The 2010 Victoria Jr. Mariners are entering the 2010 Junior Premier season with the expectation of being one of the league’s top teams.  This team will focus on pitching and team defence, while taking a “small ball” approach on the offensive side.  With many athletically gifted young players, the coaching staff has high expectations for this year’s team.

Catching will undoubtedly be one of this teams strengths as the Mariners return Brandon Rossum and Ty Russell from last years club.  Both Brandon and Ty will be counted on to lead the young pitching staff and to contribute with the bat.  Brandon and Ty will be tasked with leading the team, while working at improving their own skills in order to be ready for the jump to the premier team next year.  Utility man Aaron Hopwood will also see time behind the plate as well as in the outfield and on the mound.

The Jr. Mariners have a deep pitching staff complete with many different looks.  Hard throwers Jackson Allabarton and Jesse Long will be counted on to log many innings while also providing big bats in the middle of the lineup from an infield position.  Strike throwing machines Nathan McKinlay and Jason Johnson will see many innings on the mound and will bring valued consistency to the team.  Left hander Riley Rebitt will see time in both the rotation and the bullpen and will keep the opposing hitters guessing, while lefty Kris Barber will look to contribute to out of the bullpen while giving the team some power in the heart of the batting order.  Jordan Toth will serve as the team’s closer and brings a hard to hit side arm delivery to the pitching staff. 

Seeing time in the middle infield as well as on the mound, this year’s youngest Mariner, Grade 9  Morgan Varley, brings a versatile skill set to the team.  Chris Call and Travis Ranger will also occupy the Jr. Mariner’s infield and will bring speed to this year’s club.  Lucas Lapinski will be counted on to bring some pop to the line up while anchoring third base with his steady glove.

In the outfield Ryan Rufh is looking to make a smooth transition from shortstop to centre field and will be counted on to spark the team offensively.  Corner outfielders Scott Calverley and Alex Niketas bring excellent athletic ability to the team and will be counted on to contribute from both the outfield and from the mound.  Connor Afcouliotis will see significant time in left field and will bring an excellent glove to this year’s team.