As a new resident in Texas, and having a new student at Northwest, I was wondering what is the communities evaluation of the talent and the expectations for the program this season and upcoming years.

I have a baseball son (soph.) at Northwest and I can give you my two cents. Historically, because the district was somewhat scattered, the talent pool was lesser and the program struggled.

Recently, with the growth of the district, the talent as increased. The school hired a new coach (Hendrix) before last school year, and he has been a blessing to the program. He is young, energetic and knowledgable (help, dear, I didn't spell-check). He took the 2006 team to the playoffs as a 2nd seed from arguably one of the toughest 4A baseball districts in the state three round into the playoffs.

That was a very senior-laden team and he has to rebuild somewhat from last year's team. He has one returning position player starter and two pitchers who threw any at the varsity level, so his work is cut out for him. However, he creative at finding ways to get runs pushed across and his team will play with discipline.

District 5-5A will present a tremedous challenge. There will be no easy games in this district. Keller and SL Carroll look to be an early favorites, but anyone can jump into the playoff mix in this district.

The school looks to have a bright future as the growth in north Fort Worth continues.

Hope this helps.

Scott would never say it, but the returning position player is T-Bird son, the starting centerfielder last season as a freshman, and a heck of a ballplayer.

quote:

Originally posted by Hawkman:
Scott would never say it, but the returning position player is T-Bird son, the starting centerfielder last season as a freshman, and a heck of a ballplayer.

Watched T-Bird son play for many years now... and all I can say to that is:

AMEN!

Look who's talking, Hawkman has not one, but two, studs playing for Hebron HS.

T-Bird son has had his moments (good and not so much ) but is looking forward to the TEAM starting official workouts in a couple of weeks.

quote:

Originally posted by T-Bird Dad:

District 5-5A will present a tremedous challenge. There will be no easy games in this district. Keller and SL Carroll look to be an early favorites, but anyone can jump into the playoff mix in this district.

While Keller has been strong the last few years, I believe the Indians face their toughest challenges in many years. In fact, I think it will Coach Stramp's most difficult season since he's been to Keller. Lots of unanswered questions and a good number of young men nursing injuries.

My picks right now to top the District are Colleyville and Southlake not necessarily in that order. I think after that it will be pretty tight between the other teams for the other playoff spots.

quote:

Originally posted by KellerDad:
My picks right now to top the District are Colleyville and Southlake not necessarily in that order. I think after that it will be pretty tight between the other teams for the other playoff spots.

KD,

I forget about Colleyville Hertitage and I shouldn't...T-Bird son has played with a number of those players over the years and they will be very good.

Keller has arms and that will always keep you in the thick of things.

[QUOTE]Originally posted by T-Bird Dad:


The school hired a new coach (Hendrix) before last school year, and he has been a blessing to the program. He is young, energetic and knowledgable
The school looks to have a bright future as the growth in north Fort Worth continues.

T-Bird Dad, your right on. I think Northwest has a nice looking future. I do like what I have seen with the incoming freshman class. I think they could be special when they come together.

quote:

Originally posted by T-Bird Dad:


Keller has arms and that will always keep you in the thick of things.

Keller has Stafford, but beyond that is a question mark.

Sure, in District play, having just one good pitcher in the right rotation will get you a long way. Gotta find some offense and defense to go along with that one pitcher.

quote:

Keller has Stafford, but beyond that is a question mark.

KD, isn't it Staffords

KD,
If coach Stramp would pitch Merck you could have two very solid pitcher's...Merck has a well above average FB and Slider,(needs to work on his off-speed) Don't know why Stramp is courting jordan his velo just isn't there yet. Easom has a very solid glove, so your defense up the middle should be solid. I think you guys will be in good shape. Carroll is the favorite, I look for Richland to sneak up and possibly make some noise.

Merck is the wildcard. Both offensively and pitching. If Kaleb has a banner year, Keller has a shot. Hate to put so much on him, but it's a fact. Pound for pound the Indians best player and good enough to load the whole team on his shoulders and carry them through some tough times.

Jordan is hurt and needing surgery, so will probably be out for at least the first part of the season. After that, who knows how long for rehab.

Easom is a solid player, but he'll have to hit varsity pitching.

quote:

Originally posted by John G.:
Carroll is the favorite, I look for Richland to sneak up and possibly make some noise.

Richland has a quality pitcher returning name Turner? that has signed early with Arkansas I think. He could certainly anchor a good Richland team.

Grapevine will be tough as well. Young team, but lots of talent.

Can't afford any off days when district starts.

KD - What happened to Brundage? Where's he in the mix?

What happened to Easom? What kind of surgery does he need?

quote:

Originally posted by skysthelimit:
What happened to Easom? What kind of surgery does he need?

Sky, I think KD's referring to the younger Stafford. His first name is Jordon, also.

OH!!! Thanks

quote:

Richland has a quality pitcher returning name Turner? that has signed early with Arkansas I think. He could certainly anchor a good Richland team.

Yes, his name is Ryan Turner and he signed with Arkansas. Definitely their #1. Richland will surprise some folks over the next couple years.

quote:

Yes, his name is Ryan Turner and he signed with Arkansas. Definitely their #1. Richland will surprise some folks over the next couple years.

I expect Richlands offense to be better this year, they should have some younger pitching help.

Collikar, don't know where Brundage fits in. Heck, the more I think of it I don't know where anybody fits in this year, including my son.

There's talk they will move my son from CF to RF because they need his arm there. Big shoes to fill, IMHO.