The Chelsea Standard
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
Speed key for Bulldogs
By Don Richter, Sports Editor
PUBLISHED: April 10, 2008
Speed will be the name of the game for Chelsea baseball this season. As opposed to the last two years, in which the Bulldogs advanced to the state semifinals and quarterfinals behind power pitching and hitting, this season's Chelsea squad will rely more on finesse and clutch hitting.
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"We'll clearly be a different ball club than in the past," said Chelsea coach Wayne Welton, beginning his 31st season in the dugout. "We have tremendous team speed. We'll try and hit and run more. We should be very difficult to play against."
Last year, the Bulldogs finished 29-11 overall capturing their eighth consecutive South eastern Conference White Division title. Chelsea also won state district and regional crowns, before losing to Orchard Lake St. Mary's 3-1 in the state quarterfinals.
The Bulldogs lost quite a bit of talent off of last season's club. Chelsea sent four players onto to college a year ago. Dan Augustine is now playing for Oakland University, while Chad Nielsen is at Indiana-Purdue Fort Wayne University and Adam Connell and Dan Rhodes are suiting up for Hillsdale College.
Returning to lead the Bulldogs in 2008 are three-year varsity players seniors outfielders Christopher Schmelz and Jeff Adams.
Welton said Schmelz, who'll play football at Hope College next fall, would lead off for Chelsea.
"He could challenge (Adam) Connell's stolen base record set last year," he said. "He'll definitely set the table for the offense."
Welton said Adams would hit in the middle of the line-up.
"He's got some pop in his bat," he said.
Rounding out the starting outfield will be senior Donny Riedel. Also a right-handed pitcher, Welton said Riedel would be one of Chelsea top two throwers this season.
"He has some nasty stuff," Welton said. "He has a very lively arm."
Welton said the threesome of Riedel, Adams and Schmelz would be a treat to watch this year.
"They all can run," he said. "They will be as fast an outfield as we've ever had."
Other seniors returning to the squad this season include first baseman-catcher Matt Prince, second baseman Matt Schwarz, pitcher-third baseman-designated hitter Andy Korc and pitcher-utility infielder Paul Bell. A senior newcomer is pitcher-outfielder Jake Galarowic.
Key juniors on the team include catcher Randy Cox, shortstop-pitcher Scott Rhodes, pitcher-outfielder Michael Lenneman, outfielder Steven O'Keefe, pitcher-third baseman Andrew Sensoli, outfielder Jake Powell, outfielder Zack Munce, first baseman Aaron Gates and pitcher-outfielder Brett Everding.
Rounding out the club is sophomore pitcher-first baseman Brett Caid and freshman utility player Nate Udell.
Welton said Schwarz and Rhodes would make a dynamic duo at second base and shortstop.
"We look for them to form a tough middle infield combination for us," he said. "They're a really good tandem."
Welton said he anticipates a big season from Cox.
"He's a tremendous leader," he said. "This year, he's ready to step up. He'll bat second in the line-up."
Welton said the strength of the team defensively would be up the middle.
"With Cox at catcher, Rhodes and Schwarz at shortstop and second base and our outfield, we should be pretty good," he said.
With quickness throughout the line-up, Chelsea will pose quite a few problems for opposing defenses.
"If we put the ball in play, with our type of speed we'll be tough," he said. "We don't have a lot of guys who'll hit it over the fence like in years past, but our team speed is very good."
Welton said Chelsea's goals are to win the SEC White Division for the ninth straight year.
"We also want to be better at the end of the season," he said.
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