EDMONTON, AB - As the WCBL creeps closer to the league’s opening day, Edmonton Prospects head coach Jordan Blundell likes what he sees out of the current crop of college recruits.
“We’re excited with the group we have,” said Blundell on the 2019 roster. “That being said, it would be unfair to say that we don’t continue to do our job in the front office (to make the team better). Player movement happens, and players may or may not be able to come up for the summer. Guys get hurt. Things happen. We don’t feel we need anything, however; we’re incredibly confident in the players we have.”
“If we were to start tomorrow with our current roster, we’re ready to go.”
A pair of Sherwood Park natives are looking to be a part of the Prospects 2019 Opening Day roster, as the club confirmed the return of RHP Scott Gillespie and the signing of RHP/OF Brayden Cust for the 2019 season.
Gillespie, 21, will for his third season with the Prospects following his season at the University of Arkansas-Monticello, where the sophomore is currently 2-1 with two saves. In his three seasons with the Prospects, the St. Francis Xavier High School graduate is 3-3 with 74 strikeouts.
“It was an easy decision to re-sign (Scott),” commented Blundell on Gillespie. “He’s a veteran of the ballclub, and he’s had success for the organization in the past going through our playoff battles. He brings a ton of experience and leadership on that side of things.”
“When you’re trying to get the last six or nine outs of a ball game, you need guys you can trust,” Blundell continued. “Scott’s settled in as a reliever and as a guy who can get important outs when you need them. He’s proven he can do that, and we’re excited to have him continue to do so for us.”
Cust joins the Prospects after committing to Colby Community College in Colby, Kansas. The Prospects Academy standout is expected to both pitch and play the outfield with the organization.
“Brayden’s got a ton of potential and a ton of talent; he’s been a go-to guy his whole youth baseball journey, and now through the Academy. He’ll get every opportunity to fight for playing time and to try and establish himself as a full-time WCBL player early in his college journey.”
“He’s a great kid; for me, him being able to learn from some of our players who have 3 or 4 years of college development already behind them bodes well for his development. The sky’s the limit for Brayden; he can do it on both sides of the ball.”
Opening Day Excitement
As the organization nears it’s May 25th home opener against the Lethbridge Bulls, Blundell admits he’s getting antsy at the prospect of game action.
“(It’s exciting) finally getting to see our players in our uniform, and not just tracking them online. There are some guys that I’m excited to play in person. As a coach building the team, what keeps it fun is building the culture of the clubhouse and relationships you create with the team. Helping them improve on a day-to-day basis is why I do (this).”
“I’ve been in the stands, I’ve been on the field as a player, and now in the dugout, I’ve seen every view you can have (at RE/MAX Field). I’m excited for our players; they’re going to get to experience our fans and their enthusiasm to our ball club. That’s going to be great for me to be a part of.”
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