Division II Stars Choose Steamers
March 3, 2014 - Coastal Plain League (Coastal Plain)
Edenton Steamers News Release
EDENTON, N.C - The Edenton Steamers of the Coastal Plain League announce today the signings of Ty Barkell, Trevor Jones and Joeanthony Rivera for the 2014 summer.
Barkell is a junior from the University of South Carolina-Aiken in the NCAA Division II Peach Belt Conference. The 6-3, 220-pound righty hits cleanup and plays first base every day for the Pacers this spring. The Denver, C.O. native spent last summer with the Forest City Owls in the Coastal Plain League, finishing the campaign with a .280 batting average, .319 on-base average, .367 slugging average and .686 OPS. On his way to being named a midseason all-star, Barkell hit seven doubles and two home runs.
After a sophomore spring campaign that saw Barkell earn a slew of postseason hardware, including Division II regional honors and the DII Southeast Region Gold Glove, he enjoyed a solid first turn in the CPL that included an all-star nod. The Steamers expect him to take the next step forward in his offensive development and be a potential mid-order presence this summer. Barkell has made good on that upside so far, turning in stellar production through 15 games. He is hitting .309 with 10 extra-base hits, eight walks to eight strikeouts and 35 combined runs and RBIs.
Jones, from the University of Central Missouri in the NCAA Division II Missouri Intercollegiate Athletic Association, is a junior outfielder from Florissant, M.O. The lefty stands at 5-10, 150 pounds and is the everyday centerfielder and leadoff hitter for the Mules this spring. Jones spent last summer with the Chillicothe Mudcats in the M.I.N.K League, playing in 31 games. In 114 at-bats he finished with a .386/.458/.465 slash line for a .923 OPS. Along with the production averages he scored 32 runs, knocked in 24 and was a perfect 21 for 21 swiping bases.
Jones wrapped up his summer second in stolen bases and third in batting average in the M.I.N.K. League and was named the fastest base runner and seventh-best prospect in the league by Perfect Game CrossChecker. PG had the following to say about Jones,
"He has game-changing speed at 6.4-6.5 in 60; fastest player in league; terror on bases; was successful on all 21 SB attempts; speed also plays extremely well chasing balls down in CF; just starting to figure things out at plate from left side; batted .374; gets most hits by spraying ball around (and) on bunts; slight/lean frame at 5-10/150; if he can add 15-20 pounds, could become a force with bat; worth keeping an eye on; should be drafted on basis of speed and athleticism alone."
Jones has the chance to be a very dynamic player, both offensively, near the top of the order, and defensively. If his developing plate discipline will allow him to draw more walks and work more favorable counts, he will get himself out less and create more extra-base production. He is off to a fast start after 15 games, with a .339 batting average, five extra base hits, six walks, only five strikeouts and has also been hit by five pitches while going seven for eight in stolen base attempts.
Rivera, a redshirt-sophomore from Barry University (FL) in the NCAA Division II Sunshine State Conference, is the lefty closer for the Buccaneers this spring. The 6-3, 220-pound, Naples, F.L. native spent last summer with the North Adams SteepleCats in the New England Collegiate Baseball League. Rivera made 16 appearances (all in relief) for North Adams, logging 18.1 innings and a 3-1 record. He recorded five saves, a 0.96 ERA, 0.80 WHIP, .197 batting average against and 21 strikeouts to just two walks.
Rivera is a power bullpen arm from the left side. He flourished last season, his debut, with Barry and in the NECBL after redshirting at Florida Gulf Coast University in 2012. Rivera was one of the top closers in the league last summer with a fastball that sits in the upper 80s. So far in 2014 he is 2-0 with two saves, allowing only one hit in five appearances.
The Edenton Steamers are a proud member of the Coastal Plain League, the nation's hottest summer collegiate baseball league. Celebrating its 17th season in 2013, the CPL features 14 teams playing in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. The CPL gives college players the chance to refine their skills with the use of wooden bats. Players are housed with local host families for the summer and past experiences have been very positive for both players and hosts.
Furthermore, the CPL has had over 1,000 alumni drafted and 63 alums - including 2011 AL MVP and Cy Young winner Justin Verlander -make their Major League debut thus far. For more information on the Coastal Plain League, please visit the league website at www.coastalplain.com, and be sure to friend us on Facebook (at www.facebook.com/coastalplainleague) and follow us via Twitter (as cplbaseball).
Coastal Plain League Stories from March 3, 2014
- Division II Stars Choose Steamers - Edenton Steamers
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.
