Spring fever By Brendan Joel KelleyFlashlight was stoked to learn that former Anchorage Bucs pitcher Christian Bergman, who graced the cover of last year’s July 31 issue, is one of the hottest prospects for the Major League Baseball draft that kicks off about a month from now. Bergman plays for the U.C. Irvine Anteaters, who are currently ranked number one in the NCAA Division I in the Collegiate Baseball Newspaper Poll (the oldest college baseball poll), and have been dominating the Big West Conference with a record of 14-1, an overall record of 34-11, and 15 wins in the Anteaters’ last 17 games. The Anteaters, with Bergman’s arm contributing (he’s 8-1, with a 2.64 ERA), are almost guaranteed a berth in the College World Series in June. Depending on what analysis you read, and when, Bergman is expected to be among the top ten prospects in the first round of Major League Baseball’s draft in about a month. Bergman’s not the only hot former Buc; in fact, in the 2008 MLB draft, a record 21 former or current Bucs were drafted to the majors. And in last year’s World Series, former Buc and Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Geoff Jenkins was on the championship team. This year’s got some returning players that the draft will be looking at as well: pitcher Paul Bargas and first/third baseman Paul Goldschmidt in particular. The Bucs' season opener is on Tuesday, June 9, against the Elmendorf Eagles, appropriate since it’s “military appreciation night,” when a military ID will get you in the game for free. Another thing to look forward to: The Famous San Diego Chicken™ will be at the Bucs’ July 20 game against the Athletes in Action Fire, entertaining the little kids and the grown up ones. Here’s hoping this summer’s not as dismal and rainy as the last one. |