Red Devils Ready To Answer Questions

As the first pitch of the new baseball season draws closer, there are plenty of questions running through the mind of Avon Park head coach Mort Jackson.

Who will fill the holes in his infield? Can his veteran pitchers be trusted to win those close games? What is the identity of the '09 Devils?

"I'm still looking for a shortstop, second and third baseman. It's a work in progress to find the makeup of this team," Jackson said. "I've got seven seniors on this team that'll see a lot of playing time, but it's the young guys that we'll have to see how they'll perform."

Jackson and his staff will use the preseason to make their final evaluations for certain positions and finalize the roster that will lead them into opening day.

The first test will be Friday, when Avon Park opens the preseason against Clewiston in the second day of the three-day Avon Park First Pitch Classic at Head Field, which begins at 7:30 p.m.

"Some jobs are going to go down to the final day before the season," said Jackson. "But we're going to need contributions from everyone on the team to be successful this season."

A key returner from last season's squad is senior Kyle Jackson, who was tabbed by Coach Jackson as "the best offensive weapon" for AP last season after leading the Devils in nearly every offensive category.

Jackson batted .392 with 31 hits, 11 doubles, 22 RBI and a .595 slugging percentage, while playing stellar defense by collecting 23 assists and 137 put-outs with no errors for the Devils.

"Kyle is just a solid all-around ball player," Jackson said. "He is one of our top pitchers, as well as playing great at first base. He's always been dependable as a leader and I expect no less from him during his senior year."

Senior Buddy Duke has weathered a trying fall and winter in his efforts to recover from a serious neck injury, but he's worked hard and is ready to bring his best to the Devils this season.

"I feel pretty good heading into the season," said Duke, who plays first and pitches for the Devils. "It was a difficult winter to get myself ready to play, but I'm throwing the ball well and what pain I do have I'll endure."

Duke believes that the '09 Devils are a strong team, but have a lot of soft spots in their lineup that he hopes will be mended through the course of the season.

"It's rare that you don't have holes to fill coming into a season, but we're ready to overcome any of those bumps in the road," Duke said. "Everybody is hitting the ball well and getting on base. I think it's going to come down to pitching and if we stack up with the rest of the district."

Coach Jackson's rotation will include Jackson, Duke, Dylan Hering, Chevis Hicks, Jeff Fallis, Drew Reeves and 6-foot-5 freshman Brad Torres, who has been a nice surprise for AP in the early going of the training camp.

"Brad has really good control and good speed," said Jackson. "I'm looking forward to seeing him in action during the preseason, but so far he's amazed me and everyone else on my staff."

When talking about the holes in the middle infield, Jackson says that the key is going to be where he plays Chad Marley.

Last season, Marley played second base, but his prowess in the infield gives him ability to play any position, which is a plus for Jackson.

"It all depends on where I play Chad and then the other prospects will fall in line," said the AP skipper. "I fell good that we can matchup with anyone, but of course, defense has us worried going into the season."

Desby Jackson and junior Josh Gordon shore up the outfield along with senior Matt Rivera, to give the Devils a quick and sound outfield presence that can cover some ground to help deny the extra base hit.

But the biggest hurdle going into the season for Jackson is teamwork and getting the team all on the same page.

"It's always a challenge to get nine guys to play as one," said Jackson. "But we're ready to take the field and show what we're made of."

AVON PARK FIRST PITCH BASEBALL CLASSIC

at Head Field

TODAY Sebring vs. Clewiston, 7 p.m.

FRIDAY Sebring vs. Pasco, 5 p.m.

FRIDAY AP vs. Clewiston, 7:30 p.m.

SATURDAY AP vs. Pasco, noon