HarbourCat Lobo's Update

It's been a couple weeks since we've had an update on our New Mexico boys. When last we checked in with our trio of upcoming  HarbourCats, OF Danny Collier and LHP Carson Schneider were in the midst of promising freshmen seasons, while Preston Ryan was getting some time on the mound to work down his early-season ERA...

Since then, both Collier and Schneider have continued to shine, and the two have reached Albuquerque celebrity status! The Albuquerque Journal did a recent story on the local lads and their contributions to the Lobos this year, and they are featured prominently in many of the game recaps and stories the Journal publishes. That's not hard to believe, given their numbers.

Collier tracks one down

Collier is still red-hot at the plate, hitting .342 in 116 plate appearances - he's second in team hitting, seven points ahead of ex-Cat Alex Real. Schneider is up to 17 appearances out of the pen, and holds a 2-0 record. The lefty boasts a modest 1.40 ERA, giving up only 3 earned runs all season.

Preston Ryan has had a couple more turns on the mound and continues to look over-matched, giving up 17 earned runs in 14 innings of work. His 10.93 ERA still needs a little work before he heads north if he expects to be much of a part of the HarbourCat picture.

Both Collier and Schneider were also mentioned in Baseball America's weekend preview - showing how important these two youngsters are to the Lobos' 31-11-1 winning record (14-4 Mountain West record). Currently ranked #24 in the country, the Lobos look like they are on their way to the Sweet 16 tournament in June - which isn't great for the HarbourCats, as it will delay the boys arrival in our fair city...

HarbourCatnip

Like our Lobos, our Pepperdine Catcher Aaron Barnett is getting better as the season progresses, raising his average to .352 over 145 ABs. Devin Carter's playing time, which at last report was up, has dwindled seeing him start in only 2 of the team's last 10 games. He's still batting a respectable .283 in 46 at bats.

In team news, the HarbourCats are creeping closer to their desired roster size of around 40 players by signing four more players this week (3 regular, one 10 day). Included in this set is local boy and ex-Victoria Eagle pitcher Brett Hull. No relation to the most prolific right-winger in NHL history... Two more right-handers and a fourth catcher round out the additions. Have a read of the press release for a full report on the new meat.

Just over a month to go until opening day! Can't wait for my old saggy seat to be firmly planted in one of those new comfy seats at STD!