New Mexico Baseball Recruits for 2014 Season

New Mexico Recruits for 2014

The Lobos lose a ton of talent as they lose one of the top players in college baseball and a first teamer as an AA in Peterson. Besides him at third base they lose the other corner, a shortstop, and two outfielders. That's more than a few big holes to fill. They also lose a starting pitcher and an important reliever. Some of these positions can be filled from the returning lineup (such as Real at 1B or catcher) but the recruits are the reviving blood that keeps a program moving along. Let's see who Coach Birmingham has convinced that life gets better once you get to Albuquerque.

Zane Ancell, LHP/OF, Coronado HS, Lubbock, TX
The only item I was able to find on Zane was that he made first team All-Area for District 2-5A in Texas (all those numbers and my eyes glaze over). I've never really been able to determine what the districts are (size of school, etc.) but it still sends up a green flag to my way of thinking. He made it as an outfielder.

Jacob Atchley, RHP, Centennial HS, Frisco, TX
As far as I can surmise, Jacob didn't pitch a lot last season. I found a total of 14 innings so he may have been hurt. Then again he was selected for the North Texas High School Baseball Coaches All-Star Game and made first team All-District as a pitcher. I give up. finding info on recruits for Basketball and football is easy compared to baseball.

Cody Bower, OF, St Pius X HS, Albuquerque, NM
Cody was good enough to be in the discussion of his mlb draft possibilities. It didn't happen but he's still pretty good. All-New Mexico for USA-Today.

Jake Cole, RHP, Pima CC, Tucson, AZ
Now here is an interesting story. This kid has been like most of us; traveling a curving and bumpy road. He starred at Sahuaro HS in Tucson mostly as a hitter and didn't turn to pitching until his senior year. He was drafted by the Texas Rangers in the 24th round in 2010 and decided to go to North Carolina on scholarship instead. Earlier he had been drafted by, get this, the Portland Winterhawks which is a hockey team!! Yeah, he's multitalented and has good size. Anyway, he stuck with baseball and left UNC after the 2011 season and played at Pima CC his sophomore year (last season) and now the Lobos. He's recovering from an injury and appears to be all the way back so, watch out hitters as he hits mid 90s. He could be the star of this group.

Tyler Gibson, RHP/INF, New Mexico Military Institute, Albuquerque, NM
I could find nothing current on Tyler.

Blair Goldsack, RHP, Yavapai JC, Las Vegas, NV
As a senior in high school he made first team All-State at Sierra Vista HS. He had a decent year as a freshman in 2012 but I believe he didn't play in 2013. He may have wanted to rest his arm as he had some small dings.

Ryan Hill, RHP, Centennial HS, Frisco, TX
I could find nothing on Ryan.

Kirby McGuire, INF/OF, Round Rock HS, Round Rock, TX
Kirby made Honorable Mention All-State as a senior and played for a pretty good team.

Lane Milligan, Catcher, Cherry Creek HS, Denver, CO
This kid could be a gem. I am a firm believer in kids from Colorado. Only one school (Northern Colorado) has a D1 program and the Air Force Academy is a special case. In any event, the state is fertile ground for talent and Lane is a case in point. On a very strong team he hit an astounding .554 with 4 homeruns. He has good size at 6'2". His team won the state championship in 2012 and was rated #16 nationally before the 2013 season started. His name was mentioned as a D1 talent and his season proved that adulation correct. He was also rated the 47th best catcher nationally at least in terms of draftability. A good one.

Nick Pivetta , RHP, New Mexico Junior College, British Columbia, Canada
Drafted in the fourth round and signed by the Washington Nationals.

Matt Reyes, INF, Midland College, Midland, TX
I could find nothing on Matt.

Preston Ryan, RHP, McClintock HS, Tempe, AZ
Preston had an ERA of 2.76 his senior season with 59 strikeouts in 66 innings. His WHIP was ok at 1.21 and would have been a lot better if he had not walked as many as he did. He made Honorable Mention All-Tribune for the state of Arizona.

Carson Schneider, LHP, Sandia HS, Albuquerque, NM
All-New Mexico for USA-Today in his senior season.

Aaron Siple, OF, Gateway CC, Gilbert, AZ
Aaron hit .342 last season for Gateway. He had 29 stolen bases in 2013 after having over 40 his freshman year so he certainly has speed. That also means he can go get ‘em in the outfield. A noticeable stat was his OBP of .482 which means he spends a lot of time on base bugging pitchers. Oh, let me guess; wears number 1, no power, great OBP, many walks, lotsa stolen bases, uh, lead-off?

Colton Thomson, LHP, Scottsdale CC, Gilbert, AZ
Ah, yes, the Fighting Artichokes. He was 10-3 this past season which is darn good. He had an ERA of 1.16 and had an eye-popping 113 strikeouts in 101 IP. Lotsa strikeouts and lotsa innings. I hope his arm holds up. Obviously a starter and could step right in that role for the Lobos. That many innings concerns me a bit but that's for the coaches to worry about. A good one.

Andre Vigil, INF, Volcano Vista HS, Albuquerque, NM
All-USA New Mexico for 2013. Hit an astounding .537 with 3 and led the state in hits with 46.

Jack Zoellner, Corner IF, Gilbert HS, Gilbert, AZ
All-Tribune First team which I guess is like All-State in Arizona. His .500 BA and 12 homeruns says all you need to know about this kid.

Tyson Curley, LHP, Aztec HS, Aztec, NM
This report is full of great stories and this one may be the best. I just got this kid's name while talking to Coach Birmingham on August 2nd. Coach then told me that Tyson is Native American. How often have any of you heard that before? Neither have I. I may have to do my first interview with a high schooler. Stay tuned on this one. Anyway, I could find little about him but one article said that the pros had shown interest and he was a draft possibility which didn't happen. He can hit 90 and the scouts told him if he can get it up to 94 or so and gain more command, they'll come knockin' on his door.

The Lobos have some talent coming in. The best cover a multitude of positions so even if only a couple pan out, the team can fill some holes. Cody Bower (OF), Jake Cole (RHP), Lane Milligan (C), Aaron Siple (OF), Andre Vigil (INF), and Jack Zoellner (3B) look to be the best bets to fill the holes. I'm betting a few of these newbies will start. My bet for hidden gem? Curley.