Latest from Vincent Deangelis
Zac Veen poised to become ‘smiley face’ of the franchise for Colorado Rockies
SCOTTSDALE – Colorado’s Zac Veen is regarded as one of the best prospects in baseball, a five-tool player who towers over people at 6 feet-4, draws smiley faces in the dirt and has a knack for stealing bases.
Inside the Chicago Cubs’ offseason free agent spending spree
MESA – The Chicago Cubs made the most MLB signings during 2023 free agency and are looking to get back to the playoffs after missing the last two postseasons.
U-S-A! Americans book trip to World Baseball Classic quarterfinals in win over Colombia
PHOENIX – Behind a 3-2 win over Colombia Wednesday night, Team USA moves on to the World Baseball Classic quarterfinals after going 3-1 in the group stage and now faces Venezuela on Saturday.
From unknown to overnight sensation, Joey Meneses turning heads for Team Mexico at World Baseball Classic
PHOENIX – After spending more than 10 seasons navigating the minor league baseball system, Joey Meneses has become a star on the Mexico national baseball team during this year’s World Baseball Classic.
Returners Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado longed to defend Team USA’s 2017 World Baseball Classic gold
PHOENIX – Team USA hoisted the World Baseball Classic trophy at Dodger Stadium in 2017. Veterans Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado of the St. Louis Cardinal are the only returners to Team USA in 2023.
‘Honored and humbled’ Mark DeRosa goes from microphone to manager at helm of Team USA in World Baseball Classic
PHOENIX – Mark DeRosa has been one of the faces of MLB Network since his retirement from the Toronto Blue Jays a decade ago. Since then, he has found a home behind the roundtable almost every night. Now, DeRosa takes his talents to the dugout, becoming manager of the United States baseball team in his managerial debut.
‘Best team in the state’: Perry Pumas complete one-loss season with first-ever Open Division championship trophy
PHOENIX – Cody Williams and Koa Peat paced the Perry Pumas to help finish off a historic season on Saturday night, defeating the Sunnyslope Vikings 74-58 in the first-ever Open championship.
Bobby Miller, Gavin Stone usher in new era of Los Angeles Dodgers pitching
GLENDALE – Bobby Miller and Gavin Stone are two of the best young pitchers in not only the Dodgers farm system, but also in the whole league. Despite opposite journeys to the major leagues, the two now share the same clubhouse.
Catching on: William Contreras settles in as long-term solution to Brewers’ backstop issues
PHOENIX – The Brewers have had problems at the catching position since Jonathan Lucroy departed in 2016. This offseason, the Brewers acquired 25-year-old All-Star catcher William Contreras from the Atlanta Braves. Five years left on his contract, he seems to be the long-term answer.
‘Super Bowl before the Super Bowl,’ 2023 Celebrity Flag Football Game anchors Super Bowl Weekend
GLENDALE – Tracy McGrady went head-to-head with Robert Griffin III in the 2023 Celebrity Flag Football Game last Saturday. The Celeb Flag Football Game is more than just a game, it’s an event supporting military foundations and local businesses.
From Div. I to JUCO… then back to DI: Hunter Omlid, Tyson Heaton take unusual paths to GCU
PHOENIX – Hunter Omlid and Tyson Heaton have take unconventional baseball journeys. Both committed to a Division I baseball program, then found themselves at Central Arizona, a junior college program, playing baseball a year later. Now, they both find themselves at GCU playing out the rest of their collegiate careers.
Fight like a Devil: Inside Ryan Bader’s journey from ASU wrestling to Bellator champion
PHOENIX – Ryan Bader is the current Bellator Heavyweight Champion and is fighting in the main event of Bellator’s first card on CBS Network. From his hometown of Reno, Nevada, to ASU wrestling to fighting professionally, Bader’s journey has been remarkable.
Big shoes to fill: New Saguaro football coach Zak Hill up for the challenge
SCOTTSDALE – New Saguaro football coach Zak Hill will have his hands full with one of the best high school football teams in the state. The former ASU offensive coordinator comes in after former coach Jason Mohn’s extraordinary 11-year run with the program.
Companionship and championships: Adult baseball league provides outlet to live out childhood
GOODYEAR – The National Adult Baseball Association plays its World Series in Phoenix every year and is one of America's fastest-growing adult baseball leagues. Mitch Gross, Chris Cumrine, Eric Alexander and Rick Fischer are four of the thousands of men that have all found a new home to play baseball.
‘Test subjects’ in Arizona Fall League try out baseball rule changes
SCOTTSDALE – The Arizona Fall League got the first look into the three major changes for the upcoming 2023 MLB season. Get a look into what players in the Fall league think of the rule changes.
Height, goatee aren’t only reasons Cardinals prospect Jordan Walker turns heads in Fall League
SCOTTSDALE – Jordan Walker, 20, is a top baseball prospect thanks to his obvious physical talent and love for the game. The No. 6 overall prospect from Atlanta is enjoying his experience in the Arizona Fall League.
Orioles outfielder Heston Kjerstad makes up for lost time in Arizona Fall League
Heston Kjerstad was drafted second overall by the Baltimore Orioles in the 2020 MLB Draft. However, he couldn’t make his professional debut until two years later due to being diagnosed with Myocarditis. Now, Kjerstad is playing catch up in the Fall League.
Young Arizona Diamondbacks build hope for the future
PHOENIX – Last year the D-backs had little to no hope going into the 2022 season after recording their second worst franchise record. This year has shown that there is hope for the D-backs, who had 10 debutants in this season alone. A few of these rookies are potential franchise cornerstones.
Red Mountain receiver Ja’Kobi Lane leaps from benchwarmer to ‘unguardable’
MESA – As a sophomore, Ja’kobi Lane mostly sat the bench for Mesa’s Red Mountain’s football team. Now, the lanky senior describes himself as “unguardable,” and as the top-rated receiver in Arizona who has committed to play at USC, it’s hard to argue with him.
