Twins ready for season opener

Ryan Hadfield isn't the only one feeling the grind of his commute from Spokane to Whitefish.

"Unfortunately, right now I drive a Toyota Tundra, so she's getting some miles put on her," he said.

Hadfield has spent the past few months juggling his duties as new head coach of the Class AA Glacier Twins with his work toward a teaching credential at Eastern Washington University.

The Twins begin their 2008 American Legion baseball season tonight at 6:30, hosting the Class A Libby Loggers in nonconference action at Memorial Park.

Hadfield's road trips aren't over, but he figures to settle in the Flathead Valley next month - just in time for Glacier's Western AA schedule.

"I think the person it'll probably be hardest on is me," he said. "I want to make sure it doesn't impact our kids.

"(AA assistant coach) Jim Langley is doing a heck of a job running things when I'm not there, and he gets a little bit of help from Scotty Murray, our A coach."

The Twins, who went 1-23 in conference play in 2006 before improving to 10-14 last year, set a trip to the August state tournament in Great Falls as their No. 1 goal. That would mean a top-four Western AA finish after placing fifth last summer.

"I think they're very highly motivated," Hadfield said. "Every time I've been at the ball park with them, they want to learn, and they're really working hard toward that.

"I don't think it's an unrealistic goal whatsoever. I actually think they'll be a force to be reckoned with this year."

Hard-throwing newcomer Josh Schott will start on the mound tonight. Schott likely will split time between AA and A, but Hadfield said the youngster has the poise and accuracy to handle the opening day nod.

Most of Glacier's 14 AA regulars can pitch. Rangy veteran Scott Yogodzinski looks to eventually head the rotation, along with crafty Zane Ridings (6-1 last year) and Wes Bougher. Kyle Yogodzinski's smart approach will earn him mound time, along with Scott Palmer.

"I think we're going to play in a lot of close games," Hadfield said. "The way our pitching staff is set up, we're going to have to field the ball real well.

"I don't see us having many pitchers that are going to go out and have a 10-plus strikeout night, but we do have some guys who, if they keep the ball down and play smart baseball, can force some pop-ups and ground balls."

The team's most experienced catcher, Brad Nielsen will be trusted to handle the pitching staff. Cody Eleck and Bridger Beach also will see time behind the plate.

The powerful Beach will be a fixture in the lineup, whether he's playing in the field or serving as a designated hitter.

Kyle Knox and Kyle Yogodzinski will split time at first base until the position is solidified.

The second base job remains open, but Eleck and Wayde Martinson are the top candidates.

Ridings likely will man third base early, but Adam Pisk also will play extensively.

Ryan Caron and Ridings should see most of the innings at shortstop, where Martinson also will contribute.

Palmer and Scott Yogodzinski will vie for time in center field. Hadfield coached current Oregon State player Michael Miller for two years with the Apple Valley Packers in Wenatchee, Wash., and said he was the fastest player he's ever had - until now.

"I think Scotty might be even faster," Hadfield said of Palmer.

Bougher, Martinson and Dustin Von Feldt are competing for time in the outfield corners.

"We're going to use these early nonleague games to kind of see what combinations work best for us where," he said. "Kind of establish who can come in late in that big game and shut a team down from the hill, and kind of see what our batting order will look like from the top to the bottom.

"My experience is, it rarely starts the way it ends. Guys will be up and down throughout the season, and we will play the guys that are hot."

The Twins are counting on hot hitting to carry them to Great Falls.

"They want to hit .300 as a team," Hadfield said. "Any Legion league I've ever seen, if you can have a .300 team average, you're going to go into the postseason, provided your defense isn't horrible."

Hadfield hopes Glacier's gloves are in midseason form tonight.

"I'd really like to see us play excellent defensive baseball, then come out with no fear at the plate," he said. "Get our hacks in and put some runs up early.

"We're at home, and playing at home is what it's all about in the summer."