Baseball

Baseball: 2008 Season Preview

Date: March 5, 2008
Location: GRANVILLE

In what will be Justin Dedman's first season at the helm of the Denison University baseball team, the Big Red look to build upon a 19-18 record and season-ending loss in the NCAC semifinals in 2007. After finishing the conference season with a 12-4 record and defeating the #1-ranked team in the country, Denison returns their top three pitchers and seven starting players. A combination of outstanding freshmen and experienced senior leaders has the Big Red’s eyes on a conference championship.

A more experienced team has used their 18-11 record over their final 29 games and a disappointing finish to the 2007 season to motivate them for the upcoming season. Great leadership in the weight room and class room has come from the four seniors; pitchers James Clear (Hamilton, Ohio/Badin), JD Wyborny (Walnut Creek, Calif./Monte Vista) and corner outfielders Tony Christopher (Moreland Hills, Ohio/Chagrin Falls) and Tim LaBolt (LaGrange, Ill./Lyons Township). With the addition of 12 talented freshmen the Big Red are cohesive and determined.

This year's pitching staff will be led by Clear (9-5, 122.0 IP, 85 K career) and Wyborny (11-7, 158.2 IP, 131 K career). Sophomore southpaw Park Smith (Warren, N.J./The Pingry School), in his second year as the third starter, is expected to improve on his 3-2 record and 4.50 ERA from a season ago. Battling for the remaining weekend starter’s role and two weekday starting spots are freshmen Nick Smith (Mirror Lake, N.H./Holderness School), Bobby Giarratani (Winthrop, Mass./Bishop Fenwick), Freddy Marino (Shaker Heights, Ohio/University School) and Dale McOsker (Loveland, Ohio/Loveland).

Headlining the bullpen are two sophomores in side-winding righthander Mike Hundley (3.95 ERA, .174 BAA in ‘07) and fireball-throwing Aidan Lucas (2.18 ERA, 20.2 IP, 24 K in ‘07). Rounding out the staff will be sophomores David McGinnis (Columbus, Ohio/Dublin Scioto) and John Schleer (Boxford, Mass./Masconomet).

The designated hitter will be a battle though Lucas (.337 AVG in ’07) and 6’4”, 235-lb. freshman Peter Krieger (New Canaan, Conn./New Canaan) are the frontrunners to swing a big stick.

Big expectations are held for sophomore Alex Horn (Centerville, Ohio/Centerville) as he has developed into the team’s field general in only his second year behind the plate. Sophomore McGinnis is a capable backup backstop who will spell Horn and provide great leadership behind the dish.

Andy Johnson (Cincinnati, Ohio/Sycamore) and Smith (.360 AVG in ’07) headline the infield returners at short stop and first base. Johnson and Smith both possess outstanding gloves and accurate arms. 2007 All-Region centerfielder Justin Held (Hudson, Ohio/Hudson) will transition from the outfield to second base. Held played shortstop throughout high school and brings outstanding athleticism to the position. Last season, Held led the team in batting average, hits, doubles, triples, total bases, slugging percentage and on base percentage. Freshman switch-hitter Kevin Teague (Fairfax Station, Va./St. Stephen's & St. Agnes) will start at third base for the Big Red.

Defense should be a strong suit for the Big Red in ’08 as they return three out of five infield starters and 2 out of 3 outfield starters from ’07 with great athleticism all around. Denison’s infield will have improved depth this year with many new players hungry to earn playing time. Infielders fighting for a spot in the lineup are sophomores Zach Huttie (Cary, N.C./Athens Drive) and Schleer and freshmen A.J. Marino (New York, N.Y./New York, N.Y./Millbrook), Matt Forgatch (San Marino, Calif./San Marino), Len Mills (Pittsburgh, Pa./Upper St. Clair).

Senior corner outfielders Christopher and LaBolt are two of the team's strongest players and are primed for breakout seasons. Freshman Danny Pritz (Wilmette, Ill./New Trier) will start the season in center field. Pritz brings good speed and range along with a strong arm to roam the middle of the field.

Other contributors will be junior John Kester (Osage Beach, Mo./Phoenix Country Day), who had an outstanding fall season and is one of the fastest players on the team, freshman switch-hitter Mark Mazur (Pittsburgh, Pa./Seton LaSalle) and freshman Kumar Caughey (Seattle, Wash./Ingraham).

Denison will open their home schedule on March 25 against Muskingum College.