From the California A’s:
The California A’s are looking to improve from the 13th place finish at the 2009 ISC World Tournament. With the additions we have made to our pitching staff and offense, we fill we have completed our goals over the winter to compete for the 2010 ISC World Tournament Championship.
We look forward to attending the 2010 ISC World Tournament in Midland, MI. and doing a very best representing our fans, supporters, and sponsors.
2010 California A’s roster
(pitchers in bold)
Sean Whitten
Travis Price
Dave Drotzmann
Bobby Rosthenhausler
Jeff Twist
Derek Mayson
Todd Budke
Eddie Martin
Steve Pinocchio
Marcus Tan
Pat Fuentes
Glen Ormbsy
Kevin Castillo
Darren Box
Jason Porto
Chase Turner
Dave Kimura
Nate Devine
Coaches:
David Weldin
Ron Guzman
Editor’s notes: The California A’s were Best of the West Champions in 2009. At the ISC World Tournament, Todd Budke earned all world honors, and the award as the top hitter in the tournament with a .538 average. (The All World award was Budke’s fifth by my count, something that ought to ensure a spot in the Hall of Fame when he retires — though last year indicates he remains one of the game’s top batters) Veteran Eddie Martin also had a good ISC World Tournament for the California squad. The A’s came within a few outs of upsetting a top 10 team in their 2009 ISC World Tournament opener last year, taking a 4-1 lead into the final inning, but were unable to hold the Explorers down. Midland tied the game with 3 in the 7th and went on to win 5-4 in 9 innings. The A’s dropped their second game to a strong Dominican Republic team, 4-2, but then rebounded with wins over two higher ranked teams, 5-2 over the host Quad City Sox, and 10-2 over Dolan & Murphy. The A’s were finally eliminated by the same Midland Explorer team, finishing 13th overall, after coming into the tournament ranked as # 20.
Their ace from last year, Argentine Sebastian Gervasutti is gone, but in his place, California has signed Canadian Sean Whitten, who pitched his Midwest Stampede team to a 4th place finish. Whitten earned 2nd team all-world honors for his efforts. Whitten, one of the hardest throwers in the game, also played a key role in Team Canada’s bronze medal finish at last summer’s ISF World Championships at Saskatoon. Joining him on the staff will be fellow Canadian, Travis Price, who laced them up for Team USA in Saskatoon, having resided in California since his early days with Team Rainey. 2008 ISC II Most Valuable Pitcher Dave Drotzmann gives California a solid third, who will have the benefit of a year’s World Tournament experience under his belt. Two more Canadians additions are expected to make the batting order stronger still, last year’s 2nd team All World DH Darren Box, and youngster Derek Mayson, still in his early 20’s, but already recognized as one of the game’s premier hitters.