Listen, people: I just heard the weather report for the next few days. And it’s got me in a bad way. A really, really bad way.
And I’ve chosen to combat this depressed state with my weapon of choice in matters of seasonal affective disorder: Thinking about baseball!
Luckily, the good people at Prep Baseball Report have given northeast Johnson Countians fodder for such, having recently released their preview of the 2014 SM East squad. With their entire starting lineup from 2013 set to return to the diamond this year — including three students who have signed to play at the college level — the Lancers would seem to be in prime position to improve on their 9-13 record last year.
Says PBR:
The Lancers return one of the most experienced teams in the state with all nine members of their starting line-up and four pitchers with significant innings back for the 2014 season highlighted by five All-Sunflower League performers. Wichita State signee senior catcher Gunnar Troutwine provides East with a physical presence in the middle of their line-up and strong arm behind the plate. Their pitching staff is deep and balanced with a solid core of right-handed pitchers and two impact left-handed pitchers in senior Trey Austin and sophomore Joey Wentz, a national prospect that has already established himself earning All-League honors as a freshman.