2010 University of the Cumberlands Baseball Season Preview

The bar is always set high for the University of the Cumberlands baseball program. Over the past five seasons, they have been picked either 1 st or 2 nd in the Mid-South Conference (MSC) in the preseason coaches’ poll. While last season’s 31-17 record is respectable, the team has set its goals much higher. A disappointing third place finish in the MSC Tournament has motivated the 2010 team to work hard to get back to the opportunity to play in the NAIA World Series.

Starting Pitchers

Several returning pitchers with Mid South Conference experience anchor the staff. Adam Blanton (Staffordsville, KY), a fifth year senior, could move into a starting role. In 2009, he made 12 appearances, four starts including a complete game shutout. Adam was 2-0 with an ERA of 4.36. In 33.0 innings of work, Adam struck out 28 and recorded a save. Senior Ryan Bennett (Winchester, KY), logged valuable innings as a starter and long reliever in 2009. Bennett was 4-2 last year in 13 appearances (2 starts, 1 complete game) throwing in 39.1 innings with 35 strikeouts. Another senior is left hander Cameron Ohl. In his first season with the Patriots, Ohl pitched in 9 games, starting 8, and had a 3-3 record with a 5.35 ERA in 37 innings of work. Another possible starter is sophomore left hander Billy Grant (Lebanon, KY). In 2009 he was 3-1 in 10 appearances (3 starts, 1 complete game) with a 4.61 ERA. Grant struck out 21 batters in 27.1 innings in 2009 while batters only hit .263 off the lefthander.

While several experienced starting pitchers return, an off-season injury to the Patriots most experienced senior pitcher, Brandon Williams (Ashland, KY), will result in a redshirt season for him.

Transfer Shane Stancill (Elizabethtown, KY) comes out of the fall season as the projected number one of the Patriots staff. His explosive fastball and ability to throw strikes have garnered him attention from several major league scouts. Returning player Sean Mahley (Cambridge, OH) will also see time as a starting pitcher. Although he will man centerfield, he will also be a starting pitcher in conference play. His pitching in 2009 was limited, but an outstanding summer pitching in the KIT Collegiate Summer league gained him valuable experience.

The Bullpen

The Patriots bullpen will be manned by a few returnees and several newcomers. Seniors Bruce Jones (Virginia Beach, VA), Andrew Bertram (Danville, KY) and Trevor Madison (Franklin, KY) will be leaders in the pen. Bertram has battled injuries most of his career, but is healthy now. Senior Trevor Madison ended the season with a record of 1-2 in 8 games (1 complete game) pitching 13.2 innings and recorded a save. Madison had a good fall season and is projected as the teams closer. Jones is a lefty with good stuff and could log some innings in relief. Junior Trey Anderson (Lexington, KY) will also see time out of the bullpen and as a spot starter. In 2009, he was 2-0 in 9 appearances (3 starts). Anderson threw a no-hitter last year in a 14-0 win over OSU-Lima.

Other returning pitchers that could make an impact are sophomore submariner Neil Freibert (Louisville, KY) and junior sinker-baller Nate Stevens (Corbin, KY). Both had excellent fall seasons and could eat up valuable innings in 2010. Several newcomers could also make an impact on the pitching staff in 2010. Junior Dane Anderson (Chickamauga, GA) is a transfer from Chattanooga State Community College. Freshmen Andy King (Batavia, OH), Quentin Warriner (Russell Springs, KY), Ted Clifford (Williamsburg, KY), and Paul Bowers (Thornhill, TN) have pitched well in pre-season workouts.

Outfield

The outfield does return 1 starter from the 2009 season as Sean Mahley (Cambridge, OH) will man center field. Mahley had a very successful inaugural season for the Patriots hitting .331 with 55 hits, 14 doubles, 3 triples, 7 HRs, 48 RBI’s, 28 BBs, and 17 stolen bases. He was also named All Mid-South Conference for his efforts. Kyle Cochis (London, KY) should also see time in the outfield this year after appearing in 34 games in 2009. He hit .400 with 14 runs, and 3 stolen bases. Red-shirt sophomore Terry Bingham (Corbin, KY) will see time in left field and as a designated hitter. Junior Jared Stafford (Morehead, KY) is a left handed hitter with some power who could play left, right or first base. Newcomers include junior transfer Tyler Schnebelt from Lincoln Trail Community College and freshman Cody Curtis (Mount Sterling, KY). Schnebelt is a left handed hitter with some power while Curtis is one of the fastest players on the team.

Infield

Returning for the Patriots in the infield will be senior third baseman Devin Hicks (Memphis, TN). Hicks is coming off of a great first year as a Patriot hitting .350 with 16 HRs, 43 RBI’s, 11 doubles, 33 BBs, and a .781 slugging percentage. He was also named All Mid-South Conference during the 2009 season. Also returning is shortstop Jake Martin (Morgantown, KY). During the 2009 season, Martin was a solid bat in the lineup for the Patriots hitting .310 with 6 doubles, 7 triples, 2 HRs, 20 RBI’s, and 17 stolen bases. Martin will probably make the move to second base in 2010. Josh Wood (Winchester, KY) returns as the Patriot first baseman. Wood batted .258 with 32 hits, 11 doubles, and 17 RBI’s and also fielded .981 with 365 chances and 339 putouts. Redshirt sophomore Brett Blankenship (Jamestown, KY) gives the Patriots a left handed bat at first base as well. Newcomer Evan Bennett (Winchester, KY) is slated to be the Patriots shortstop. The transfer from Morehead State University is a sophomore with a strong arm and the ability to hit the baseball in the gaps. Junior Jeff Davison is a transfer from Truman State University. He is a left handed hitter that will be used as a utility player that can play anywhere on the field. Freshmen third baseman Mack Manning (Paris, KY) and shortstop Blake Potter (Jacksboro, TN) had solid fall seasons and could contribute in 2010.

Catchers

Returning behind the plate for the Patriots in 2010 is Miguel Vasquez (Ponce, PR). In 2009, Vasquez hit .309 with 46 hits, 15 doubles, 5 HRs, and 35 RBI’s. He started 45 games last season for the Patriots, as a catcher and designated hitting. He was named All Mid South Conference Honorable Mention. Senior Shane Anglin (Berea, KY) returns to give the team some depth behind the plate. Freshman Destul Huff (Mason, OH) could also see time as a starting catcher.

The Outlook

Coach Brad Shelton enters his ninth season as the head coach for the Patriots and expectations are high. With returning 4 of 5 starting infielders, the center piece of the outfield, and some experienced pitchers, the Patriots are aiming high in their pursuit of a Mid-South Conference Championship. Shelton has won 299 games in his 8 years with the Patriots while losing 145 games (.673 winning percentage). Overall his 15 year record as a head coach is 488-213 (.696)

The Schedule

The competition is tough as usual as the Patriots’ 55 game schedule consists of 18 games against teams either ranked in the preseason NAIA Top 25 or are receiving votes. Twelve of those 18 games are 4-game series against MSC opposition including Campbellsville (#8), Univ. of Rio Grande (RV), and Georgetown (RV). Cumberlands will also play 4 games against NAIA pre-season #16 Union College and two games against NAIA pre-season #5 Lee University. The Patriots will also make a visit in April to NCAA Division I opponent Eastern Kentucky University for a 9-inning game.

The Patriots will spend a good amount of their season at home as they will host 33 of their 55 games in the 2010 season. This includes a 13 game home stand from February 12 th to March 2 nd and a 7 game home stand from March 23 rd to March 27th.

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