From the desk of the SID...

	From the desk of the SID....
2008-2009 Pre-season Outlook Men's Baseball The ’08 fall ball season has come to a close for the Salem Tigers Baseball Team. Coach Tanner Hill is very excited with the potential that has been shown throughout the fall season. Returning starting outfielder, Hector Sanchez from Venezuela, will lead the tigers offensively this year. He will build on last year stats that have propelled his name into the best hitters in the conference. He finished with second team all-conference honors and grabbed All-Region Rawlings baseball honors as well. He claimed 5 th on batting average leaders with a .432 average along with 5 homers and 12 doubles. Showing his patience at the plate, in 132 at bats, Hector only struck out 15 times. Not the fastest base runner, Sanchez increased his base stealing abilities to capture 10 stolen bases. Along with Sanchez to pad the offense is INF/C Ryan Hannon. In only 28 games last year, he amassed a .372 batting average with 4 homers and 25 RBI’s. Michel Velasquez will try to continue improving off his finest college season so far. As a hitter, Velasquez pounded a .290 average along with 7 doubles, 2 home runs and 21 RBI’s. As a pitcher, Velasquez led the staff with 55.1 innings pitched. He continued to battle, 3 complete games, 27 strikeouts, and to a 3-5 record on a team that won only 11 games last year. Kevin Demattos will look to help provide that punch out of the rotation as well. Kevin had a 4-5 record with 2 complete games, logged 45.2 innings and 25 K’s last year. Also returning are Josh Demattos, Trevor Hall, Zach Cuozzo, Paul Dilulio, and Trevars Thompson. Bringing in 19 players, 2 nd year Head Baseball Coach Tanner Hill says “We have a lot of talent here, but more importantly, the layers are committing themselves to practicing and playing hard. They are paying attention to detail and I believe that is what wins baseball games. I am very excited about the recruiting class we have brought in and the returners are working really hard to get us were we need to be.” Catchers Ryan Hannon (SR) “Ryan is coming off shoulder surgery and missed all of Fall Ball. He will be counted on to get himself ready to catch come season and display the leadership and skills that landed him First Team All-Conference honors. Ryan will also be counted on to anchor the middle of the Tigers batting lineup.” Charles Rymers (FR) “Charlie is a talented and hard working freshman. He will need to continue to get stronger and work on his receiving/blocking skills, as well as his foot work to go along with his strong and accurate arm.” Craig Coupland (FR) “Craig is another talented freshman. He will need to really work on his hands and footwork. He is a hard nosed player that will continue to get better as he grows into his big frame.” Larry Plum (FR) “Larry will red shirt this season. He is a quality local talent and has progressed well through the fall. He will need to continue to learn the position as well as get his grades up in order to help the Tigers next year.” Infielders AJ Burlington (FR) “AJ has the potential to be an All-Conference player. He is very polished for a freshman. He possesses a great glove and strong arm defensively and will look to solidify the left side of the infield as a 3 rd baseman or SS. AJ will also be looked at as a middle of the order type of hitter, who can hit for both average and power.” Irving De la Concha (So.) “Irving will be looked to supply a power bat to the Tiger offense. A middle of the lineup hitter. Irving will compete on the infield for time at 1 st and 3 rd base. He needs to continue to develop defensively to go along with his plus bat.” Kevin Demattos (Jr.) “Kevin has great range at second base and can turn the double play. He also displays great leadership as an upper classman. Kevin will also need to work on his batting and cut down on the number of strike outs from last season.” Michael Holbert (Fr.) “Mickie is an intense and quality freshman. He displays above average defense at 2 nd base and is a quality stick that can hit backside and handle the bat. Mickie needs to really hit the weights hard in the off season and add muscle to his lanky frame.” Sean Redmond (Fr.) “Sean is a hard nosed player that can flat out play the SS position. He displays great range and a strong arm. Sean will need to work hard in the off season to get his bat up to the caliber of his defense.” Dave Guido (Jr.) “Dave is a transfer from Mohawk Valley CC. He brings with him some experience at the 2 nd base position. He will need to continue to work on his bat and add some range defensively, but can be a solid player.” Dave Genua (Fr.) “Dave is a very solid freshman, who will be looked at to handle a utility type role. He can play ss, 3 rd, 2 nd as well as outfield. He is a good contact bat that can also run. He needs to gain confidence in order to take his game to the next level.” Kenneth Minor (Fr.) “Kenny is a big guy with soft hands. He will look for time at both 3 rd and 1 st base. He needs to continue to learn the little things on defense. Offensively he has big power and we will look to get him ready for season.” Michel Velasquez (Jr.) “Michael will look for some innings at the 1 st base position. He can really pick it and has a good sense of the game. He needs to continue to grow as a hitter, which has seen him get constantly better.” Paul DiIulio (Jr.) “Paul will give us some depth in the infield and can back up any where on the infield. He will continue to get better with more reps.” Pat Buckley (Fr.) “Pat is a hard working player who will compete for time at 1 st base. He needs to continue to grow defensively. Offensively Pat gives us a left-handed bat that has some power. He will only continue to get better with more practice.” Outfield Hector Sanchez (Sr.) “Hector will solidify the right field position with his quality glove and strong arm. He will be counted on to anchor the Tigers batting line up from the left side and build on his 2 nd team All-Conference honors from a year ago. In my opinion he is the best pure hitter in the league.” Josh Demattos (Jr.) “Josh continues to improve his already solid defense in center field as he adds more range while getting more comfortable with the position. Offensively he is improving and looks to add another quality bat in the line up. He needs to cut down on his strike outs from a season ago.” Trevor Hall (Sr.) “Trevor continues to improve his game both defensively and offensively. He is a hard worker, which hopefully will get him where he needs to be. Trevor needs to make the routine plays in the field, while cutting his strikeouts down and putting the ball in play more often then he did last year.” Joseph Perotta (Fr.) “Joe has the talent to play multiple positions on the field and will fill that role accordingly. He must work on his offense in order to be an everyday player. If he continues to work hard and keep his head on straight he will be a big contributor.” Robert Dudley (Fr.) “Robert continues to learn the game. A very hard worker. He will push for time in the outfield. He needs to continue improving his all around game.” Marcus Slauer (Jr.) “Marcus has developed his game considerably from last season. He needs to continue to work hard at everything and compete for time in the outfield.” Jayson Barnes(Fr.) “Jayson is an extremely talented player that can run like the wind. He needs to work hard this year, staying focused both with baseball and his studies in order to help the Tigers next year. He will red shirt this season.” Pitching Michel Velasquez (Jr.) “Michel will be expected to continue his growth as a pitcher. He has great movement from his 3\4 delivery and has added a curve ball to his repertoire. He will be counted on to be a weekend starter for the Tigers.” Clayton Townsend(Fr.) “Clayton when healthy has the potential to be as dominate as anyone in the league. Great mound presence and consistently lives in the mid 80’s with good off speed stuff. He needs to keep his head on straight in order to help the Tigers out this season.” Kevin Demattos (Jr.) “Kevin will try and build on his quality season of a year ago. He gives us great pace and knows how to pitch. I expect him to be a weekend starter.” Joseph Perotta (Fr.) “Joe has all of the tools to be a great pitcher for us. He has a mid 80’s fastball and tight slider to go along with a bulldog attitude. If he continues to work hard, the sky is the limit.” Robert Smith (Jr.) “Robert is a transfer that has logged some quality innings in the past. He throws from a low ¾ and gets lots of ground ball outs. He is in the process of mastering a split finger to go along with his sinking fastball. He has the potential to be the Tigers closer.” Travers Thompson (So.) “Travers is a guy who will take the ball when ever asked. He is a finesse guy who knows how to pitch. He will be used in many different ways this year.” Zac Cuozzo (Sr.) “Zac is a senior and great competitor. He will be looked at as a long man/spot starter. He will also be looked to in providing knowledge to his younger staff members.” Josh Demattos (Jr.) “Josh will look to improve on a so-so season last year. He looked real good in the fall and will look to carry that into the season with him. He will be used both as a starter and relief guy.” Sean Redmond (Fr.) “Sean is a very versatile pitcher. He spots both his fastball and curveball real well and can throw either in any count. He will be looked at as both a reliever and starter.” Paul DiIulio (Jr.) “Paul is looking to rebound after a disappointing season in which he battled injuries. He looks to prove himself this year and have a quality season.” AJ Burlington (Fr.) “AJ will be used in both a starting and relief role. A sound pitcher, who hits his spots and knows how to pitch. He brings with him great mound presence and pace.” Michael Holbert “Mickie is a submarine side arm pitcher. He will be used out of the pen. He will be looked at to come in throw strikes and get the key ground ball.” Jake Bagwell “Jake will red shirt this season. He has a quality arm that will only get better with him getting bigger and stronger. He needs to concentrate on the weight room and his studies, in order to help us out the next season.” Pat Buckley “Pat will be a nice arm from the left side and give us our only lefthander on the staff. He will be looked at to throw strikes and get the tough left handed batters out in key situations.” Coach Hill – Season Outlook “I believe this season will be very positive. We have a good bunch of guys that are willing to put the time in to be successful. There is a new up beat feeling within the clubhouse. I will not put a number on wins and loses. However, I believe we may be one of the most improved teams in the nation. We have everything that you look for in a quality team. It is an exciting time for Salem Baseball.” Coach Hill has put a lot of time into the program this off-season and dramatically improved the baseball team. The Tigers will look to rebound from an 11-win season and compete in the WVIAC this year. His hard work and recruiting methods have paid off over the course of the year. Coach Hill hopes to establish a foundation of intense game play and a winning tradition at Salem International University. I look forward to watching this team evolve into a top WVIAC team. ########################################################## Jamie Shoemaker

From the desk of the SID....

2008-2009 Pre-season Outlook
Men's Baseball

The ’08 fall ball season has come to a close for the Salem Tigers Baseball Team. Coach Tanner Hill is very excited with the potential that has been shown throughout the fall season. Returning starting outfielder, Hector Sanchez from Venezuela, will lead the tigers offensively this year. He will build on last year stats that have propelled his name into the best hitters in the conference. He finished with second team all-conference honors and grabbed All-Region Rawlings baseball honors as well. He claimed 5 th on batting average leaders with a .432 average along with 5 homers and 12 doubles. Showing his patience at the plate, in 132 at bats, Hector only struck out 15 times. Not the fastest base runner, Sanchez increased his base stealing abilities to capture 10 stolen bases.

Along with Sanchez to pad the offense is INF/C Ryan Hannon. In only 28 games last year, he amassed a .372 batting average with 4 homers and 25 RBI’s. Michel Velasquez will try to continue improving off his finest college season so far. As a hitter, Velasquez pounded a .290 average along with 7 doubles, 2 home runs and 21 RBI’s. As a pitcher, Velasquez led the staff with 55.1 innings pitched. He continued to battle, 3 complete games, 27 strikeouts, and to a 3-5 record on a team that won only 11 games last year. Kevin Demattos will look to help provide that punch out of the rotation as well. Kevin had a 4-5 record with 2 complete games, logged 45.2 innings and 25 K’s last year. Also returning are Josh Demattos, Trevor Hall, Zach Cuozzo, Paul Dilulio, and Trevars Thompson. Bringing in 19 players, 2 nd year Head Baseball Coach Tanner Hill says “We have a lot of talent here, but more importantly, the layers are committing themselves to practicing and playing hard. They are paying attention to detail and I believe that is what wins baseball games. I am very excited about the recruiting class we have brought in and the returners are working really hard to get us were we need to be.”

Catchers

Ryan Hannon (SR)

“Ryan is coming off shoulder surgery and missed all of Fall Ball. He will be counted on to get himself ready to catch come season and display the leadership and skills that landed him First Team All-Conference honors. Ryan will also be counted on to anchor the middle of the Tigers batting lineup.”

Charles Rymers (FR)

“Charlie is a talented and hard working freshman. He will need to continue to get stronger and work on his receiving/blocking skills, as well as his foot work to go along with his strong and accurate arm.”

Craig Coupland (FR)

“Craig is another talented freshman. He will need to really work on his hands and footwork. He is a hard nosed player that will continue to get better as he grows into his big frame.”

Larry Plum (FR)

“Larry will red shirt this season. He is a quality local talent and has progressed well through the fall. He will need to continue to learn the position as well as get his grades up in order to help the Tigers next year.”

Infielders

AJ Burlington (FR)

“AJ has the potential to be an All-Conference player. He is very polished for a freshman. He possesses a great glove and strong arm defensively and will look to solidify the left side of the infield as a 3 rd baseman or SS. AJ will also be looked at as a middle of the order type of hitter, who can hit for both average and power.”

Irving De la Concha (So.)

“Irving will be looked to supply a power bat to the Tiger offense. A middle of the lineup hitter. Irving will compete on the infield for time at 1 st and 3 rd base. He needs to continue to develop defensively to go along with his plus bat.”

Kevin Demattos (Jr.)

“Kevin has great range at second base and can turn the double play. He also displays great leadership as an upper classman. Kevin will also need to work on his batting and cut down on the number of strike outs from last season.”

Michael Holbert (Fr.)

“Mickie is an intense and quality freshman. He displays above average defense at 2 nd base and is a quality stick that can hit backside and handle the bat. Mickie needs to really hit the weights hard in the off season and add muscle to his lanky frame.”

Sean Redmond (Fr.)

“Sean is a hard nosed player that can flat out play the SS position. He displays great range and a strong arm. Sean will need to work hard in the off season to get his bat up to the caliber of his defense.”

Dave Guido (Jr.)

“Dave is a transfer from Mohawk Valley CC. He brings with him some experience at the 2 nd base position. He will need to continue to work on his bat and add some range defensively, but can be a solid player.”

Dave Genua (Fr.)

“Dave is a very solid freshman, who will be looked at to handle a utility type role. He can play ss, 3 rd, 2 nd as well as outfield. He is a good contact bat that can also run. He needs to gain confidence in order to take his game to the next level.”

Kenneth Minor (Fr.)

“Kenny is a big guy with soft hands. He will look for time at both 3 rd and 1 st base. He needs to continue to learn the little things on defense. Offensively he has big power and we will look to get him ready for season.”

Michel Velasquez (Jr.)

“Michael will look for some innings at the 1 st base position. He can really pick it and has a good sense of the game. He needs to continue to grow as a hitter, which has seen him get constantly better.”

Paul DiIulio (Jr.)

“Paul will give us some depth in the infield and can back up any where on the infield. He will continue to get better with more reps.”

Pat Buckley (Fr.)

“Pat is a hard working player who will compete for time at 1 st base. He needs to continue to grow defensively. Offensively Pat gives us a left-handed bat that has some power. He will only continue to get better with more practice.”

Outfield

Hector Sanchez (Sr.)

“Hector will solidify the right field position with his quality glove and strong arm. He will be counted on to anchor the Tigers batting line up from the left side and build on his 2 nd team All-Conference honors from a year ago. In my opinion he is the best pure hitter in the league.”

Josh Demattos (Jr.)

“Josh continues to improve his already solid defense in center field as he adds more range while getting more comfortable with the position. Offensively he is improving and looks to add another quality bat in the line up. He needs to cut down on his strike outs from a season ago.”

Trevor Hall (Sr.)

“Trevor continues to improve his game both defensively and offensively. He is a hard worker, which hopefully will get him where he needs to be. Trevor needs to make the routine plays in the field, while cutting his strikeouts down and putting the ball in play more often then he did last year.”

Joseph Perotta (Fr.)

“Joe has the talent to play multiple positions on the field and will fill that role accordingly. He must work on his offense in order to be an everyday player. If he continues to work hard and keep his head on straight he will be a big contributor.”

Robert Dudley (Fr.)

“Robert continues to learn the game. A very hard worker. He will push for time in the outfield. He needs to continue improving his all around game.”

Marcus Slauer (Jr.)

“Marcus has developed his game considerably from last season. He needs to continue to work hard at everything and compete for time in the outfield.”

Jayson Barnes(Fr.)

“Jayson is an extremely talented player that can run like the wind. He needs to work hard this year, staying focused both with baseball and his studies in order to help the Tigers next year. He will red shirt this season.”

Pitching

Michel Velasquez (Jr.)

“Michel will be expected to continue his growth as a pitcher. He has great movement from his 3\4 delivery and has added a curve ball to his repertoire. He will be counted on to be a weekend starter for the Tigers.”

Clayton Townsend(Fr.)

“Clayton when healthy has the potential to be as dominate as anyone in the league. Great mound presence and consistently lives in the mid 80’s with good off speed stuff. He needs to keep his head on straight in order to help the Tigers out this season.”

Kevin Demattos (Jr.)

“Kevin will try and build on his quality season of a year ago. He gives us great pace and knows how to pitch. I expect him to be a weekend starter.”

Joseph Perotta (Fr.)

“Joe has all of the tools to be a great pitcher for us. He has a mid 80’s fastball and tight slider to go along with a bulldog attitude. If he continues to work hard, the sky is the limit.”

Robert Smith (Jr.)

“Robert is a transfer that has logged some quality innings in the past. He throws from a low ¾ and gets lots of ground ball outs. He is in the process of mastering a split finger to go along with his sinking fastball. He has the potential to be the Tigers closer.”

Travers Thompson (So.)

“Travers is a guy who will take the ball when ever asked. He is a finesse guy who knows how to pitch. He will be used in many different ways this year.”

Zac Cuozzo (Sr.)

“Zac is a senior and great competitor. He will be looked at as a long man/spot starter. He will also be looked to in providing knowledge to his younger staff members.”

Josh Demattos (Jr.)

“Josh will look to improve on a so-so season last year. He looked real good in the fall and will look to carry that into the season with him. He will be used both as a starter and relief guy.”

Sean Redmond (Fr.)

“Sean is a very versatile pitcher. He spots both his fastball and curveball real well and can throw either in any count. He will be looked at as both a reliever and starter.”

Paul DiIulio (Jr.)

“Paul is looking to rebound after a disappointing season in which he battled injuries. He looks to prove himself this year and have a quality season.”

AJ Burlington (Fr.)

“AJ will be used in both a starting and relief role. A sound pitcher, who hits his spots and knows how to pitch. He brings with him great mound presence and pace.”

Michael Holbert

“Mickie is a submarine side arm pitcher. He will be used out of the pen. He will be looked at to come in throw strikes and get the key ground ball.”

Jake Bagwell

“Jake will red shirt this season. He has a quality arm that will only get better with him getting bigger and stronger. He needs to concentrate on the weight room and his studies, in order to help us out the next season.”

Pat Buckley

“Pat will be a nice arm from the left side and give us our only lefthander on the staff. He will be looked at to throw strikes and get the tough left handed batters out in key situations.”

Coach Hill – Season Outlook

“I believe this season will be very positive. We have a good bunch of guys that are willing to put the time in to be successful. There is a new up beat feeling within the clubhouse. I will not put a number on wins and loses. However, I believe we may be one of the most improved teams in the nation. We have everything that you look for in a quality team. It is an exciting time for Salem Baseball.”

Coach Hill has put a lot of time into the program this off-season and dramatically improved the baseball team. The Tigers will look to rebound from an 11-win season and compete in the WVIAC this year. His hard work and recruiting methods have paid off over the course of the year. Coach Hill hopes to establish a foundation of intense game play and a winning tradition at Salem International University. I look forward to watching this team evolve into a top WVIAC team.

##########################################################

Jamie Shoemaker