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San Carlos All-Stars planning to be offensive in tournament

SCP Little League All-Stars await word on tournament opener

By KEVIN JOHNSON (Contact)

Saturday, June 17, 2006

One characteristic manager Mike Carlisle notices when he gazes at the dozen players on the San Carlos Little League 11-year-old All-Stars is their ability to hit the ball far.

How often contact is made will be a key factor in how far the team goes.

"We've got a lot of power," said Carlisle. "With that, though, we've got some holes. A lot of these kids have long swings. We're going to have some strikeouts, but we'll also hit some long balls."

The team's modus operandi won't be too complicated: get 'em on, get 'em in.

"Steve (Snauwaert) and Alec (Carlisle) at the top of the order usually get on base and then we've got some guys with strong bats who can bring them in," said Carlisle. "Thomas Murkerson and Danny Barrow are probably our best power hitters. They've both hit the ball out this year."

Entering their second week of practices, the All-Stars awaited word on their tournament opener, which could be next weekend.

The All-Stars feature representatives from each of the league's five teams. The Red Sox (Daniel Barrow, Jeff Mastroianni, and Zachary Williams) and the Cardinals (Murkerson, Snauwaert and Grant Gunder) lead the way with three each. Two members of the league's post-season champion Braves — Andy Nelson and Chris Sloat — are also on the squad.

In addition to its prowess for power, the All-Stars should be solid in the infield, including on the mound led by Gunder and Barrow.

"I like our team. From top to bottom, we're pretty strong. We've got a lot of good ballplayers," said Carlisle.

• San Carlos Little League 11-year-old All-Stars: Manager -Mike Carlisle. Coach -Kurt Gunder. Players -Daniel Barrow, Alec Carlisle, Grant Gunder, Gary Hall, Jeff Mastroianni, Eric McFadden, Thomas Murkerson, Andy Nelson, Chris Sloat, Andrew Smith, Steven Snauwaert, Zachary Whalin.