Jay Armes 3B/P
Jay hit over .300 two years ago. Last season, Jay hit below that mark but look for him to bounce back to his 2006 form. Jay has good power and is steadily improving at third base. Jay will also see some time on the mound.
Fred Cardella OF
Fred spent last fall in the Hogs’ development league. “Seeing Fred play the outfield and do a great job at the plate in the fall led us to acquiring him in the spring,” stated Hogs teammate/GM Tom Crouch. Cardella will see significant playing time and will be tough to keep off the bases.
Sean Cavasos OF
The most versatile player on the roster, Cavazos can play infield, outfield, and catch. He was second on the team in runs scored (29), led the team in walks (22), and tied for the team lead in stolen bases.
John Colvin OF
For two straight years Jon has hit over .300. Jon is a steady player that is very consistent at the plate and in the outfield. Colvin is a patient hitter that can draw a walk and move the ball to all fields.
Brian Crouch C/IF
“Tubby” hit .387 and drove in 20 runs last season for the Hogs. Tubby will see most of his time behind the plate but can also play ss or 2b if needed. The Hogs are looking for big numbers from Tubby in the 4th or 5th batting position and he has the ability to put the ball out of the park on a consistent basis.
Joe Crouch P/OF
Hogs manager, Matt Smith expressed his opinion when the Hogs signed Crouch. “Joe is going to take us to that next level that we have been working so hard to reach.” Joe is the youngest pitcher on the staff but has the most experience. Joe has spent two years honing his skills in New Zealand and has multiple pitching awards. He is also an excellent hitter that will help at a number of different positions.
**Tom Crouch SS/OF
Tom led the Hogs in 13 offensive categories last year. He hit .506 with 7HR’s. Was MVP of the 2007 Ice Breaker Tournament and has been an All-American at the ASA Major and All-World at the NAFA Men’s Major. Teammate Mike Drew states, “I believe Tom is the best player in the area.”
Chad Crutcher 2B/SS
Chad had a slow start last year after getting injured in an exhibition game but he battled back to hit .371.and had a .463 OBA. Chad had more walks than strikeouts in 2007. Manager Matt Smith sees Chad being a mainstay in the leadoff or second batting position.
**Mike Drew 1B/DH
Mike hit .327 with 26 RBI in 2007. Mike is the most experienced player on the squad and his professional demeanor is a huge asset to the team. Tom Crouch said, “Our players learn a lot about professionalism and how to approach each game from mirroring Mike and his preparation.”
Shaun Ebert OF/3B
After missing most of the 2007 season with a twisted ankle, Shaun played significant time at 3B and outfield last season. Shaun is improving all the time defensively and is a good contact hitter. If he stays healthy, he can really help the Hog offense.
Tim Murphy P
When the hard throwing right hander keeps the ball down and throws strikes, he is very effective. Last year Tim threw a no hitter for the Hogs and in 2003 was MVP of one of the NAFA A World Series. Tim led the team in ERA at 3.67.
Iqbal Padela OF
Iq brings a lot of speed the club and excellent defensive play in the outfield. Iq is just in his second year of fastpitch and is improving every game at the plate, as well as, the base paths.
Matt Smith OF/Manager
Matt hit .402 with 4HR’s in 2007 as the Hogs player/manager. He had a slugging percentage over .600 and scored 28 runs last year. “Matt is the face of the Hogs. Matt has been one of the team’s top players for ten years now,” says teammate Tom Crouch.
Brian Tobin P/DH
Brian led the Hogs last year with 14 wins and his overall numbers have been improving every game he throws. Hog manager Matt Smith says, “Throwing effectively into the later innings and allowing fewer base runners has really shown that the hard work is paying off.” The Hogs expect big things from Tobin in ’08. Brian also hit a healthy .438 with 3HR’s.
Vince Virtue IF/C
Vince has been the most improved player for the Hogs over the last three years. Virtue hit .313 and did a great job catching for the Hogs. Virtue will see time at all infield positions this summer and will front a lot of the catching load..
**Will not be playing in the ISC 2 Championships.