PAYNESVILLE -- It's too early to make predictions, but one thing's for sure: the Paynesville baseball team will be highlighted on everyone's schedule.
That's because the Bulldogs won the state Class AA title last June and their running as defending champs started Tuesday with a 15-5 win over Kimball.
"We do realize that we do have a target on our backs. We're going to have to bring our 'A' team because everyone else will be ready for us," said Paynesville coach Brad Skoglund. "We're not going to be able to sneak up on people."
There will be a few holes in a powerful lineup and pitching rotation to fill. The Bulldogs lost all-area players Chris Beier and Justin Butkofski to graduation. They were Paynesville's No. 1 and 2 pitchers last season, plus the heart of the lineup.
But Skoglund has two other all-area players returning. Senior catcher John Hemingson led the team last season in hitting with a .529 average and drove in 27 runs. He also threw out almost 90 percent of potential base stealers.
ADVERTISEMENT
Senior right-hander Jamie Paul assumes the No. 1 spot on the staff. He posted a 5-1 record and a 2.67 ERA in 2005, and added a .438 batting average.
"Hitting, we'll be OK, but we won't have the power," said Skoglund. "I think our pitching depth is going to be better than we first thought. It will get much better as the season goes on."
Other returning veterans include senior center fielder Trent Hansen, senior third baseman Derek Stanger, senior first baseman Mark Andrie and senior second baseman Ryan Hess. Hemingson and junior Ben Moser will complete the three-man rotation.
The top-rated Bulldogs will also face stiffer competition in the West Central North Conference. The addition of Minnewaska Area and up-and-coming New London-Spicer boosts a league that all ready has perennial state tournament contenders St. Cloud Cathedral and Melrose.
"We look forward to the challenge this year," Skoglund said. "We realize we are going to lose some games this year, but the important thing is to be playing your best at the end of the season."
Paynesville opens its West Central North schedule by hosting the Crusaders today.
