... the SteepleCats have had good success with players coming from the University of Louisiana. The GM has to hope that two Ragin Cajuns will step right in and be successful.

Freshman right-hander Michael Cook has pushed his way into the UL starting rotation and has a 4-2 record with a 4.50 earned-run average, good for third on the team. In 32 innings of work, Cook has only given up three home runs.

"UL has a tremendous program and to step in as a true freshman and start right away says a lot about his ability," said McGrath.

At 6-5 and 205 pounds, Cook has the frame to become a hard-throwing starter, and will look to develop that skill this summer.

His older sister Terri attended Williams College.

The other ULL pitcher is redshirting in his first college season. Right-hander Dayton Marze has been clocked with a 92-mile an hour fastball. He also throws a two-seam fastball with movement and has a slider in his assortment of pitches.

"The coaches are looking for him to refine his skills this spring and become more consistent on the mound over the course of the year," McGrath added.

The source of the story

By Howard Herman
Berkshire Eagle