2015 Ocean State Waves Player Previews: West Region Edition
May 26, 2015 - New England Collegiate Baseball League (NECBL)
Ocean State Waves News Release
In nine days, the Ocean State Waves begin their third campaign in the NECBL against the New Bedford Bay Sox at Old Mountain Field. Throughout their existence, the Waves have depended on several key players from schools west of the Mississippi River to propel them to new levels of success. With schools ranging from Creighton to the University of Southern California, several players from these schools played instrumental roles in turning the Waves into a postseason juggernaut within their division.
Throughout the month of May, OceanStateWaves.com has previewed the 2015 Waves roster based on the geographic region of their schools. With previews coming for Rhode Island (May 5), Northeast (May 12), and Southeast (May 19) schools, the preview series culminates with the westernmost schools that will send players to South County this summer.
The schools that have players featured in this week's West Region preview include Creighton University (RHP David Gerber), Saint Louis University (SS Alex King), Trinity University in Texas (LHP Ryan Gray), and the University of Southern California (OF AJ Ramirez, RHP Mason Perryman, and LHP Andrew Wright).
CREIGHTON UNIVERSITY (Omaha, Nebraska)
RHP David Gerber
Returning for his second season in South County, Gerber has the potential to continue his dominance as a shutdown reliever in the NECBL. In 21 appearances, Gerber went 1-1 with a 3.60 ERA with the Waves last summer, striking out 37 batters in 30 innings. Gerber also picked up the victory for the Waves in their first postseason victory in franchise history in 2014.
In addition to his prominence in the NECBL, Gerber shined as a shutdown reliever with the Creighton Blue Jays as a sophomore in 2015. In 25 appearances, Gerber posted a 1.69 ERA and 30 strikeouts, all while leading the team with nine saves. Opponents only hit .233 against the sophomore reliever from Naperville, Illinois.
Due to his experience in the NECBL as well as his dominant presence on the mound, Gerber should begin the 2015 season as the closer for the Waves. As he demonstrated with both the Waves and Bluejays, Gerber has the potential to be a powerful reliever down the road.
SAINT LOUIS UNIVERSITY (St. Louis, Missouri)
SS Alex King
Earning the job as Saint Louis's starting shortstop in just his freshman season, Alex King looks to be a sparkplug at the plate and in the infield for the Waves in 2015. In 54 games, King hit .291 with a home run and 24 RBI with the Billikens. King posted a .381 on-base percentage alongside 23 walks to pace the Billiken offense this spring.
A versatile offensive and defensive presence, King should begin the 2015 season as a potential infield threat in the middle of the Waves infield. A shortstop by trade, King brings his flare in the field, but has the capacity to become a consistent component towards the top of the Waves lineup this summer.
TRINITY UNIVERSITY (San Antonio, Texas)
LHP Ryan Gray
As one of the top pitchers in Division III, Gray looks to bring his expertise from his time at Trinity (TX) to Old Mountain Field in 2015. In his junior season with the Trinity Tigers, Gray went 8-0 with a 2.00 ERA and 75 strikeouts in 67.2 innings of work. Gray alternated his time between the bullpen and rotation in 2015, while making nine starts for the Tigers while converting two save opportunities.
A Division III All-American this spring, Gray could become a silent killer on the mound for the Waves this summer. Gray mixes several offspeed pitches along with a fastball that regularly clocks in at the low-90's, which enables him to command the mound each outing. Although he is a Division III pitcher in a predominately Division I league, Gray could become a powerful pitcher this summer with the Waves.
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA (Los Angeles, California)
RHP Mason Perryman
A right-handed swingman, Perryman provides depth as a lethal starter and reliever for the Waves pitching staff in 2015. In his freshman season with the University of Southern California (USC) Trojans, Perryman made twelve appearances (two starts), striking out ten batters in 19 innings of work.
Perryman has the flexibility to be a reliable pitcher for the Waves in either a starting or relief capacity this summer. With experience in both the rotation and the bullpen, Perryman should continue his solid performance in any role with the Waves in 2015.
OF AJ Ramirez
Ramirez returns for his second season in South County looking to build off a successful 2014 campaign with the Waves. In 40 games, Ramirez hit .263 with four homers, 25 RBI, and four stolen bases. Ramirez also drove home two runs against the Newport Gulls in the 2014 NECBL Southern Division Semifinals.
A force at first base and in the outfield, Ramirez has been a key player with the University of Southern California (USC) Trojans in three seasons. In 53 games, Ramirez hit .268 with eight homers and 39 RBI. Ramirez led the Trojans in doubles and home runs.
Ramirez brings offensive flare and defensive versatility back to Old Mountain Field this summer, bolstering the Waves lineup for the second straight summer. Ramirez, who most likely will start in left field after USC's run for the NCAA Tournament title, should continue to demonstrate his skills against NECBL pitchers whenever he steps up to the plate this summer.
LHP Andrew Wright
A former outfielder that is in the process of converting into a full-time pitcher, Wright has demonstrated potential on the mound in his sophomore season at the University of Southern California. In three appearances, Wright hurled three shutout innings, striking out four batters. Opponents only hit .182 against the sophomore from San Diego, who just began pitching in the Alaska Baseball League last summer.
When he arrives at Old Mountain Field this summer, Wright could potentially become a dangerous pitcher for opposing offenses in 2015. Wright regularly touches 95 miles per hour on the radar gun, plus he offers regular off speed pitches that increase his variety. In essence, Wright could become a great pitcher due to his intangibles and potential on the bump this summer.
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New England Collegiate Baseball League Stories from May 26, 2015
- 2015 Ocean State Waves Player Previews: West Region Edition - Ocean State Waves
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