Athletics team stands for national anthem before 2010 CVL playoffs.

The 2010 Athletics season started with great promise, with one of their deepest rosters ever, but the loss of key players hampered the team's efforts to reach its anticipated potential. The upside to the absence of some meant that new players got to step forward and show what they could do on the field.

While hitting was down for some, others rose triumphantly to the occasion, providing solid at bats with an expectation of good things for next season. Lakeville has much to look forward to in 2011 with a core of solid veterans and seasoned 2010 newcomers.

2nd year player Jim Gaylord was selected as a CVL all-star in 2010.

Second year player Jim Gaylord received his first all-star nod, but was hurt before midseason, missing four games and the all-star contest due to an arm injury. Gaylord was on fire the first half, but cooled somewhat the second half, but was still able to capture the team batting title with a .315 average. Gaylord shifted from the outfield to 2nd base and played very well defensively on the infield.

Trent Larson (L) and Mark Berger (R) had solid seasons for the Athletics.

Veteran players Trent Larson and Mark Berger both had productive seasons at the plate, hitting .286 and .275 respectively. Larson was steady all season long, earning his first CVL all-star berth, playing 3rd base, as well as pitching and backing up at shortstop. Berger was arguably the team's hottest hitter for the second half of the season and is probably the most versatile player on the team, playing every single position during his tenure as an Athletic.

With pitching depth originally envisioned as a team strength, it unfortunately turned into the Achilles' heel for the team due to the loss of Kyal Williams and two new additions who left the team early. Two other newcomers to the team, hard throwing right-hander Collin Baker and southpaw Andrew Yetzer were limited in innings, due to commitments to their Legion team, however, both promising young pitchers are expected now to pitch full time next season, since both are through with Legion ball.

The top three: Hauck, Larson and Farr led the Athletics pitching staff in 2010.

All of this meant that three pitchers had to take the bulk of the pitching load for Lakeville. Veteran staff ace and two-time all-star Jake Hauck was still extremely productive on the hill, although oftentimes received little run support to back up his solid efforts on the mound. Another veteran, Trent Larson really stepped his game up this season and arguably had his finest season pitching for the Athletics, making his own case for staff ace. Hauck and Larson were joined in the rotation by 6' 6" right-hander Jeff Farr, a senior in his final season at Upper Iowa University, and a pitcher with a solid arm and tremendous upside. All three pitchers are expected back to form the nucleus for Athletics pitching next season.

Three-time CVL all-stars Derek Jacobson (L) and Jon Gaylord (R).

The team will also return two three-time all-stars with shortstop Derek Jacobson and veteran centerfielder Jon Gaylord. Both players are core veterans with outstanding fielding and solid bats. Jacobson led the team with 26 hits and 8 doubles in 2010 and is clearly the key to making the infield run. Gaylord is likewise the key figure patrolling the Athletics outfield. Both are considered cornerstones to the defense and Lakeville is most fortunate to have such highly talented skill players at these key positions.

Longtime veterans Brent Johnson (L) and Josh Storm are still going strong.

Added to the mix will be two longtime veterans that have been with the team since its inception, catcher and 3rd baseman Brent Johnson (2000) and 1st baseman Josh Storm (2001). Johnson stepped out from fulltime duty behind the plate this year to play outstanding defense at 3rd base, earning the nickname "Brooks" by one coach, due to his stellar defense. Storm has been a solid defensive fixture at 1st for a decade now, although had to miss a significant number of games this year while coaching the Lakeville North Legion team. Storm is expected back full-time next season.

Athletics left fielder Eric Watts (L) and catcher Derek Hahn (R).

Two other key Athletics players had somewhat see-saw seasons. Veteran left fielder Eric Watts (2007) started very strong the first half, but struggled at the plate the second half, yet was still able to lead the team offensively in RBI, stolen bases and walks. Second year catcher Derek Hahn was the exact opposite, struggling early to find his stroke, while coming on very strong in the second half, taking his second home run title. Both players are expected back in 2011 and will once again make key contributions to the team.

Athletics players (L-R) John Deggerness, Phil Vigen and Justin Hahn.

The Athletics received help from 2nd year player John Degerness who played well in the outfield, while also seeing some time on the infield. Newcomer Justin Hahn helped out big time at 1st base, while first year player Phil Vigen backed up at 2nd base. All three made significant contributions, providing needed depth in 2010.

As of this printing, the team has commitments from three new top prospects for next season, a relief pitcher, a power hitting infielder, and a solid hitting catcher / outfielder, all who will help the team immensely.

Coach Doug Johnson will begin his 12th season at the helm for Lakeville.

Doug Johnson will return for his 12th season as head coach and manager for the Athletics. Johnson is also the current president for the Cannon Valley League. Tim Watts will return for his 5th year to assist Johnson in the dugout.

Front row L-R: Josh Storm, Jon Gaylord, Jim Gaylord, John Degerness, Derek Jacobson. Back row L-R: Coach Doug Johnson, Eric Watts, Jeff Far, Brent Johnson, Mark Berger, Derek Hahn, Justin Hahn, Jake Hauck. Missing: Trent Larson, Phil Vigen, Robbie Punch, Will Walsh, Collin Baker, Andrew Yetzer.
 

Copyright © 2011 Lakeville Athletics Baseball