Marlins Sign to Owls

From our Press Release:

The Morehead City Marlins announced today they have signed two players from powerhouse Rice University. Freshman left handed pitcher Kyle Mueller and sophomore catcher Geoff Perrott will have the opportunity to continue their rapport as batterymates at Puck O’Neal Field this summer.

A native of Kingwood, TX, Perrott started five games as catcher in 2010. Entering his second season, Perrott is scheduled to see increased time behind the plate for the Owls this spring. The right-handed hitting backstop collected four hits in limited play last spring season. Perrott continued his development last summer with the Vermont Mountaineers in the New England Collegiate League where he saw action in 23 games.

“Perrott, a letterwinner, is a defensive-minded catcher with great catch and throw capabilities,” said Marlins Manager Jay Bergman. “He also made solid improvements with the bat this fall.”

Mueller is an imposing presence from the left side of the mound. At 6-6 and 215 pounds, and considered extremely athletic for his size, Mueller’s opponents will have their work cut out this summer. He is expected to see time out of the bullpen in the spring for the Owls. Among their crop of talented freshman, Mueller is a member of Rice University’s 9th ranked recruiting class according to Baseball America. From Bellville, TX, Mueller was also a standout first baseman in high school and was the starting quarterback for the football team as well.

“Mueller is a big-bodied left-handed freshman who will see solid innings with the Owls and continue to improve,” commented Bergman.

Rice University, a Conference USA team, was awarded a regional appearance for their on-field success last season. The Owls finished the 2010 spring season strong with a record of 40-23. In their annual preseason team rankings, Baseball America tabbed the Owls 18th in the nation heading into this spring.

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My take:

I really don't have a hand in any of the recruiting. I let the experts do that and they are very good at this process. Some organizations are run differently in summer collegiate baseball. It has to do with networks and relationships with college programs and their coaches. Fortunately for your team, we had two great individuals handling the recruiting. But I certainly can identify talent when I see it and discuss players with our coaches and ownership.

Last season, we were very northern College/University heavy. Whereas this season, our Manager Jay Bergman has used his southern roots in recruiting. Starting with these two kids from Rice University, we do have a significant Texas tie this season. Manager Jay Bergman currently resides in Houston which certainly is an advantage in recruiting. Many of you know already, but he coached in Florida for many years as well. Our roster is also made up of a lot of Florida recruits too.

Perrott is our second signed catcher for the upcoming season. From my brief conversations with Manager Jay Bergman, he's very similar to Corey Bass. And both are actually sophomores too. He is known for his work behind the plate and his bat is coming along. Hopefully, he's able to stay healthy through the spring, because he will certainly see some time for Rice. Running is a big part of the CPL games and if we can neutralize that, we'll be in good shape.

Mueller is a gifted athlete in that he is exceptionally athletic given his height. This certainly bodes well for his development if he were to stay on the mound or not. He is projected as a pitcher on our roster. The ability to repeat a delivery at that height is not very easy and takes some time. I don't know whether he will be used as a reliever or starting pitcher, that is particularly up to his college coaches and our manager.

Anytime you can get kids from a big collegiate program, that certainly helps. They were recruited for a reason. But you can't look over talent from other places as well. We had a great bunch of kids last year and if we can replicate that team atmosphere, we'll have another great season.

Each week we will release a player or two. So look for upcoming roster announcements.