Don Ketchum
Former Staff Writer, AZPreps365.com

Spring-training teams feature top Arizona talent

February 17, 2011 by Don Ketchum, AZPreps365


Spring is here, and Major League Baseball teams are getting ready for the season in Arizona and Florida.
Arizona high schools have produced 10 players who are listed on 40-man rosters as well as four coaches. The coaches, listed below, all were pretty good players in their own right.
The players are . . .
*Peter Bourjos, OF, Los Angeles Angels, Scottsdale Notre Dame Prep
*Ike Davis, INF, New York Mets, Scottsdale Chaparral
*Shelley Duncan, INF-OF, Cleveland Indians, Tucson Canyon del Oro
*Andre Ethier, OF, Los Angeles Dodgers, Phoenix St. Mary’s
*Scott Hairston, OF, Mets, Canyon del Oro
*J.J. Hardy, INF, Baltimore Orioles, Tucson Sabino
*Ian Kinsler, INF, Texas Rangers, Canyon del Oro
*Paul Konerko, INF, Chicago White Sox, Chaparral
*Eric Sogard, INF, Oakland Athletics, Phoenix Thunderbird
*Brandon Wood, INF, Angels, Phoenix Horizon
The coaches . . .
*Billy Hatcher, first base coach, Cincinnati Reds, Williams
*Mickey Hatcher, batting coach, Angels, Mesa
*Rick Kranitz, pitching coach, Milwaukee Brewers, Glendale Apollo
*Kevin Long, batting coach, New York Yankees, Thunderbird
And as for the 2011 high school season, there should be at least a couple of players who will reach the game’s highest level.
Check some of the games out. Bring a bottle of water, some sunscreen and enjoy.