AppleSox Add Zags to 2012 Roster
February 15, 2012 - West Coast League (WCL)
Wenatchee AppleSox News Release
(Wenatchee, WA)-The Wenatchee AppleSox roster will once again be loaded with Gonzaga Bulldogs as six Washington natives connected to the Spokane school are set to play for the team this summer. The group includes four freshman, right-handed pitcher Zach Abbruzza, right-handed pitcher Kevin Moriarty, left-handed pitcher Derek Callahan, and infielder Mitchell Gunsolus, along with two high school recruits - right-handed pitcher Taylor Jones and infielder Cabe Reiten - are set to spend their summer in Wenatchee.
"Gonzaga has been so good to us every year," said AppleSox head coach Ed Knaggs, who spent seven years as a Gonzaga assistant coach. "It's fun to look at their roster and see it dotted with so many former AppleSox players."
Abbruzza was named the Washington Coaches Association 4A Co-Player of the Year last season after putting up a 1.03 ERA at Redmond High School. He earned numerous postseason awards after his senior season, including being named to the first team All-State 4A and Kingco Player of the Year.
"He is going into his freshman season as a pitcher, but there is a chance he could become a two-way player in the future," said Knaggs. "In addition to logging innings for us this summer he could see some time in the field as well."
Moriarty, a Shoreline native who attended Shorewood High School, was drafted by the Texas Rangers in the 47th round of the 2011 MLB Draft. The 6-foot-6 hurler has a fastball that touches 90 mph.
"We are excited to have him. I first heard about him last summer from a scout who talked about how impressive he was," said Knaggs.
Callahan attended Edmonds-Woodway High School where he was named first team All-Wesco his senior season. He served as team captain for two years and threw a no-hitter during his junior season.
"At 6-foot-4, he is a big lefty that has a lot of potential. He has a bright career ahead of him at Gonzaga. " said Knaggs.
Gunsolus came to Gonzaga from Inglemoor High School in Kenmore. The middle infielder was named first team All-Kingco as the team's starting shortstop. In addition to his accomplishments on the baseball diamond, he was also named second team All-Kingco in football as a quarterback.
"He is a left-handed hitting middle infielder who the Gonzaga coaches project as a future starter," said Knaggs.
Jones, a senior at Kentwood High School in Covington was ranked a top 100 high school prospect by Baseball America's. The 6-foot-7 prep was also rated by Baseball Northwest as the top right-hander pitcher and the third best pitching prospect in the state.
Reiten attends school at Academy Northwest, but plays baseball at Olympia High School. Last season as a junior the shortstop was named The Olympian's All-Area Player of the Year and co-MVP of the Narrows League.
"Gonzaga is really excited about these two high school recruits," said Knaggs. "They think both have the ability to be impact players as soon as they step on campus and want them to gain some experience before then with us."
The AppleSox open the 2012 season on the road against the Bellingham Bells on June 1st. The team will return to Paul Thomas Sr. Field to start a six-game home stand beginning with the home opener on June 5th against the Bend Elks.
• Discuss this story on the West Coast League message board...
West Coast League Stories from February 15, 2012
- AppleSox Add Zags to 2012 Roster - Wenatchee AppleSox
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
