Two More Key Pieces to the Steamers Puzzle
Published on April 3, 2017 under Coastal Plain League (Coastal Plain)
Edenton Steamers News Release
The Steamers are excited to announce the signing of two NCAA Division I infielders. The Teal and Black have inked Tristen Carranza and Dominic Cuevas (KWAY-boss).
Tristen Carranza will come to the Steamers from the New Mexico State University Aggies in the Western Athletic Conference. The sophomore infielder spent the 2016 summer with the Amsterdam Mohawks in the Perfect Game League. The 5'9" 200-pound right-handed bat posted a .322/.397/.511/.908 slash line in 174 at bats touched off by 20 extra-base hits and 36 RBI in 49 games. Defensively, the El Centro, CA native played mostly third base with some corner outfield and posted a range factor of 2.85 with a fielding average over .900.
Carranza is a versatile right-handed slugger who could evolve into a true four-corners player over the next year. Along with third base and corner outfield last summer, he has been the Aggies' everyday first baseman this spring and could work into a corner outfield spot next spring. The sophomore brings a strong compact stroke from the right side and punishes mistakes or when he gets his pitch. Carranza should fit somewhere in the middle of Edenton's lineup this summer and help lengthen it out along with the other projected sluggers. His defensive versatility could be something into which Coach Coffman taps this summer.
Carranza has been on a tear since the first couple weeks of the 2017 spring. Currently his averages are .321/.421/.728/1.149, including six doubles, nine homers, 30 RBI and 19 runs scored through 22 starts and 81 at-bats. He is one of the most productive power hitters in the nation so far and is creating well over two runs a game, underscoring his overall offensive value for the Aggies.
Dominic Cuevas will come to the Teal and Black from the North Carolina Central University Eagles in the Mid Eastern Athletic Conference. The 5'11" 180-pound shortstop is a former transfer from National Junior College Athletic Association Division II College of Lake County in Illinois where he was a decorated performer in 2016.
The Gurnee, IL native should be Edenton's truest defender at the shortstop position. Cuevas has all the tools to excel defensively at the CPL level and makes the play up the middle with aplomb. He has made very quick strides this spring on both sides of the ball, adjusting to NCAA Division I competition and just needs to continue improving his consistency with the glove. Offensively, he can do a little bit of everything; from a patient approach Cuevas shows the ability to control the bat and drive the extra-base hit and also runs well underway.
He is in the role of everyday shortstop for the Eagles this season. Just past the halfway point of the 2017 college season, Cuevas has .264/.429/.421/.850 averages, highlighted by 23 bases on balls to just 12 strikeouts. Defensively, his .898 fielding average has been offset by a 5.07 range factor
The Edenton Steamers will proudly be celebrating their 20th anniversary season as a member of the Coastal Plain League in 2017. The season will begin on Tuesday May 30th when the Morehead City Marlins visit Historic Hicks Field. Be sure to follow the Teal and Black on social media to stay up to date with all things Steamers. You can find the team on Facebook @EdentonSteamers, Twitter @EdentonCPL, Instagram @edentonsteamers, and Snapchat @edentonsteamers. For more information visit edentonsteamers.com or call (252) 482-4080.
The Coastal Plain League is the nation's premier summer collegiate baseball league. Celebrating its 21st season in 2017, the CPL features 15 teams playing in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia. The CPL has had nearly 1,300 alumni drafted and 94 of those - including 2011 AL MVP and Cy Young winner Justin Verlander - make their Major League debut; while another notable alum - Russell Wilson - won Super Bowl XLVIII. For more information on the Coastal Plain League, please visit the league website at www.coastalplain.com and follow us via Twitter @CPLBaseball.
Coastal Plain League Stories from April 3, 2017
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- Two More Key Pieces to the Steamers Puzzle - Edenton Steamers
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