SUNSHINE will not be pushed around in its first season back in the Baseball Victoria summer league division 1.
Eagles player-coach Shaun Moore told the Weekly his side wanted to “make a statement” from the get-go.
In its sights is visitors Cheltenham in the season-opener at Barclay Reserve on Sunday.
“Coming up from division 2, a lot of teams will be seeing us as the easybeats,” Moore said.
“We’ve got a challenging start.
“Cheltenham are one of the best power-hitting teams in the competition.
“We want to go out and show we’ll be a force to be reckoned with.”
Eagles ace Rory Meddick is expected to be on the mound in the home opener.
The Eagles have a much deeper pitching roster than last year.
Moore said it was imperative because of a heavier schedule and tougher level of competition to strengthen the bullpen.
“Last year we only had a 27-game fixture,” he said.
“You could get away with using only two pitchers.
“This year it’s a lot tougher. They’re facing better hitters and you need at least five pitchers.”
Cue the recruitment of the Shaw brothers.
Tom, a youngster with a large array of pitches and good control, is likely to be used as a starter in the midweek games.
Roland, who has a mean fast ball when on song, will be scrapping for the closer’s role, or used in relief.
Adam Irons is still in the ranks and will also mix his innings between starting and closing.
If pitching was a strength of the Eagles last season, it will be even stronger this campaign.
They’re confident they can produce enough runs this season to be a damaging team.
They have a solid line-up with Scott Moore, Brad Jones, Shannon Hornstra and Irons.
Matthew Jacobsson, restricted to 10 games after a quad injury last season, will further bolster the hitting power.
The Eagles will get stronger in the field, too.
They have brought in a Japanese import with a rocket arm from the outfield, while Allister Locklock, a new recruit from the Newport Rams, will put his hand up for shortstop.
Moore is excited, rather than apprehensive, about the start of the Eagles journey in the ‘bigs’.
“I’m really looking forward to this year, being back in division 1,” he said.
“I really enjoy the challenge and the boys are keen.”
The Eagles will unveil their new synthetic diamond in the home opener.
The club will have a host of its life members on hand for the unveiling and is calling on local baseball fans to come and voice their support.
“We’re really making a day of it,” Moore said.
“There’s a great vibe around the club.”
