Sports
2011 Lake Elsinore Storm Has Final Workout Before Opening Day
The team assembled Wednesday night at The Diamond to prepare for Thursday's Opening Day against the San Jose Giants.
VIDEO, PHOTO GALLERY INCLUDED
Call it the calm before the Storm.
Wednesday evening at The Diamond, the 2011 Lake Elsinore Storm had a final workout as a team before Thursday’s season opener against San Jose.
Find out what's happening in Lake Elsinore-Wildomarfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Although a number of last year’s players have gone up to Class AA, there will be a number of familiar faces. Manager Carlos Lezcano returns for his fifth season and is excited about this year's team.
“I like the talent we have – speed, power, good arms,” Lezcano said before Wednesday’s workout. “They will be similar to last year with their speed, but this is a brand new group and they’ll form their own identity.”
Find out what's happening in Lake Elsinore-Wildomarfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
There are a number of players returning from last year, including five from the pitching staff. Riverside native Matt Lollis, a 6-foot-9 righthander, will start against the Giants Thursday night.
A 15th round draft pick in 2009, Lollis split his time last season between Class A Eugene and Fort Wayne. He's a strikeout pitcher who doesn’t walk many and finished last year at 7-4 with a 2.12 earned-run average.
While he may not have been here yet as a professional, Lollis has been on the field in uniform several times. He has fond memories of doing “the march of the Little Leaguers” as a kid growing up in the area.
“We came and watched Storm games for as long as I can remember,” said Lollis, who played high school ball at Patriot High School and one year at Riverside Community College before the Padres drafted him. “The good thing about this year is I can live at home. My mom and dad love it because they didn’t get to see me play much last year.”
As for Lezcano, his plans for the team focus on preparing them for the major league club. But make no mistake, winning is a part of that learning curve.
“My number one priority is to get them to get better,” Lezcano said. “Development also takes priority, but I also want to teach them how to win games.
Jason Hagerty is the starting catcher, and he worked with all five starting pitchers last season. He said this has the makings of a very strong staff, including the bullpen.
“We have a lot of depth, a good combination of righties and lefties with some very good stuff,” Hagerty said. “I especially like the back end of our bullpen with (Miles) Mikolas as the closer. Hayden Beard also has tremendous stuff. We’re really strong in all areas.”
Thursday's season opener starts at 7:05 p.m.; gates open at 5 p.m.
