2005 Bloomsburg Baseball Preview

The Bloomsburg University baseball team comes into the 2005 season looking to improve on last season's 14-29-1 record with a youthful but experienced team. The Huskies, who dropped 10 games last season by two runs or less, will need to improve defensively if they want to capitalize on the newly added third playoff spot in the conference according to head coach Matt Haney.

“We must play better defense,” said Haney. “We made 99 errors last season and you're not going to be successful at this level if you give the other team extra outs.”

“We lost a number of games in the conference last year on routine plays where we just weren't focused,” Haney added. “If you turn those close games around we have a much better record and a lot more momentum throughout the season.”

Just as any season past, Haney, who enters his 15th season at the helm of the club, is aiming at a playoff berth at seasons end.

“I think over the past three or four years we've had clubs that were on par with the middle of the pack in the league,” he said. “I think we've been competitive, we just have to be prepared to play a better brand of baseball.”

Haney acknowledged that the strength of this team lies in one of the lesser experienced areas, pitching.

“A lot of our pitching staff got thrown to the wolves last year as freshman and did a pretty commendable job keeping us in a lot of ball games,” he said. “But, we really need to cut down on our walks and it remains to be seen if we can clean up our act defensively.”

CATCHERS

Sophomore Vinny James takes over behind the plate after getting 17 starts last season and batting .286, while not making a single error behind the plate. Freshman Richard Letts will serve as back-up to James, while sophomore Ryan Wyland will be available to fill the slot as well.

“Richie just started to hit the ball in practice and has great potential,” said Haney. “Ryan is our “do all” guy, he's Mr. Utility. He's a very fine athlete.”

Senior tri-captain Joe Pesci will resume his role at first for the Huskies. Last season, Pesci batted .325 with four homeruns, including a walk-off grand slam in a victory over Millersville.

“Pesci's numbers were vastly improved last year,” said Haney. “He really came alive with the stick and he's a sweet first baseman. Billy Manning, a freshman, will also see time at the position.”

Senior Larry Piccini will fill the role at second with freshman Josh Howe looking to push for playing time that position as well. Last season Piccini had just nine strikeouts in over 80 plate appearances, while having a fielding percentage of just over .900.

“Larry is a very steady ballplayer,” said Haney. “He really needs to improve on his bat to help us, but he is a lefty that is very good when he is on.”

SHORTSTOP

Senior tri-captain Chris Husted returns to his position at short with freshman Mark Burch serving as back-up. Last season Husted batted .363 with four homeruns and 17 RBI's.

“Chris is the man out there,” said Haney. “He's a four-year starter for us and has improved his bat but injuries have been a problem for him in the past. This is the first season where he is coming in healthy.”

“Burch will get some platoon innings and we'll see how he holds up under pressure as a first year player,” Haney said.

THIRD BASE

Sophomore Jason Giordano will fill the position at third after playing in 13 games last season. Freshman Evan Wickard will be asked to serve as back-up at that position.

“Jason is a tall and lanky right handed kid who had a number of homers in the fall,” said Haney. “He has also improved a great deal defensively for us.”

“Evan is a real smooth kid, his top hand is always in place and does a great job getting the ball across the diamond. I look for him to really challenge Jason for third,” Haney said.

OUTFIELD

Senior tri-captain Andy Howard, who came to Bloomsburg as an infielder before being converted to the outfield, will begin the season in the starting role in left field after having a fielding percentage of .910 last season. Jeremy Eck has shown a great deal of promise and will push Howard at that position. Junior Dan Adamo will also be available for work in left field.

In center, sophomore Andy Bucher will get the nod to start the season with Brian Tugend, a transfer from Millersville, and senior Troy Smith looking for playing time as well. All three players bring a different ability to the position.

“Tugend is a question mark right now,” said Haney. “When he hits the ball he hits it real hard, we just need to make a couple minor adjustments and see where he goes.”

“Andy runs real well for a kid his size and has a lot of pop in his bat. When he can work in the strike zone he can be a very effective player,” Haney said. “Troy brings a work ethic that nobody surpasses, he's just a great kid to have around. He can also play all three outfield positions.”

In right field, sophomore Matt Robinson will fill the starting role after hitting .458 in 22 games last season making just one error.

“Matt is so solid defensively,” Haney said. “There was only one ball last season that he didn't field properly and it was a matter of overrunning it in the wind. His numbers offensively speak for themselves.”

PITCHING

The Huskies will look to a group of three sophomores to fill the starting rotation this season with Chase Philips, Corey Helfrich and Casey Markey all getting starts this season. The trio appeared in 29 games last season, so while youthful, it will be an experienced group.

In the bullpen Haney will look for key pitchers such as freshman Mike Akers, senior Andy Gideon, sophomore Josh Unger and freshman Aaron Taylor to serve as set-up and closers.

“Akers is a very confident pitcher who wants the ball and Gideon is a real tough kid. I don't know if anyone on the staff wants the ball more than those two,” Haney said.

“Unger has potential to be a solid upper 80's pitcher if not touch 90 at some point,” said Haney. “Taylor has been a real nice surprise for us. He keeps the ball low and I think he could push for more innings aside from the middle role.”

Other pitchers looking to see action on the mound include freshman David Rute, sophomore Zach Weaver and juniors Travus Gehret and Jeff Withelder.

OVERALL

“The PSAC is very tough once again this year,” said Haney. “The perennial playoff team's will be back, Mansfield is right there talent wise and West Chester is stacked as well. Kutztown is returning from the Division II World Series last year and they didn't lose a whole lot of guys.”

The Huskies will open the season at the Apprentice College Tournament and will then travel to Florida to play a series of non-conference opponents. Haney said this year's non-league games are tougher than in the past so the team can be better prepared to make a run at the PSAC Playoffs.

“We've started strong down south a number of years and came back home and struggled with the competition,” he said. “By upgrading the schedule I really don't care how we do in Florida. I just want us to play well, wins and losses aren't going to mean anything until we get to conference play.”

Preview written by Mark Vellek