Southern Illinoise University Athletics
Baseball Anxious to Start 2004 Season
02/05/2004 | 12:00:00 | Baseball
Feb. 5, 2004
By Jeff Honza
www.SIUSalukis.com
CARBONDALE, Ill. - With a severe snow storm recently hitting Carbondale, the Southern Illinois University baseball team is anxious to get outdoors for the start of its 2004 season which is less than 10 days away. The Salukis head south to the Sunshine State, where they'll visit preseason-ranked No. 23 Florida Atlantic in a three-game series beginning Friday, Feb. 13 at 6 p.m., CST. Here is a preview of this year's upcoming season.
What a year in 2003! Preseason-ranked fifth in the Missouri Valley Conference, the Salukis proved critics wrong by finishing among the top three teams in the league for the second time in Dan Callahan's nine years as head coach.
Even though SIU's third-place regular-season finish was big, what the Salukis accomplished in the postseason was huge.
In their fifth trip to the MVC Tournament under Callahan, the third-seeded Salukis nearly took the six-team field by storm. After beating fourth-seeded Northern Iowa in the first round, SIU shocked second-seeded Wichita State and stunned top-seed and eventual College World Series participant Southwest Missouri State.
Just like that, the Salukis found themselves in their first MVC Tournament Championship round since 1990. Unfortunately, the magical run fell short, as WSU defeated the Salukis twice to clinch the league's automatic NCAA berth.
Time certainly does fly when you're having fun. Now the 2004 season is here. What's to expect from these confident Salukis? What talented newcomers will suit up in the Maroon and White for the first time? Can the Dawgs remain among the Valley elite? Stay tuned Saluki fans, this year could have all the makings for another thrilling ride.
Roster Maintenance
SIU's roster consists of 29 players, including nine seniors, seven juniors, 11 sophomores and two freshmen. Coming off a 30-25, 17-13 (MVC) record a year ago, SIU returns seven position starters, three starting pitchers and 17 letterwinners to this year's squad.
Behind the Plate
With the departure of two-time, first-team all-MVC catcher Toby Barnett, SIU will have quite a void to fill behind the plate.
Sophomore Brendan Lutz (Ingleside, Ill.) is expected to be the top candidate for that spot.
As a freshman, Lutz hit .294 with four runs, two doubles and two RBI in 18 games. He also gunned down six of 12 runners on the basepaths.
"With the much improved play of Brendan over the course of the fall, we feel we definitely have a quality catch and throw guy behind the plate," said Callahan. "He has become a more consistent receiver and is one of our most improved hitters since the 2003 season."
Though Lutz appears to be the front-runner for the starting job, Callahan realizes one catcher cannot do it alone over the course of an entire season.
With that in mind, freshman Rush Olson (McLean, Ill.) will share duties as the Dawgs' backstop. Olson joins the Salukis from Olympia High School, where he helped lead the Spartans to a 35-1 record and a Class A State Championship as a junior.
"Rush has worked hard and responded well to instruction, and I feel as he gets his feet wet in game competition, he will become a fine receiver with plenty of arm strength," said Callahan.
Also, the fact that Lutz is a right-handed hitter and Olson hits left may create a platoon situation if both play up to their potential.
Rounding out the catching corps is sophomore Ben Hoffman (Deerfield, Ill.). Hoffman played in two games last season as a walk-on.
"I feel the majority of Ben's time will be spent in the bullpen, which we as a coaching staff truly appreciate," commented Callahan.
Infield
With every starter returning from 2003, and based on the numbers it has put up the past two seasons, SIU's infield should once again be a major strength.
Senior Nathan Boldt (Mt. Vernon, Ill.) returns at third base, senior second baseman Greg Andrews (Peoria, Ill.) and junior shortstop P.J. Finigan (Springfield, Ill.) return up the middle, and senior Josh Markle (Longmont, Colo.) returns at first.
An honorable mention all-MVC pick, Boldt hit a fourth-best .315 as one of two Salukis who started all 55 games last season. He also ranked among SIU's top-five in runs (5th; 29), hits (4th; 58) and RBI (4th; 24).
"Defensively, we feel Nathan is as good as anyone we've seen," praised Callahan. "He has fine hands and a plus arm, along with a knack for consistently making routine plays."
Andrews and Finigan proved to be the best double play tandem in the MVC a year ago. The patented duo led SIU's defense to a school record 72 double plays. Their dazzling double play efforts, along with a pitching staff which garnered numerous ground balls, also propelled the Salukis to the top of NCAA Division I baseball statistics, as they led the nation with 1.31 twin killings per game.
"We know we're strong up the middle with the return of P.J. and Greg," quoted Callahan. "Both have been front line players since their freshman years."
Statistically, Andrews hit .302 and ranked second on the team in several offensive categories, including runs (43), hits (62), home runs (8), RBI (36) and total bases (101). He also led the Salukis with 13 doubles and was named second-team all-MVC. In addition, he was named to the league's all-tournament team, and was the only Saluki to garner MVC Player of the Week honors throughout the 2003 season.
"Greg, as we've seen now for four years, is as steady as they come when making routine plays," said Callahan. "He has tremendous instincts and maybe the best hands on the club."
Finigan, on the other hand, completed another season as the Salukis' best two-way threat. In 54 starts at short, he hit .242 with 33 runs, 52 hits, nine doubles, a team-leading three triples, two home runs and 18 RBI.
On the mound, he served as one of SIU's top closers posting a 1-0 record with four saves. He also struck out 10 batters in 12.2 innings and returns to this year's team after a successful summer with the Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox of the prestigious Cape Cod League. He was also named to this year's preseason all-Valley baseball team.
"P.J. possesses one of the best shortstop arms in the Midwest, as evidenced by his having the strongest arm on our pitching staff," stated Callahan.
Like Andrews and Finigan, sophomore Nathan Emrick (Griggsville, Ill.) also takes a great deal of pride in his defense.
The most versatile players on the team, Emrick saw action at seven different positions as a freshman. Making one start at first base, two at second, one at short, one at third, four in left, nine in right and 18 as designated hitter, he hit a third-best .324 with 17 runs, nine doubles, a triple, one home run and 21 RBI. Additionally, he was named honorable mention all-MVC.
"Nathan adds great depth to an already solid infield," said Callahan. "There are instances where he will play either of the middle infield spots, possibly first base and he gives us tremendous confidence at short when we bring P.J. in to pitch."
As for Markle, he hit .295 with 24 runs, eight doubles, two home runs and 20 RBI in 38 starts. The lanky first baseman also stole two bases and registered a .982 fielding percentage.
"Josh works extremely hard and we truly believe he can be one of the most productive first basemen in the MVC," said Callahan.
Although he played versus both left and right-handed pitchers during the 2003 campaign, Callahan believes the left-handed hitting Markle will mostly play against right-handed pitchers this year.
When the Dawgs are facing left-handers, sophomore Erik Alvarez (Miami, Fla.) is likely to be Callahan's choice at first.
"We feel Erik is one of our two most improved players since last year," said Callahan. "Although recruited as a third baseman, we think he is probably better suited to play first. He was an offensive force in the fall and proved to be one of our toughest outs."
Alvarez registered two hits, a double and one RBI in nine games for the Salukis a year ago.
Closing out the infield is senior Tyler Schooley (Bloomfield, Iowa).
Although he has played first base before, Schooley will spend most of his time as a designated hitter, where he hit .304 with 21 hits, six runs, three doubles, two home runs and 14 RBI last season.
"Tyler is a big, strong hitter, and if he can stay consistent offensively, he will provide a huge boost to our lineup," quoted Callahan.
Outfield
Senior center fielder Cory Newman (Ottawa, Ill.) will look to anchor an outfield which could very well be one of the best throwing outfields in the MVC this season, and is undoubtedly the fastest in Callahan's coaching tenure.
Tabbed by his coaches as the top center fielder in the league, Newman returns after being granted a medical redshirt last season. His remarkable comeback from a shoulder surgery began last summer in the Cape Cod League, where he hit .231 with 24 hits, a double, a home run and eight RBI for the Harwich Mariners. Prior to 2003, Newman started 110 games in two years and garnered honorable mention all-MVC honors in 2002.
"Cory is a 6.60 runner who possesses great arm strength and has excellent instincts," said Callahan. "He is now completely healthy and his return is a big addition both offensively and defensively."
At the plate, Newman once served as the Dawgs' lead off hitter, but with the emergence of freshman Kevin Koski (Schaumburg, Ill.), he may be more suited for the two, three or five-hole this season.
Koski makes his Saluki debut from Conant High School, where he was a two-time all-conference pick. According to Callahan, based on the fall, Koski will have the opportunity to be the Dawgs' everday left fielder.
"Kevin runs as well as Newman and we anticipate big things from him this year both at the plate and on the bases," quoted Callahan.
Also vying for playing time in left is senior Nick Baughman (Bloomington, Ill.). Although not completely healthy a year ago, Baughman started in 16 games, where he posted 11 hits, one double, his first career home run and nine RBI.
"Nick has worked quite diligently on the offensive end, and even if his arm doesn't get to 100%, he might be a valuable right-handed hitter for us," stated Callahan.
Sophomores Matt Brewer (Springfield, Ill.) and Grant Gerrard (Castle Rock, Colo.), two of the team's most physical players, battled all fall in right field, and both proved they are worthy of considerable playing time.
Brewer made 32 starts and hit .264 with 13 runs, 28 hits, two doubles, one home run and 10 RBI as a freshman.
Meanwhile, Gerrard joins SIU from Douglas County High School, where he polished off his prep career hitting .474 with 10 runs, two triples, one home run and 17 RBI. A first-team all-Continental Conference pick, Gerrard also went a perfect 4-0 on the mound as a senior.
"Both Matt and Grant have strong throwing arms and tremendous bat speed," said Callahan. "Their work ethic is second to none. If they do what they are capable of offensively, we very well may have to find a way to keep both of them in the lineup."
Another factor in the outfield picture is Emrick. "He runs well and probably has the second-best arm in the outfield," said Callahan. "If he hits like he did last year, we will definitely have to find a spot for him in the lineup, although he is probably more valuable at his natural position on the infield."
Pitching
Despite the loss of Jake Alley, SIU's ace right-hander and first-team all-MVC pitcher a year ago, Callahan feels good about the cast of hurlers he has to choose from this season. "We have several pitchers who are similar in terms of talent," said Callahan. "The big challenge will be determining who steps up to be that number one guy."
Leading the possibilities to be the "staff ace" are junior left-hander Bryan Rueger (Mt. Vernon, Ind.) and senior right-hander Marshall Tucker (St. Louis, Mo.). At times, each has proven they have the capability of being that caliber of pitcher.
An honorable mention all-MVC pick, Rueger went 6-2 in 13 appearances last season. Making eight starts, he threw one complete game, posted a 3.75 ERA and held opponents to a .270 batting average.
Tucker, on the other hand, held a 3-1 record and tied for second on the team with three saves. He also boasted a better than 3:1 strikeout-to-walk ratio, as each of his 14.2 innings came in relief. Additionally, he was named scholar-athlete all-MVC.
"Considering the 2003 season, as well as this past fall, I would say Bryan and Marshall both have the ability to lead the staff," said Callahan. "Bryan spent most of last year as our number two, and by the end of last season, Marshall might have been our most effective pitcher."
Since roles of pitchers have a tendency to change throughout the course of the year, Callahan has several other candidates who could be used in the Dawgs' rotation.
Right-handers Josh Joiner (Jonesboro, Ill.) and Ryan Davis (Tacoma, Wash.), along with left-hander Tyler Norrick (Festus, Mo.) are among that group.
A senior, Joiner registered a 6-3 record in 13 appearances, including eight starts a year ago. In 54.2 innings of work, he struck out 25 batters and combined on one shutout.
"Josh, at times last year, proved he could beat anyone," said Callahan. "He will definitely be a factor as to who starts on the weekends."
A junior transfer, Davis joins the Salukis from the College of Southern Idaho (the same junior college that produced former SIU catcher Toby Barnett), where he registered 18 wins in two years.
"Although Ryan is a newcomer, based on what we've seen in the fall and because of his junior college success, we're confident that he can be a rotation guy," said Callahan.
Sophomores Norrick and Adam Snyder (Pittsburgh, Pa.), who mostly pitched out of the bullpen last season, also proved their worth.
Norrick went 2-1 with three saves and a third-best 28 strikeouts in 34 innings, while Snyder picked up honorable mention all-MVC honors with a 1-0 record and a team-leading 2.83 ERA. He also fanned 14 batters in 28.2 innings.
"At times last year, Tyler was as good as we had which he proved down the stretch, especially at the conference tournament," stated Callahan. "His arm is as strong as anyone's on the team."
"We feel for now that Adam is still best suited for situational work and will be one of our top "go-to" guys out of the bullpen," added Callahan.
Right-handers Jerel Deitering (Auburn, Wash.), Ryan Welch (Brentwood, Tenn.) and Jason Chavez (Cape Girardeau, Mo.) are three more pitchers Callahan hopes he'll be able to rely on heavily this year.
Both Deitering and Welch were hampered by injury and played sparingly in 2003. Deitering, a senior, was 4-1 in 2002 and Welch was a second-team all-MVC selection before injuries limited their action a year ago. Callahan says to two are healthy heading into this season.
"Although both Jerel and Ryan are coming off surgery and/or rehab programs, we're confident they'll be ready to go in time," said Callahan. "Both have pitched in very meaningful games throughout their careers, and if they can return to their old form, both could be starting Valley games before it's all said and done."
Meanwhile, Chavez is another transfer who experienced success at the junior college level. He comes to SIU from Mineral Area College. Prior to that, he attended Cape Central High School, where he was a first-team all-conference, all-district and all-state pick.
"Jason showed during the fall that he, too, deserved to be in the mix," said Callahan. "He could get an occasional start or be an important set-up man."
As far as short relief and closing roles are concerned, SIU could have an interesting scenario.
Although Finigan and junior left-hander Eric Haberer (Bloomington, Ill.) have shared closing duties over the past two years, Callahan is contemplating making Finigan a starter, as the Dawgs get into conference play.
The plan could be to play Finigan at short in Friday and Saturday games, and start him on the mound in game four. If this transpires, Callahan feels he could evolve into one of the best Sunday starters in the league. As for Haberer, he would then become the Salukis' everyday closer.
Named scholar-athlete all-MVC, Haberer picked up two saves and struck out 15 batters in 30.2 relief innings last season, while Finigan led the Dawgs with four saves.
"P.J. and Eric are both low 90s guys with good breaking balls and good mental makeup," compared Callahan. "Either one could be our closer."
Rounding out this year's pitching staff are Gerrard, Colt Neumann (Minooka, Ill.), Steve Quigley (Manhattan, Ill.), Jim Vogel (St. Charles, Ill.) and Andrew Weber (Midlothian, Ill.).
Although Gerrard has not pitched much since high school, he was initially recruited as a two-way guy. "At times in the fall, he was very good, and he, too, could make an impact on the mound," said Callahan.
A sophomore left-hander, Neumann missed the entire 2003 season due to injury and was redshirted as a true freshman.
"Colt is a bit of a question mark right now," said Callahan. "He had surgery late last summer and will probably be sidelined for the year."
Quigley, a sophomore right-hander, made two relief appearances, where he struck out one batter in just two innings last season.
"Steve is the type of pitcher that the coaching staff and team truly pull for," said Callahan. "His work ethic is tremendous, and the fact that he has become a submarine-style pitcher, could give him additional innings in 2004."
Like Quigley, the junior right-handed Vogel was also used in short relief situations a year ago. In three appearances, he fanned three batters in five innings.
"Jim has shown, at times, he can be successful at this level," stated Callahan. "If he becomes more consistent, he should gain more opportunities."
Lastly, also a junior right-hander, Weber made five starts and nine appearances on the bump last season. Posting a 1-3 record, he struck out 21 batters in 29.1 innings.
"Andrew has a lot of talent and we're hopeful that after being in the program for three years, he can turn the corner and emerge as the pitcher we recruited," concluded Callahan. "He definitely has the ability to be a major contributor."
