March 2, 2004

The Yale baseball team begins its 2004 season with a weekend series at Georgetown with a doubleheader on Saturday and one game on Sunday. On March 9 and 10, the Bulldogs will face No. 5 South Carolina in Columbia, S.C., then travel to Bradenton, Fla., for five games in five days.

As coach John Stuper begins his 12th season in New Haven, he is hoping, like most coaches, that his team stays injury free and becomes the contending team he believes they can. This team is definitely talented enough to contend for the Rolfe Division title.

PITCHING

Pitching, long a Bulldog strength, should be no exception in 2004. Josh Sowers, a junior righthander was, 5-3, with a 4.18 ERA last year as the team's No. 1 and most consistent starter. He should anchor the staff. Jon Hollis established himself as a solid member of the rotation as a freshman last year, and Stuper is counting on the big (6-3, 225) sophomore to be even better this year. Alec Smith was a freshman find last year, as he led the team in ERA (3.24) and saves (3) and won four games. He will be counted on as an important part of the staff. Jon Janco, also a sophomore, saw plenty of mound time last spring and looks for even more this season. A hard-throwing righthander, Janco could also be in the regular lineup as designated hitter. Senior Doug Shimokawa is a hard-throwing righty who led the team in appearances (18) for the second year in a row. A durable pitcher, Shimokawa could be used in the rotation, or out of the bullpen. Colin Ward-Henninger saw action in 16 games last year, including two starts, and his versatility is something Stuper is counting on. Bailey Jackson, a hard-throwing righthander from Florida who missed all of last season due to injury, could be the wild card of this staff. If he can return to form, his addition will be a huge bonus. Also in the wings are sophomores Matt Fealey and Matt Stone, who could also play infield. Two highly regarded and highly recruited newcomers join the Eli staff for 2004. Local product Chris Winkler (Westport, CT), a hard-throwing right- hander with a state championship under his belt, and lefty Mike Mongiardini, (Tom's River, NJ) are welcome additions. Both could see considerable time right away.

CATCHER

The chores behind the plate will be in the capable hands of senior Chris Young and sophomore Eric Rasmussen. Young's 2003 season was very limited due to injury, but Stuper looks for him to fully recover. Young is an intense, hard worker who brings energy to the position. A sophomore, Rasmussen saw action in 21 games last year, and Stuper liked what he saw. Energetic and enthusiastic, he is a natural leader. Young and Rasmussen could end up sharing the position.

INFIELD

The Bulldog infield will have a decidedly different look in 2004. Gone are three-year starters in the middle Mike Hirschfield (ss) and Steve Duke (2B). Who replaces them might not be answered until the team is ready to embark on its annual March spring trip. Chris Esper returns after a year off and is the leading candidate to play shortstop. He has to battle incoming freshman Justin Ankney (Ft. Myers, FL), a switch-hitter who runs well, and possibly Zac Bradley, who missed all of 2003 due to injury. Second base could be manned by Bradley, sophomore Matt Stone, Ankney, or another newcomer, Austin Mills (Marietta, GA). Stuper feels the competition for this job will make everyone better. First base is in the capable hands of sophomore Josh Zabar, who took control of the position last year and never let go, winning honorable mention All- Ivy recognition in the process. Senior Kyle Misenti also saw time there, and newcomer Marc Sawyer (Largo, FL) is a highly touted lefty swinger who could find himself in the lineup at first or designated hitter. Third base is the territory of Mike Gulker, who was second on the team average (.328), but led it in doubles, triples, homeruns, RBI, and slugging percentage. For his efforts, Gulker garnered first team All-Ivy honors. Mills will vie for playing time as well. Versatile freshman Pedro Obregon (Miami, FL), who can play either corner infield position, is also in the mix.

OUTFIELD

Chris Elkins, stalwart centerfielder and four-year starter, has graduated, and that means the Eli outfield will also have a different look. Every candidate is probably capable of playing centerfield. Randy Leonard, a senior, is coming off his best year in New Haven. Leonard (.320) led the team in at bats and hits. He was named honorable mention All-Ivy and was selected captain by his teammates. He led off virtually every game, and Stuper anticipates the same scenario in 2004. Junior C.J. Orrico didn't hit for a high average, but had quite a few clutch RBI and played stellar defense in right. He should be in the lineup on a regular basis once again. Also with the possibility of other candidates to roam in the vast expanses of the Yale Field outfield are sophomores Matt Stone and Zac Bradley and an outside chance that first baseman, while first baseman Zabar could also return to the outfield. Adding to the mix are freshmen Jake Doyle (Wilmington, DE) and Obregon, who give this position great depth. Doyle is a natural centerfielder with good size, fine speed, and a powerful arm. Obregon can play infield or outfield, but his bat is what sets him apart. Aggressive and possessing outstanding bat speed, he could find himself in the middle of the Bulldog lineup early in the season.