By Mitch Bach

Mavericks roster “95-97 percent” complete

Apr 19, 2018 | 3:49 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB — Six weeks remain until the Medicine Hat Mavericks crack into the 2018 WMBL campaign, and Kyle Swannack nearly has his roster solidified.

“I’d say, numbers wise, it’s about 95 percent. 95 to 97 percent,” said the club’s pitching coach and assistant GM. “There are just a few other key arms we’ve got to get that I’m just waiting on. Other than that, position players are good to go, filled up.”

The Mavs, who were eliminated in the second round of last year’s playoffs to the Edmonton Prospects, are taking a direct approach to bolstering up the mound. The last few pieces are expected to come together over the next month, with ongoing recruitment through the opening few weeks of the season.

With a strong pitching background himself, Swannack knows the importance of experience and endurance when it comes to throwing the ball. Especially when a 48-game season is crammed into two months of play.

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“That’s what we were missing last year,” he continued. “Everyone knows in baseball playoffs, pitching is what we have to lean on. It’s tough and challenging, being in charge of that. But at the same time that’s the kind of pitcher I was.”

Notable names expected to take the mound include Jared Libke, who Mavs fans will recognize (aside from his playoff neard) for a gutsy one-hitter thrown in last year’s Game 5 victory over Lethbridge. Ace Nathan Stark, born and raised in Medicine Hat, is joining the Mavericks for the second season, and will take on a heavier workload.

Swannack adds several more pitchers new to the fold are sure to turn heads once the end of May rolls around as well. 

“Jalen Lane and Connor Green from Vauxhall… so it’s good to see a mix of new guys and old guys.” said Swannack, noting most of his pitchers are entering their final year of WMBL eligibility, and could move onto the professional ranks this fall.

Catcher Colton Wright is also committed for a second stint in Red and White. Outfielder Nolan Rattai, another hometown product, is back this season after coaching in Medicine Hat’s American Legion program last year, and Zach Kunkel of the Gas City is expected to play his third summer with the team.

Swannack adds off the field, numbers are also fairly strong for this time of year. The Mavericks have sold dozens more in season tickets — a strong indication of how quickly baseball fever is taking over Medicine Hat.

“I couldn’t be happier, Greg (Morrison, Mavericks owner) couldn’t be happier, and it just goes to show the support and just the excitement of those few people who are now season ticket holders,” he said. ” It’s exciting. It’s an exciting thing to be around.”

Mark it down, baseball fans. On May 31st the Mavericks open the 2018 campaign at home against the Brooks Bombers.