By:Patrick Hall Tuesday, 21 February, 2006

Head Coach Jeff Brewer’s Pratt Community College Baseball team is poised to produce another winning season in the Jayhawk Conference. With seven returning fielders set to back up a strong pitching rotation, Beaver baseball should challenge for the Western Division title.

The Beavers pitching corps is anchored by three returning sophomores. Brian White (Nanaimo, BC) is expected to be one of the top throwers in the Jayhawk West, and should be the Beavers’ #1 ace. White tied the school record for saves last year, and looks to bring an impressive array of pitches to his role as a starter.

Kris Krittenbrink (Edmond, OK) is one of the top left-handed pitchers in the Jayhawk West and should join White in the starting rotation. Cody Dillon, a sophomore from Sherwood, Ark., will begin the season as the Beavers’ closer, but may also see time as a starter.

Kevin Ruud (Lindsborg, KS) is another sophomore that has potential to add depth to the starting rotation, and Coach Brewer would love to get his hardest throwing Beaver, Barrett Davis (North Little Rock, AR), on the mound. Brewer considers the developing Davis his “sleeper.”

Several freshmen will also play key roles on the mound this year. Figuring to start are right handers Alberto Ortega (Mexico City, Mexico) and Joel Lockhart (Golden, CO). Another Mexico City product taking the mound will be right hander Manuel Ruiz. Left hander Brandon Dinwiddie (Little Rock, AR) also factors into Coach Brewer’s plans.

In the bullpen, the Beavers should get relief from freshmen Chris Brown (Little Rock, AR) and Bryan Swenson (Peabody, KS).

Backing up the Beavers throwers are some of the conferences top defensive players. Sophomore Gabe McCullin (Ruston, LA) and freshman Aaron Vath (Westminster, CO) are considered two of the best catchers at any level in Kansas. And Brandon Hudson (Kearney, MO) is widely considered one of the top shortstops in the Jayhawk.

Also anchoring the infield will be one of the Beavers top producers at the plate, third baseman Andy Schatzley (Paragould, AR). Filling out the infield are a couple of redshirts returning to action: at first base, Joe Augustyn (Burlington, KS); and at second, Justin Cunningham (Sedgwick, KS).

Another sophomore redshirt getting back into action is Chad Taylor (North Little Rock, AR), whose strong arm will get him plenty of time in right field.

Having lost a couple of key players to the pros, Brenden Wise (pitcher, Detroit) and Jeremy Brown (LA Dodgers), the Beavers have some gaps to fill. In addition, Chris Rhoads has moved on to become a starting pitcher for the University of Arkansas, and Jacob Boatman is playing for Emporia State. But despite the loss of major league talent, the Beaver coaching staff feels confident they have a squad ready to step in and make a run for the Jayhawk crown. It should be another exciting year of Beaver Baseball.