A year ago, Hathaway was positively glowing about his Class AA Missoula Mavericks coming out of winter workouts. Then the Mavs tripped, staggered and wobbled to a start that left them mired in a 12-24 hole two months into the season. Missoula clawed its way back to respectability, winning 22 of its final 34 and coming one victory short of its first state title since 1998.
Again the Mavericks' skipper was singing his team's praises prior to drawing the curtain on the 2007 campaign. This time around, however, the Mavs might have the talent to reach the bar Hathaway has set.
A roster full of experienced ballplayers is a major reason for Hathaway's confidence. The returnees include four regulars who hit over .300 last summer.
In 2006, Missoula's bats were paced by first baseman Conor Dwyer, who hit a rock-solid .442 with team-highs for doubles (16), home runs (4) and RBIs (67). Also back in Mavericks' uniforms from a year ago are second baseman Taylor King, who batted .324, and utility-man Mac Cuffe (.320).
Catcher/outfielder Chris Bartenhagen will rejoin the team in May after finishing the junior college season at New Mexico Military Institute. Though Bartenhagen didn't debut for the Mavs until mid-June, he hit a strong .377 in 114 at-bats.
In addition, Mavericks veterans Travis Johnsen and Mike Ponton have impressed Hathaway at the plate in the indoor training facility.
Defensively, the Mavs are stocked with athletes who play several positions, giving their manager the option to shift people around prior to the arrival of their three college players - Bartenhagen, outfielder/pitcher Dan Belet and last year's No. 1 hurler, Brian Fowler.
“The real nice thing about this group is that we really don't have a one-position player,” Hathaway said. “The guys know that the more places they can play, the more opportunities they'll have.”
On the mound, the Mavericks will be fronted by a pair of lefties in Dwyer and Fowler. Dwyer is itching to return to the mound after not being cleared to pitch last year until the state tournament after offseason Tommy John surgery. Thus far, Hathaway likes what he's seen from the Missoula Big Sky senior, who is headed to Salt Lake Community College to play ball next school year.
“He really hasn't been able to contribute on the hill the last two years, but now he's healthy as a horse,” Hathaway said. “His velocity is up, but like everybody else, he's a little rusty right now. When he gets some innings under his belt, we'll smooth out some of those rough edges.”
The 6-foot-5 Fowler finished last season 12-5. The staff could be padded by Cody Burgmeier and one of last season's late call-ups, Max Smith. Brendan Brown, Taylor Nordby and Drew Lytle are also AA newcomers who will get a chance to earn a spot in the rotation.
Johnsen matured into a solid closer as the 2006 campaign went on, making nearly 25 appearances out of the pen. He should continue to finish games this spring.
Should the Mavs stay healthy and things fall as Hathaway hopes, this year's team has a legitimate shot at bringing home a state championship in August.
“The expectations are high at this point,” Hathaway said. “One thing we know is that this isn't a sprint. It's a long season and we play a lot of ballgames, so we're not going to get too excited either way we start.”
Michael Heinbach can be reached at 523-5209 or by e-mail at michael.heinbach@lee.net.
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