Head Coach: Casey Smith, 1st season
Assistant Coaches: James Smith, Sam Califa, Sam Tagle, David Alejos
2009 Record: 7-15, District: 5-9
Playoff Appearance: 2005 3rd seed
Coach Casey Smith takes over after Coach Robert Niño led the Patriots for the first six seasons of school existence. Coach Smith comes over from Sharyland where he was an assistant for the last six years.
“The biggest strength that we have is a group of kids who are willing to work and eager to learn the game of baseball,” said Coach Smith. “Our coaching staff is pleased with the strides that we have taken during what has been a very productive offseason,” added Coach Smith.
Alex Diaz de Villegas (sr.), SS/P, will return to lead the Patriots. Villegas hit over .400 last season with 3 homeruns in district play. He was also named 1st team all-district at third base. “Villegas is what we believe is our best player. He is a leader on and off the field who gets better with every practice. He looks to be our #1 pitcher with a fastball in mid-80ʼs with good movement, and he will bat in the 3 hole hitter,” said Coach Smith.
Rick Alanis (sr.), 1B/P, is a returning starter for the Patriots. Alanis was a 2nd team all-district selection at first base last season. Alanis hit over .300 in district play last year. Alanis in a tall left-handed hitter with good pop and will anchor the middle of the lineup. First team all-district Roy Falcon (sr.), OF/P, will play centerfield and has the speed to cover lots of ground in the outfield. Falcon hit .290 in district last year. Rick Perez (sr.), C/3B/P, is another returning starter. Perez moves from the OF to C in the 2010 season. Perez has the tools to be really good defensively and at the plate but still needs work on the fundamentals. Gabriel Guajardo (sr.) 2B has great work ethic and is a good base runner.
Other valuable players for the Patriots this year are Albert Farias (sr.), OF; Roy Perez (sr.), C/3B/P; Danny Vega (sr.) C/DH; Mike Trevino (sr.), P/OF; Danny Gutierrez (soph.), P/UTL; Desi Villarreal (jr.), SS/P,(honorable mention all-district pitcher last year) a player with good baseball instincts and athletic ability. Villarreal has a good loose arm and is a possible #2 or #3 pitcher; Victor Canales (jr.), OF/P, has some good speed with good ability and a loose arm. Julian Fernandez (fresh.), P/UTL, looks to see some time on the mound this year and play some infield. Fernandez has a good feel for the game.
“The front of our pitching rotation looks to be solid, and we have pretty good speed which will hopefully allow us to play an aggressive style of baseball,” said Coach Smith who will be assisted by his brother James Smith. “We must continue to work on all facets of the game paying particular attention to pitching and defense. We feel that if we do these two things consistently that we will have a chance to win some ball games and challenge for a playoff spot.” added Coach Smith. “Despite having some seniors, they have not experienced much success during their high school careers. We must overcome this mental hurdle and gain confidence in our abilities,” added Coach Smith.
Tags: mission vets baseball, rgv baseball, texas high school baseball










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