by Conner Gilbert, C'09 

According to baseball’s old adage, the keys to victory are solid pitching and defense.  For the 2008 Saint Vincent College baseball team, the need for the former is particularly appropriate.

“Our pitching is going to be critical this year,” said head coach Mick Janosko.  “We need to have a strong staff that is more consistent and aggressive than last year.”

After being plagued by inconsistencies last season, the Bearcats have a returning core of pitchers, now with more experience and improvement, who have the potential to shine.

The pitching staff will be led by senior right-hander Ben Smith, who coaches have high expectations for both on the mound and as a team leader.

“We need Ben to be a workhorse,” said Janosko. “When he’s on, he’s pretty tough, so we expect a lot from him.”

Another right-handed senior who will play a big role is Abe Weimer.  The strong-armed Weimer is expected to contribute primarily as a reliever this season.

The team also has high expectations for a pair of junior right-handers, Rob Patula and Chris Zampogna.

“We expect big things from them on the mound,” said Janosko.  “They both throw hard, and they should be some of our top guys.”

The 6’5”, 240-pound Patula can be an intimidating presence on the mound, and he had good success as a sophomore last year.  The hard-throwing Zampogna is expected to be a key contributor on the mound for the team.

Mike Adams, also the team’s starting shortstop, will be looked upon to pitch this year.  Adams, a junior right-hander who possesses a fastball in the mid-80s, will be called upon to give the team consistent, quality innings.  Sophomore Jared Lapkowicz, the team’s only left-handed pitcher, is coming off arm surgery from two years ago and will be called upon as both a starter and reliever.  Another sophomore, Stephen Cherry, is a right-hander who has gotten stronger and increased the velocity on his fastball.

Freshmen Darren Smith, Anthony Williams, Vince Yandura, Jeff Bugajski, Joel Caporoso, Joe Muskett, Mike Christiansen, and Kyle Lynch and sophomore Justin Pierce round out the staff.

“We need our pitchers to compete at a high level this year,” said Janosko. “In relief roles, we need our pitchers to understand the situation and not be afraid to challenge hitters.”

At catcher, seniors Fred Federici and Weimer and sophomore Dan Bryan will compete for the top spot.  Federici is a solid defensive catcher who blocks the ball well and calls a good game.  Weimer possesses the strongest arm of the group and was one of the team’s top hitters last season.  Bryan has made strides from his freshman year and works well with the team’s pitchers.  Rob Galis, Jeff Lapkowicz, and Pierce will also compete for playing time at the position.

First base, another position up for grabs amongst three players, will include some combination of Jared Lapkowicz, Brandon Eberle, and Patula.

“We need all three to produce offensively,” said Janosko. “Offensive production is critical at first.”

J.T. Rosa, Paul Heinmuller, Bugajski, and Christiansen will also be in the mix for playing time at first. 

At second base is Mark Shouey, a transfer from Mercyhurst Northeast with good defensive abilities.

“He has outstanding hands,” said Janosko. “We expect leadership and a veteran presence in the middle of the field from him.”

Anthony Mattei, Josh Abati, Williams, and Cherry will also compete for time at second.

Third base will most likely be manned by sophomore Adam Miller, who is expected to settle into the position after a productive year of experience last season.

Adam is a solid ball player – one of the strongest on the team,” said Janosko. “With a one year under his belt, he should be more relaxed and let his athletic ability take over.”

Eberle will compete for time at third, as well as at designated hitter.  Eberle is another strong player who has the potential to be a productive middle-of-the-lineup hitter, and he has improved his defensive mechanics.  Expect Weimer to also see time at third base.

Shortstop will be held down by Adams, the starter there for the past two seasons.

“Mike has the ability to be an all-conference performer,” said Janosko.  “He just needs to relax and try not do too much.”
Also at shortstop is Mattei, a freshman who has perhaps the best hands of all the infielders.  Mattei, who performs well defensively, is expected to play the position if Adams is called to the mound.

In center field is Dave Jones, a speedy outfielder who can cover a lot of ground in the spacious outfield of Bearcat Park.  In addition to his solid defense, Jones will be the team’s leadoff hitter.

“We want Dave to get on base and make things happen,” said Janosko.  “With his speed, he could have a 20 to 25 steal season.  He needs to be consistent at the plate.”

Sam Manna, a good defensive player who has worked on improving his hitting, will also see time in center field.

In left field, Kenny Primeaux gives the team perhaps their heaviest bat.

“He’s a powerful player with one of the strongest abilities to provide some pop offensively,” said Janosko.  “He also has good speed and baserunning instincts.”

Weimer and Galas will also see playing time in left field.

Right field holds Zampogna, who has one of the strongest arms from the outfield.  Zampogna is also one of the fastest players on the team, running a 6.6-second 60-yard dash.  Also in right will be Mario Fragello, Abati, Williams, and Yandura.

Janosko is optimistic that his team will come together this year to overcome their struggles of last season.  With talent abound, the key will be getting quality production on the field.

“Offensively, we need to put pressure on the other team’s defense and produce with runners in scoring position,” said Janosko. “We will also try to move the runners and play some small ball.”

On defense, Janosko is confident that he has an exceptional group of athletes at each position.

“We will need to play good defense,” said Janosko. “Defensively, our strongest areas are the infield and outfield.”

As far as pitching, the execution from the pitcher-catcher battery each game could hold the key to the 2008 season.

“Our pitching staff and play behind the plate are going to be big factors in us having a successful season,” said Janosko.

As the new season nears, the Bearcat baseball team hopes that it can find its groove and return to top form.