Program Spotlight: Las Vegas Rams
February 16, 2021
This year, in addition to the Scout Day Showcases, we are also going to spotlighting programs as a whole with an interview with each participating teams head coach providing insight into their expectations for Spring 2021, key players, incoming players, players expected to have breakout seasons, how they have navigated the past year and much more. Now, we shine some light into the current state of the long storied program at Rancho with Coach Krier in his first year as the skipper.
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Las Vegas rams SPOTLIGHT
Head Coach, Tommy Krier
What are your expectations your program for the 2021 Spring Season?
New Class 5A Mountain League will be very competitive. Program hit hard by graduation last 2 years. Players will have to step up to continue the winning ways.
Who are the top returning players you have coming back this Spring? Expectations of those players?
Jairo Verdugo – top power hitter
Tyler Ray and Noah Tschopp - to anchor the rotation
Ian Graf – good hitting catching prospect
Who on your roster do you expect to have a breakout season in 2021? (1-2 players in each class, 2021-2024)
2021 – Jairo Verdugo and Ian Graf
2022 – Tyler Ray and Noah Tschopp
2023 – Alex Rhynes and Rolen Driscoll
2024 – John Ludyen and Ryan Soto
How does your program differentiate from others? What does your program do in the Summer and Fall Seasons?
Here at Rancho High School we have players from not just from our zoned area, but with our Magnet program we get to support players from all over the valley.
We have long been supporters and competitors in the American Legion summer baseball program along with continuing to practice throughout the year (prior to Covid-19 restrictions) to become better as a team and individuals.
How are you preparing for the Spring?
With Covid-19 restrictions and field limitations we are trying our best on an individual level and as a team when opportunities present themselves with trying to improve ourselves on a daily basis.
What has your program done to combat the restricted ability to play baseball over the past year?
This year has been very difficult with all of the restrictions placed on athletics along with academics. We have tried coming up with creative was to keep learning and growing.
Besides a State Championship, what do you try to accomplish within your program every year?
Player Development. I want to see the players get better every day. I want to get them ready for the next level.
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DIRECTOR NOTES
PBR Nevada Director of Scouting, Brett Harrison
The Las Vegas Rams are based out of one of the most storied programs in Nevada baseball history with a history of talented prospects making their way through the program dating back to the Mike Maddux days in the 70's. The current group saw a change at the helm in the past year as former head coach Manny Llamas took over the Green Valley program, allowing new head coach, Tommy Krier, to take over. The Rams are widely known for their gritty style of play that poses a threat to any team and any time if they do not bring their game. This year, they pair that gritty style of play with an Under the Radar group of interesting prospects, lead by Uncommitted 2021 C, Ian Graf, who poses a threat both at and behind the plate. The pitching staff consist of a trio of projectable arms including: 2021 RHP Jairo Verdugo (up to 89 mph), 2022 RHP Noah Tschopp (6'5, up to 87) and 2022 RHP Tyler Ray (commands the zone, velo on the rise). With the 2021 season still up in the air, whatever comes of this Spring you can expect the Las Vegas Rams to make some noise with the senior leadership and quality of arms they have on staff.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
SHOWCASE | STATE | DATE | LOCATION |
Las Vegas Rams Scout Days | NV | 02/16 | Heritage Park |
Nevada Athletics Scout Day | NV | 02/17 | Doc Romeo Park |
Las Vegas Aces Scout Day (Position Player Session) | NV | 02/18 | Heritage Park |
Rawlings Tigers Scout Day | NV | 02/22 | Rainbow Family Park |
Las Vegas Aces Scout Day (Pitching Session) | NV | 02/23 | Heritage Park |
Sierra Vista Scout Day | NV | 02/25 | Heritage Park |
Bishop Manogue Scout Day | NV | 02/27 | Bishop Manogue High School |
Reno Knights Scout Day | NV | 02/27 | Bishop Manogue High School |
McQueen Lancers Scout Day | NV | 02/28 | Bishop Manogue High School |
Northern Nevada Open Scout Day | NV | 02/28 | Bishop Manogue High School |
Sparks Blue Sox Scout Day | NV | 02/28 | Bishop Manogue High School |
Bases Loaded Elite Scout Day | NV | 03/03 | Doc Romeo Park |
Bishop Gorman Scout Day | NV | 03/04 | Heritage Park |
The Meadows Scout Day | NV | 03/07 | The Meadows |
Southern Nevada Open Scout Day | NV | 03/13 | Faith Lutheran High School |
Rising Stars of Southern Nevada (2025/2026) | NV | 04/10 | Faith Lutheran High School |
Rising Stars of Northern Nevada (2025-2026) | NV | 04/24 | TBD |
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