2010 Season Preview
Peter J. Schuler For Immediate Release
S.I.D.-Women’s Water Polo Office (805) 546-3211
Pschuler@cuesta.edu FAX 546-3299
COUGARS #7 IN PRESEASON BASEBALL POLL-
Opening Day- February 4th in Costa Mesa
SAN LUIS OBISPO (February 1, 2010)— In 2009, the Cuesta College Baseball team won its eleventh Western State Conference title of the past thirteen seasons and reached the post-season for the 14th consecutive year. The 2010 edition of Cuesta Baseball is loaded with talent and planning to continue that tradition with one of the biggest teams in school history. 2009 Western State Conference Coach of the Year Bob Miller (208-104-2) says, “We want to create an environment of competition. Compete in practice and in games everyday.” Miller enters his eighth season at the helm with what he calls his best recruiting class ever. He has a lot of sophomores who want their chance this year and a lot of freshman that are still learning. He wants his team be “consistent and intense”. It will not be an easy road for the Cougars; they open the season with four straight games against the #1 and #8 teams in the State and only one of those games is at home. Coach Miller says, “The staff is still a big question; they have (all) improved their velocity and command. The games will show (what they have).” The Cougars return four starters in the field. That quartet combined for only seven of the 2009 team’s 34 home runs, however they also attributed 21 of the teams 67 stolen bases and almost half of the squad’s 22 triples. Coach Miller says, “We will have a more situational offense, more small ball. We will be a good hit and run team.” The Cougars are well prepared to face any challenge that the 2010 campaign will bring them and Miller always has his teams ready to peak in time for the post-season. As for the pre-season, Collegiate Baseball ranks the Cougars #7.
The Cougars will open the 2010 campaign with a three game road trip to Costa Mesa to face against the defending State Champions Orange Coast, who enters the season ranked #1 in the State. The Cougars will open the season on Thursday, February 4th with a 2 PM game with the Pirates. They will also play Orange Coast on Friday (1 PM) and Saturday (2 PM). The Cougars host #9 Riverside in their home opener on February 11th (2 PM).
Pitchers
The Cougars have six hurlers vying for a spot in the starting rotation and return none of last year’s starters. Coach Bob Miller says, “We have a lot of good young arms, but they need time to develop. Fall was good to work out the kinks, we are looking much better.” The Cougars are planning to carry 16 pitchers on their active roster. Competition will be an important part of the staff’s success. Sophomore Mike Nielebeck (Roseville) is the staff’s veteran after starting two and appearing in 14 games last season. Nielebeck showed signs of brilliance last season and authored a complete game victory over Orange Coast in his first start of the year. He finished the season with a 3-1 record with one save and a 5.47 ERA. Coach Bob Miller says, “He is a battler and a hard worker.” Freshmen Jon Moscot (Pacific Palisades) and Cory Ginther (Las Vegas, NV) are two of the team’s hardest throwers. Moscot earned All-CIF honors last season and both he and Ginther throw strikes. Lefty Marshall Gorham (San Diego) transferred from Indiana University and can be used as a starter or reliever. Gorham made seven relief appearances for the Hoosiers last year and struckout seven batters in eight innings of work, while posting a 10.13 ERA. Coach Bob Miller noted his improvement during the preseason. Freshman Matt Davis (Taft HS) was a two-time all league selection at Taft High and posted the staff’s lowest rotation during fall ball. Davis’ velocity is in the low 80’s, but he has tremendous movement. Sophomore Jonathan Christensen (Lake Havasu, AZ) is another veteran newcomer on the pitching staff. He spent his freshman season at Yavapai College in Arizona, where he pitched five innings with a 1-0 record and a 7.20 ERA. The Cougars will extend their starting rotation during the pre-season, but plan to drop down to a three-man rotation for their Western State Conference schedule.
Bullpen
The Cougars will use their surplus starters to fill out the bullpen and join the relief core. College of the Redwoods transfer Clae Baker (Juneau, AK) is a big right-hander (6-6, 220) and throws from a tough arm angle. He should see plenty of action out of the bullpen. He was 2-5 with a 5.94 ERA for a Redwoods team that won only eight games in 2009. Baker’s 36.1 collegiate innings pitched in 2009 leads the staff. Former San Luis Obispo County Pitcher of the Year John Brehm (Paso Robles HS) will be Coach Miller’s left-handed specialist out of the pen. He will be pitching in key spots this year and expected to get outs. Freshmen Corey Butcher (Arroyo Grande HS) and Phillip Gerber (Santa Clarita) are both right-handed relievers that are adept at producing groundballs. Butcher, a former All SLO County pick, has a good breaking ball and does a good job of keeping the ball down in the strike-zone. Gerber is a side-arm pitcher and is especially tough on right-handed hitters. The Cougars are also hoping that former All State (Colorado) pitcher Anthony Urbano (Denver, CO) bounces back from Tommy John surgery in time to make an impact this season. The Cougars will also use All State (Hawaii) Southpaw Isaiah Kaneakua (Kihei, HI) and All SLO County right-handers John Tiedeman (SLO HS) and Robbie Nadalsky (SLO HS) out of the bullpen. Freshman Jared Levin (Calabasas: SLO HS) and Garrett Turner (Orcutt: Righetti HS) will provide depth.
Catcher
The Cougars return Ty Muller (Oak Park HS) and Jake Reed (Simi Valley HS) behind the plate and add College of Sequoias transfer Mitchell Prophet (Visalia) and freshman Mike Williamson (Medford, OR). Muller, who split time between catcher and first base last season, is the most experienced returner with 184 plate appearances in 45 games. Muller led the team with 26 walks to boost his on-base percentage to .394 despite a .265 batting average. Muller has all the tools to be the Cougars everyday backstop again this season. Reed broke his hand during the off-season, but is expected to be healthy for the opener. Reed is good defensive catcher who hits with power. All six of his hits in 2009 went for extra bases, however he hit only .122 in 25 games. The Cougars pitching depth will also keep him off the mound. He made two relief appearances last season and was 1-0 with a 3.12 ERA in 8.2 innings. Prophet was the Giants’ starting backstop last year and his combination of skills could help him fill that role for the Cougars this year. He allowed only five passed balls last season and threw out 15 of 23 would be base stealers, while Reed and Muller allowed 16 stolen bases and 24 passed balls. Prophet hit only .242 last season, but has shown progress at the plate. Williamson will compete with the veteran group after coming off a strong fall season.
First Base
Sophomore Brett Hartman (Escondido HS) started off strong last season, but missed a big chunk of the middle of the season with injuries. After regaining his stroke he began to hit for power and ended the season with a .319 batting average. The Cougars are looking forward to having Hartman be a big part of the offense this season and provide excellent defense on the rightside of the infield. Big right-handers (both listed at 6-5 and over 225 pounds) Max Duval (SLO HS) and Eric Barbato (Granada Hills) will be able to platoon with Hartman or fill the designated hitter role. Coach Bob Miller says, “Duval’s bat needs to be in the line-up. He has great bat speed.” Duval is listed as a corner infielder, but a lingering knee problem may keep him at DH.
Second Base
Former SLO County Player of the Year Austin Cunningham (Atascadero HS) is primed for a big season. The former high school shortstop made his comeback last season after an arm injury, but played sparingly as a designated hitter. Cunningham hit .217 in 46 at bats last season, however he is expected to be at the top of the order for the Cougars this season. Coach Bob Miller says, “He has tremendous ability.” The Cougars are also anticipating big things from freshman Anthony Fadelli (Oakland) after a big fall season. Coach Miller says, “He has a good arm, good speed and a good upside.” Freshman Bryce Basinger (Paso Robles HS) provides a good glove off the bench.
Third Base
Converted Catcher Garrett Champion (Santa Monica) will start at the hot corner this year. Champion transferred to Cuesta from Brown University in Rhode Island. In 2009, he hit .273 in ten games as a catcher for the Ivy League program. He provides a strong bat and a strong arm at third base. The Cougars also have All-CIF Infielder Scott Fleury (San Jose), who can move over if needed. Coach Bob Miller says of Fleury’s style of play, “He plays with a chip on his shoulder.” Max Duval (SLO HS) can also cross the field from first base if healthy.
Shortstop
Loyola Marymount transfer TJ Filicia (San Diego) earned plenty of accolades from Coach Bob Miller, who says, “He has the best hands and feet on the team. He has a quick release and is smooth.” The Cougars also need Filicia to hit for average after going hitless in 10 games as a freshman for LMU in 2008. He redshirted in 2009 and is ready for a big season. The Cougars can also use Anthony Fadelli (Oakland) and Scott Fleury (San Jose) here if needed.
Leftfield
Third-year sophomore Zach Steele (Santa Barbara: Santa Ynez HS) is one of three veteran outfielders slated to start this season. Steele hit .286 for the Cougars last season and earned 2009 All Western State Conference Honorable Mention. Steele is a natural centerfielder and covers a lot of ground in the outfield. All SLO County pick Davey Schultz (SLO HS) is another leadoff type hitter that uses the whole field. Coach Bob Miller says, “He is very athletic.” Pitcher/Outfielder Robbie Nadalsky (SLO HS) and Michael Camporeale (Littleton, CO) will add depth.
Centerfield
2009 All Western State Conference Honorable Mention choice Danny Poma (Monterrey HS) is back in centerfield after a big freshman season. Poma hit .304 for the Cougars, but also posted an on-base percentage of .403. He led the Cougars in triples (4) and was also third in stolen bases (10) and fourth on the team in home runs (4). Zach Steele (Santa Barbara: Santa Ynez HS) will move over to center if there is a need.
Rightfield
Sophomore Matt Anderson (Santa Maria: Righetti HS) spent last season buried in the Cougars depth chart as their fifth outfielder. He played in only 15 games on the year and went 0- for –13 before getting his first hit. He ended the season with 19 at bats and a.158 batting average, but also a surprising .385 on-base percentage. Coach Bob Miller says, “He is a good leader, who does the little things. He is a winning player.” Freshman Michael Camporeale (Littleton, CO) will eventually find a space in the outfield. Coach Bob Miller says, “He can run, throw and hit with power. He is a little streaky and very raw.” Camporeale hit .615 as a senior at Chatfield High and led the State of Colorado with 14 home runs last year. Davey Schultz (SLO HS) will add depth.
Bob begins his eighth season as head baseball coach at Cuesta College. Under Miller’s guidance the Cougars have continued the programs rich tradition and success. The Cougars have advanced into playoffs for fourteen years in a row and have won ten of the last dozen Western State Conference titles. Miller began his career at Cuesta with back-to-back conference titles and he was named the 2003 WSC Coach of the Year after his first season. Miller has also continued Cuesta’s tradition as a launching pad for talented student-athletes; 74 of his players have moved on to study and play at the four-year level, while 12 have made the jump to the professional ranks.