Men's Baseball
COUGAR BASEBALL YOUNG, BUT TALENTED
Coach Chris Gober, along with assistant coaches Mike Buda and Mike Haftarczyk, is looking forward to the 2009 campaign. This year’s edition of the Cougar baseball team is an interesting mix. The Cougars return only six players who saw considerable playing time during 2008, and have added three talented sophomore transfers who should make significant contributions. That combined with a solid freshman recruiting class makes the outlook for 2009 quite promising.
Gone from the 2008 pitching staff are nine pitchers who combined to throw 92 percent of the total innings pitched for the Cougars. That being said, the 2009 staff is not without experience. Three sophomores will be counted on as the staff’s foundation. Returnee Kenny Bechaud will see action both on the mound and at first base this season. "He will be a starter on the 2009 staff and we look for him to have a big year," Gober said.
Sophomore Matt Horton will start in centerfield, but will also be utilized on the mound. Joe Baumgartner, a transfer from Saint Louis University, could occupy a spot in the rotation.
Six freshmen round out the 2009 pitching corps. Heading the list are four right-handers who have the ability to pitch as starters or relievers. Zach Tolliver has all the tools to be a starter or as the closer. Richie Jackson is a big strong guy who could figure into the starting rotation. "I expect Joe Scanio to battle for a spot in the rotation," Gober said. Freshmen right-hander Drew Boyer and lefties Jeremy Bradley and Eric Burton provide additional options out of the bullpen.
The offense returns six key contributors. Kenny Bechaud, on a platoon basis between OF/DH, led the 2008 team in five offensive categories, his .463 batting average, 28 runs scored, 19 walks, .650 slugging percentage and .570 on base percentage were all team bests. Bechaud earned 1st Team All-MCCAC honors as a designated hitter. Second baseman Adam Arnette hit .345 with 8 doubles, 5 home runs, and 27 RBIs, and earned All-Region XVI honors as an infielder as well as 1st Team All- MCCAC. John Tierney, on a platoon basis between OF/DH, hit .345 with 3 doubles, 1 triple, 1 home run, and 14 RBIs. Shortstop Andrew Keating comes off a solid season which saw him hit .331 with 9 doubles,3 home runs, and 22 RBIs. Adam Rush started 32 games in left field and hit .298 with 5 doubles, 1 triple, 1 home run, and 16 RBIs. Brian Patrick played 21 games on the infield, hitting .258 with 2 doubles and 10 RBIs.
Defense will be one of the strengths of the 2009 squad. Transfer David Bleau and Ryan Cretin provide an extremely sound duo behind the plate. Returning sophomores Andrew Keating and Adam Arnette will anchor the middle infield defense from shortstop and second base. Keating possesses a tremendous actions and good range. Patrick and freshman Will Mulligan will handle third base. Mulligan will have an immediate impact on both offense and defense. Freshman Caleb Piatt is slated to open the season playing every infield position. Piatt turns the double play extremely well, and will get plenty of opportinities. Kenny Bechaud will hit in the middle of the order and play first base when he’s not on the mound.
Kenny is making the transition from outfield to first base and comes off a huge fall campaign. He will be looked upon to provide run production from the middle of the lineup. Chad Hartman provides depth a first and has some pop at the plate.
New additions to the outfield include Matt Horton, Josh Grumke, and Chris King. Returners Adam Rush and John Tierney are penciled in at the corner outfield positions. Grumke gets goods breaks and will provide depth in center when Horton is used to close. King will battle for playing time on the corners.