Stories on East County Professional Athletes

SPECIAL PAGES Kemmy Burgess Reggie Bush Jeff Karstens Carri Leto Martin Sean O'Sullivan Todd Watkins

ON THIS PAGE Justin Snyder Johnny Coit Jordan Abruzzo & Brent Rustich Royce Ring Bryan Paukovits Aundrea Liddell Roderkus Wright Chad DeGrenier Brooks Conrad Mark Kiger Casey Craig Andre Simpson Nick Forston Jason Phillips Leo Daigle

Karstens will pitch for Team USA

© East County Sports.com
NEW YORK (11-1-07) -- Former Grossmont College star and current pitcher for the New York Yankees JEFF KARSTENS will represent the United States at the 2007 International Baseball Federation (IBAF) World Cup in Taiwan, Nov. 6-18.

Jeff Karstens

The Team USA roster, of which the 25-year-old Karstens is a member, is comprised of professional, non-25-man roster players from the 30 Major League organizations.

Karstens, who was a catcher known more for his bat at Mount Miguel High, posted a 2-1 record with a 3.80 ERA in eight games (six starts) with the Yankees in 2006.

In 2007, the 6-foot-3, 185-pound Karstens suffered a fractured right fibula on his first pitch against the World Champion Boston Red Sox April 28 in a nationally televised game in Yankee Stadium. Karstens was struck by a line drive off the bat of Julio Lugo and never seemed to be the same after that. Spending much of the season on the DL and in the minor leagues, Karstens major league stats were unimpressive.

He hopes this international competition will help prove to the Yankees that he is back on his game.

Karstens garners first MLB triumph

East County Sports.com
ANAHIEM (8-27-06) -- Receiving just a bit more assistance from the bullpen then in his Major League debut earlier in the week, New York Yankees rookie right-hander JEFF KARSTENS (Mount Miguel High/Grossmont College) earned his initial Major League victory Sunday (Aug.26), helping the Yankees outlast the Los Angeles Angels, 11-8, avoiding a sweep of the three-game series,

Pitching before more than 50 relatives and friends as part of a sellout crowd at Angel Stadium, Karstens allowed just three runs and six hits over six innings, leaving the ballgame with an 11-3 lead. In his debut, Karstens left with a 5-3 lead over Seattle, but the Mariners burned New York releivers for 6-5 triumph.

"I'm just trying to soak it all in right now," Karstens said to the media following his winning effort. "I wasn't too nervous. I was kind of relaxed and was just trying to be myself and not try to do too much because that's when I usually get in trouble."

The Angels hit Karstens for two runs in the third and one in the fourth, but the rookie got a double play to end the fourth, then set down the next six Angels hitters he faced before turning the game over to the bullpen.

"Karstens was terrific," said Yankees manager Joe Torre. "He got the last six outs, which were huge for us."

A pair of relievers were burned for four runs, but Mariano Rivera tossed the final two innings to close out the contest.

Karstens settles downs in Yankees debut

East County Sports.com
SEATTLE (8-22-06) -- A month shy of his 24th birthday, former Mount Miguel High/Grossmont College product JEFF KARSTENS was placed in a position rarely extended to someone of such youth on the New York Yankees.

Instead of Yankees general manager Brian Cashman completing a deal for a veteran pitcher near the trade deadline, the Bombers summoned Karstens from their Triple-A affiliate in Columbus (Ohio) to fill a void in the pitching rotation. And Karstens was on hand when the Yankees swept a five-game series over Boston at Fenway Park. He warmed up twice, but never got into a game.

A 19th-round draft pick out of Texas Tech in 2003, Karstens made his major league debut against the Seattle Mariners Tuesday night (Aug. 22) at Safeco Park.

The 6-foot-3 right-hander overcame early nerves to give exactly what Yankees manager Joe Torre needed -- innings pitched.

With his father in the stands looking on, Karstens got off to a rocky start. He promptly allowed a two-run homer to Adrian Beltre in the 1st inning to fall behind 2-0. He later allowed a booming home run to Richie Sexson that tied the score 3-3 at the time.

Karstens' totals improved as the contest went on, retiring 10 Mariners in a row following Sexson's 27th home run. After Jose Lopez's two-out single in the 6th, Karstens' work was finished as Torre went to the bullpen. Karstens left with a 5-3 lead, but was denied the win when the weary New York 'pen folded down the stretch.

Beltre eventually hit a walk-off homer in the 9th off reliever Ron Villone for the game-winner in a 6-5 victory that snapped Seattle's 11-game losing streak.

Karstens, who gained 12 outs on fly balls, allowed six hits, walked two and struck out a pair against the Mariners.

The rookie split time between Double-A Trenton, where he was 6-0 with a 2.31 earned run average in 11 starts; and Columbus, where he went 5-5 with a 4.28 in 14 appearances. Demoted to Trenton from May to July after going 0-5 at Columbus at the beginning of the season, the rising Karstens is slated to start Sunday (Aug. 27) at Anaheim against the Angels.

Karstens dons Yankee Pinstripes

East County Sports.com
BOSTON (8-20-06) -- JEFF KARSTENS was an excellent hitter (.341) and talented catcher his senior season at Mount Miguel High in 2000. He doubled as a pitcher with a 7-3 record that included a save and a 2.91 ERA in 57 2/3 innings for the Matadors.

Now, after less than three seasons in the minor leagues, the 23-year-old right-hander has donned New York Yankees pinstripes and finds himself in the middle of a crucial five-game series against the Boston Red Sox in Fenway Park.

"He's been doing real well; we were very close to bringing him to start Friday night," Yankees manager Joe Torre said. "I just decided that I'd rather go with the experience rather than someone who had never been to Fenway."

However, Karstens could get a start here on the West Coast this week, as the Bronx Bombers continue an 11-game roadtrip in Seattle (Aug. 22-24) and Anaheim (Aug. 25-27). Karstens earned his shot in the Majors after splitting his time between Double-A Trenton and Triple A Columbus this season, posting an 11-5 record with a 3.29 ERA in 147 innings prior to his call up.

Karstens received word around 1:30 a.m. EDT Saturday (Aug. 19) that he was being called up, and flew to Boston first thing Saturday morning, arriving at Fenway Park around 9:30 a.m. Within hours Karstenswas added to the 40-man roster after his contract was purchased from the Clippers.

"I was kind of shocked," Karstens said. "I didn't know what to think. I tried to call my family, but the only person who believed me was my best friend."

Karstens' role with the Yankees is unknown but he could start Monday's (Aug. 21) final game of a five-game series at Boston.

Few professional scouts paid attention to Karstens' numbers out of high school, although the Montreal Expos (now the Washington Nationals) did spend an economical 45th round draft pick on Mount Miguel's double-threat, who led the county in complete game whileposting a 7-3 record during his senior year.

Nothing came of that overture as Karstens elected to attend Grossmont College.

The 6-foot-3 right-hander came into his own at Grossmont College (2001-02) where then head coach ED OLSEN insisted that Karstens give up his bat to focus his full attention on pitching. where he was 16-4 with a 2.45 ERA in 2001-02. He later posted an 8-4 record in his one season (2003) at Texas Tech, the same school which produced current San Diego Padres catcher JOSH BARD.

Olsen has made similar requests to former big leaguers JOE KENNEDY, TOM FORDHAM and MATT HENSLEY to name a few. All three have reached the major leagues.

The Yankees selected Karstens in the 19th round of the 2003 draft and seem to believe they got a bargain the for the $45,000 signing bonus.

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Snyder set for NY-Penn All-Star Game

© East County Sports.com
WAPPINGERS FALLS, N.Y. (8-14-07) -- Former El Capitan High standout JUSTIN SNYDER will take the field tonight (Tue., Aug.14) as one of 28 players to play for the American League Affiliates in the 3rd annual New York-Penn League All-Star Game, to be played at Dutchess Stadium, home of the Hudson Valley (N.Y.) Renegades.

Third baseman Justin Snyder (left) and starting pitcher Zach McAllister will represent the Staten Island Yankees in today's NY-Penn League All-Star Game. (Courtesy, S.I. Yankees)

Snyder, the AL's leadoff batter starting at third base, went 0-3, but the AL rallied for a 6-4 win. GAME STORY HERE

Snyder, listed as a third baseman, proved worthy of his All-Star selection because of his versatility while playing for the Staten Island (N.Y.) Yankees this summer. Snyder enters the All-Star break tied for the league lead in batting at .382, matching the mark of Todd Martin of Mahoning Valley, who is seeking the Triple Crown.

Snyder, a 21st round pick in the 2007 draft out of the University of San Diego, has been the most consistent bat and glove in the Baby Bombers lineup this season. He has played nearly every position for Staten Island (30-22), starting ballgames at centerfield, third base, second base and shortstop.

Snyder, who is mostly featured as the Yankees' leadoff man, has also been the ballclub's most reliable bat. Along with his astounding batting average, he owns 46 runs, 31 RBI, 15 doubles and 5 homers, including a clutch, game-tying shot in the 9th inning on Aug. 6, in what eventually turned into a victory over Hudson Valley. The next night, Snyder went 4-for-6 with three doubles, highlighting a recent 11-20 stretch. He owns hits in nine of the team's last 10 contests, including five multi-hit outings.

Snyder's Yankees are tied for the third-best record in the 13-team circuit, but second to the Brooklyn (N.Y.) Cyclones in the division. The Cyclones feature JORDAN ABRUZZO, Snyder's former collegiate teammate, who was recently placed on the disabled list with a strained right knee.

McCoy promotion -- An injury on the parent St. Louis Cardinals ignited a ripple effect throughout its organization, allowing former Grossmont High standout MIKE McCOY to be promoted to the Triple-A Memphis Redbirds of the Pacific Coast League. And McCoy is taking advantage of the situation.

After helping the Double-A Springfield ( Mo. ) Cardinals to the top of the Texas League's North Division, McCoy is now sharing the starting duties at second base for the Redbirds, where he has improved his batting average to .242 following a slow start. Included is a .394 on-base percentage over his last 10 ballgames.

With his ability to consistently reach base (.364 for the season), McCoy is optimistic for a call-up to St. Louis when rosters expand in September.

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Johnny Coit

Coit makes Golden Baseball League history

© East County Sports.com
FULLERTON (8-10-07) — Credit Granite Hills High graduate JOHNNY COIT for never giving up. Twice this season Coit has been handed his walking papers, first by the River City Rascals (O’Fallon, Mo.) of the Frontier League.

Then after a brief stint with the St. George (Utah) Roadrunners of the Golden Baseball League, Coit was released again, but was picked up the very next morning by former Padre and current manager of the Orange County Flyers, GARRY TEMPLETON.

In his second game with the Flyers -- playing outfield instead of catcher -- against his former team from St. George on July 21, Coit collected the first cycle in the Golden League history, driving in seven runs with a home run, triple, double and single in a 14-3 victory. That effort made Coit an instant hero as he delivered in front of a capacity crowd of 3,500 at Cal State Fullerton's Goodwin Field.

UPDATE -- A SECOND CYCLE vs. St. George: Golden Baseball League link HERE

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Coit finds a home with St. George Roadrunners

© East County Sports.com
ST. GEORGE, Utah (6-21-07) — Since his graduation from Granite Hills High School in 2003, JOHNNY COIT has been on the move.

A three-year starter at Cal State Northridge, Coit originally signed a professional contract with the River City Rascals of O’Fallon, Miss. in the independent Frontier League. But his stay there was short-lived, and Coit eventually hooked on with the St. George Roadrunners of the Golden Baseball League.

Coit is now the Roadrunners starting catcher. He landed a position with St. George after impressing former major leaguer and now-Roadrunners manager Cory Snyder during a private tryout.

The 5-foot-10, 200-pound Coit is batting .278 (10-for-36) with 4 doubles and an on-base percentage of .458 after 13 games.

Coit obviously had something going for him since Snyder took a chance on him. Snyder played in the major leagues from 1986 to 1994, spreading his time as an outfielder among the Cleveland Indians, Chicago White Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Dodgers.

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Coit's 2004 trading card in Alaska. (Courtesy, Alaska Goldpanners Baseball)

Coit signs with Frontier League

© East County Sports.com
O'FALLON, Mo. (5-3-07) -- Former Granite Hills High standout JOHNNY COIT, who started in centerfield for three seasons at CSU Northridge, has signed a professional contract with the River City Rascals of the Frontier League.

Coit will return to catcher with the independent league franchise, a position where he earned All-Grossmont South League honors, helping Granite Hills to the 2002 Grossmont South League title.

Coit earned All-GSL and All-East County berths in both 2002 (.415 batting average) and 2003 (.404 avg.), then was recruited by USD, San Diego State and Long Beach State before settling with Northridge. He later played the 2004 summer season with the Alaska Goldpanners.

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Abruzzo catches Rustich's debut

© East County Sports.com
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (7-02-07) -- The intertwining amateur baseball careers of JORDAN ABRUZZO and BRANT RUSTICH finally came together in the professional ranks, when Abruzzo, a catcher, was behind the plate for the pro debut of right-handed pitcher Rustich in Sunday's (July 1) start for the Kingsport (Tenn.) Mets of the Appalachian League.

Tuesday Update Jordan Abruzzo's stint at rookie ball quickly ended, promoted to the Brooklyn (N.Y.) Cyclones of the Class A New York-Penn League. Despite batting 0-for-4 in Tuesday's (July 3) debut in the short-season league, the Cyclones won on the road against the Aberdeen (Md.) IronBirds, 2-1, to now own the league's best record at 11-4.

Rustich tossed three shutout innings, striking out two and allowing just a single, to get his feet wet in a successful debut in the rookie league. Although his Mets eventually lost, 2-0, the pair of East County products are enjoying their fast starts getting paid to play.

According to MinorLeagueBaseball.com, both reportedly signed $400,000 contracts.

Not bad for a pair who have been playing for or against each other since the age of 8, each eventually getting drafted by the same major league organization. And the pair are now rooming together some 2,000 miles away from home.

The journey started in La Mesa some 15 years ago, when Brent and his Lake Murray Little League team played interleague against Jordy and Vista La Mesa L.L. The pair later played club ball together, but were high school rivals with Rustich playing for Grossmont, while Abruzzo was a two-time (2002-03) All-East County first team selection for El Capitan. Rustich earned one first-team and one second-team berth as All-East County.

Only during their college years were the pair separate, yet Abruzzo (USD) would catch Rustich (UCLA) during winter breaks when back home.

Abruzzo (6-3, 230) capped his senior year with the nationally ranked Toreros (43-18) by batting .332 in starting all 61 games, chosen in the 13th round (No. 423 overall) of the amateur draft by the Mets. Meanwhile, Rustich (6-6, 225), who missed most of his 2006 season following finger surgery, posted a 3-2 record with 6 saves out of the Bruins bullpen this spring, selected in the second round (No. 93 overall) by the Mets.

Along with Rustich's solid pitching opener, Abruzzo is swinging a powerful bat. Among his first 10 hits (10-25, .286) were three doubles and three home runs, including a 2-homer outing against the first-place Princeton (W.V.) Devil Rays on June 22.

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Royce Ring

Ring recalled by Padres

© East County Sports.com
SAN DIEGO (6-22-07) — Former Monte Vista High standout ROYCE RING is making an impact with the San Diego Padres after being recalled on Friday (June 22) from Triple-A Portland.

Ring, a left-handed relief pitcher, has allowed only two hits in five shutout innings during four appearances for the Padres this season. He has eight strikeouts compared to only one walk.

The addition of Ring to the Padres bullpen gives the Padres two southpaw relievers, including Justin Hampson.

Ring, 26, was 4-0 with a 1.23 ERA (4 ER/29.1 IP) and one save in 25 games with Portland this year.

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Ring optioned by Padres

© East County Sports.com
PEORIA, Ariz. (3-22-07) -- The San Diego Padres have optioned ROYCE RING to its Triple-A affiliate in Portland earlier today (Thurs., Mar. 22). Executive Vice President/General Manager Kevin Towers made the announcement.

Royce Ring pitching for the Mets in 2006 (Courtesy, New York Mets)

Ring, a left-handed pitcher, is a product of Monte Vista High, who pitched for the New York Mets organization until being included in a trade to the Padres following last season. Moving to shore up their middle relief, the Padres acquired Ring and Heath Bell, both releivers, from the Mets in exchange for outfielder Ben Johnson and reliever Jon Adkins on Nov. 15.

In 2006, the 25-year-old was named to the Triple-A All Star Game while with Norfolk, pitching a scoreless inning for the International League on July 12. He twice was called up to the Mets in August and September, compiling a 2.13 ERA in 11 apprearances, including 2 1/3 innings of perfect relief against Philadelphia.

The native of La Mesa was team MVP with the Monarchs, then became a third-team All-America selection by Collegiate Baseball at San Diego State.

The Padres now have 39 players in Big League camp, including 32 players from the 40-man roster and 7 non-roster invitees.

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Padres acquired Monte Vista product Ring

San Diego Padres press release
SAN DIEGO (11-15-06) -- The San Diego Padres today acquired right-handed pitcher Heath Bell and left-handed pitcher ROYCE RING from the New York Mets in exchange for right-handed pitcher Jon Adkins and outfielder Ben Johnson. Executive Vice President/General Manager Kevin Towers made the announcement.

Royce Ring

“In Bell and Ring, we are getting two pitchers with solid Major League experience,” said Towers. “We think that Bell, with his size and power, has tremendous upside as a potential set-up guy with a good fastball and plus slider. Situational lefties are hard to come by and Ring is someone who has been dominant against lefties his entire career,” added Towers.

Bell, 29, made 22 relief appearances for the Mets in 2006, going 0-0 with a 5.11 ERA (21 ER/37.0 IP) and 35 strikeouts. Born in Oceanside, CA, Bell also appeared in 30 games with New York’s Triple-A affiliate in Norfolk, going 3-3 with a 1.29 ERA (5 ER/35.0 IP), 56 strikeouts and a team-leading 12 saves. He did not allow a run in 14.1 innings of work at home with the Mets nor with the Tides (19.2 innings), giving him 34.0 combined shutout innings at home in 2006.

Originally signed as a non-drafted free agent on June 16, 1998, Bell has appeared in 81 Major League games over parts of three seasons with the Mets (2004-06), going 1-5 with a 4.92 ERA (59 ER/108.0 IP) and 105 strikeouts. In parts of nine minor league seasons, the right-hander is a combined 23-20 with a 3.17 ERA (165 ER/468.1 IP) and 543 strikeouts over 342 games (two starts).

Ring, 25, went 0-0 with a 2.13 ERA (3 ER/12.2 IP) in 11 relief appearances for the Mets in 2006. He recorded eight strikeouts compared to three walks in his 12.2 innings of work, holding left-handed hitters to a .150 average (3-for-20) while right-handers batted .160 (4-for-25) in the minors.

Selected by the Chicago White Sox in the first round (18th overall) of the 2002 First-Year Player Draft, Ring was acquired by the Mets as part of a trade that sent Roberto Alomar to Chicago on July 1, 2003. Ring has compiled a 0-2 record with a 3.47 ERA (9 ER/23.1 IP) in 26 Major League games over parts of two seasons with the Mets (2005-06). Over parts of five minor league seasons, he is a combined 16-9 with a 3.06 ERA (77 ER/226.2 IP) in 195 games (all in relief). A native of La Mesa, Ring attended San Diego State University, going 5-1 with a 1.85 ERA and a school-record 17 saves his junior year (2002). He played high school ball locally at Monte Vista High School in Spring Valley.

Adkins, 29, went 2-1 with a 3.98 ERA (24 ER/54.1 IP) in 55 relief appearances for the Padres in 2006. The right-hander registered three scoreless innings streaks of at least 8.2 innings, including 13.1 consecutive scoreless frames from May 16-June 9. Adkins began the season at Triple-A Portland, combining to go 1-0 with seven saves and a 1.38 ERA (2 ER/13.0 IP) in 13 games during his three stints with the Beavers.

Over parts of four Major League seasons with the Chicago White Sox (2003-05) and Padres (2006), Adkins is 4-5 with a 4.63 ERA (69 ER/134.0 IP) in 114 games. Originally selected by the Oakland Athletics in the ninth round of the 1998 First-Year Player Draft, Adkins has spent parts of eight minor league seasons in the A’s (1999-2002), White Sox (2002-05) and Padres (2006) organizations, going 47-43 with nine saves and a 4.53 ERA (369 ER/733.2 IP) in 158 games (119 starts).

The 25-year-old Johnson batted .250 (30-for-120) with five doubles, two triples, four home runs, 12 RBI, 19 runs scored and three stolen bases in 58 games for the Padres in 2006. He made 28 starts for San Diego, including 18 in left field and 10 in center field. Acquired by the Padres in a trade with the St. Louis Cardinals on July 31, 2000, Johnson has hit .236 (46-for-195) with 13 doubles, three triples, seven home runs, 25 RBI and 29 runs scored in 89 career games over parts of two Major League seasons with San Diego (2005-06).

Originally selected by the St. Louis in the fourth round of the 1999 First-Y ear Player Draft and acquired by the Padres on July 31, 2000, Johnson appeared in 836 minor league games, batting .263 (789-for-2999) with 175 doubles, 112 home runs and 454 RBI in parts of eight seasons in the Cardinals (1999-2000) and Padres (2000-06) organizations. In addition, he was named the Padres Minor League Player of the Year in 2005 after batting .312 (129- for- 414) with 79 runs scored, 27 doubles, 25 home runs and 83 RBI in 107 games with Triple-A Portland.

 

IL Stars 6, PCL Stars 0

Royce Ring threw a scoreless inning of relief, helping the International League All-Stars shutout the Pacific Coast League.

Former Aztecs Ring and Gwynn To Meet At Triple-A All-Star Game
SDSU pitcher and outfielder honored for performance on the field in 2006

Courtesy San Diego State media relations
TOLEDO, Ohio (7-12-06) -- Former San Diego State standouts ROYCE RING and ANTHONY GWYNN will be on opposite team benches when the International League and the Pacific Coast League meet here in the 2006 AAA All-Star Game on Wed., July 12, at Fifth Third Field.

Ring (Monte Vista High) is currently a member of the Norfolk Tides, the triple-A affiliate of the New York Mets. At the mid-point of the season he has a record of 2-0 with eight saves and a 1.53 earned run average. He has recorded 32 strikeouts in 29 innings and opponents are hitting just .175 against him.

Gwynn (Poway), meanwhile, is an outfielder of the Nashville Sounds (Milwaukee Brewers organization) where he is hitting .301 with 16 doubles and 31 runs batted in. He leads the club in hits (100), runs (55), triples (4) and stolen bases (23) through the first 84 games of the season. He was named the Brewers’ minor league player of the month this past May.

Ring (2000-02) and Gwynn (2001-03) were teammates for two of their three seasons at SDSU with each departing after their junior year via the major league draft.

As a relief specialist, Ring was a two-time all-conference performer and earned All-American recognition as a junior in 2002. He finished second in the nation in saves that season and was a first-round draft pick of the Chicago White Sox.

Gwynn was a freshman All-American and an all-Mountain West Conference honoree as an Aztec and ranks among the all-time SDSU top 10 in seven offensive categories. He was selected in the third round by Milwaukee in 2003 and is in his first season at the AAA level. 

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PRO BASEBALL DRAFT -- SIGNINGS
Wilkins inks deal with Rangers

© East County Sports.com
EL CAJON (6-13-07) — Even pitcher BOBBY WILKINS himself could not believe how smoothly his negotiations with the Texas Rangers and area scout Steve Flores went when the two parties met Sunday (June 10) night at the Wilkins family residence.

Wilkins, Texas’ 6th round pick and the 200th player selected overall in last week’s free agent draft, agreed to contract terms that have him headed to Surprise, Ariz., later this week where he will join the Rangers’ Arizona Rookie League team. The ARL season begins on Friday, June 22.

“Honestly, about halfway through my senior season I could see something like this happening,” said Wilkins, who was 5-5 with a 1.08 ERA and 74 strikeouts in 64.2 innings as a Valhalla High senior.

“But they (the Rangers) gave me more than I asked for, and that is exciting,” Wilkins added.

Although Wilkins did not give any specific figures it is believed that he received a $150,000 signing bonus plus incentives and money for school. The hard-throwing right-hander had the option of accepting a scholarship to San Diego State University, but chose to start his professional career over that.

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Seven drafted in '007'

© East County Sports.com
SAN DIEGO (6-09-07) — Hard-throwing right-hander BOBBY WILKINS of Valhalla was the first East County high school player picked in the 2007 Major League Baseball draft when the Texas Rangers selected him in the sixth round on Friday (June 8) morning.

Wilkins was slipping into his cap and gown in preparation for the pomp and circumstance that is graduation when his cell phone rang.

”They called me Thursday (June 7) night and told me they were very interested and that they would have taken me the first day had TV not slowed the draft down so much,” Wilkins said. “But I was excited when they called. The Rangers have shown a lot of interest from the start.”

Lowe drafted by Chi-Sox Courtesy, Grossmont College EL CAJON (6-12-07) -- Former Grossmont College pitcher JOHN LOWE, who pitched for Point Loma Nazarene in 2007, was selected in the sixth round of last week's Major League Draft by the Chicago White Sox. Lowe was part of a starting pitching staff in 2006 that helped the Griffins win 30 games and advance into the Southern California Regional Playoffs. The right-hander posted an 8-2 record with a 2.33 earned-run average, striking out 72 batters over 89 innings. Moving on to Point Loma's Sea Lions on a full scholarship -- where he became better known as Johnnie -- Lowe posted a 4-5 mark and a 3.72 ERA in the sluggers' circuit of smaller ballparks. However, Lowe's power numbers were still solid, gaining 75 strikeouts in 75 innings. Lowe and Azusa Pacific All-America selection Scott Hodsdon (Oakland Athletics) were the highest selections out of the Golden State Athletic Conference, both in the 6th round. "We are proud of our alumni," said Grossmont head coach Randy Abshier. "John was an important part of the 2006 team and the athletic department and coaching staff are proud for Johnnie."

Wilkins, who deserved better than his 5-5 record suggests, posted an East County-best 1.08 ERA with 74 strikeouts in 64 2/3 innings.

”They’ve been to my house a couple of times before – one time we talked for three hours,” Wilkins said of the Rangers’ contingent led by Area scout Steve Flores. “We’re supposed to meet again next week sometime. I think things look good for me to sign and get going on my career.”

Wilkins, the 200th pick taken, was among seven players with East County ties to be drafted on Friday’s second day, which included rounds 6-to-50.

A pair of El Capitan High products now at the University of San Diego could wind up New York City rivals. Toreros senior catcher JORDAN ABRUZZO was taken in the 13th round by the New York Mets and USD junior second baseman JUSTIN SNYDER was chosen in the 21st round by the New York Yankees.

Other Inlanders drafted on Day two were: Pacific third baseman JUSTIN BAUM (Grossmont High), 13th round by the San Diego Padres; Grossmont High outfielder NICK LONGMIRE by the Oakland A’s in the 37th round; Long Beach State outfielder ZACH BARGER (Valhalla High/Grossmont College) in the 44th round by the Minnesota Twins; and right-handed pitcher GOLDY SIMMONS (Monte Vista High/San Diego CC) by Atlanta in the 47th round.

Abruzzo, who was a token 39th pick by the Red Sox in the 2006 draft, capped off his four-year Torero career by becoming the All-time hits leader (305) and RBI leader (208). Abruzzo was a first-team All-WCC selection and helped lead USD to the WCC Championship, a program-best No. 4 national ranking and a No. 8 national seed in the NCAA Regionals. For the season, Abruzzo posted a .332 batting average, had 85 hits, 15 doubles, one triple, eight home runs and a team-leading 59 RBI.

Snyder, also a first-team All-WCC selection, put together a phenomenal junior campaign. Snyder finished the season as USD’s leading hitter with a .352 batting average, a team-best 89 hits, 21 doubles, had four home runs and 36 RBI.

An All-Best West Conference first-team pick for the second year in a row, Baum, the Tigers’ highest pick since the 2002 draft, gives the Padres a future power-hitter. The All-ESPN Academic All-American led the Tigers with a .367 average, eight home runs, 16 doubles, 43 RBI, a .553 slugging percentage, 44 walks and a .471 on-base percentage.

Baum's 2007 season was the continuation of a stellar career at Pacific. During his three seasons at the Stockton, Ca. university, Baum was one of the most decorated and powerful players in Tiger baseball history. He holds the Pacific career record for home runs with 37, nine more than any Tigers in history.

Longmire, who has a baseball scholarship to Pacific worth more than $100,000, figures to be tough sign. The right-handed hitting outfielder led East County with a .514 batting average, a SDCIF-best 15 home runs and 36 RBI, spent the night of his selection basking in the moonlight as Grossmont High’s seniors celebrated Grad Night aboard the Admiral Hornblower and cruised San Diego Harbor.

“From all the talk before the draft, I thought I’d go higher,” said Longmire, who noted the Tigers see him as their center fielder of the future. “At this point, I’d say I’m leaning more toward college.”

This is the second go-round for Barger, who was drafted in 2006 in the 45th round by the Cleveland Indians, and Simmons, who was a 40th round pick by Oakland a year ago.

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PRO BASEBALL DRAFT -- DAY ONE
Mets tab Rustich in second round

© East County Sports.com
LOS ANGELES (6-8-07) — Former Grossmont High standout BRANT RUSTICH was selected by the New York Mets in the second round of the Major League Baseball Draft Thursday (June 7) afternoon.

Now a redshirt junior at UCLA, the 6-foot-6, 225-pound right-handed pitcher was the 93rd player overall to be selected in the 2007 draft. He is the only player with East County ties to be chosen in the first five rounds on Thursday. The draft resumes on Friday (June 8).

"I was definitely ecstatic when I heard that the Mets chose me in the second round," Rustich said. "I can't help but think of all the people who have been there to support me throughout my career."

Rustich, who features a fastball that sits in the 93-94 mph range, leads the Bruins with six saves this season. He has a 3-2 record and a 6.67 ERA in 20 appearances, striking out 28 batters in 29.2 innings.

Some might say that Rustich went higher in the draft than projected, since he missed the majority of the 2006 season with a finger injury. He had surgery to repair the damaged finger and seems to be throwing well again.

Rustich and the Bruins (33-26) will face Cal State Fullerton in the NCAA Super Regionals at Goodwin Field beginning Saturday (June 9) at 4 p.m. live on ESPN in a best-of-3 series.

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El Cap alum signs with Royals

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LAKESIDE (6-7-07) — If El Capitan alum BRYAN PAUKOVITS is as good as his statistics indicate he is, the Kansas City Royals got a steal in the 6-foot-7, 235-pound right-handed pitcher.

According to Paukovits, scouts have told him that his fastball consistently measures between 91-95 mph, peaking out at 97.

Those are great numbers considering the Royals selected Paukovits in the 44th round of the 2006 June draft.

“I’m anxious for the opportunity to get my pro career going,” said Paukovits, who pitched at Southwestern in 2006 before transferring to San Diego Mesa College last spring. “I can’t think of anything better than to wake up every day and be able to play baseball for pay.”

Paukovits, who posted an 8-4 record with a 1.90 ERA and 85 strikeouts in 90 innings, was signed by Royals scout John Ramey on May 19.

Paukovits will report to the Royals minor league headquarters in Surprise (Ariz.) on June 8. After spending a week there he will join the Royals Burlington (N.C.) ballclub of the Class A Appalachian League on June 17.

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Hey, it's a paycheck

© East County Sports.com
FORT COLLINS, Colo. (4-1-07) -- Whether you watch it or not, most sports fans have heard of the Arena Football League. But did you know there are two other indoor football leagues?

One of them is the United Indoor Football League (UIF). And a former Grossmont College All-America selection is participating.

The Colorado Ice (Fort Collins, Colo.) welcome 6-foot-3, 356-pound offensive lineman AUNDREA LIDDELL to the starting lineup, as the Ice captured its season opener by nipping the Billings (Mont.) Outlaws, 26-25, as the only home team to win in Week 1 (Mar. 23).

Over the weekend, Colorado fell on the road to the Omaha Beef, 31-20.

Liddell played for the Griffins during the 2003 season -- the school's first undefeated (regular season) team -- eventually claiming the Southern California championship and earning a scholarship to San Jose State .

Liddell was a third-team All-America selection by J.C. Grid-Wire and honorable mention All-America by J.C. Athletic Bureau, plus JuCal Transfer named him All-State. He blocked for quarterback JORDAN ADAMS, who earned a scholarship to Nebraska .

With Liddell's protecting, Adams set a Grossmont record of 531 passing yards in a single game, completing 30-of-42 passes against Antelope Valley.

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Wright's pro debut needs to wait

© East County Sports.com
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (3-2-07) -- Former Grossmont College All-America defensive lineman RODERKUS WRIGHT, who was attempting to make the jump directly from the Griffins to the professional ranks, will not make his debut tonight.

Roderkus Wright

After being signed by the 5-time champion Tampa Bay Storm of the Arena Football League, Wright failed to make the roster as one of the final cuts at the conclusion of training camp.

"He showed some good thing," noted Jim Robinson, the Storm's Public Relations Director. "But he still is a little raw."

While Wright and his agent seek other opportunities, the Storm opens the season tonight with a War on Interstate-4 battle with South Division rival Orlando Predators. Last year, Wright was a free-agent selection by the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League, but never signed a contract.

Wright signs with AFL Tampa Bay Storm

(c) East County Sports.com
TAMPA, Fla.(11-1-06) -- Former Grossmont College All-America defensive end RODERKUS WRIGHT has signed a free agent contract with the Tampa Bay Storm, a five-time champion of the Arena Football League.

Tum Marcum, the Storm's head coach and general manager, made the announcement Wednesday (Nov. 1), along with the signing of three additional players: fullback/linebackers Torrance Marshall (Oklahoma) and Rodney Filer (San Diego Chargers pratice squad member in 1996), and defensive back Bo Rogers (Western Michigan, CFL Ottawa Roughriders). Wright is an AFL rookie, the others have expereince with the indoor game.

Wright, a 6-foot-4, 280-pound defensive lineman, began his collegiate career at the University of Oregon before transferring to join the Griffins. He played in three years of college football (one year as a red-shirt) before leaving school to pursue a professional career.

Wright has 4.9 speed in the 40-yard dash and led his team in sacks his junior year. He earned First Team National J.C.grid-Wire Association All-America honors in 2005, helping Grossmont to both state and national titles..

Three weeks ago, he was claimed by the CFL's Calgary Stampeders, but did not sign and was released.

Wright becomes the first Griffins athlete to sign a professional football contact directly out of Grossmont. Many other athletes have done so in other sports, especially baseball.

Included are current performers JOE KENNEDY, a starting pitcher for the Oakland A's, Atlanta Braves second baseman MARCUS GILES, San Francisco Giants pitcher KEVIN CORREIA, and women's pro beach volleyball player JENNIFER MURRELL HOLDREN, among others.

Plus, KEVIN McCADAM is a starting free safety for the NFL's Carolina Panthers after playing for Grossmont and Virginia Tech.

Wright passes on Stampeders

(c) East County Sports.com
CALGARY, Albt. (10-11-06) -- Former Grossmont College defensive end RODERKUS WRIGHT, who was attempting to become the first Griffin to make the jump directly into professional football, was released by the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League today.

Wright was claimed as a free agent, but never signed with the CFL ballclub, thus was released from the Stamps' reserve list.

Wright, a J.C. Grid-Wire All-America selection on Grossmont's state and national championship team in 2005, was seeking a berth in the CFL or NFL Europe. At 6-foot-6, 275 pounds and a lineman with 4.9 speed in the 40-yard dash, Wright, 24, has the credentials many NFL teams seek.

This past weekend, Calgary completed its regular season at 10-8 for second place in the CFL West Division. The Stampeders will host Saskatchewan in Sunday's (Nov. 5) divisional semifinals, seeking a berth to meet division champion B.C. Lions for a berth in the 94th Grey Cup, to be held Sun., Nov. 19, in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

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DeGrenier tabbed both Arizona state,
national football Coach of the Year

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CAVE CREEK, Ariz. (12-27-06) -- During the 2005 football season, El Cajon Valley head football coach JASON TEXLER turned the Braves' lowly program into a CIF contender, advancing to the San Diego Section Division II championship game at Qualcomm Stadium.

It was quite a season.

In 2006, a former East County football standout did even better.

Chad DeGrenier (Courtesy photo, Arizona Rattlers)

Following a professional playing career with the Arizona Rattlers of the Arena Football League, former Christian High (1990) and Grossmont College (1991-92) quarterback CHAD DeGRENIER produced the largest possible turnaround in high school football history.

Taking over a weak program at Cactus Shadows High School as head coach in 2004, his Falcons went a disappointing 0-10 in this small community just north of Phoenix. This past season, DeGrenier's team captured the Arizona State championship with a perfect 15-0 slate.

And the honors are rolling in, as DeGrenier was named the Arizona coach of the year by the Arizona Republic newspaper, then was tabbed National coach of the year by the high school website MaxPreps.com.

DeGrenier's 0-10 squad allowed more than 52 points per contest, but improved to 5-6 the following season under his direction. But no one could envision a state Class 4A Division II banner just two years removed from a winless campaign.

"I took the job here after teaching in the district for six years, and playing for the Rattlers," DeGrenier told MaxPreps.com. "We were somewhat of a doormat in football. It wasn't something there was a lot of pride in.

"We wanted to fill up the stands and make it a community event. I told the kids they could win a state championship. I wanted to put big dreams in the kids' hearts, and just get better every day."

DeGrenier's first ballclub featured 16 sophomore starters and a lot of blowout defeats.

"We were young. It was very difficult."

However, with his father, Jack DeGrenier, the former head coach at Scottsdale Christian joining his coaching staff, things started to turn around.

"The words of wisdom, just saying, 'Hey, you are doing the right things,' when you doubt yourself, that was big," DeGrenier said. "He helped me be a better leader."

Finally on Dec. 2, the Falcons' path to glory was complete after doubling Higley High, 28-14, for the state title.

Prior to joining Cactus Shadows, DeGrenier taught physical education at Black Mountain Elementary School in Phoenix. He also was the basketball coach at Cactus Shadows while playing for the Rattlers (1998-2002).

DeGrenier played his college ball at Washington State and Division II power Midwestern (Texas) State.

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Conrad moves one step closer to the Majors

© East County Sports.com
HOUSTON (12-2-06) -- Former Monte Vista High standout BROOKS CONRAD was informed he remains in the future plans of the Houston Astros when the ballclub added the minor-league veteran second baseman to its 40-man roster. The announcement was made by Astros general manager Tim Purpura.

The move protects Conrad from selection in the Rule 5 draft and places him in line for a berth as a reserve on the Major League roster come spring training.

Conrad, 26, spent his first full season in Triple-A in 2006, helping the Round Rock Express reach the Pacific Coast League Championship Series. Even though the Express fell in three straight games to the Tucson Sidewinders, Conrad led the PCL in doubles (40), triples (15), extra-base hits (79) and runs scored (100).

His 79 extra-base hits were the most in minor league baseball.

Conrad helped the Express capture the American Division title, hitting .267 (142x532) in 138 games, and led the club with 24 home runs and 94 RBI. Primarily used as a second baseman (100 games) in 2006, Conrad also appeared in 38 games at third base.

After his stellar career with the Monarchs, where he was an All-East County selection. He originally selected by the Astros in the eighth round of the 2001 draft out of Arizona State University, where he was a three-time All-Pacific 10 Conference selection. Conrad was a .320 career batter for the Sun Devils, including a solid .336 in his senior year.

A 1998 graduate of Monte Vista, the four-year letterwinner and academic team selection captained the team during his junior and senior seasons, named by the coaches as league player of the year and All-CIF first team to cap his prep career.

Later, Conrad was honored at both All-East County and CIF Division II Player of the Year after winning the Grossmont Conference batting title. He still holds Monarchs season records for runs scored (51), hits (52) and doubles (12).

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Kiger could make Major League debut in ALCS

Mark Kiger

(c) East County Sports.com
OAKLAND (10-10-06) -- MARK KIGER, a standout infielder for Grossmont College in 1999, will be eligible to make his major league debut this week after the Oakland A's added him to their postseason roster for the American league Championship Series against the Detroit Tigers.

Kiger, who split the 2006 season between Double-A Midland and Triple-A Sacramento, replaces second baseman Mark Ellis, who fractured his right index finger last in his ninth-inning at-bat against Minnesota's Joe Nathan in Game 2 of the American League Division Series last Wednesday (Oct. 4).

Kiger is making his first appearance on the A's 40-man roster after batting a combined .276 with nine home runs and 34 RBIs in 119 games. Kiger hit .233 in 61 games with Sacramento's River Cats before he was transferred to Midland on June 29. He batted .307 with six home runs and 20 RBIs in 58 games at third base with the Rockhounds.

Following his Griffins career, Kiger played for the University of Florida before being drafted in fifth round of the 2002 draft.

Kiger, who was coaching youth baseball in Temecula when he was told to report to Arizona in the wake of Ellis' injury, said he was "shell-shocked" by the invitation.

"You don't think, after three weeks [of the offseason] you're gonna get a call and find yourself here in October," he told MLB.com. "I'm just trying to stay out of things. These guys worked their butt off all year to get to this point. This is their season."

Kiger said he was heading back to Arizona after Sunday's workout. He is schedule to report Tuesday morning, the day of Game 1 of the ALCS.

While at Griossmont, Kiger (La Jolla High) was selected First Team All-America by the California Community College Baseball Coaches Association, and was tabbed Pacific Coast Conference Player of the Year after hitting a state-best .497 with 10 home runs and posting a 44-game hitting streak in 1999.

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Casey Craig

Eagles alum captures Cal League crown