Reds looking for identity in Norwest League

Justin Seward
Times Reporter

 

The Strathmore Reds midget triple-A ball club is still looking for answers to their struggles in the NorWest League.
Despite being in the lower half of the heap, the team remains positive and working hard to correct the simple mistakes that were occurring on the field.
“It’s the team’s first year in the league, so it’s kind of adapting to it I guess, a lot of really good competition,” said catcher Scott Desserre. “We still have guys gone to academy. When we get them back, it’ll help us out a lot.”
Desserre feels that if the team can limit some errors and focus more on the diamond, they will be able to see results and continue to improve in the batter’s box.
“I think we just need to bear down on our defense,” said Desserre. “Too many stupid errors and stupid mistakes, not thinking all the time. Our hitting has been coming, but we’ve got to really work hard, have good practices and hopefully turn it around.”
Veteran shortstop Jayse Wilson admitted that it has been a lot tougher with more games, but noticed that the players are building character.
“Guys are keeping their heads in the game more, up on the bench, we’re starting to bear down a little better and not making as many errors, but errors have really killed us this year.”
Wilson said they need to get players to the home plate, which has been a struggle of late.
“We’ve got to take better approaches to the plate,” said Wilson. “Last few games we’ve stranded a lot of runners on base, which kind of killed us, 11 in the last five innings the other night.”
Reds Manager Ryan Kennedy adds that the team has matured but a lot can still be done if the team is to improve on their 3-9 record.
He has seen glimpses of the players being able to compete in the league.
“Guys are understanding that they can compete in the league,” said Kennedy.
“This coming week will be the first time with our whole team together so I think the guys are realizing they can compete with the competition a little, I think that’s the difference from the beginning until now.”
Kennedy and his staff have been working the boys hard at practice to push them to their full potential and develop a successful strategy, including trying players at different positions.
The Reds played a home game on June 10 against the Calgary Rockies (result unavailable as of press time). The next game is June 13 (3 p.m.) against the Fort McMurray Oil Giants at Kinsmen Park.