2009 Standings

Northeast Division

---W---L--.PCT--TEAMS
--15---1--.937--HAUGEN Knights
--11---5--.687--BRILL Millers
---6--10--.375--BRUCE Belters
---6--10--.375--STANBERRY Giants
---5--11--.312--HAYWARD Hawks
---4--12--.250--SEELEY Mud Puppies
___________________
Southwest Division

---W---L--.PCT--TEAMS
--12---4--.750--HAUGEN Hornets
--10---6--.625--SPOONER Cardinals
--10---6--.625--ST. CROIX Ravens
--10---6--.625--GRANTSBURG Honkers
---7---9--.438--CUMBERLAND Islanders
---0--16--.000--SIREN Steelers

Haugen Knights (15-1)

The 2010 Knights return their entire team from last year’s squad that won the Independent League regular season, Indy League tournament, as well as the WBA tournament state runner-up squad. Over the past three seasons, the Knights have gone 40-4 in Indy League play and are 8-3 in the WBA state playoffs.

The Knights return one of the top pitching staffs in the league, led by staff ace Dan Lindsey, who was named the 2009 state tournament’s Most Valuable Pitcher last summer. After Lindsey, they have Travis Thompson, also the starting catcher, and veteran Josh O’Rourke. O’Rourke isn’t a power pitcher, but has excellent control that keeps hitters off balance, and at times has seemed to have a rubber arm, throwing 13 innings in a road game at Brill a few seasons ago. Thompson is a fireballer who in the past had struggled with control, but pitched great last season, highlighted by some strong performances during the Knights’ run in the league tournament and state playoffs.

The same infield from the last half of 2009 will remain intact, with Carter Crotteau (3^rd base) and Thad Thompson (2^nd base) returning to the positions they’ve manned for the last few years. The only loss is shortstop Matt Lundberg, who played with the team through June last season at which point he moved to Nebraska for a new job. Lundberg ended up making the trip back to Haugen for the state tournament. Rob Berger picked up where Lundberg left off, playing great defense and providing the Knights some pop at the plate. Steve Basty, who joined the Knights last season, will likely see most of the action at 1^st base, with a platoon of Knights likely getting reps throughout the season including utility infielder Ryley Olson, manager/coach/player Rich Lindsey, and pitcher Dan Lindsey. 

The Knights return the same outfield they’ve had for the past 4 years, with Andrew Mau in center cornered by Taylor Soltes in left and Erik Hill in right. In addition to the speedy trio, athletic outfielder Colton Ellis returns for his 2^nd year with the Knights. Also joining the outfield gang after a couple year hiatus will be outfielder Dustin Quinn, who roamed centerfield for the Knights a couple years in the early and mid 2000’s. The addition of Quinn gives the Knights a deep group of outfielders, though all should see significant playing time due to travel situations. 

As mentioned, Thompson is the team’s starting backstop, and considered by many as the top catcher in the league, both at the plate and behind it. When taking the mound, reliable backup Derc Teschler, takes over the duties behind the plate.

Despite their never-say-die attitude, 2009 proved to be a difficult year for the Brill Millers.  They lost star second baseman Todd Brunclik to injury en route to an 11-5 record, their worst since 2003.  Their playoff run ended a game short of making the final eight when they lost to Hallie in the second round of the WBA playoffs.

This year a healthy Millers squad aims to bounce back for a return to former glory.  The boys from Brill will no doubt rely on their classic mix of veteran pitching, solid defense, speed on the base paths, and small-ball approach at the plate.  Pitching efforts will continue to be led by the lefty/righty combo of Arnie Bartes and Jay Musil, with a solid staff of relievers waiting in the wings.  Brill’s defense remains strong up the middle with catching duo Jere Fisk and Ben Anderson, a middle infield of Todd Brunclik and Brett Jensen, and center fielder Kirby Brunclik.  The lineup for Brill boasts a bevy of .300+ hitters and should continue to give Indy League pitchers fits.  Look for the Millers to use their grit and experience to try to bring a state title to Brill for the first time since 1978.

The Belters begin their second year in the Independent League in 2010. Besides being the newest team in the league, they’re one of the youngest squads along with the Siren Steelers. That youth was exposed last year at the plate as they struggled to score runs, displayed by a team batting average below .200. Jake Johnson and Tom Gauthier led the team in hitting last year and will likely anchor two of the spots in the top half of the lineup once again. The Belters really got a spark from last year’s high school graduate, Kurt Johnson. Johnson was only able to play in a handful of games, as he was finishing up successful high school and American Legion careers.   He is expected to be a big contributor as he joins the lineup full time in 2010. Shortstop Dave Hegeholz will provide a solid bat in the leadoff spot, and is expected to find more success this year to spark the Belters offense. The same goes for many of the Belters, who feel confident in improving last year’s efforts. Paul Manosky, who in past years has been an RBI machine, is expected to rebound from a performance he felt was disappointing. Justin Hultman also provides some power and speed in the middle of the lineup, and will be a dangerous combination for opponents.

If the Belters expect to stay in the hunt for the Indy League title, they’ll rely heavily on staff ace Lee Chepil. Chepil pitched some big games in 2009, and with any kind of run support he gives the Belters a chance to win every game he steps on the mound. Chepil is having an outstanding senior year for Lakeland College, and the Belters hope it carries over to the summer. The high point for the Belters’ in ’09 was the complete game shutout that Chepil threw against the defending champs from 2008, the Brill Millers.     

Bruce will be the host of the league tournament in August, which will give them a chance to showcase a beautiful park, including a new grandstand and bleachers. The team will also be having a gun raffle promotion this year, giving away a gun at each of their final ten home games, pending enough tickets are sold.     

Stanberry Giants (6-10)

After suffering through the worst season (10-16) in team history last year, the Hayward Hawks look to rebound in 2010.  Former Hawks pitching ace Matt Anderson who sat out last season, returns this year but in a new capacity, Anderson will manage the Hawks in 2010.  Hoping for a turnaround in team fortunes, Anderson will have some new faces to work with this year.

The top addition appears to be infielder Kyle Cummings, a recent UW Stevens Point grad who led the Pointers in hitting last year with a .371 average.  Also new to the Hawks roster is long time Stanberry Giant Jason Nowak who brings a solid bat and veteran leadership.  Newcomers Carl Christianson and Derrick Tingo also look to make contributions.

Once the high school season is over, pitchers Corey Peterson and Tom Danczyk, shortstop Connor Sabin, and catcher Nick Hastedt from Hayward's powerhouse high school team will join the Hawks. Hawk veterans Jay Poplin, Keith Heinz, and Mark Berquist provide the leadership the Hawks need to improve over last year.  The Hawks open their season May 9th at Stanberry and hold their home opener June 5th against Seeley.

Haugen Hornets (12-4)

The Haugen Hornets look to extend their streak of qualifying for the WBA playoffs to twelve consecutive seasons in 2010.  The Hornets have been a model of consistency in the Indy league having qualified for the WBA tournament every year since 1990, except for 1998, including six league titles in that span.

The Hornets have a nice mix of veteran players and young talent that will be counted on to contribute to the success of the team.  Greg Aune, Ryan Meyers, Justin Everson and Jordan Crotteau, and Rich Weber will lead the pitching staff.

The Hornets lineup is led by veterans Paul Juza, Greg and Steve Aune, Jeremy Musil.  The new players joining the organization in the last couple of years have added speed to the Hornets attack, including Brandon Johns, Ryan Meyers, Luke Larson, and Jordan Crotteau.

The Hornets were the only team in the league to defeat every other team in league play in 2009, which should help the younger players gain the confidence that they can compete with anyone. If the young talent continues to mature and contribute,  the Hornets hope to contend for the league title again in 2010.

Spooner Cardinals (10-6)

Once again, the St. Croix Ravens look to make the leap from the middle of the Indy League standings. The Ravens finished at 10-6 last season along with Grantsburg and Spooner, tied for the 4^th best record in the Indy.  They advanced in the first round of the WBA playoffs with an 8-2 victory over the Glidden Orioles, before falling to the Prescott Pirates 3-0 in the second round. 

The Ravens will still have a strong pitching staff without Wink, led by righties Tim Bouvine and Chris Vandela. In addition, UW-Superior Mike Swanson (UW-Superior) will be joining the staff, leaving it in excellent condition.

R.J. Keur appears to be the top candidate to replace Glassmaker, moving from his spot in right field. Keur provides some power at the plate, along with second baseman Sean Cummings. Kris Minor (SS), Vince Viggiano (LF), Scot Arganbright (CF), are also offensive weapons for the Ravens.

In addition to the Glassmaker and possible Wink departures, there are whispers that this could be the final season played by longtime catcher and Ravens founder, Dale Rajala. Rajala has been a stalwart behind the plate for the Ravens since their inception, providing leadership and a steady bat along with his tough defense. Rajala and 10-year Ravens vet Kris Minor provide the leadership the Ravens will need to put together a complete season and make the jump.

Grantsburg Honkers (10-6)

The Grantsburg Honkers rebounded in 2009 after missing the playoffs in 2008. They finished 10-6 in the Indy and won their first game in the WBA playoffs against Merrill. They would fall in the next round 10-5 to the tough and talented La Crosse Athletics. Grantsburg looks to contend in the Indy and make it back to the playoffs, led by a pair of lefties - staff ace Bryan Johnson and centerfielder Bryan Vilstrup. The Honkers aren’t super flashy, but they don’t make many mistakes either. They’ve been a consistently tough team and tend to finish in the top half of the league.

Cumberland Islanders (7-9)

The Cumberland Islanders baseball team is set to start the season.

Spring training is wrapping up, and they are set to play their first exhibition game of the season.
The team returns many veterans as well as a few familiar faces to the community.

Johnny Peterson, who played several years ago, and has been playing in St. Croix Falls has returned to the community and looks to shore up the right side of the infield at second base.  Another new face to the Islanders is Adam Holmes. Adam will be commuting from Duluth to attend all practices and games. Both players will be big contributors to the team.

Another key pick-up is Oscar Hernandez, who has played Division 1 baseball at North Dakota and will pick up some key innings on the mound as well as hit for power, a much needed addition for the Islanders.

Greg Jacobs will start behind the plate for the fourth straight year. Jake (3B) and Isaac Lundquist (SS) will cover the left side of the infield. Jason Saffert will be the team’s starting first baseman and will step in will also serve a utility role to round out the infield.

The outfield will have several rotating players including Tim Muellenbach (when not pitching), Andy Ladd, Barry Ranallo (the assistant manager), and Jordan Erickson, with a few others working in as well.

The pitching rotation should be the strongest it has ever been. The Islanders will be led again by veteran right hander, Nate Froehlich. Jake Lundquist came on strong last season pushing Nate for the top spot in the rotation. Oscar Hernandez also looks to have a strong arm and could serve as the closer.

The High School team might contribute to the Islanders with the addition of Graham Miller, who is a hard throwing righty having a great spring season, as is lefty Tommy Zappa. The two will join the team once their season is completed.

Siren Steelers (0-16)