Pirates open season tonight against AppleSox

MOSES LAKE — The Moses Lake Pirates will begin their quest for the franchise’s second West Coast League title in three seasons tonight when they host the Wenatchee AppleSox to open their 2009 campaign.

The Pirates won the West Coast League championship in 2007 — their second year of competition — before falling to a league-worst 13-29 last season.

During the offseason, Moses Lake Pirates owner and general manager Brent Kirwan made a significant coaching change when he named 2008 assistant coach Steve Keller manager of the 2009 Pirates.

“Steve was (an) assistant last year and he did a fantastic job working with the players,” Kirwan said. “He was right there and understands the important aspects of the game of baseball and the importance of relating to the community.”

Keller is in his first season at the helm of the Pirates and he feels the 2009 team is prepared to return the Moses Lake franchise to the top of the West Coast League.

“The difference between last (year’s team) and this is (year’s team) is experience,” he said. “We have more guys (on this year’s team) who were the guy on their (college) teams.”

While the majority of the Pirates are new to this year’s ballclub, some players have returned to help Moses Lake return to the top of the West Coast League — including pitcher Tony Smith.

Smith pitched for the Pirates last season and he said he is anxious to help Moses Lake improve on last season’s finish.

“I’m stoked,” he said with a smile. “I am excited to see what we can do.”

Smith is experienced and said he is prepared to handle the rigors of the West Coast League.

“I think it’s easier this year than it was last year,” he said at this point in the season.

While Smith is returning to the Pirates organization, new players such as pitcher Billy Armstrong are still adjusting to the Columbia Basin.

Armstrong plays college baseball for Western Connecticut State University and he is getting used to Moses Lake.

“It’s really different,” Armstrong said.

Although Armstrong is new to Eastern Washington, his host family is helping ease the transition.

“(They are) really nice,” he said.

Members of the Pirates ballclub began arriving in Moses Lake early this week and the players have practiced together for only a few days.

Although the players are still becoming acquainted with each other, catcher Peter Estes said the team is beginning to come together.

“I think it is fun to see different styles of play, from different parts of the country, come together and play the same game,” he said.

Moses Lake shortstop Chris Casazza made his way to the Pirates from Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas, and he said he is ready to get back on the diamond.

“I just want to get the summer on the road,” he said. “I am excited to get back on the field and play some baseball.”

Casazza isn’t the only member of the Pirates organization anticipating tonight’s home opener, Keller said he is anxious for the opening pitch.

“(After) pitch one, you can start figuring out what you do well and what you need to do better,” Keller said. “There is no more speculating.”

With tonight marking the beginning of the Pirates’ season, Armstrong said his team will be ready for the AppleSox.

“We are excited more than confident,” he said. “I think our excitement will take us over the top (tonight).”

The 2009 Moses Lake season begins tonight when the Pirates host the visiting Wenatchee AppleSox.

The first pitch is scheduled for 7:35 p.m. and Kirwan said his team is ready to take the field.

“The players are here, the host families are in place and the sponsors are fantastic,” he said. “Let’s play ball.”