Spuds open the AAA American Legion season Thursday at Larson Playfield
Rodney Harwood/Columbia Basin Herald Moses Lake second baseman Zach Valdez was named to the Columbia Basin Big Nine second team during the high school season. He is expected to be a big part of the Central Washington Spuds this summer.
Rodney Harwood/Columbia Basin Herald Austin Valdez was selected the Columbia Basin Big Nine pitcher of the year his senior season at Moses Lake High School and is expected to be a leader on the Central Washington Spuds this season.
Conner Vanderwyest/Columbia Basin HeraldCentral Washington Spuds pitcher Cain Valdez did not play last summer for the AAA American Legion program. He is back this summer for one more run at the state championship with the Spuds.
MOSES LAKE — He’ll know more after Thursday’s AAA American Legion season opener at Larson Playfield, but Spuds manager Robert Haensel likes what he sees.
The Spuds return eight, including Columbia Basin Big Nine pitcher of the year Austin Valdez, Zach Valdez, who was a CBBN second-team selection, three-year American Legion participant Kameron Huberdeau and Ezekyel Ochoa. The returning talent, plus eight new additions has Haensel and his staff grinning ear-to-ear.
“We lost some key players like Cade Tunstall, who was a big part of our team leadership last season. But Austin Valdez certainly has the leadership qualities to step right in,” said Haensel, who’s team went 18-20 last season, including a 3-2 showing at the state tournament. “Our veterans are coming off the extremely successful high school season. Eleven of our 16 players have experience on the mound at the varsity level.
“I’m really excited with the roster. New additions, Colton Minoletti (Soap Lake) played for me as a Walleye. Cain Valdez also played for me as a Walleye. We also added Bo Hesse, who threw a perfect game for Ephrata this year. One of our strengths is that we have a number of guys that can play numerous positions and we can move them around.”
They have more than just arms on this team. They have team speed, contact hitters and a number of ways to challenge opposing defenses.
The middle infield includes either Tre Ramirez or Josh Jesse behind the plate. Zach Valdez will go at second base and either Minoletti or Jett Nelson at shortstop. Ezekyel Ochoa will play center field when he’s not on the mound, Wyatt Viskar will also see time in the outfield.
Austin Valdez is expected to play some first base when he is not pitching. Michael Harrington and Travis Robertson could also be in the lineup at first base. Kameron Huberdeau played some outfield for the Chiefs during the high school season, but he is so versatile, Haensel said, he’ll see time at third base for the Spuds.
The outfield is still a work in progress. Hesse has the big arm in right field. Ramirez and play outfield as well as catch. Michael Chase, Wyatt Visker, Wade Visker can play various positions.
“We have a couple of opportunities early on in the season to see where some of these guys have to offer,” Haensel said. “Bo Hesse has a high ceiling and some team speed in the outfield.
“We’re pretty solid with our top four pitchers. Then we have Cain Valdez back. He played Spuds two years ago and was the top pitcher for Moses Lake High School. He didn’t play last summer, but he’s come back for another season and he’s probably our hardest thrower.
The Spuds open the season at home against Southridge, which won a 3A state championship this past high school season, in a non-league nine inning game. They play at home three times in the next 12 days, and then it’s out on the road where the Spuds play tournaments in Missoula, Mont., Boise, Idaho and Spokane before returning home for a double header with the Twin City Titans, which includes players from 4A state champion Richland.
Game time on Thursday is at 5 p.m. at Larson Playfield and will be broadcast on 1470 KSBN.