Nov. 18, 2008

FRESNO, Calif. - Fresno State baseball coach Mike Batesole has announced that seven student-athletes have signed National Letters of Intent during the early signing period to attend Fresno State and play baseball. Aided by assistant coaches Matt Curtis and Pat Waer, coach Batesole's sixth recruiting class includes five position players, one pitcher, and one two-way player.

The Bulldogs recruiting class is highlighted by three players from the Fresno Area, including Clay Cedarquist (Fowler HS, Fowler, Calif.), J.D. Salles (Clovis West HS, Fresno, Calif.) and Garrett Weber (Fresno City/Clovis HS, Clovis, Calif.)

The seven signees will enroll at Fresno State in the Fall of 2009.

"This class possesses athleticism and speed," said Batesole. "They are exceptional in the classroom and they have the character and toughness that we look for."

FRESNO STATE BASEBALL SIGNEES (2009)

Julian Barzilli
Palisades, Calif. (Palisades Charter HS)
INF - 5-11, 170 - R/R
• Three year varsity letterwinner at Palisades Charter HS
• 2008 All Western League Team
• 2006 Team MVP
• Selected for prestigious Mariner Cup Tournament and Dodger Elite Games
• Played for Tampa Bay Rays and Kansas City Royals scout teams

Head Coach Mike Batesole: "Julian is an accomplished defensive shortstop who brings the special combination of speed, soft hands, and arm strength that is needed in the middle of the diamond at the Division I level. He also has a chance to be an offensive force as he continues to mature as a hitter."

J.R. Bromberg
Venice, Calif. (LA Pierce CC)
RHP - 6-2, 190 - R/R
• Drafted in the 2007 and 2008 MLB Draft by Minnesota Twins
• 1st Team All LA City Section from Palisades Charter High School (2007)
• 2 Time All Western League (2007, 2006)
• MVP of Western League (2007)

Head Coach Mike Batesole: "J.R. is physical right handed pitcher with an above average fastball and solid secondary pitches. He projects to be an impact, starting pitcher at the Division I level."

Clay Cedarquist
Fresno, Calif. (FOWLER HS)
1B - 6-2, 180 - L/L
• Selected to the 2008 Area Code Team-Milwauke Brewers
• Selected to the 2008 All-Area Code Team by Student Sports
• DIV-DV Cal-Hi Sports Player of the Year-2008
• Participated in the Tournament of Stars with the top 144 players in the nation
• Two-time First Team All-Fresno Bee-2007, 2008
• West Sequoia League MVP-2008
• 2008 Stats-.548 BA, 16 2Bs, 2 3Bs, 8 HRs, 51 RBIs, 14 SB
2 time DV State Champions (Fowler HS) 2007, 2008
• 3.75 GPA

Head Coach Mike Batesole: "Throughout the summer, Clay continued to prove himself as one of the most advanced hitters in his grade among all the National Showcases. His ability to hit for average and power stood out among the best players in California and the Nation. We feel that he is prepared to make an immediate impact offensively at the Division I level. Clay also brings the ability to play the outfield along with being an outstanding defensive first baseman. Along with his physical ability, Clay is an outstanding student, and demonstrates the leadership and character qualities that we look for."

Justin Charles
Galt, Calif. (Elk Grove HS)
INF - 5-9, 165 - L/R
• Three year varsity letterwinner at Elk Grove High School.
• All Sacramento Metro Area (2008)
• All League 2007 and 2008
• MVP of Junior National Team (2007) which participated in the Junior World Tournament in Venezuela
• Selected to 2008 Milwaukee Brewers Area Code Team

Head Coach Mike Batesole: "Justin can really handle the bat from the left side. He should hit for average and some power at the Division I level. He brings the ability to move runners and execute situationally. In addition to the offensive skills he showed in the summer among the elite players nationally, he also showed an advanced ability to work around the bag at second base. Justin also brings the grit and toughness that is an important part of our program's personality."

Scott David
Pleasanton, Calif. (Amador Valley HS)
C - 6-0, 200 - L/R
• 3 year Varsity letterwinner at Amador Valley High School
• Team Captain (2008)
• All League Catcher (2008)
• Selected for Cincinnati Reds (2007) and Atlanta Braves (2007) scout teams
• Selected as a Norcal Scout League All Star (2008), played in ATT Park
• Also recruited for Basketball

Head Coach Mike Batesole: "Scott has the potential to be an outstanding offensive catcher at the Division I level. Behind the plate, he possesses a quick release and an accurate throwing arm. His most advanced tool is his ability to drive the ball to all fields."

J.D. Salles
Fresno, Calif. (Clovis West HS)
RHP/SS - 6-0, 175 - R/R
• TRAC Player of the Year • Co Valley Player of the Year (w/ current Bulldog David Rohm) • All Fresno Bee • Second Team All State • First Team All-State Underclass

Head Coach Mike Batesole: "J.D. really established himself as one of the top players in the Valley and State with his performance in the TRAC last year. J.D. is an athlete, and should have the opportunity to help us as a pitcher and an infielder. He has the athletic ability to be a two-way player at the Division I level. "

Garrett Weber
Clovis, Calif. (Fresno City College)
INF - 5-11, 190 - R/R
• Drafted by the KC Royals in the 2007 MLB Draft
• 2008 JC All American
• 2008 JC All Nor-Cal
• 2007 Tri-River Athletic Conference (TRAC) Co-Player of The Year
• 2007 First Team All-TRAC
• 2007 First Team All-City
• 2006 California North/South All Star Series participant

Head Coach Mike Batesole: "Garrett is a guy that we have liked since his junior year at Clovis High. He has really matured as a student-athlete, and we feel he is ready to make an immediate impact in our program. He is a solid defender in the middle of the diamond with an above average arm at the Division I level. He hit over .400 last year in the community college ranks and has shown signs of developing as a power hitter this fall."