A few newcomers were big contributors to Cal Poly’s 2017. 

Bradlee Beesley (Freshman, SS/3B)

Before the season started, Bradlee Beesley was Cal Poly’s starting shortstop. While he didn’t last there, he finished the season as one of Cal Poly’s most productive hitters and settled in at third base. In his freshman campaign in 2017, Beesley hit .305 (third on the team), was second on the team in hits, and struck-out very little (just 26 times to go with 19 walks). 

Like many Mustangs, Beesley’s season turned about halfway through, especially once Michael Sanderson’s injury opened the door for him to play regularly at third base. 

Defensive adjustment

While he found a home at third base, Beesley committed 14 errors, which is too many for a regular infielder. Whatever position he plays in 2017 (and he likely will be somewhere, given his strong bat), Beesley will need to clean things up on the defensive end.

Consistent bat

Beesley didn’t go more than two straight games without a hit all season. The one exception to this was Cal Poly’s series against Hawai’i, when he didn’t play. That doesn’t sound like much, but on a team that was as inconsistent early-on, Beesley never had a real extended slump. He has very good bat control and a compact swing that could have some power growth in its future.

I’m not sure exactly where Beesley will be defensively in 2018, but he’s sure be set to wreak havoc somewhere in Larry Lee’s lineup.

Trent Shelton (Junior, Left-handed Pitcher)

Pac 12 pedigree

After spending his first two seasons with Oregon State, Shelton sat out a season, transferring to Cal Poly for the 2017 year. In 2017, Shelton did a little of everything. He started three games, but appeared in 25 more out of the bullpen. In some games, he was called upon to get some big outs against left handed hitters. He also showed flexibility as a long relief man. 

Shelton’s stuff and moxy is somewhat comparable to former Mustang relief ace Taylor Chris, though Shelton’s size (he’s listed at 6′ 4″) leaves open the possibility of a velocity bump in the offseason. 

Controlling the zone

One of Shelton’s best attributes in 2017 was his ability to control the strike zone. His stuff isn’t overpowering, but he managed to strike out 42 hitters while walking just 8 in 43 inning of work. Lee really trusts guys he can put on the mound who don’t issue a lot of walks and Shelton falls unmistakably into that category. 

Fits and starts

Trying to project Cal Poly’s 2018 starting rotation this early is a silly exercise, but I would think Shelton is in the running. If he separates himself from the pack, Shelton could be a starting pitcher for the 2018 Mustangs, but his ability to get lefties out also makes him valuable out of the bullpen in high leverage situations. Depending on how the Fall goes, I could see Shelton filling either role come the Spring. 

On Wednesday, eight Cal Poly baseball players earned All-Big West honors for the 2017 season. 

Sophomores Alex McKenna (outfielder), Spencer Howard (pitcher), and Kyle Marinconz (second baseman) were all named to the conference’s first team. 

Spencer Howard was one of eight Cal Poly Mustangs who made the all-Big West team in 2017. By Owen Main

Mustangs named to the second team were first baseman Michael Sanderson, catcher Nick Meyer, infielder Bradlee Beesley, pitcher Erich Uelmen, and pitcher Michael Clark. 

The Mustangs finished the season in sole possession of second place in the Big West Conference, but failed to make a regional due to subpar non-conference play.

Howard, Uelmen, and Marinconz are all draft-eligible underclassmen and Sanderson, who was injured making a diving catch in the first inning of his final game completed his senior season.

Long Beach State dominated conference play and the individual non-conference postseason awards. The Dirtbags will host the toughest regional in the NCAA tournament starting this weekend.