Spring N2 Action
GLEN ROSE REPORTER & YOURGLENROSETX.COM | Thursday, February 27, 2014 | PAGE C5
BASEBALL
Tigers turn to new leaders Glen Rose fields younger, faster team TYE CHANDLER
sports@theglenrosereporter.com
Tiger baseball has undergone quite a few roster changes, but Glen Rose is still aiming for the postseason. All five of the team’s first team all-district players graduated, while three second teamers return. Coach Kenny Toney thinks the new lineup will mesh and continue to be a contender. “We’re going to have more speed than we’ve had the past few years,” the coach said. “Another strength I believe is team chemistry. A lot of these guys do a lot of things together. We don’t have as many proven varsity guys returning this year, but we should be solid throughout the lineup.” The Tigers went 14-14 last season with an 8-4 district record. The 7-3A Second Team returnees are Hayden Holder, Preston Shuffield and Jayton Dillard. This year, Holder is slated to return to his role as a shortstop and pitcher. “I will count on him to pitch a lot of innings and be a top-two guy in the rotation,” Toney said. “He’ll bat high in the order and be a contact hitter with power potential.” Shuffield’s duties are changing. “Preston is learning the catcher position, trying to be our top guy there,” Toney said. “He’s shown a strong work ethic and focused on blocking the ball, along with his footwork. I’m also counting on him for a lot of innings on the mound. “He will bat cleanup and we’ll see how it goes. I’m asking a lot of him, as far as needing a big year.” Dillard is also undergo-
ing significant changes in his role. “Dillard will play where we need him, which could be shortstop or third base depending on who is pitching, and maybe some centerfield,” Toney said. “He’ll see some innings on the mound and be our leadoff batter, so I’m counting on him to score a lot of runs.” Colten Lane returns to his role of third baseman and pitcher. “I need him to be a toptwo guy in our rotation and log a lot of innings,” the coach said. “Plus, we’ll count on another solid year from him at third base. Colten will
bat high in the order and hopefully get a lot of RBIs. He can hit for power.” Returnee Chance Nabours will play outfield and possibly some first base. “Chance has a good arm,” Toney said. “He will bat in the middle of the order. I think he will show improvement as a hitter.” Peyton Lytle returns in the outfield and could primarily play centerfield. “Peyton will bat in the middle of the order and he has some power,” Toney said. “He has speed on the bases and could be a reliever on the mound.” A senior in his first varsity
season, Carlin Linnabery will play outfield and is competing to be the centerfielder. He may also play some catcher. “Carlin is a multipurpose guy,” Toney said. “I like that he has good speed, so we want to get him on the bases.
He’ll bat low in the order and we’ll need his production at the plate, plus I like him back to back with Dillard in the leadoff spot. His arm has gotten stronger in the outfield and he’s getting good jumps on the ball.”
Senior Dylan Whitlock will play outfield, most likely left field. “He will bat low in the order and I look for him to put the ball in play,” Toney said.
Brent Blinka
Carlin Linnabery
Chance Nabours
Cody Halcom
Colten Lane
Dalton Gould
Dylan Hammond
Dylan Whitlock
Hayden Holder
Jayton Dillard
Layne McAnear
Peyton Lytle
Preston Shuffield
Reece Nickell
Trey Yocham
GRR FILE PHOTO
Hayden Holder is being counted on heavily this season as a shortstop, pitcher and hitter.
SEE THROW, C10