By James Hernandez

This week "On Deck" Coach Nick Garritano and I preview the Coyotes upcoming road trip to Rangely, CO as the team prepares to face the CNCC Spartans in doubleheader action to open up 2017 SWAC play.

James: Were a few of our injured players (Wiggins, Koopman, Diehm) able to get some rehab in during the week off? Are those guys any closer to getting back in the lineup?

Coach Garritano: All 3 have had great weeks of rehab.  We will not have Wiggins or Diehm this week in Colorado.  They are progressing well, just not ready yet.  We should have Koopman available this weekend.

James: Talk a little about the intensity that accompanies SWAC play. How do you get the newcomers prepared for the atmosphere that conference play creates?  

Coach Garritano: It is an entirely different atmosphere, every game is for keeps per say.  You are playing for something that can tally a conference championship at the end of the regular season.  I am hoping our young guys jump in feet first and get right in the middle of it without hesitation.  They are definitely prepared with the schedule we went through in the fall and our early non – conference schedule.

James: Can you provide our readers with a brief scouting report of this weekends opponents the CNCC Spartans. 

Coach Garritano: CNCC is a very scrappy club.  They have played a very tough non – conference schedule as well.  They split with USU – EU last week in Price, UT.  They have 2-3 very good frontline arms that will be very tough to handle.  We definitely have to be very focused this weekend with this being our first road trip of the season.

James: Do you feel that winning back to back SWAC regular season titles puts a target on the teams back? If so, how does the team brace for everyones best shot? 

Coach Garritano: To be honest James, CSN has always had a target on its back.  It seems that teams always play up a level when they play CSN.  Watching all of these tourney games earlier with a bunch of stacked Arizona teams, it seemed that the Arizona teams played with much more emotion when they played us.  It is no different in the SWAC. 

James: Give us a player or two you feel is primed for a breakout weekend in Rangely.

Coach Garritano: I think that Jarrett Perns is right there ready to have a great weekend.  He has had a lot of tough breaks thus far.  Jarrett has hit the baseball very well, it just has been directly at someone.  The best part of Jarrett is he has stayed mentally strong through a tough stretch when it comes to numbers.

James: Do you have the starting rotation set for this upcoming weekend? 

Coach Garritano: We do not know the exact rotation yet but Isaiah Blaylock, Herbie Good and Todd Danzeisen will be in the rotation for sure.

James: Do you expect the weather to be a factor this weekend in Colorado? Will you take any extra precautions if cooler temps are in the forecast?

Coach Garritano: It is always different in Rangely.  It is a very difficult place to travel to and play at.  Whether it is weather, the mountains in the hitters background or the 10 hour trip, it is never an easy place to play.  We hope we can overcome any and all adversities to come home no less than 3-1 to start league play.

Coach thank you for talking some Coyotes baseball with us, best of luck and safe travels to Colorado this weekend.

CSN fans, your Coyotes will be on the road this weekend to face the CNCC Spartans this Friday and Saturday afternoon.

For game updates and a listing of future opponents log onto www.csncoyotes.com or interact with us on Facebook CSNCoyotes and Twitter @CSNCoyotes.