to win after a just a 5-13 campaign in 2011. M-CHS played a lot of close games last season, but lack of depth hurt in late innings.
“We're also going to have to develop a better approach at the plate,” Perry said. “We have to be more consistent throughout our lineup. Last year, we batted well toward the top of our order. We dropped off significantly towards the latter half. We need to develop a consistent nine, as far as our hitters.”
Much of the team played offseason Connie Mack baseball for the Colorado Dash, which was coached by Panthers assistant Jason Hernandez.
“Playing in that Farmington (N.M.) league, is great, because the talent is so much better than what we have to offer here,” Fox said. “It forces us to get better over here.”
The Panthers have practiced unofficially up into this week. Fox has wholeheartedly taken the role of senior leader.
“I've always loved to look after guys and help younger guys out,” Fox said. “I've always been involved with younger kids, so I'm excited. We have some great freshmen coming up and just a lot of upcoming talent. It's looking real good.”
The season starts March 9-10, with three games at the Bloomfield Classic in New Mexico. M-CHS will face Kirtland (N.M.) Central on Friday at 8:30 a.m.
The Panthers return home to McAndrew Field for four games beginning on March 13, against Pagosa Springs. March 16-17, will be the three-game, Four Corners Classic. Nonconference play concludes March 27, in New Mexico at Shiprock High School. Coaches and players feel it's essential to perform well in the preseason.
“We face a huge challenge ahead of us. Every little bit of experience that we can get going into our league schedule, will benefit us,” Perry said. “Our competition is as good as it gets. But we wouldn't have it any other way. We want to get after people.”
Fox further added.
“It's very key we get momentum,” he said. “We can go down and take two out of three in that Bloomfield tournament. We come back here and then just keep going, keep going, until we get into league. It carries that momentum and keeps all the attitudes up. It makes us excited to play baseball for Montezuma-Cortez.”
Conference play in the ever-so-tough 5A/4A Southwestern League begins on March 23-24, at Grand Junction Central and Fruita Monument. The Panthers will see a five-game SWL home stand from March 30 to April 19. A three-game SWL road trip follows from April 27 to May 5, concluding the regular season.
First pitch is bright and early March 9.
Reach Bobby Abplanalp at bobbya@cortezjournal.com.
