Go, Midwest, Young Man

Horace Greeley once said, "Go West, young man! And grow up with the country."

This article from California mentions that a group of ballplayers - including Rattler Cutter Dykstra - are going Midwest and growing up in the game.

Former Agoura High teammates Robert Stock and Jason Novak play for the Quad Cities River Bandits. They’re joined by ex-Calabasas Coyote Chris Notti.

They’re not alone.

Matt Magill, who starred at Royal, pitches for the Great Lakes Loons, an affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Cutter Dykstra of Westlake is a menace at the plate for the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers.

Mike Gilmartin, a Moorpark resident, patrols shortstop for the Kane County Cougars.

Corey Jones of Camarillo is an infielder with the West Michigan Whitecaps.

The stuff on Cutter:

Dykstra batted .299 with four homers, 20 RBI and 36 runs scored in his first 197 at-bats. He struggled with the Milwaukee Brewers’ affiliate team in 2009, hitting .212 in a 29-game stint.

“I’m playing with a lot of confidence now,” Dykstra said. “I’ve just got to finish strong.”

Dykstra started his professional career patrolling center field, and spent sometime at second base last year. He’s operated out of third base every day this season.

“I never played third until this year,” he said. “It took a little getting used to. I feel real comfortable over there. I still have a lot to work on, but I like the position more and more.”

The Timber Rattlers are based in Grand Chute, Wis.

Dykstra hopes to continue developing so he can one day reach the major leagues.

“It’s about confidence and getting a routine down,” he said.