However, fall practice has already begun and the outlook appears as bright as ever as the fleet of athletes begin to battle for playing time when February 2012 arrives.
“Outfield was one of our biggest recruiting areas in the off-season. We didn’t return any outfielders from last year’s team and added nine new players. I really like the athleticism of this group. We have a nice blend of speed and power and left-handed and right-handed hitters. I am excited to see what they look like on the field as we get into fall practice.”
Brew as added nine new names to the Flames roster, including Soddy-Daisy’s James Fowlkes and junior transfers Trevor Burgess and Cameron Brewster, from Cleveland State, to help bolster an outfield that returns no one from last season.
“We signed James early, but I am not 100 percent sure we were aware of the caliber of player we were getting. We liked him, but since we signed him he put together one of the most impressive high school seasons I have seen. James has the unique ability to combine speed and power. In addition to his outfield responsibilities, he will also be an option as a catcher for us in 2012.”
Trevor Burgess was a second team All-TJCAA as a freshman and batted .342 with five home runs, 35 RBIs, 14 doubles. In his sophomore season he recorded a .329 batting average with ,three homer as, 33 RBI and 13 doubles.
“Trevor had two solid seasons at Cleveland State. He has good speed, plays good defense, and has the ability to bring a solid left-handed bat to our line-up,” said Brew.
Brewster also came from Cleveland State, hit. 263 and was honored as an NJCAA Academic All-American and the Dr. George Mathis highest GPA Student-Athlete Award at Cleveland St in 2011.
“Cameron had to overcome an early career injury to get back on the field. He provides another left-handed option in our line-up and is a solid defensive player. As his accolades show, he is excellent student-athlete,” said Brew
Brady Renner, a from Aurora, Ill., is a junior transfer from Elgin Community College. Renner batted .374 with seven homers and 51 RBIs as an All-Conference and All-region player.
“Brady brings another potent left-handed bat to our line-up and excellent speed. He is coming off a great season at Elgin. Defensively, he has the ability to play all the outfield spots and is a plus defender,” Brew commented.
Other Brew signees include, Mark Carpenter (Dayton, Ohio), Mike Moore (St. Louis, Mo.), Corey Davis (Douglas, Ga.) and Chris Avey (Modesto, Calif).
