Lakeland Baseball Hopes to Score, Win More in 2011

Pitching and defense were strong for the Lakeland baseball team a year ago, but the Eagles consistently struggled on offense. 

Any increase in run production this year could result in a significant improvement on last year's 19-17 season that ended with a close loss to Walled Lake Central in the district championship. And with two top pitchers returning, Lakeland could be primed for a strong season. 

Timmy Wilson and Cole McGinn will be the top returning hurlers for head coach Todd Miller. Wilson is a four-year varsity player, and McGinn has significantly improved over the past year.

The two will get a lot of offensive support from second baseman Zack Szajner and center fielder Graham Shearer, who are returning for their senior seasons. The two led Lakeland in virtually every individual offensive category a year ago. 

Now Miller will have to hope other players provide offensive punch and that other pitchers emerge to support Wilson and McGinn. Behind the plate, catcher Nick Eldridge has worked hard during the off-season and should be even better this year calling games and fielding his position. 

Offense, though, might remain Lakeland’s biggest challenge. 

“We really struggled to get those timely hits, and it seemed like we were always losing close games,” said Miller, whose team had eight losses by one or two runs. “It seemed like we had to work really hard to get those runs.” 

Lakeland, though, does bring most of its team back, with 10 letter winners returning. One of the strengths of the team is speed and athleticism. While Lakeland may not have a high number of traditional power hitters, it may be able to manufacture runs with smart base running and speed. 

On the mound Wilson and McGinn individually aren’t overpowering, but they throw strikes and often can pitch to the Lakeland defense, which involves throwing the ball over the plate's corners and putting it in places where opposing hitters can’t make full contact. 

“We’re not trying to strike every guy out, because our strength is pitching and defense,” Miller said. 

This season, crossover games against Kensington Lakes Activities Association West teams count toward the divisional standings, along with the doubleheaders with division opponents. That means Lakeland will have single games against such tough teams as Grand Blanc, Howell, Hartland and Brighton. Walled Lake Central may again be the team to beat in the KLAA North, Miller said. 

In the weeks leading up to Wednesday's season opener, the Eagles were working on improving the mental as well as the physical aspects of the game, Miller said. 

“We have to play with a certain attitude,” he said. “Losing those close games last year was partially my fault, and we need to be able to win more of them this season.”