#1 Chandler Phillips --- Bats R / Throws R
Chandler is the NWLA Tournament seasoned veteran on this eight man crew, which is funny since he is still over a month away from his 20th birthday. Chandler has been one of the best two-way players for Dads/Big Wood, as he has a 3-1 lifetime tournament record and 11 hits. Chandler is on the regional squad for his bat, trash talk, and of course veteran leadership. You won’t see Chandler on the hill, but he has some of the best hands in WSEM, so expect him to man one of the outfield positions from time to time.
#14 Travis Strojny --- Bats R / Throws R
Travis Strojny was that “other rookie” last year for the runner-up Belgian Wiffles. He did however out-pitch his teammate and National Pitcher of the Year Stephen Farkas in the playoffs. That performance caught the eye of the Wolfpack, where he is now the ace. Travis has the attitude and dominant stuff on the mound that you look for when you are ultimately picking someone to replace the unreplaceable Austin Bischoff
#19 Chris Paquin --- Bats R / Throws R
Chris Paquin is now in year four in WSEM, and has had an incredible run in those years. His Greg Maddux approach and pin-point accuracy on the mound has won him 22 career WSEM games. 2014 was his banner year as he had a 0.94 WHIP and a 5.96:1 K/BB ratio. The Dads pride themselves on keeping walks down, and hitting the board, so Paquin will fit in well. Paquin will be one of five pitchers who will get some action on the hill.
#21 Kyle Tomlinson --- Bats R / Throws R
Tomlinson joins Chandler as the other Dad who isn’t playing for a spot on the team, but instead will provide leadership and experience. Kyle had a disappointing 2014 NWLA Tournament, but no one seems worried. The two-time WSEM MVP is one of the best hitters in the league, and a new year should mean a new Kyle. This will be a time for Kyle to get his confidence back, as the switch-hitting outfielder should get a lot of at-bats for the Regional Dads.
#22 Trey Jardine --- Bats R / Throws L
The left-handed Trey Jardine was an ace rookie in 2014, and continues to be an ace in year two for the nationally ranked Red Cox. Being a left-handed pitcher isn’t his main selling point, but it doesn’t hurt. His main selling points are his velocity, arsenal of pitches, and accuracy that you need when pitching in the NWLA Tournament. He is the prototypical pitcher that Alex Shore seeks to find. Jardine isn’t known for his bat, so his only focus in Kalamazoo will be pitching in hopes of earning that open spot on the National Team.
#29 Stephen Werner --- Bats R / Throws R
It’s well known that Alex Shore is looking for a pitcher to replace Austin, so adding Stephen Werner to the regional squad may make you scratch your head. However, the WSEM Dads were 13th in hitting last year, so it’s understandable to give a pure hitter like Werner a look. Werner didn’t even play a full season in 2014, but still came close to winning the MVP award. He is one of the most clutch hitters in league history, as he had home runs against both Bischoff brothers and Farkas in his rookie season. Expect Werner to get a lot of at-bats, and also see some time in the field.
#50 David Castle --- Bats R / Throws R
Castle is a four year WSEM member who has done it all. He’s played in two All-Star Games, he’s never missed the playoffs, he’s never had less than 40 hits in a full season, and this year he is pitching like an ace. In a league with so much talent, he’s often been overlooked. Until now. Of the six guys trying to earn that last spot on the National team, Castle is probably the best two-way player. He will get his chance to show what he’s got, on both the mound and at the plate.
#99 Craig Skinner --- Bats L / Throws R
A lot can be said about Craig Skinner. He was hyped up for Big Wood in 2013, and then seemingly forgot how to pitch when he got to Ohio. It didn’t faze him in WSEM play, as he won the Clown Shu that year. He then won a WSEM Championship in 2014, and came out of the gates with something to prove in 2015 by pitching a perfect game in less than friendly conditions on Opening Day. That has earned him a second chance. A lot of eyes will be on Skinner in Kalamazoo. Many call him the front runner to replace Austin, but those NWLA rules could once again haunt him.
