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Photo by John Vandelinder

Members of the 2009 MCHS boys baseball team. Front row, from left, are Paul Collins, Kulen Turner, Jasen Kettle, Greg Blackstun, Carlos Maldonado, Ivan Nielsen and Dylon Camilletti. Middle row, from left, are Ben Williams, Spencer Wayman, Nathan Hill, Casey Martin, Emmanuel Almaras and Jose Hernandez. Back row, from left; Erick Leonard, Scott Costello, Daniel Molina, Andy Browning, Casey McClanahan and Fernando Duarte.

File photo

Ben Williams takes a lead off first base during a 2008 home game.

Craig — Make no bones about it, Tim Hafey wants to win.

He's used to it.

Twenty-two of his 24 years at the helm of a high school baseball program were spent on the plus side of .500.

And despite losing five core seniors that led the Bulldogs to a Western Slope League title, he's ready to do it again.

"We are out to win the league every year," Hafey said, "and get us in a (state) playoff hunt."

Problem is, baseball is played outside - a place as of Thursday the Bulldogs had yet to roam.

"We're not outside yet," Hafey said. "We're going to be in the gym a couple more nights this week. It's just really hard to tell on a basketball court what you're going to look like on a baseball field."

Senior Erick Leonard takes over the top spot in the pitching rotation and will bat third or fourth, Hafey's not sure yet, leading the Bulldogs out of the tunnel in 2009.

"We have a new kid, this Spencer Wayman, and he looks like he can be a player," Hafey said. "He's been leading off, he's got good quickness and good bat speed. We need to find a place for him."

Hayden resident Ben Williams - he of the perfect game of a year ago - returns to tote the rubber as Moffat County's No. 2.

"Benny's a salty player," Hafey said. "He's one of those players that comes out and always gives 110 percent."

Sophomore Dylon Camilletti returns to the infield providing the team with playoff starting experience and what Hafey called "an all-around solid glove."

"He's one of those gritty-type players," he said. "He's always got his nose around the ball, and he can swing the bat."

Junior Scott Costello will be calling the signals from behind the dish.

"Costello is looking really good," Hafey said. "He's improving, and it's certainly a load off my mind because the catcher is a very important part of the team. He's been a real pleasant surprise."

Kulen Turner, Jasen Kettle and Greg Blackstun make the jump this season from the junior varsity squad, and each has caught the eye of their coach.

"Blackstun and Kulen are playing like they've got a chip on their shoulder," Hafey said. "And that Jasen Kettle is quick. I'm going to find spots for all three of them."

Hafey not only had to replace five starters, a new assistant coach, Justin Folley, was brought in, as well.

"Justin is a good baseball guy, all around," Hafey said. "He's got playing experience in college and really good head for the game. He's going to help us get to where we want to be."

And where he wants to be, is where he's used to being.

On the top.

"I think we are going to compete solely based on what I saw from these kids that played last year," Hafey said. "There are a few teams that might be tough, but we are definitely going to compete.

"You can count on it."