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April 4, 2000
Eagles will need toreplace lost talentBy JIM BASTIAN Journal Sports Writer NEW ULM -- Jim Senske, the winningest high school baseball coach in Minnesota history with 617 wins, will begin his 37th season today when his New Ulm Eagles host Mankato West in a nonconference baseball matchup at Johnson Park. A perennial power in the South Central Conference and Section 2-2A, Senske sees this year's team as a team that will have to replace four key ballplayers. "We finished last year 23-4 and played in the state tournament," said Senske, "but we will have to replace four key players from that team in first baseman Brandon Zenk, pitcher Ryan Walters, shortstop Travis Fleck and outfielder Mark Boettger. Those will be some key spots that we need to shore up. They provided a lot of the offense with their bats so we will also be looking to find some sticks to replace that part of our game." Back this season is a nucleus that includes catcher Al Wurtzberger, and pitchers Ryan Wellmann and Drew Waibel, who combined for a 15-1 record. Second baseman Scott O'Brien, who can also pitch, is back. He is currently the Eagles' best offensive threat. Mitch Stueber, who missed part of the basketball season with a broken hand, is back at thirdbase with Evan Jacobs patroling center field. Travis Boddy will man left field and is being counted on to provide added offensive punch. "We have a ton of people who are new to the varsity coming up from last year's B squad," commented Senske. "Craig Spelbrink, who can play second base and shortstop, along with Andy Stolt, who can play the infield. Sophmore Jamie Hoffmann and juniors Matt Schmidt, Rob Geistfeld, catcher Paul Yager and infielder Marty Schimmele are out this year." Players returning who did not see a lot of action on the varsity are Kurt Anderson, a pitcher/outfielder along with junior Jeff Reiter, who plays the outfield. Travis Thorson, who plays third base also is back. Seniors returning are outfielder Jason Schmitz, first baseman Isaac Larson and infielder Micade Thordson. "Those people are going to have a shot at playing," Senske said. Senske feels late in the season when tournaments come around the strength of his team will be pitching and defense. But Senske feels very strong that his team must improve on is the offense. "It will be tough to make up for those four bats that we lost," he said. "Walters and Zenk had great years offensively, and Travis had a tremendous season at shortstop. The hitters have to step it up to replace those people." Senske said he probably wlll start this lineup today against West. "I would have either Issac Larson or Mitch Stueber at first base with Scott O'Brien at second and Jamie Hoffmann at shortstop. Third base will see either Micade Thordson, Mitch Stueber or Travis Thorson." The outfield will consist of Evan Jacobs in center field and he will be flanked by Travis Boddy in left field and the right-field job "will be totally up for grabs. Whoever can hit the ball will be the starter. Jason Schmitz, Kurt Anderson, Matt Scmidt are all vying for that spot." Senske said he needs to find playing time for Stolt and Spelbrink. "Their bats look decent and hopefully we will find a spot for them in the lineup." Al Wurtzberger will catch with either Ryan Wellmann or Drew Waibel starting. "Wellmann and Waibel are good," said Senske. "Ryan (Wellmann) is not a big strikeout pitcher; he is very tough on the mound. He is a control pitcher and may have trouble early in getting his curve ball under control. He gave us a lot of groundballs when he pitched in our two scrimmages. When we field for him, he will win for us. "Drew has also looked good in our scrimmages. He has good control of his fastball but he needs to get a breaking pitch. Scott O'Brien has looked good when he has pitched." Sebske said that he will probably have Wellmann, Waibel, O'Brien, Stolt and Spelbrink as his top five pitchers. "I look for Blue Earth to be a notch better," Senske said. "Waseca and Fairmont are always tough. I think that it will be Blue Earth, Fairmont, Waseca and New Ulm as the top four teams in the (South Central) Conference." In the sectional, Senske tabs Mankato East and Mankato West as the favorites with Chaska a darkhorse.
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