WORTHINGTON -- After compiling a 29-17 spring baseball record, including 14-2 in conference play, the Minnesota West Bluejays are tooling up for another successful year. On Tuesday, they introduced six new players.
“We’re deeper this year. Defensively, we’re better. And I believe we’ll hit for higher average this year,” said head coach TD Hostikka.
Thus far in the offseason, Hostikka has recruited 10 new players, including six from Minnesota.
Two of them played their high school ball at Worthington High School. They are Tucker Sorenson, a speedy outfielder who will probably also be used some as a left-handed pitcher in relief, and Easton Sauerbrei, who is penciled in as a third baseman. The son of WHS head coach Stacy Sauerbrei, Easton knows the game and is a proven hitter. He pitched in the preps, but is not expected to pitch in college.
Also introduced Tuesday were:
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- Quintin Greier, who helped lead Martin Luther/GHEC-Truman to the 2017 state tournament. A fast outfielder, Greier is a top-of-the-order player who comes from an outstanding high school program.
- Zach Jahnz, a right-handed pitcher who can also play the outfield and an infield corner. He’s a hard thrower and a hard worker, said Hostikka.
- Joel Barker, from Russellville, Ark., a right-hander who can pitch and play outfield. An intelligent player, he comes from a big baseball family.
- Kyle White of Trinity, Fla. A left-handed pitcher, he shows exceptional mechanics and is already familiar with the Minnesota West style of play. He should get a lot of innings as a freshman.
The new season will get under way amazingly fast for the Bluejays, who will open on March 2 at Harrisburg, Ill., against Southeastern Illinois College. Then it’s on to Florida. Much will be expected this year, said Hostikka, after last year’s outstanding season.
“I truly believe we’ve got a big target on our back. So we’re going to face teams’ best,” said the coach. “There’s a lot of good things that we will see. We just have to stay focused.”
