Liberty quartet bound for D-I baseball diamonds
Chris Galoski 11/17/09
Olentangy Valley News
Don't adjust your eyes.
It's no ocular aberration, that really is a mini-college baseball team preparing to grace Olentangy Liberty's diamond.
Not one, not two, not even three Patriots inked their Division I collegiate deals Wednesday, Nov. 11. Count them, four Pats are D-I bound in 2010.
Ending the signing suspense were Josh Dezse (Ohio State), a pitcher, catcher and first baseman, center fielder Michael O'Neill (University of Michigan), shortstop-pitcher Zach Michael (University of Toledo) and pitcher-first baseman Tyler Stage (Ohio University).
"It's been interesting for these guys to allow me to meet all these college guys and talk to them on the phone," Liberty coach Matt Lattig said. "It's also been fun to watch these guys go through it.
"All of a sudden, you're taking kids that are 17 to 18 years old and they've gotta make a choice that's not only going to impact them as baseball player, but is going to impact their academics and finances."
In the interim, this prep season is all about getting in the last word. Because a year ago Liberty was undone by Pickerington North, the eventual D-I state runner-up, in a Central District final.
"I think the one thing we try to preach to our kids," Lattig said, "is it doesn't matter what kind of paper you sign, what kind of stats you put up.
"It still comes down to, can you do what you need to do when you have to? The good thing about this group is we've pushed them.
"We've made comments to them saying, 'Hey, you can be D-I all you want but you still haven't won anything. You tied for the (OCC Cardinal Division) title last year and you got beat in the district finals. You were just as good as eight other teams. You didn't stand out, that was Pickerington North that stood out'."
Not that 23-6 (12-2) was an embarrassment for Liberty, it just won't be acceptable in 2010.
"For the most part, they're ready to accept the bull's-eye that's put on their back," Lattig said.
"By them signing these papers they understand everybody is going to be gunning for you."
Analyzing the menacing foursome, Dezse, he of the 1.60 ERA, hurls a fastball that tops out at a neck-breaking 93 mph, with his velocity eclipsed only by his feverish preparation.
O'Neill (.447) has dizzying speed and he's not afraid to use it, stealing a school-record 21 bases in 2009 and regularly flashing the leather as the defensive anchor in center field.
Stage (6-3, 2.13 ERA), the future Bobcat, is the club's ace, bringing a knowing, cool-headed air to the bump.
"When we get Tyler out on the mound we just let him go, he knows how to control the game," Lattig said.
Then there's Michael (.318, .400 OBP), who barring injury (which befell ex-Patriot and current Buckeye Ryan Cypret) will become the first four-year starter in Liberty's six-year history.
"The great thing is Toledo and the guys recruiting him saw him as an athlete," Lattig said of Michael, who also stars for Liberty's football and basketball teams. "Once he starts concentrating on baseball, his ceiling is 'way high."
Though it's still four months in the offing, the same could be said for the Patriots' ever-nearing spring season.
"We have a great senior class," Lattig asserted. "We have those four obviously, but we also have four other kids who are extremely important to us -- Stephen Crea, Blake Hampshire, Brandon Seich and Joe Trivisonno. They're all going to be instrumental to our success this year in making sure we do the things we want to do.
"The great thing is all eight seniors are really focused on doing better than last year. They understand it was neat, but they want to hang a banner. They want to say they were the guys who put up a league banner, put up a district banner."
Friday, November 20, 2009
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Baseball America: Bourquin Busted
2006 Big Ten Player of the Year suspended 50 games
Matt Eddy- This offseason will be longer than most for Double-A corner infielder Ron Bourquin. He won’t be able to suit up for a Tigers affiliate until early next June after he drew a 50-game suspension for testing positive for an amphetamine, MLB announced today.
Bourquin, a second-round draft pick in 2006 out of Ohio State, ranked as the team’s No. 20 prospect in 2007, but has not been in the Top 30 since then.
He spent most of this season with low Class A West Michigan before being promoted to Double-A Erie, where he finished the year. Over 424 at-bats, the 24-year-old hit .267/.361/.408 with 30 doubles and eight home runs.
Matt Eddy- This offseason will be longer than most for Double-A corner infielder Ron Bourquin. He won’t be able to suit up for a Tigers affiliate until early next June after he drew a 50-game suspension for testing positive for an amphetamine, MLB announced today.
Bourquin, a second-round draft pick in 2006 out of Ohio State, ranked as the team’s No. 20 prospect in 2007, but has not been in the Top 30 since then.
He spent most of this season with low Class A West Michigan before being promoted to Double-A Erie, where he finished the year. Over 424 at-bats, the 24-year-old hit .267/.361/.408 with 30 doubles and eight home runs.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
New contributor to the Buckeye Nine
As many of you know I currently still am a student at Ohio State. The 15 credit hours, plus two part time jobs and other volunteer efforts, at times make it difficult to keep on schedule with writing, stories, ad projects as I intend.
Last Monday I lost my grandfather to lung cancer and it has been a pretty emotional time. I apologies for the lakc of updates last week as planned, but hopefully you can understand having other priorities in life.
With that I have decided, and I hope Todd has my approval, to add a contributor to the site in a good friend of mine, Matt Brown.
I will let Matt add a few words of his own, but Matt is a 2009 graduate of Ohio State, has wrote professionally (unlike I) and currently is a teacher in New Orleans. Matt also helped me and the Buckeye Nine this past spring, contributing for the Buckeye Nine's Tournament Central if you remember.
With everything I have going on and Matt's professionalism, this is a great addition I feel to the B9, and hopefully you will agree as well. I, and we, continue to do our best to cover Ohio State baseball.
Last Monday I lost my grandfather to lung cancer and it has been a pretty emotional time. I apologies for the lakc of updates last week as planned, but hopefully you can understand having other priorities in life.
With that I have decided, and I hope Todd has my approval, to add a contributor to the site in a good friend of mine, Matt Brown.
I will let Matt add a few words of his own, but Matt is a 2009 graduate of Ohio State, has wrote professionally (unlike I) and currently is a teacher in New Orleans. Matt also helped me and the Buckeye Nine this past spring, contributing for the Buckeye Nine's Tournament Central if you remember.
With everything I have going on and Matt's professionalism, this is a great addition I feel to the B9, and hopefully you will agree as well. I, and we, continue to do our best to cover Ohio State baseball.
Rivals.com/Yahoo Sports: Five Keys Ohio State
By Kendall Rogers
1. Alex Wimmers needs to be Alex Wimmers -- This key may sound like common sense or even be strange to some people, but there have been plenty of times in the past when a pitcher expected to throw exceptionally well cratered the next season. Wimmers can't do that if the Buckeyes plan on reaching the College World Series. As a sophomore last season, he had a 9-2 record and compiled a 3.27 ERA in 104 2/3 innings. He also struck out 136 and walked 55 and limited opposing teams to a .211 clip. Wimmers will be a preseason All-American and will have much pressure to succeed. It'll be interesting to see how the talented pitcher handles the spotlight.
2. Rest of the weekend rotation needs to be much better -- Wimmers is Ohio State's bell cow and one of the nation's best, but the same can't be said for the rest of the Buckeyes' weekend rotation. Eric Best was good at times last season. But another starter, Dean Wolosiansky compiled rather unimpressive numbers. Best started 13 games last season and had a 5.95 ERA in 75 2/3 innings. He also struck out 55 and walked 34 and limited opposing teams to a .315 batting average. Wolosiansky, meanwhile, started 16 games and had a 6.04 ERA in 92 1/3 innings. He struck out 55 and walked 34 and teams hit him at an incredibly high .330 clip. There's no question this unit must improve if Ohio State is to make a trip to Omaha next June.
3. Build more quality bullpen depth -- The bullpen is OSU's only major of concern with the season a couple months away. The Buckeyes finished last season with a 6.39 ERA and the bullpen is to blame for much of that calculation. Drew Rucinski is the top returning reliever. Joining him are Ross Oltorik, Andrew Armstrong and Jared Strayer. Rucinski made 36 appearances last season and had a 5.54 ERA in 74 2/3 innings, Oltorik made 11 appearances and had a 9.58 ERA in 31 innings, Armstrong made 11 appearances and had an 11.51 ERA and Strayer made 20 appearances and had a 10.55 ERA in 29 innings. We can't stress enough how much better this unit must be in the spring, both from a production and quality depth standpoint.
4. Offense needs to meet expectations -- This certainly will be the Buckeyes' strength in the spring. The Buckeyes had one of the nation's youngest offensive lineups last season and still managed to finish the campaign with a .328 batting average. The Bucks welcome back five hitters that finished '09 with batting averages better than .340. The list includes Ryan Dew, Dan Burkhart, Zach Hurley, Michael Stephens and Cory Kovanda. Dew led the team in hitting with a .388 batting average. Burkhart and Stephens, meanwhile, are the team's leading power hitters. It wouldn't surprise me if the Buckeyes finish the '10 season with a batting average equal to or better than .328.
5. Embrace the high expectations -- There have been times in the past when teams with incredibly high expectations folded like a cheap tent once the season began. Ohio State definitely hopes to avoid that fate. Ohio State hasn't been to Omaha in 42 years and would love nothing more than to end that hiatus in the spring. Accomplishing that goal will be a long and potentially rugged road with every team on the schedule gunning for them. Still, this is a team that gained a lot of experience by reaching the Tallahassee Regional final last season. There's no need for the Buckeyes to get overwhelmed by the high expectations. They need to embrace the publicity.
1. Alex Wimmers needs to be Alex Wimmers -- This key may sound like common sense or even be strange to some people, but there have been plenty of times in the past when a pitcher expected to throw exceptionally well cratered the next season. Wimmers can't do that if the Buckeyes plan on reaching the College World Series. As a sophomore last season, he had a 9-2 record and compiled a 3.27 ERA in 104 2/3 innings. He also struck out 136 and walked 55 and limited opposing teams to a .211 clip. Wimmers will be a preseason All-American and will have much pressure to succeed. It'll be interesting to see how the talented pitcher handles the spotlight.
2. Rest of the weekend rotation needs to be much better -- Wimmers is Ohio State's bell cow and one of the nation's best, but the same can't be said for the rest of the Buckeyes' weekend rotation. Eric Best was good at times last season. But another starter, Dean Wolosiansky compiled rather unimpressive numbers. Best started 13 games last season and had a 5.95 ERA in 75 2/3 innings. He also struck out 55 and walked 34 and limited opposing teams to a .315 batting average. Wolosiansky, meanwhile, started 16 games and had a 6.04 ERA in 92 1/3 innings. He struck out 55 and walked 34 and teams hit him at an incredibly high .330 clip. There's no question this unit must improve if Ohio State is to make a trip to Omaha next June.
3. Build more quality bullpen depth -- The bullpen is OSU's only major of concern with the season a couple months away. The Buckeyes finished last season with a 6.39 ERA and the bullpen is to blame for much of that calculation. Drew Rucinski is the top returning reliever. Joining him are Ross Oltorik, Andrew Armstrong and Jared Strayer. Rucinski made 36 appearances last season and had a 5.54 ERA in 74 2/3 innings, Oltorik made 11 appearances and had a 9.58 ERA in 31 innings, Armstrong made 11 appearances and had an 11.51 ERA and Strayer made 20 appearances and had a 10.55 ERA in 29 innings. We can't stress enough how much better this unit must be in the spring, both from a production and quality depth standpoint.
4. Offense needs to meet expectations -- This certainly will be the Buckeyes' strength in the spring. The Buckeyes had one of the nation's youngest offensive lineups last season and still managed to finish the campaign with a .328 batting average. The Bucks welcome back five hitters that finished '09 with batting averages better than .340. The list includes Ryan Dew, Dan Burkhart, Zach Hurley, Michael Stephens and Cory Kovanda. Dew led the team in hitting with a .388 batting average. Burkhart and Stephens, meanwhile, are the team's leading power hitters. It wouldn't surprise me if the Buckeyes finish the '10 season with a batting average equal to or better than .328.
5. Embrace the high expectations -- There have been times in the past when teams with incredibly high expectations folded like a cheap tent once the season began. Ohio State definitely hopes to avoid that fate. Ohio State hasn't been to Omaha in 42 years and would love nothing more than to end that hiatus in the spring. Accomplishing that goal will be a long and potentially rugged road with every team on the schedule gunning for them. Still, this is a team that gained a lot of experience by reaching the Tallahassee Regional final last season. There's no need for the Buckeyes to get overwhelmed by the high expectations. They need to embrace the publicity.
Rivals.com/Yahoo Sports: Ohio State has sights set on Omaha
By Kendall Rogers
The only number Ohio State players and coaches need to remember this spring is 42.
Yes, that was the number worn by Jackie Robinson. But it also represents what the 2010 Buckeyes have the ability to accomplish. OSU can end a 42-year drought by making it back to Omaha for the College World Series.
Ohio State was a perennial national power in the 1960s. In that decade, the Buckeyes made College World Series appearances in ’65, ’66 and ’67, and won the national title ’66.
The Buckeyes haven’t been back to Rosenblatt Stadium since the ’67 campaign, and the Big Ten hasn’t exactly produced many potential CWS participants in recent seasons. Michigan upset Vanderbilt in the ’07 Nashville Regional and was expected to take a huge step forward and possibly get to Omaha in ’08. But that year the Wolverines bowed out in the Ann Arbor Regional to Arizona.
That Michigan team was good. The ’10 Ohio State team will be better.
The Buckeyes entered last season with just three seniors and a plethora of young players. Some pundits picked them to finish third, fourth and even lower in the Big Ten. OSU surprised many by winning the regular season crown with an 18-6 record.
The Buckeyes reached the Tallahassee Regional final and ended the expected rebuilding campaign with an outstanding 42-19 record. They also eliminated Georgia from the postseason while in Tallahassee.
“I was very proud of the way the team competed last year until the last game. We were very young and probably exceed expectations in some eyes,” Ohio State coach Bob Todd said. “I think if you win the league like we did and get to a regional final, it’s a big accomplishment.”
The addition of outfielder Michael Stephens to the lineup certainly was a huge boost last season. Catcher Dan Burkhart’s huge sophomore season at the plate - and behind it - also was a plus. But perhaps most encouraging was the campaign logged by sophomore right-handed pitcher Alex Wimmers.
Wimmers compiled a 4.50 ERA in 40 innings as a freshman two seasons ago. As a sophomore, he went 9-2 and had a 3.27 ERA in 104 2/3 innings. He also struck out 136 and walked 55 while limiting opponents to a .211 batting average.
Wimmers will be a preseason All-American in 2010 and gives the Buckeyes the dominant staff ace that most teams have in Omaha.
“It’s so important the first game of any series to have a dominant arm, because it’s important to get off on the right track. Alex provides that,” Todd said. “Anyone that goes to Omaha has that one stud pitcher, the guy the whole team plays confidently behind and when he’s on the mound they like their chances of winning. That’s Alex.”
The Buckeyes should like their chances on the weekend with Wimmers and fellow weekend starter Eric Best leading the way. But the bullpen is a cause for some concern.
“One of the big question marks is the loss of Jake Hale. That’s some huge shoes to fill considering how great he was the entire season,” Todd said.
Hale made 40 appearances and compiled a 1.31 ERA in 55 innings.
“We had hoped to get a good look at several guys in the fall, but injuries and other issues kept us from seeing a lot of arms,” Todd said. “It actually caused our fall workouts to be rocky at times.”
In the meantime, look for the Buckeyes to heavily lean on junior right-hander Drew Rucinski. Rucinski made 36 appearances last season and compiled a 5.54 ERA in 74 2/3 innings. Todd, though, has high hopes for the righty in the upcoming campaign.
“Rucinski was an unsung hero last season, and after this past summer he came back and the scouts really were raving about him,” Todd said. “He was great in a setup role last season and he’s still very valuable to this ballclub.”
While the bullpen certainly is a big concern with spring approaching, the Buckeyes know that getting to Omaha requires much more. They have a great offense and a one-two punch on the weekend that will be very difficult to beat. They also have the most important intangibles – a great attitude and swagger.
Now the Buckeyes just need a little good fortune.
“Every aspect of your team has to be clicking at the same time to get to Omaha, there’s no question about that,” Todd said. “But I’ll say this much, getting to Omaha requires a little bit of luck, too.”
After 42 years, the Buckeyes are due for some good karma.
The only number Ohio State players and coaches need to remember this spring is 42.
Yes, that was the number worn by Jackie Robinson. But it also represents what the 2010 Buckeyes have the ability to accomplish. OSU can end a 42-year drought by making it back to Omaha for the College World Series.
Ohio State was a perennial national power in the 1960s. In that decade, the Buckeyes made College World Series appearances in ’65, ’66 and ’67, and won the national title ’66.
The Buckeyes haven’t been back to Rosenblatt Stadium since the ’67 campaign, and the Big Ten hasn’t exactly produced many potential CWS participants in recent seasons. Michigan upset Vanderbilt in the ’07 Nashville Regional and was expected to take a huge step forward and possibly get to Omaha in ’08. But that year the Wolverines bowed out in the Ann Arbor Regional to Arizona.
That Michigan team was good. The ’10 Ohio State team will be better.
The Buckeyes entered last season with just three seniors and a plethora of young players. Some pundits picked them to finish third, fourth and even lower in the Big Ten. OSU surprised many by winning the regular season crown with an 18-6 record.
The Buckeyes reached the Tallahassee Regional final and ended the expected rebuilding campaign with an outstanding 42-19 record. They also eliminated Georgia from the postseason while in Tallahassee.
“I was very proud of the way the team competed last year until the last game. We were very young and probably exceed expectations in some eyes,” Ohio State coach Bob Todd said. “I think if you win the league like we did and get to a regional final, it’s a big accomplishment.”
The addition of outfielder Michael Stephens to the lineup certainly was a huge boost last season. Catcher Dan Burkhart’s huge sophomore season at the plate - and behind it - also was a plus. But perhaps most encouraging was the campaign logged by sophomore right-handed pitcher Alex Wimmers.
Wimmers compiled a 4.50 ERA in 40 innings as a freshman two seasons ago. As a sophomore, he went 9-2 and had a 3.27 ERA in 104 2/3 innings. He also struck out 136 and walked 55 while limiting opponents to a .211 batting average.
Wimmers will be a preseason All-American in 2010 and gives the Buckeyes the dominant staff ace that most teams have in Omaha.
“It’s so important the first game of any series to have a dominant arm, because it’s important to get off on the right track. Alex provides that,” Todd said. “Anyone that goes to Omaha has that one stud pitcher, the guy the whole team plays confidently behind and when he’s on the mound they like their chances of winning. That’s Alex.”
The Buckeyes should like their chances on the weekend with Wimmers and fellow weekend starter Eric Best leading the way. But the bullpen is a cause for some concern.
“One of the big question marks is the loss of Jake Hale. That’s some huge shoes to fill considering how great he was the entire season,” Todd said.
Hale made 40 appearances and compiled a 1.31 ERA in 55 innings.
“We had hoped to get a good look at several guys in the fall, but injuries and other issues kept us from seeing a lot of arms,” Todd said. “It actually caused our fall workouts to be rocky at times.”
In the meantime, look for the Buckeyes to heavily lean on junior right-hander Drew Rucinski. Rucinski made 36 appearances last season and compiled a 5.54 ERA in 74 2/3 innings. Todd, though, has high hopes for the righty in the upcoming campaign.
“Rucinski was an unsung hero last season, and after this past summer he came back and the scouts really were raving about him,” Todd said. “He was great in a setup role last season and he’s still very valuable to this ballclub.”
While the bullpen certainly is a big concern with spring approaching, the Buckeyes know that getting to Omaha requires much more. They have a great offense and a one-two punch on the weekend that will be very difficult to beat. They also have the most important intangibles – a great attitude and swagger.
Now the Buckeyes just need a little good fortune.
“Every aspect of your team has to be clicking at the same time to get to Omaha, there’s no question about that,” Todd said. “But I’ll say this much, getting to Omaha requires a little bit of luck, too.”
After 42 years, the Buckeyes are due for some good karma.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Jacob Hayes signs Letter of Intent
By Craig Pearson
The Tribune-Star
Two Vigo County baseball players will sign national letters-of-intent this week to play at the Division I level, and one Wabash Valley track standout has committed to run for Indiana State.
Jacob Hayes of Terre Haute South will sign today to play for defending regular-season Big Ten champion Ohio State, and Tyler Wampler of West Vigo will ink with Indiana State during the early signing period that begins today and ends Nov. 18.
All-state sprinter Shelby Higginbottom of North Central will run for the Sycamores and women’s coach John Gartland. She cannot sign a LOI until on or after Feb. 3.
For Hayes, playing for Ohio State has been his dream ever since his cousin Mike Hayes pitched for the Buckeyes.
While Hayes said he also had interest from Indiana University, it didn’t take him long to make a decision.
“When [Ohio State] said they’d offer me a scholarship, it was a weird feeling, it really was a dream come true,” Hayes said. “I kind of knew when Ohio State offered, I knew deep down that’s where I would end up. Ohio State has made it seem like I’ll have a chance to play right away.”
Hayes, who credits his father and South coach Kyle Kraemer for his development as a player, helped the Braves win back-to-back sectional titles and a regional title in 2008. The leadoff batter had four home runs in 2009 and had a strong summer for Wayne Newton Post 346. Playing for his uncle, manager John Hayes, Jacob hit .427 and struck out just 10 times in close to 150 at-bats.
The Tribune-Star
Two Vigo County baseball players will sign national letters-of-intent this week to play at the Division I level, and one Wabash Valley track standout has committed to run for Indiana State.
Jacob Hayes of Terre Haute South will sign today to play for defending regular-season Big Ten champion Ohio State, and Tyler Wampler of West Vigo will ink with Indiana State during the early signing period that begins today and ends Nov. 18.
All-state sprinter Shelby Higginbottom of North Central will run for the Sycamores and women’s coach John Gartland. She cannot sign a LOI until on or after Feb. 3.
For Hayes, playing for Ohio State has been his dream ever since his cousin Mike Hayes pitched for the Buckeyes.
While Hayes said he also had interest from Indiana University, it didn’t take him long to make a decision.
“When [Ohio State] said they’d offer me a scholarship, it was a weird feeling, it really was a dream come true,” Hayes said. “I kind of knew when Ohio State offered, I knew deep down that’s where I would end up. Ohio State has made it seem like I’ll have a chance to play right away.”
Hayes, who credits his father and South coach Kyle Kraemer for his development as a player, helped the Braves win back-to-back sectional titles and a regional title in 2008. The leadoff batter had four home runs in 2009 and had a strong summer for Wayne Newton Post 346. Playing for his uncle, manager John Hayes, Jacob hit .427 and struck out just 10 times in close to 150 at-bats.
Local products Ben Bokor and Josh Dezse sign letter of intent
Ben Bokor a LHP from Gahanna-Lincoln has sign and sent his letter of intent to Coach Todd and the baseball program as today kicks off the early signing period for the high school senior class of 2010.
Joining Bokor locally is C/RHP Josh Dezse from Olentangy Liberty.
Dezse and Bokor join Greg Greve, Clayton Crum, Tim Wetzel, and Jacob Hayes as HS c/o 2010 seniors that will be coming to Columbus next autumn.
More to come on Bokor and Dezse.
Joining Bokor locally is C/RHP Josh Dezse from Olentangy Liberty.
Dezse and Bokor join Greg Greve, Clayton Crum, Tim Wetzel, and Jacob Hayes as HS c/o 2010 seniors that will be coming to Columbus next autumn.
More to come on Bokor and Dezse.
Monday, November 9, 2009
Where we stand: First Base
Going to do it a bit different from here on out.
Monday- I'll give a brief summation on where we are depth-wise.
Tuesday- Spring roundup, what occurred in the spring at that position.
Wednesday- Summer recaps, who did what and where with the wooden bat.
Thursday- Fall ball happenings, who played where, who did what.
Friday- Where we stand, outlook for 2010.
This will allow me to get in-depth on that particular area of focus, without overwhelming you with one post that would take an hour to read. It also allows me more time to research, write, and put everything together without stressing out about a timeframe. Also the poll to the right will be up all work, in relation to that topic.
To resume the series...
Returning Players:
Sr. Ryan Dew (157 games, 128, starts)
R-Jr. Matt Streng (59, 50) 2009 starter
R-Fr. Zach Nowland (0, 0)
Incoming Players:
None
Depth Chart:
To understand what would unfold at first base in 2009, you have to understand what happened at third base. Junior Brian DeLucia started the season opening Big East/Big Ten Challenge at the hot corner with senior Justin Miller anchoring the first base bag that he had the previous three seasons for the Scarlet & Gray. DeLucia collected three hits, two home runs, six RBI in the opening weekend in what appeared to be a productive season from the Watterson product, in what was to be his first season receiving prominent playing time.
In the team’s second weekend preparing for a game against North Florida, fielding infield, a ball would take a wicked hop, come up on DeLucia breaking a finger that would require surgery and ultimately ending DeLucia’s season as he received a medical red-shirt.
Cory Rupert, who the previous season was the team’s regular third baseman ,would start the next two game for the Buckeyes at third before sliding over to his freshman season position of shortstop, as Tyler Engle was nursing an injury, thus Miller moved over the third base, and the hot hitting Matt Streng filled in at first. Got that?
Engle would replace Rupert in the everyday lineup, but there was not much outside of the occasional day off that saw Miller vacate third base or Streng at first.
Now with a healthy DeLucia returning as well as Streng still having eligibility, you would think the Bucks are set at third and first respectively with those two being inserted into the #3 and #5 lineup slots? Not so fast my friend. Coach Bob Todd this autumn has elected to give DeLucia time in the outfield, Streng at third, and Ryan Dew at first base. How’s that for shuffling the cards. We’ll get to the autumn events later, but for purposes that make it easier for I and perhaps you, Streng and Dew will be highlighted amongst the first basemen, DeLucia along with Rupert and third.
Zach Nowland red-shirted in 2009, but was among the rotation at first this autumn.
Monday- I'll give a brief summation on where we are depth-wise.
Tuesday- Spring roundup, what occurred in the spring at that position.
Wednesday- Summer recaps, who did what and where with the wooden bat.
Thursday- Fall ball happenings, who played where, who did what.
Friday- Where we stand, outlook for 2010.
This will allow me to get in-depth on that particular area of focus, without overwhelming you with one post that would take an hour to read. It also allows me more time to research, write, and put everything together without stressing out about a timeframe. Also the poll to the right will be up all work, in relation to that topic.
To resume the series...
Returning Players:
Sr. Ryan Dew (157 games, 128, starts)
R-Jr. Matt Streng (59, 50) 2009 starter
R-Fr. Zach Nowland (0, 0)
Incoming Players:
None
Depth Chart:
To understand what would unfold at first base in 2009, you have to understand what happened at third base. Junior Brian DeLucia started the season opening Big East/Big Ten Challenge at the hot corner with senior Justin Miller anchoring the first base bag that he had the previous three seasons for the Scarlet & Gray. DeLucia collected three hits, two home runs, six RBI in the opening weekend in what appeared to be a productive season from the Watterson product, in what was to be his first season receiving prominent playing time.
In the team’s second weekend preparing for a game against North Florida, fielding infield, a ball would take a wicked hop, come up on DeLucia breaking a finger that would require surgery and ultimately ending DeLucia’s season as he received a medical red-shirt.
Cory Rupert, who the previous season was the team’s regular third baseman ,would start the next two game for the Buckeyes at third before sliding over to his freshman season position of shortstop, as Tyler Engle was nursing an injury, thus Miller moved over the third base, and the hot hitting Matt Streng filled in at first. Got that?
Engle would replace Rupert in the everyday lineup, but there was not much outside of the occasional day off that saw Miller vacate third base or Streng at first.
Now with a healthy DeLucia returning as well as Streng still having eligibility, you would think the Bucks are set at third and first respectively with those two being inserted into the #3 and #5 lineup slots? Not so fast my friend. Coach Bob Todd this autumn has elected to give DeLucia time in the outfield, Streng at third, and Ryan Dew at first base. How’s that for shuffling the cards. We’ll get to the autumn events later, but for purposes that make it easier for I and perhaps you, Streng and Dew will be highlighted amongst the first basemen, DeLucia along with Rupert and third.
Zach Nowland red-shirted in 2009, but was among the rotation at first this autumn.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Nick Swisher After World Series Win
Congrats to Nick Swisher on winning his first World Series title. He's just the sixth Buckeye to play in the Fall Classic and is the third to earn a World Series ring. The Buckeyes hadn't had a former player in a World Series game since 1968 when Joe Sparma and Johnny Edwards faced one another for Detroit and St. Louis, respectively.
Swisher played for the Buckeyes from 2000-02 and was a first-round draft pick of the Oakland Athletics. He also played for the Chicago White Sox before joining the Yankees prior to the 2009 season.
Go Swish! and Go Bucks!
Buckeyes Announce 2010 Schedule
2010 Schedule
From OhioStateBuckeys.com/ -- The Ohio State baseball team will begin the 2010 season playing 18 of its first 21 games in the state of Florida with the other three being played in Knoxville, Tenn., head coach Bob Todd announced Thursday.
The Buckeyes, the defending Big Ten Conference champion who started 18-3 last year with the first 21 games played in Florida, open up their season Feb. 19-21 with three games in Jacksonville against North Florida, Florida A&M and Richmond before taking part in the second-annual Big Ten/Big East Challenge Feb. 26-28 in Clearwater/St. Petersburg. The 10 team, 30-game event pits the Buckeyes against South Florida, Notre Dame and in-state foe Cincinnati. Ohio State defeated the Fighting Irish and Bearcats in the inaugural Big Ten/Big East challenge last season.
Ohio State’s initial series of games on the road also includes trips to Port Charlotte, Fla. (March 5-7), Knoxville (March 12-14) and to Winter Haven, Fla., for a series of Spring Break games against opponents to be announced.
Big Ten Conference play opens the weekend of April 2-4 at Northwestern and the regular season will conclude May 20-22 in Columbus with a series against Minnesota. The Bill Davis Stadium home opener is set for 2:05 p.m. Wednesday, March 31 against Toledo. It will be the first of 21 home games for the Buckeyes in 2010.
The Buckeyes will play home conference series against Indiana, Penn State, Illinois and Minnesota. In addition to the home opener against Toledo, Ohio State will also play week-day home games against Xavier, Akron, Marshall and Ball State and two against Louisville with two other games to be announced.
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Tickets Now Available Online for 2010 Big Ten-Big East Baseball Challenge
ST. PETERSBURG, FL – Tickets for the second Big Ten-BIG EAST Baseball Challenge, hosted by the St. Petersburg/Clearwater Sports Commission, will be available online at www.BigTenBIGEASTChallenge.com beginning at Noon on Wednesday, October 28, 2009. The Challenge will take place February 26-28, 2010, at various current and former big-league facilities. Those interested in purchasing tickets via phone can call 410-472-3500.
An all-tournament pass, which provides access to all 30 games of the Challenge, can be purchased for $25. Individual day passes are available for $10, and individual venue passes for Bright House Field and Dunedin Stadium are available for $5. An individual day pass will admit one spectator to any game on a given day at Progress Energy Park, the Raymond A. Naimoli Complex and Jack Russell Stadium. An individual venue pass will admit one spectator to any game on a given day at Bright House Field or Dunedin Stadium. Alumni groups, youth and social organizations also can sell all-tournament passes with a portion of the proceeds going to the selling organization. Information about fundraising opportunities is available at www.BigTenBIGEASTChallenge.com.
Ohio State's Challenge schedule
February 26, 2010
4:30 pm Al Lang Stadium: University of South Florida vs. Ohio State University
February 27, 2010
4:00 pm Bright House Field: Ohio State University vs. University of Notre Dame
February 28, 2010
1:00 pm Naimoli Complex (#5): Ohio State University vs. University of Cincinnati
The complete release and challenge schedule can be found here form the Big Ten.
An all-tournament pass, which provides access to all 30 games of the Challenge, can be purchased for $25. Individual day passes are available for $10, and individual venue passes for Bright House Field and Dunedin Stadium are available for $5. An individual day pass will admit one spectator to any game on a given day at Progress Energy Park, the Raymond A. Naimoli Complex and Jack Russell Stadium. An individual venue pass will admit one spectator to any game on a given day at Bright House Field or Dunedin Stadium. Alumni groups, youth and social organizations also can sell all-tournament passes with a portion of the proceeds going to the selling organization. Information about fundraising opportunities is available at www.BigTenBIGEASTChallenge.com.
Ohio State's Challenge schedule
February 26, 2010
4:30 pm Al Lang Stadium: University of South Florida vs. Ohio State University
February 27, 2010
4:00 pm Bright House Field: Ohio State University vs. University of Notre Dame
February 28, 2010
1:00 pm Naimoli Complex (#5): Ohio State University vs. University of Cincinnati
The complete release and challenge schedule can be found here form the Big Ten.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Where we stand: Catchers
First part of 2009 wrap-ups and 2010 previews begins with the catchers.
Returning Players:
Sr. Shawn Forsythe (18 games, 4 starts)
Jr. Dan Burkhart (105, 105) 2009 starter
Jr. DJ Hanlin (4, 0)
R-Fr. David Fathalikhani (0, 0)
Incoming Players:
F Steel Russell
Spring Roundup:
Burkhart is coming off of a 2009 campaign which saw him share first team All-Big Ten honors with Indiana catcher Josh Phegley. Though the all conference selection resulted in a tie, it was Burkhart who the coaches selected as the Big Ten Player of the Year.
Being used in the 5-hole before sliding up a spot during the second half of the season anchoring the Bucks as its clean-up hitter, the Cincinnati Moeller product batted .354, with 13 doubles, three triples, 10 home runs, and 62 RBI. Burkhart’s .529 slugging percentage was second on the team behind CF Michael Stephens. His .429 on-base percentage tied for the team lead along with DH Ryan Dew and SS Tyler Engle. Combined Burkhart’s 1.018 OPS tied for the team lead with Stephens, ideal production from your clean-up hitter. In conference play the numbers Burkhart put up stayed consistent, posting a line of .350-.575-461.
What makes Burkhart stand out besides the raw numbers is digging deeper into the numbers and seeing a complete player. Blending power wth patience, in drawing 31 base on balls compared to 29 strikeouts, only three other Big Ten hitters with 10+ home runs finished with a BB: K ratio of 1 or better. Teammate Dew who walked an equal amount of strikeout at 12. Purdue third basemen Dan Black who walked 62 times against 46 strikeouts, and Phegley with 45 free passes to34 strikeouts.
Defensively opponents successfully stole bases off Burkhart 65% of the time which finished 4th best behind Minnesota’s Kyle Knudson 60%, Chad Noble from Northwestern at 62%, and Aaron Johnson from Illinois at 64%. Providing a solid glove along with a strong arm Burkhart allowed just 3 passed balls, fewest in the Big Ten.
As you can imagine with the Big Ten Player of the Year in front of you on the depth chart, finding a way to squeeze yourself into the line-up can be challenging, a task that was dealt to Hanlin and Forsythe. Forsythe who is entering his 5th season with the program did pick up at-bats and playing time in 2009, providing veteran depth for the Buckeyes behind the plate.
Appearing in 17 games making four starts, Forsythe batted .238 picking up five hits in 21 at-bats. All five were singles, but the former Sheridan General did drive in three runs, and crossed home four times himself. A bug-a-boo for Forsythe however was his defense behind the plate. Compared to the three passed balls Burkhart allowed in 57 starts, Forsythe allowed two, collected three catcher interference, and base runners successfully stole nine bags in 11 attempts.
DJ Hanlin rounds out the returning catchers. A junior, Hanlin saw playing time in four games, went 1-for-2 and drove in a run. Walk-on David Fathalikhani did not see any playing time in 2009, taking a red-shirt year.
Summer Showings:
As expected, as one of college baseball’s best, Burkhart spent the summer playing in the most prestigious of collegiate summer leagues, the Cape Cod Baseball League. Playing for the Hyannis Mets, Burkhart was selected an alternative to the CCBL All Star game. With the wooden bat Burkhart hit at a .295 clip, third on the team, with a pair of doubles and a triple.
Along with Burkhart, Forsythe dropped the aluminum for the wood in honoring his skills over the summer. Playing for Rockbridge Rapids alongside teammates Brian DeLucia and Jared Strayer, Forsythe made eight starts, appearing in 13 games. In 24 at-bats, Forsythe batted .125, collecting three hits and a RBI.
Autumn Activities:
Burkhart went 6-for-12 with 4 RBI, in the three game Scarlet & Gray World Series. Catching the entire first two games behind the plate, Burkhart trotted out to third for the deciding third game, a site new to Buckeye fans.
Neither Forsythe nor Hanlin collected a hit in the three games, sharing catching duty for the Gray team. While Fathalikhani did pick up a hit in his lone at-bat for the Scarlet team.
Where we stand:
Obviously the position is Burkhart’s to lose, which we highly doubt that will happen. As the player Coach Bob Todd referred to time and time again as the team’s most valuable player, a lot will be expected from Burkhart. After his breakout sophomore year, though not on the level Phegley was, Burkhart’s name is resonating through the collegiate baseball world.
As the reigning Big Ten Player of the Year, Burkhart will not sneak up on anyone, however given the skill and depth of the Buckeyes line-up, opposing pitchers won’t have the luxury of giving Burkhart the Dan Black treatment of intentional, unintentional free passes. Burkhart will get his chances to again by the catalyst in the Buckeyes batting order, presumably batting clean-up once again.
As long as Burkhart maintains his focus he should once again put up stellar numbers. Where another year of college baseball under his belt, the line-up the Bucks have, and a sense of urgency that this is the year, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Burkhart bat near .370, line-up 15 home runs, and drive in close to 75 runs
Behind Burkhart you can expect Forsythe to step in on days Burkhart is given off, and do a serviceable job. Hanlin could provide pinch-hit value and a lot defensive replacement off the bench on those days. Fathalikhani is probably still a year or two away from extended playing time. True freshman Steel Russell who will be highlighted later will also provide depth for what could be the Big Ten’s best collection of backstops.
Grade: A. Though top heavy with Burkhart, having Forsythe with some time behind the plate doesn't the the cupboard bare. The numbers are there and if Russell brings the bat from Autumn to Spring this group could be very deep with numbers and talent.
Returning Players:
Sr. Shawn Forsythe (18 games, 4 starts)
Jr. Dan Burkhart (105, 105) 2009 starter
Jr. DJ Hanlin (4, 0)
R-Fr. David Fathalikhani (0, 0)
Incoming Players:
F Steel Russell
Spring Roundup:
Burkhart is coming off of a 2009 campaign which saw him share first team All-Big Ten honors with Indiana catcher Josh Phegley. Though the all conference selection resulted in a tie, it was Burkhart who the coaches selected as the Big Ten Player of the Year.
Being used in the 5-hole before sliding up a spot during the second half of the season anchoring the Bucks as its clean-up hitter, the Cincinnati Moeller product batted .354, with 13 doubles, three triples, 10 home runs, and 62 RBI. Burkhart’s .529 slugging percentage was second on the team behind CF Michael Stephens. His .429 on-base percentage tied for the team lead along with DH Ryan Dew and SS Tyler Engle. Combined Burkhart’s 1.018 OPS tied for the team lead with Stephens, ideal production from your clean-up hitter. In conference play the numbers Burkhart put up stayed consistent, posting a line of .350-.575-461.
What makes Burkhart stand out besides the raw numbers is digging deeper into the numbers and seeing a complete player. Blending power wth patience, in drawing 31 base on balls compared to 29 strikeouts, only three other Big Ten hitters with 10+ home runs finished with a BB: K ratio of 1 or better. Teammate Dew who walked an equal amount of strikeout at 12. Purdue third basemen Dan Black who walked 62 times against 46 strikeouts, and Phegley with 45 free passes to34 strikeouts.
Defensively opponents successfully stole bases off Burkhart 65% of the time which finished 4th best behind Minnesota’s Kyle Knudson 60%, Chad Noble from Northwestern at 62%, and Aaron Johnson from Illinois at 64%. Providing a solid glove along with a strong arm Burkhart allowed just 3 passed balls, fewest in the Big Ten.
As you can imagine with the Big Ten Player of the Year in front of you on the depth chart, finding a way to squeeze yourself into the line-up can be challenging, a task that was dealt to Hanlin and Forsythe. Forsythe who is entering his 5th season with the program did pick up at-bats and playing time in 2009, providing veteran depth for the Buckeyes behind the plate.
Appearing in 17 games making four starts, Forsythe batted .238 picking up five hits in 21 at-bats. All five were singles, but the former Sheridan General did drive in three runs, and crossed home four times himself. A bug-a-boo for Forsythe however was his defense behind the plate. Compared to the three passed balls Burkhart allowed in 57 starts, Forsythe allowed two, collected three catcher interference, and base runners successfully stole nine bags in 11 attempts.
DJ Hanlin rounds out the returning catchers. A junior, Hanlin saw playing time in four games, went 1-for-2 and drove in a run. Walk-on David Fathalikhani did not see any playing time in 2009, taking a red-shirt year.
Summer Showings:
As expected, as one of college baseball’s best, Burkhart spent the summer playing in the most prestigious of collegiate summer leagues, the Cape Cod Baseball League. Playing for the Hyannis Mets, Burkhart was selected an alternative to the CCBL All Star game. With the wooden bat Burkhart hit at a .295 clip, third on the team, with a pair of doubles and a triple.
Along with Burkhart, Forsythe dropped the aluminum for the wood in honoring his skills over the summer. Playing for Rockbridge Rapids alongside teammates Brian DeLucia and Jared Strayer, Forsythe made eight starts, appearing in 13 games. In 24 at-bats, Forsythe batted .125, collecting three hits and a RBI.
Autumn Activities:
Burkhart went 6-for-12 with 4 RBI, in the three game Scarlet & Gray World Series. Catching the entire first two games behind the plate, Burkhart trotted out to third for the deciding third game, a site new to Buckeye fans.
Neither Forsythe nor Hanlin collected a hit in the three games, sharing catching duty for the Gray team. While Fathalikhani did pick up a hit in his lone at-bat for the Scarlet team.
Where we stand:
Obviously the position is Burkhart’s to lose, which we highly doubt that will happen. As the player Coach Bob Todd referred to time and time again as the team’s most valuable player, a lot will be expected from Burkhart. After his breakout sophomore year, though not on the level Phegley was, Burkhart’s name is resonating through the collegiate baseball world.
As the reigning Big Ten Player of the Year, Burkhart will not sneak up on anyone, however given the skill and depth of the Buckeyes line-up, opposing pitchers won’t have the luxury of giving Burkhart the Dan Black treatment of intentional, unintentional free passes. Burkhart will get his chances to again by the catalyst in the Buckeyes batting order, presumably batting clean-up once again.
As long as Burkhart maintains his focus he should once again put up stellar numbers. Where another year of college baseball under his belt, the line-up the Bucks have, and a sense of urgency that this is the year, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Burkhart bat near .370, line-up 15 home runs, and drive in close to 75 runs
Behind Burkhart you can expect Forsythe to step in on days Burkhart is given off, and do a serviceable job. Hanlin could provide pinch-hit value and a lot defensive replacement off the bench on those days. Fathalikhani is probably still a year or two away from extended playing time. True freshman Steel Russell who will be highlighted later will also provide depth for what could be the Big Ten’s best collection of backstops.
Grade: A. Though top heavy with Burkhart, having Forsythe with some time behind the plate doesn't the the cupboard bare. The numbers are there and if Russell brings the bat from Autumn to Spring this group could be very deep with numbers and talent.
Red-hot Angle sparks Desert Dogs
Orioles prospect records fifth straight multi-hit game
By Daren Smith / MLB.com
The fact that Matt Angle has logged five straight multi-hit games for the Arizona Fall League's Phoenix Desert Dogs came as news to Matt Angle.
"Really?" the Orioles outfield prospect asked after Saturday's three-hit night. "When you're not playing every day, sometimes it's hard to keep track."
Angle went 3-for-5, grabbed a share of the league lead with his sixth stolen base and scored twice as the Desert Dogs cruised to a 7-3 victory over the Scottsdale Scorpions.
The 2007 seventh-round Draft pick might not be the best known prospect among the Orioles' contingent, but he's making a name for himself in the AFL. Angle is 13-for-25 with 10 runs scored during his current tear to raise his average to .406.
"I just wanted to come out here and play, get some experience," he said. "There are some great players out there and I just wanted to compete with them. I was excited to play some winter ball."
Even when he struggled in his first two Fall League games, going 0-for-7, the Ohio State product drew three walks, stole a couple of bases and scored a run.
"I definitely already made a couple of adjustments," he said after working with coaches Moe Hill and Brian McArn. "I shortened up a little bit from the first week I was here. I'm using my hands a lot more than my body."
Angle hit .289 with 40 steals at Class A Advanced Frederick this season before a brief stint at Double-A Bowie. He attributes his recent success at the plate to preparation.
"I try to get to the cage early," he said. "I take the same number of swings every day going into the game. ... I just try to see pitches and when the opportunity's there to steal, I try to take advantage. I don't try to force anything too much."
Angle helped the Desert Dogs (7-4) erase an early two-run deficit. Held to two hits over four innings by Scorpions starter Joe Martinez (Giants), Phoenix scored five times in the fifth. A.J. Jimenez (Blue Jays) and Angle had RBI base hits, former first-round pick Chris Marrero (Nationals) delivered a two-run single and Brandon Waring (Orioles) drew a bases-loaded walk.
Waring capped the Desert Dogs' scoring with a two-run double in the seventh.
Ryohei Tanaka (1-1), an Orioles farmhand who rooms with Angle, got the win after tossing 3 1/3 innings of scoreless relief.
Diamondbacks first baseman Brandon Allen went 3-for-3 with an RBI double for Scottsdale (6-5).
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Hurley & Kovanda named 2010 Captains
Courtesy OhioStateBuckeyes.com
COLUMBUS, OH- Coming off a 42-win season that included a Big Ten championship and a trip to the NCAA tournament, the Ohio State baseball team announced its 2010 captains at its Scarlet and Gray World Series victory dinner Tuesday evening. Seniors Cory Kovanda and Zach Hurley were each voted captains by their peers.
"Two quality young men dominated in the captains voting," coach Bob Todd said. "There really was no question who the team wanted to be captains this year."
Kovanda, a second baseman from Columbus, has started at second base each of his first three years at Ohio State and hit .341 with 11 doubles and 38 RBI in 2009.
"I'm honored," Kovanda said. "This team and its chemistry...you cannot ask for more of an honor than to be representing this team. I'm ready to contribute what I can and to lead."
Hurley, an outfielder from Springboro, Ohio, batted .346 with 12 doubles and led the team with 14 stolen bases his junior season. He was drafted in the 45th round of the Major League Baseball amateur draft in June but opted to return to Columbus for his senior year.
"This is such a privilege to be chosen captain," Hurley said. "This has been a goal of mine since I came here and I am really at a loss for words right now. It is really awesome that your teammates think that much of you. It's the highest honor you can get."
In addition, freshman right-handed pitcher Brett McKinney was named rookie captain of the 2009 squad.
Full team practices for the Buckeyes will begin Feb. 1 with the first game slated for Feb. 19 at North Florida.
COLUMBUS, OH- Coming off a 42-win season that included a Big Ten championship and a trip to the NCAA tournament, the Ohio State baseball team announced its 2010 captains at its Scarlet and Gray World Series victory dinner Tuesday evening. Seniors Cory Kovanda and Zach Hurley were each voted captains by their peers.
"Two quality young men dominated in the captains voting," coach Bob Todd said. "There really was no question who the team wanted to be captains this year."
Kovanda, a second baseman from Columbus, has started at second base each of his first three years at Ohio State and hit .341 with 11 doubles and 38 RBI in 2009.
"I'm honored," Kovanda said. "This team and its chemistry...you cannot ask for more of an honor than to be representing this team. I'm ready to contribute what I can and to lead."
Hurley, an outfielder from Springboro, Ohio, batted .346 with 12 doubles and led the team with 14 stolen bases his junior season. He was drafted in the 45th round of the Major League Baseball amateur draft in June but opted to return to Columbus for his senior year.
"This is such a privilege to be chosen captain," Hurley said. "This has been a goal of mine since I came here and I am really at a loss for words right now. It is really awesome that your teammates think that much of you. It's the highest honor you can get."
In addition, freshman right-handed pitcher Brett McKinney was named rookie captain of the 2009 squad.
Full team practices for the Buckeyes will begin Feb. 1 with the first game slated for Feb. 19 at North Florida.
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