2021 is the year Clackamas looks to step up and make a statement about who they are and what they can achieve. They struggled in the shortened 2020 season, but with some additions to the pitching staff and key newcomers to the roster, this could be the year the Cougars become a contender in the NWAC South.
Head Coach: Jim Hoppel
Key Returning Position Players
1) Tanner Smith – RHP/1B – Smith will be an anchor for Clackamas as their starting first baseman and their clean up hitter with power to all fields. He will also be a member of the starting rotation. He will be leaned on by the team and has the talent to produce.
Brock Gilligan – INF – Gilligan will be a starter at either 2nd or 3B for Clackamas. He will also fit into the 2 hole, giving the team a left handed contact hitter with a high baseball IQ.
Key Returning Pitchers
Tristan Dahir – RHP – Dahir will slide into the #2 spot in the starting rotation. He pounds the strike zone and is a very competitive, strike thrower with all his pitches.
Key Incoming Players
Aldrick Jimenez – RHP – Aldrick will take over the #1 spot in the starting rotation. He has a smooth, easy action, free arm, that is up to 90 MPH right now, but has the potential to increase his velocity as he hasn’t played for a couple years. Has the talent to continue his career after Clackamas.
Caleb Glascock – 1B/DH -Glascock is a strong athlete with a ton of power. Balls explodes off his bat. Will primarily get time at DH but will play 1B when Smith is on the mound.
Reinaldo Gonzalez – SS – Gonzalez, a transfer, hasn’t played college ball for 3 years but will step into the starting SS role. He has great action, smooth glove, quick feet and very strong arm setting him up to be one of the best infielders in the Northwest. He projects to hit in the 5/6 spot.
Expectations for 2021
Clackamas has the potential to compete and make a run this year in the tough South Region. They will need their offense to show up each game to compliment their pitching, and if it does they will be a tough matchup though out the season.