JACKSON, Tenn. – The 2008 TranSouth Conference Preseason Baseball Poll has been released. The poll, as voted by the coaches, has Cumberland University (Tenn.) tabbed as the favorite to win the league. Trevecca Nazarene University (Tenn.) is in a close second.
In addition, the NAIA also released their Preseason Rankings. Two TranSouth teams were listed among the nation’s best. Cumberland will enter the season ranked No. 8 in the NAIA, while Trevecca Nazarene is No. 17 in the nation.
Cumberland, last season’s TranSouth Tournament Champion, also won their fourth straight Region XI Tournament Title and MidSouth SuperRegion Title. Cumberland represented the TranSouth in the NAIA World Series for the fourth straight season. The Bulldogs won the national title in 2004.
Trevecca Nazarene was the 2007 TranSouth Conference Regular Season Champions before falling in the title game of the conference tournament to Cumberland.
Finishing off the TranSouth Preseason Poll is Lyon at No. 3, Union University (Tenn.) at No. 4, Crichton College (Tenn.) at No. 5, Martin Methodist at No. 6, Freed-Hardeman University (Tenn.) at No. 7, Bethel College (Tenn.) at No. 8, Lambuth University (Tenn.) at No. 9, and Mid-Continent University (Ky.) at No. 10.
2008 TranSouth Baseball Preseason Poll
(as voted by the coaches)
TEAM POINTS (1st Place Votes)
1. Cumberland University 98 (8)
2. Trevecca Nazarene University 91 (2)
3. Lyon College 72
4. Union University 60
5. Crichton College 57
6. Martin Methodist College 51
7. Freed-Hardeman University 45
8. Bethel College 40
9. Lambuth University 26
10. Mid-Continent University 10
Bethel College Wildcats
The 2008 Wildcat season will be longtime assistant coach Rusty Thompson's first year at the helm as the head coach after Coach Glenn Hayes stepped down to continue his position as athletic director. Coach Thompson and his staff have high expectations for the 2008 season after coming off a school record 33-17-1 season in 2007 that set several individual and team records.
The Wildcats return 7 starters from last years team along will another impressive recruiting class. The highly touted class of signee's begins with NCAA DI Southern University transfer Chris Crenshaw. Crenshaw, a left handed pitcher from Memphis, TN has many tools at his disposal. He has a great stature on and off the field and a strong dedication to be the very best he can be. Crenshaw is 6'5 and throws an 85 plus mph fastball, he should be a main stay in the rotation this year. Green River Community College touts two transfers with left handed pitcher Levi Scronce and outfielder Shea Baumgartner. Scronce will add depth to the pitching staff and looks to have a chance to pitch many valuable innings. Baumgartner will compete for a starting spot in the outfield and adds speed to the depth chart. He is a plus baserunner, above average glove, and solid contact hitter with signs of power. Coming from Columbia State Community College is right handed pitcher David Rodriguez. Rodriquez's prowess on the mound has put him in contention for a weekend spot in the rotation. His ability to throw an array of pitches in the strike zone makes him very effective. Rounding out the transfer class is Union University transfer Andrew Maddox. Andrew will be competing for a starting spot at third base for the Wildcats. He looks to be a leader on the team this upcoming season on and off the field.
Along with a solid transfer class, the Wildcats have an impressive incoming freshman class. At the top of the list is Crockett County’s Craig Massey. Massey hit .545 with 17 Homeruns in 2007. He was a TSWA All State selection, All West Tennessee, and All District in his senior season. Massey was an important early signee for the program and his offensive ability will make an immediate impact this season and years to come. Another TSWA All State and All West Tennessee signee is Milan High School graduate Jake Ramsey. Ramsey hit .490 and 12 Homeruns in his senior season before signing with the Wildcats. His ability to play multiple positions and his line drive power from the left side of the plate should earn him plenty of playing time this season. Blake Talbott, a South Side High School product comes to Bethel after winning 26 games in his high school career. The two time All West Tennessee pitcher brings a great work ethic and exceptional mental toughness for his age. His heavy fastball and competiveness should earn him lot of mound time in critical situations late in ballgames. Jay Lowery, from Jackson North Side High School comes to Bethel after earning All West Tennessee honors in his senior season. Jay is a great student athlete with strong character. His ability to run and do the small things correctly will be a strong asset for the next four seasons. Glenn Smith, a TSWA All State pitcher in 2007 from McKenzie comes to Bethel after helping lead his team to the Class A Tennessee State Championship in 2006. Rounding out the incoming freshman class is Dresden Left Handed pitcher Jacob Hatchel, Brandon McCormick an All West Tennessee infielder, and South Side pitcher Ron Plemons. These local standout players show great promise for the future of the Bethel College Wildcats
Along with the additions to the roster, the Wildcats return a solid array of returnees that will provide solid leadership and talent on and off the field. Leading the way will be seniors Blake Willis (P), Rhett Hughes (P), and Seth Stanfil (OF). Willis comes into his senior year looking to be a mainstay in the rotation for the pitching staff and Hughes brings experience and leadership to a young bullpen. Stanfil has started the three pervious years for the Wildcats and looks to finish his collegiate career on a high note. These three seniors have shown a presence inside the locker room that helps carry on the Wildcat tradition. This group of seniors lead by example and provide a work ethic that sets a perfect example for the younger players to follow. Returners to help the Wildcats in '08 season begins with Sophomore Jonathon Keck. Coming off a year where he hit a school record 17 homeruns with 60 RBIs, the 2nd team All Transouth player is looking to continue his success at the plate as well as on the mound. Sophomore Johnathan Deberry enters this season after hitting .350 as a freshman. His game breaking speed is truly remarkable and will make him a huge threat in every aspect of the game. Handling the catching duties will be Heath Sharp and Jim Evans. Sharp looks to add to his 11 career Homeruns and Evans is a defensive specialist who provides stability handling the ball behind the plate. Scott Dean returns to the infield for the Wildcats at shortstop after leading the Cats in fielding pct with a .960. Also returning are pitchers Jon Patterson and Brian Nellett bringing experiences to the staff.
Along with the demanding TranSouth schedule the Wildcats have a tough non-conference schedule in 2008 with NCAA Div II Christian Brothers, NCAA Div II North Alabama, Georgetown College, Olivet Nazarene, Culver-Stockton, Milligan, and Indiana Tech. This year’s team looks to be young in age but should show maturity on the field. The coaching staff expects to have a fun and exciting season leading up to the postseason. The Wildcats season opener is at home against Clarke College on February 8.
Crichton College Comets
Brandon Rowan will begin his second season as head coach and third overall with the Comet baseball program in 2008. The 2007 season saw Rowan lead the Comets to a 33-28 record and their first ever birth in the Region XI Tournament. “I was very pleased with how our guys played down the stretch last season. Hopefully, some of that success will carry over into the start of this season, Rowan said.” Assistant Coach Brandon Patton begins his second season with program as well. Patton will again handle the Comet hitters and infielders while also coaching first base. “Coach Patton did a tremendous job for us last year. Our hitters really produced under his leadership and I expect the same again this year, Rowan said.”
The 2007 Comets led the Transouth Conference in hitting and defense and finished second in runs scored per game. With the departure of only four seniors, the 2008 Comets return a solid nucleus of veteran players including six position starters and five pitchers from the 2007 season. Twelve seniors will lead this year’s club as the Comets open the 2008 campaign on February 5th at home against Mississippi College. The Comets will also battle region tournament participants Belhaven and Tennessee Wesleyan in non-conference action along with an always tough Transouth Conference schedule. “Our schedule this year is the toughest since I’ve been here, but I’m a firm believer that tough competition makes you better. Our conference is one of the best in the country top to bottom so I felt like playing a quality non-conference schedule would better prepare us once we get into league play, Rowan added.”
Pitchers
The addition of several new pitchers along with a solid group of veteran returnees should prove beneficial to the Comets success this spring. The 2008 pitching staff will receive a major boost with the return of senior co-captain and right-handed pitcher Billy Davis. Davis missed all the 2007 season due to a shoulder injury. Anthony Albonetti also returns to the Comet staff after having a terrific season a year ago. The senior right-hander leads all returnees and hopes to build on his success from last season. Senior John David Beane will battle for significant innings in 2008. His competitive nature and hard work paid dividends a year ago when he picked up the win in the game that clinched a spot for the Comets in the Region Tournament. Junior transfer Chris Garrett is also a tremendous addition to the Crichton pitching staff. A Memphis native, Garrett commands three pitches and is a former All-State performer in junior college. Jon Sumerel and Paul Gipson are two left-handed pitchers Coach Rowan will rely on to fill a variety of roles in 2008. Both have the ability to start or relieve for the Comets. Their versatility will be very important to the Comet’s success. Senior Michael Eaheart and junior Cory Chance will give the Crichton pitching staff a different look out of the bullpen this season. Both are side-arm pitchers that possess some sink on their fastball. Jessy Butler and Kody Bumpous are two more right-handed pitchers providing depth out of the bullpen for the Comets. Both will compete for the closer role this spring. Butler, a junior, and Bumpous, a senior, both have experience already at the collegiate level. Jeoffrey DeLeon transfers back to Crichton this spring after spending one season playing junior college ball. The junior right-hander pitched one season for the Comets in 2006. No stranger to the Transouth, DeLeon was a conference starter his freshman season. Right-hander Max Lonon will also compete for innings this spring. Another junior college transfer, Lonon will provide plenty of depth coming out of the bullpen this season. Sophomore Marty Roberson will be sidelined this spring recovering from wrist surgery.
Outfielders
Three seniors should bolster the Comet’s outfield in 2008. Co-captain Daniel Greer will man left field after producing solid numbers at the plate as a junior. Greer started 36 games for the Comets a year ago. Daryus Merriwether should draw the starting nod for Rowan’s club in center field. The athletic senior combines great speed and arm strength in the outfield. Merriwether led the Comets in stolen bases as a junior. Right field will see Terry Reed back in a familiar place. Injuries have plagued the Memphis native in the offseason, but he should be healthy when the Comets open the season this spring. Reed garnered 37 starts as a junior. Other key contributors are Cory Chance, Matt Gore, Beane, and Matt Limbaugh. Chance, Gore, and Beane are all versatile players who will see playing time at other positions. Limbaugh, a freshman, provides depth at either corner outfield position along with his left-handed bat off the bench.
Infielders
The Comet infield should be a major strength entering the 2008 season. All four starting infielders from last season return for Coach Rowan along with two others that saw significant playing time. Throw in several key newcomers and the Comets should have plenty of infield depth should injuries arise. Seniors Turner Barnes and Beane will both man the “hot corner” in 2008. Both produced impressive numbers in their junior seasons and hope to build on their success this year. Leadoff hitter Dustin Young also returns for his final year as a Comet. Young’s junior year saw him start 57 games at shortstop. Shoulder surgery in the offseason limited his availability, but he will be fully recovered when the Comets open play in February. Preston Burleson and Matt Gore will both see playing time at second base for Rowan’s club this spring. The Memphis natives both had quality off seasons for the Comets. Burleson, a senior, came on strong for Crichton late in the year in 2007 as the Comets advanced into postseason play. Junior college transfer Matt Gore will also be vying for time in the infield for the Comets. His speed on the base paths will give Crichton another weapon this season. Junior Anthony Tomassetti also returns this year. His athleticism will allow him to push for playing time at third, short, and second. Tomassetti started 28 games as a sophomore. Seniors Nick Gardner and Kody Bumpous will split playing time at first base and designated hitter respectively. Both give the Comets valuable experience and power at the plate. Freshman Drew Lendermon, Zach Mays, and Chase Creasy round out the infield corps. All three young players have already gained valuable experience as they progress toward the future.
Catchers
Freshman Alan Wright will start the 2008 season behind the dish for the Comets. Wright used his first offseason to become familiar with the pitching staff and brings a maturity level beyond his years. Coach Rowan is excited about his young freshman’s potential. Turner Barnes will also see playing time as well. The senior will provide depth and leadership when called upon for the Comets. Freshman Joel Pierce is still recovering from shoulder surgery and will be sidelined his first year as a Comet.
Final Thoughts
The 2008 edition of Crichton baseball should be fun to watch. “Our guys have really worked hard this offseason and are ready to get started. I’m proud of them already for the time they’ve invested getting prepared for the season. Our goal is to be more competitive every year. If you’re competitive with every team you play, everything else seems to fall into place, Rowan concluded.”
Cumberland University Bulldogs
The Bulldogs after making their 4th consecutive NAIA World Series appearance, and their 10th overall, are looking forward to the 2008 season. The Bulldogs coached by Woody Hunt (1085-446-4 in his 25th season/4 yr record), return 5 position players and 4 pitchers. The Bulldogs are coming off a 2007 season (48-20-20- 1) in which they won their third Trans South Conference Tournament Championship, their 10th Regional Championship and their forth NAIA Super Regional Championship.
The returning position players are Clint Alexander (SR, DH/1B .370, 11 HR, 71 RBI’s), Jerermy Wilson (JR, OF .350, 4 HR, 35 RBI), Austin Morgan (SR, SS .308, 2 HR, 33 RBI), James Lilley (SR, 2B .299, 3 HR, 30 RBI), Jason Bush (SR, OF, 267, 4 HR, 35 RBI), and Preston Potter (SR, CF .216, 11HR, and 12 RBI). Eric Mull (SR, 3B .370, 20 HR, and 86 RBI), who will be sorely missed, will red-shirt in 2008 due to injury. Mull was a 2007 NAIA All-American, and one of the top returning offensive for players for the Bulldogs.
Newcomers expected to contribute are Brian Lucas (SR, 1B/3B, San Diego State University), Zach Diekmann (JR, OF, Tallahassee CC), Michael Wheeler (JR C/OF, Walters State CC), Nick Jiles (SR, OF, Sacramento State University), Will Curry (JR, IF/C, Indian River CC), Ryan Kelley (JR, LHP/1B/OF, Indian River CC), Blake Simmons (JR, OF, Dyersburg CC), Mario Perez (JR, C/OF, Palm Beach CC), and Tyler Fisher (FR, 3B/OF, Kokomo, IN).
The top returning pitcher who will be counted on heavily is Robert Clayton (SR, RHP 12-3, 2.93 ERA, 104.1 IP) who was a 2007 NAIA All-American. Along with Clayton is Anthony Fomasi (SR, LHP 6-1, 2.76, 58.2 IP) who was a part-time starter last season. Two returning right-handers who worked out of the bullpen in 2007 are Matt Madigan (SR, RHP 2-2, 4.66 ERA, 3 saves, 38.2 IP), and Aaron Tant (SR, RHP, 5-1, 4.28, 61 IP). 2007 red-shirts Robert Post (FR, RHP, Mt. Juliet Christian HS), Mark Gividen (JR, RHP, Spalding University), and Andrew Ward (JR RHP, Chandler Gilbert CC) are expected to log innings for the Bulldogs.
Newcomers expected to get innings are Eric Spivey (JR, RHP, Central Florida CC). Lance McClain (JR, LHP, University of Tennessee), Sam Roberts (JR, RHP, Sante Fe CC), and Babich Cowan (JR, RHP, Sacramento CC).
Freed-Hardeman University Lions
The Freed-Hardeman Lions hope to build on last year’s success, which saw them return to the national top 25 and finish third in the conference in the regular season. They will have to replace the top three bats in the lineup but still have enough weapons to score plenty of runs. Senior OF Jarrett Jones (.307/4/34) has fantastic speed on the basepaths and great range defensively. Sophomore 1B Brian Bullard had a huge fall and should build on last year’s 6 HR, 38 RBI season. Greg Allen, who started every game but one for FHU last season, will also be a mainstay in the Lion lineup again in 2008 as will Dustin Woodward, who caught in 52 of the Lions’ 55 games.
On the mound, Freed-Hardeman returns its ace in senior RHP Josh Hester. Hester went 9-4 last season with a 2.77 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, and 77 strikeouts in 97 innings pitched. Beyond Hester, the Lion pitching staff will be inexperienced but the opportunity exists for several younger players to step up and fill key roles in the rotation and the bullpen.
Lambuth University Eagles
Coach John Barlowe begins his first season as head coach of the Lambuth Eagles baseball squad. John comes to Lambuth from the Edmonton Cracker Cats of the Northern League. This will be the fourth collegiate baseball program that Coach Barlowe has been associated with including Vanderbilt Univversity, Truett-McConnell Junior College and Georgia Southern University.
Coach Barlowe will inherit sixteen players from the 2007 Lambuth squad that finished the season 21-34. Ten players will join the returners to make a solid squad for the 2008 season.
"If each position plays to their capabilities and beyond we have the ability to be a very good baseball team," Barlowe says.
CATCHERS
Battling for the position behind the plate for the Eagles will be sophomore Matt Bird and red-shirt junior James Poole. Bird played in 42 of the 55 games last year, while Poole took a red-shirt season. The pitching staff has a great deal of confidence throwing to both bonified catchers. Each will see time for the Eagles this spring.
OUTFIELDERS
Returning in the outfield for the Eagles are seniors Ryan Concannon, Josh Woods and George Moore and red-shirt junior Chris Siljendahl. The Eagle outfield will add newcomers Bryan Willsey, a transfer from Wabash Valley and Brad Barnes, freshman from Blackman High School in Murfreesboro, TN. Siljendahl will be a mainstay in centerfield with his impressive defensive capabilities. Concannon is coming off his junior season where he led the Eagles in many offensive catagories such as batting average, hits, doubles, triples and was second in home runs. While Concannon will hold down left field, Willsey will be counted on to have a similer junior season this year in right field. Woods will see a considerable amount of time in the all three positions utilizing his speed. Barnes will serve as a utility player seeing time in right field and in the infield. The outfield made great strides this fall and has made tremendous improvements from last season.
INFIELDERS
The infield will welcome all new faces this season. Returning seniors Ben White and Henry Sanchez move from the outfield back to the infield. White will be asked to man the hot corner at third and use his speed and base running abilities to again lead the team in stolen bases. Sanchez will be half the duo up the middle starting at second base for the Eagles. He came on late in the season last year and we are hoping that success will carry over to his final season at Lambuth. Brandon Craig will anchor the infield at shortstop and complete the duo up the middle. Brandon transferred in from Kirkwood Community College and will be a mainstay at the top of the lineup for the Eagles. At first base, Iowa Central Community College transfer Mike Davis will start his sophomore season and bring some power to the middle of the lineup for Lambuth. Three newcomers will add great depth to the Eagle infield. Ryan Hanson, a freshman from 2A State Champion Goodpasture High School, Brad Barnes and Dylan McCurry, a transfer from Southeastern Community College in Illinois. Hanson could see some time at third base and Barnes and McCurry will fight for playing time at first. All three will battle for the designated hitter role and all three have a great chance of making an immediate impact this season. The entire Lambuth Eagle infield has made some improvements to their game this fall and looks to be one of the better infields at Lambuth in some time.
PITCHERS
As many teams in the TranSouth Conference the Lambuth Eagle Baseball team will rise or fall with its pitching staff. The bright spot for the Eagles is that eight pitchers return from last years staff and all eight pitchers saw considerable time on the mound last year and accounted for 62 percent of the innings pitched. The Eagles will welcome transfer Tony Perez, from Santa Ana Community College as their ace. The junior saw limited time at Santa Ana because of an injury, but was very impressive this fall to earn the honor of ace going into the 2008 season. Brent Ebinger returns from a impressive freshman season to take the second weekend spot. Ebinger, a southpaw, finished the season with a 4-7 record and a 3.52 earned run average which were good for second and first, respectively, on the team. The third weekend spot will be a battle between senior Erick Sanchez and red-shirt freshman Kory Bates. Sanchez saw a considerable amount of time last year as a starter and a reliever. He had a lot of time on the mound during TranSouth play. Bates showed a lot of improvement during the summer and carried it into fall workouts. The Eagle bullpen has made great strides from last season. Sophomore lefthanders Erin Keel and Travis Humes combined to go 6-4 last year as starters. They will be asked to anchor the bullpen along with fellow junior lefthander Matt Riley. Riley led that team in saves last season with three. Returning righthanders sophomore Josh Barnes, senior Ryan Concannon and senior Dan Robbins will look to improve on their experiences from last season and make the bullpen as strong as possible. Three newcomers will round out the Eagle pitching staff. Junior righthander Dylan McCurry will be a very valuable asset to the Eagles as a dual position player that can come out of the bullpen late in games for the Eagles. Freshman lefthander Tyler Burke and freshman righthander Matt Fike will battle for time in the bullpen. Both freshman are very capable of being very good pitchers down the road for the Eagles. The Eagles made great strides to improve an already steady pitching staff in the offseason. With added experience to each and everyone of the pitchers on this years staff, the quality of each pitcher will increase.
The Lambuth Baseball team looks to regain the winning tradition that was once a norm at Lambuth University in the early 2000's. This years team has the ability to be a very good baseball team. Each one of them has put in a lot of hard work this summer and this fall to make them prepared for the tough TranSouth Conference and the grueling non-conference schedule. It will be a great four months of baseball and we hope that all of you can make it to the ballpark this spring to watch each of these talented young baseball players.
Lyon College Scots
The Lyon College Scots welcome 15 fresh faces to a roster that finished 40-18 overall and 15-12 (4th-place tie) in the TranSouth Conference.
Upperclassmen dot the infield landscape as senior Drew Kellums (.328 average, 9 HR and 55 RBI) moves from starting catcher to first base to replace departed first-team All-American Andy Bettis (graduation). Senior Justin Brown returns at second base, junior Josiah Hass starts at short and junior Justin Cunningham (.376 average) takes the field at third. Rounding out the infield is sophomore transfer Jason Danoff (Yavapai College).
The starting outfield is completely revamped with Kody Cox in left and Sam Neal in right. Junior transfer Nick D’Amico (Lake-Sumter CC) replaces TranSouth Gold Glove winner Mike Sanchez (graduation) in center field. Senior Andy Schatzley and sophomore Nick Salahub are expected to share time at designated hitter.
Three returnees and one newcomer completes the deck of pitching aces for the Scots this year. Seniors Justin McGarity (7-6, 3.96 ERA) and Derek Bond (9-3, 4-31 ERA) return in the starting rotation and transfer Chad Brock (Santa Fe CC) rounds out the rotation. Salahub resumes his role as the team’s closer, in which he won two games, saved six and posted an ERA of 2.41.
Martin Methodist College RedHawks
MMC looks to be a competitive squad again this season after finishing in the middle of the pack last year at 15-12 in the TranSouth and 31-20 overall. The RedHawks will have a solid infield with some key players returning around the horn. Catcher, senior Cliff Panezich (.275 in 07 with 2 HR’s and 21 RBI’s), second baseman senior Taylor Bates (.281 in 07 with 2 HR’s and 33 RBI’s) and shortstop junior Brendan Palm (.314 in 07 with 24 RBI’s) will all be in the same starting positions as last season with senior Bobby Bratton (.340 in 07 with 14 HR’s and 56 RBI’s) moving from first base to third base and senior Brandon Conner (.377 in 07 with 1 HR and 15 RBI’s) starting at first after catching some last season. There isn’t a lot of experience with the depth on the infield but there is young talent if they are needed to step in. In the outfield there are two returning starters. Darin Holt (centerfield) who led the TranSouth in batting average last season .429 and in stolen bases with 26 as a freshman and senior Josh Dorris will start in right field (.319 in 07 with 6 HR’s and 29 RBI’s). Left field is still open with sophomore Rudy Lyles, junior Jeff McMahan, and transfer junior Danny Pulley battling for the starting role.
The RedHawks have some transfers and guys from last season that had a great fall and will all be vital aspects on the base path, in the designated hitting role, and in pinch hitting roles.
The pitching staff this year hopes to be improved from last year, to do this they must have a strong year from a talented group of senior arms led by starters Josh Conatser, J. Espinoza, Baldwin Hernadez and transfer Andrew Bradley (Austin Peay State University) who all have an excellent chance to be in the rotation because of good velocity and command of 3 pitches. Matt Sakowiczwill be counted on this year to have great command and help our staff out by being our most consistent pitcher. John Mathison will be relied on out of the bullpen, while Hunter Norton may contribute in multiple roles for the RedHawks staff. Look for the team to get a boost mid –march when Cliff Hardy is completed with his rehab and is able to toe the rubber for Martin Methodist.
Jarrett Sellers (transfer Dyersburg St C.C) Mike Swaboda, and Jason Holt are the juniors for the RedHawks staff. Jarrett will be counted on to be at the top of the rotation pitching Friday conference games. He has quickly become one of the leaders of our staff. Mike and Jason have the potential to be very important pieces for the pitching staff this spring. Sophomores Brian Woodleee and Bobby Hoban return this spring with solid experience and both have shown improvements with control in the fall this will help them to push for one of the starting jobs this spring. P.J Roper who missed last season with an injury is back at full strength will also be a force with his sharp breaking ball and great command.
The freshman class is very strong and is led by Red shirt Jerry McMurtry who had a solid fall after a red-shirt year. Tyler Knox, David Spare, Clay Sanderson, Cory Hasting, and Fred West round out a group of talented pitchers who have the make up to be the best freshman group of pitchers at MMC in a very long time.
If the players pitch, play defense and get their bats hot the way that they are capable of, MMC will have the right combination of depth and talent to propel the RedHawks to be with the elite of our very strong conference.
Trevecca Nazarene University Trojans
The Trojans are coming off of a 44-18-1 record in his first season which saw the Trojans capture their second TranSouth Conference title in three years. A 2008 pre-season national ranking of No. 17, the Trojans are focused on what it takes to build on their recent success. The Trojans are “Constructing Champions”!
PITCHERS
The conference weekend staff will be led by senior right-handed pitcher Barrett Brown. Brown returns with his dominating breaking pitch and improved command. Brown will certainly add to his already impressive résumé. Right-handed junior Nick Shoup, with command of three pitches, was the Trojans’ go-to-guy in 2007. Senior right-handed pitcher Steven Brown returns after an All-Conference 2007 season. Brown will be the late-inning stopper getting the tough outs in the closer role. With key arms returning at the top and experienced junior college arms, the Trojans will once again be leaning on their pitching staff to lead them again in 2008.
OUTFIELDERS
Back for his senior season is Wade Angel, who had a great junior season and will be a mainstay in left field. The left-handed hitter adds power at the top of the lineup as a leadoff hitter and run-producer. Junior Chris Lowe had his best year as a Trojan last year when he racked up 95 hits and led the team in runs scored. Lowe is a cornerstone in the outfield and provides consistency and leadership at the top of the lineup.
INFIELDERS
Newcomer Aaron Bree, a defender, will be the mainstay for the Trojans at shortstop. The Chandler Gilbert CC transfer displays great range and the ability to make things happen at the plate. Junior second-baseman Ross Muirhead brings good range and an unbelievable work ethic in his first season in the purple and white. Senior third baseman/first baseman Dylan Lynch is great defensively and offensively. Lynch was chosen as a Rawlings Region XI Gold Glove winner in 2007 and provides the leadership necessary to make great things happen. Battling for the first-base position will be juniors Cody Heggie and Adam Bland. Heggie, a Jackson State CC transfer, has great offensive promise and is working to become a middle-of-the-order hitter. He’s a steady defensive performer with a proven track record of success. Bland, the only returning first baseman, provides depth at the position and experience off the bench.
CATCHERS
Seniors Brett Thaler and Justin Mundy will battle for the everyday job behind the plate in 2008. Thaler is tenacious behind the plate and exudes confidence in his abilities. He has improved offensively throughout the fall and will be a significant contributor in 2008. As for Mundy, the pitching staff has a great deal of confidence in him and his ability to understand the game. Mundy’s leadership will keep the pitching staff comfortable and confident. Brian Dirheimer, a junior transfer from Columbia State CC, will see significant time behind the plate as well. Dirheimer, who will serve as the designated hitter at times, will provide a much-needed power boost in the middle of the order. His offensive potential should get him into the line-up.
Union University Bulldogs
The 2008 season begins with great expectations as Union University head coach Brent Fronabarger enters his third season with the Bulldogs. Union has just 10 returning players, nine of which are seniors. Fourteen players on the Union squad are newcomers to the Bulldog baseball program, but will have opportunities to contribute early to the success of this team.
Union currently has a streak of 28 straight seasons with a winning baseball record. After a season slowed by injuries last year, Union hopes to improved on the 33 wins of a year ago and return to the region tournament for the second time in three years.
The senior class for Union has plenty of experience and each of the nine players will have a key roll on this season’s squad. Three of the seniors are in their fourth year with the Union program. Humboldt natives Judson Powers and James Brasfield have been staples on the team over their careers. Powers has been the offensive leader on the team with his bat. He has also proven to be a valuable lefty on the mound over the past few years. He has been named to the TranSouth All-Conference team in each season, including a TranSouth Gold Glove Award, All-Region, and All-American. Brasfield has also played an important role on the Union team throughout his career. He has started at five different positions in his career, including his transition from the infield to one of the team’s most dependable pitchers. Ben Ayris has also been a starter pitcher for Union for four seasons. He has improved over his career to give Union a valuable starter, and this season, adds to what looks to be a deep pitching staff.
Of the six remaining seniors, each are in their second season with Union. Cody Willoughby returns as a starting outfielder for Union. Shaun Cozart is back after starting all 51 games last season and tying a school record with 400 putouts at first base. He was named All-Conference and also received a conference Gold Glove Award. Bryan Wagner returns after placing second on the team with 10 starts on the mound last season. Joe Robinson spent last season as the starting left fielder, but will go into the season this year as the leading candidate for the designated hitter spot. Josh Holman led the team last year with 20 appearances and tied for a team-high six wins on the mound. He will add a quality left-handed arm to the improved pitching staff of 2008. Greg Abram returns after taking over the ace roll of last season’s pitching staff. He finished with six wins and led the team with 13 starts and 84.0 innings pitched. Abram was named All-Conference as a junior.
The junior class is made up of four players, one of which has been with Union all three seasons. Covington native Allen Williams returns after splitting time last season with Lowery at catcher. When not catching, Williams has started in the outfield and has also been the designated hitter. Williams was an All-Conference player as a freshman. Three transfers complete the junior class for Union. Joe Gahan will add a quality left-handed bat with experience that will help this team. Carl Harken will start the season as one of Union’s three conference starters. Danny Alberty proved his value in the fall with his hard work and fearless attitude that will make him Union’s main reliever on the weekends.
Union boasts three sophomores on this year’s squad, all of which are newcomers to the program. Andrew Hansen will start the season as Union’s second baseman, but will also be the table setter in the second spot in the lineup. Ramon Gutierrez will add depth to an already solid middle infield. Grant Luke will get the nod in right field to start the season.
With the second biggest class on the team, the seven freshman for Union produce a positive outlook for not only this season, but for the next four years. Colby Starks will get time behind the plate this year as he grows into the college game. Kevin Kirksey will pitch and hit for Union. He has a good arm out of the bullpen and will get RBI opportunities late in games. Yogi Vaneman will start the season as Union’s man up the middle in the shortstop position, but will also be a major run producer in the number five spot in the lineup. Lee Kimbell turned heads in the fall with his play and understanding of the game. He will help Union offensively and defensively as he continues to improve. Matt Carter will be the third conference starter for Union with Abram and Harken. He has great stuff and will complete a very deep weekend rotation for Union, as a freshman and throughout his career. Caleb Hollingsworth will provide a quality arm and depth to the weekday rotation. Ross Garrett also will continue to help Union’s rotation as he improves with each appearance.
This squad has several new faces, but with six of nine starters returning from last season, experience will help mesh this team into a TranSouth Conference contender.
#TRANSOUTH#
