There is a renewed energy at the Werribee Giants.
The appointment of coach Phil Balzer, a state under-age coach, has given the young side a fresh outlook and the hunger seems to have returned.
The Giants farewelled long-time coach Earl Byrne and even he agreed, in parting, that it was a relationship that had run its course.
Giants president Steve Knight has seen a number of players get a ‘second wind’ under the new leadership.
“There’s been a marked difference and they’ve relished the fact that Phil’s got a different way of training,” he said.
The Giants will return to the Baseball Victoria summer league division 2 on Saturday after drawing the bye in the opening week.
They will field a young team with plenty of scope for up-and-coming players.
The club has brought in an import, with utility Chad Northcott scheduled to land in Australia yesterday.
The Northcott name is not unfamiliar to the Giants, with his older brother Dustin having played for the Giants in seasons past.
“It’s an endorsement of the club,” Knight said. “Naturally, he spoke with his brother Dustin about the move and he jumped at the chance to come over. He can pitch, but he also plays short-stop and outfield.”
The biggest name to commit to the Giants is Darryl George.
George rose to prominence with the Melbourne Aces in the Australian Baseball League last summer. He will play for the Giants when he’s not involved in Aces action.
The Giants will open the season against Moorabbin at Presidents Park on Sunday with a young starting pitcher.
Wes De Jong, a 17-year-old who has refined his game in winter-league action and spent hours working on his game at baseball academies, has claimed the No.1 pitching mantle.
“He looks like he’s going to have a big season,” Knight says.
