The Northridge Baseball team is gearing up for 2008 with a 13-man recruiting class including 12 high school players and one junior college player, three pitchers and nine position players. The class will report to Cal State Northridge in the fall 2007 semester.
?”The athleticism and versatility these players will bring our club can not be understated and will give us a chance to compete in the Big West Conference for several years,” Rob McKinley, CSUN recruiting coordinator said. “The example these guys have shown to come to Northridge will help our recruiting efforts down the road as well.”
?Among some of the most anticipated players are pitcher Paul Tremlin and third baseman Matt Warr. Tremlin and Warr hope to make this year something special for Matador baseball fans.
?Tremlin, a former Quartz high Rebel, comes to Northridge after a senior season record of 12-1. He struck out 101 hitters in 67 innings and had an earned run average of 2.30.
According to coaches, Tremlin’s talent will command innings right away.
Tremlin was on the phone with the Minnesota Twins last month on draft day but decided to stick with his decision to pitch for CSUN.
“My curve ball is my favorite pitch. Guys don’t want to swing on it when I throw it first,” Tremlin said. “I also have really good secondary pitches. In college everyone can hit a fast ball, so I like to switch it up.”
Tremlin throws in the 80mph range and lists his powerful arm, velocitiy and crafty pitching as his greatest assests. He says his pitching selection is unpredictable and he can throw anything at anytime. Tremlin has never had any serious injuries and credits that to a healthy diet, exercise and proper rest.
?”The plan is not to get hurt, win some games and hopefully make it to the majors,” Tremlin said. “I also set the highest standards in education, which was a major factor in my choice of CSUN.”
?Warr and Tremlin both said they are confident that the Matadors will be competitive and do not see a repeat of last years losing season in the future.
“I am really excited to play in the big west, and after practicing with some of the guys and having played against them in high school, I know we have a good team and are going to be hard to beat.” Warr said.
Warr’s? .410 batting average, seven doubles, five homers and 23 RBI helped him earn All-Foothill League honors in his junior season.? Recruiters say he also is a talented defender with a knack for making spectacular plays, and he has the ability to contribute immediately with the bat. His power is Division I-ready, McKinley said.
?”Year-in and year-out, the San Fernando Valley has proven to be a hot-bed for baseball talent. We’re trying to establish Cal State Northridge as a great option for local guys to come and play,” McKinley said. “These kids have decided to come and help contribute to the rich tradition of Matador baseball.”
