2008 University of the Cumberlands Baseball Season Preview

It is easy to see the standards are set high for The University of the Cumberlands Baseball program when a 35-19 record is perceived as unacceptable, but that is exactly what happened in 2007. The youthful Patriots were a streaky team that had its ups and downs in '07. Going on the road to take three of four at Campbellsville University put the team in the driver’s seat of the Mid South Conference race, but the final home series of MSC play cost the Patriots the regular season Championship. There were impressive wins along the way including victories over top 25 teams, but there were disappointing losses as well. Injuries and the grind of a 55 game schedule took its toll on the young team, especially late in the season. Look for the lessons learned in 2007 to pay dividends for this experienced 2008 team.

Pitchers

Once again, the Patriots have a very deep pitching staff that should make for a talented rotation. Returning for the Patriots is Chris Short (Wildwood, MO) who was 5-6 last year pitching in the #1 slot. Right hander Adam Blakey ( Jamestown, KY) recorded a 4-1 record with 41 strikeouts in 34.2 innings of work. Adam also received 1 st Team All- Mid South Conference for the work he did out of the bullpen last year. Jon Silverman (36.1 IP) ( Kettering, OH) will be another Patriot with big game experience. Jon had 7 starts last year while going the distance in 2 of those. Brandon Williams ( Ashland, KY) had a great freshman year for the Patriots; he was 4-0 in 5 starts with a 2.81 ERA.

The Patriots bullpen is loaded with lefties including Seniors Brooks Morgan (Lexington, KY), Justin Roth (Clearwater, Fl), and junior Jeremy Taylor (Williamsburg, KY). Three sophomor es with bullpen experience return. Redshirt sophomore Adam Blanton ( Staffordsville, KY), Ryan Bennett ( Winchester, KY), and Trevor Madison ( Franklin, KY) all have experience in MSC play.

Joining the already deep and talented pitching staff will be three more talented left handers in Tyler Lee ( Mt. Sterling ), Junior Gazquez ( West Palm Beach , FL ) and Trey Anderson ( Lexington, KY).

Lee will step in and see valuable time on the mound for the Patriots. He is a transfer from Morehead State University where he had 14 appearances with 7 of those being starts. Tyler is a hard throwing left hander who has good stuff and can throw all of his pitches for strikes. Anderson was a member of the Kentucky State Championship team and has pitched well in fall games for the Patriots and should contribute out of the bullpen. Gaszquez enrolled in January and was a welcomed late addition.

Outfield

The outfield returns fifth year senior Trevor Urbanick ( Conneautville, PA) who is coming off a red shirt season in 2007. Urbanick (.347, 61 Hits, 26 RBIs, 27 SB in 2006) gives the Patriots an experienced hitter with great speed. The Patriots will be looking to replace graduated Daniel Guttridge in centerfield and Adam Garrett in right field. Daniel was the MSC Player of the Year and an NAIA Honorable Mention All American. Patriots that should see time in the outfield are junior Ronnie Hawkins (Danville, KY), Dylan Holt (Lawrenceburg, KY), and sophomore Mark Guttridge (Richwood, KY). Hawkins hit .262 last year with 65 at bats. His strong arm and speed on the bases should be a valuable asset for the Patriots. Holt saw action in 25 games last year with a BA of .231.

New faces in the Patriot outfield will be Jeff Poff (Baltimore, MD) and Matt Warner (Las Vegas, NV). Both Poff and Warner are transfers, Poff is coming from Hartford University and Warner is from Mesa Community College. Their speed and bats should find them some time in the line up.

Infield

Returning for the Patriots in the infield will be Javier Gali-Rodriguez (Corozal, PR). Gali (.374, 18 Doubles, 10 HR, 59 RBIs) is coming off a strong 07 campaign where he earned MSC 1 st Team All Conference honors at third base. Senior Mike Dooley, (Cincinnati, OH) a very good defensive left handed first baseman, should see some time in the Patriots infield. Junior Luis Raffan ( Miami, FL) will make the move into the infield this year after playing 43 games in the Patriots outfield last year. Freshman Trae Balzano ( Cincinnati, OH) had an impressive fall and should contribute with his bat and his ability to play multiple positions. Drew Denton (Hendersonville, TN) is a transfer for Columbia State Community College that will step in and play second base. His defensive skills and ability to turn the double play will make a big difference for the Patriots in 2008. He should hit at the top of the lineup and give the Patriots an offensive spark. Freshman Josh Wood (Winchester, KY) and mid-year transfer Jared Stafford (Morehead, KY) could contribute as well.

Catchers

2007 MSC 1 st Team All Conference catcher Robert Mills ( Las Vegas, NV) returns to the Patriots roster. Mills is expected to be the primary leader this year as he returns behind the plate. Mills has improved defensively and will be looked upon to become a complete player and handle the Patriot pitching staff and control the running game. Backing up Mills will be newcomer Phil Walters ( Knoxville, TN).

The Outlook

Brad Shelton enters his seventh year at the Cumberlands with high hopes. Experienced veterans and talented newcomers make this team a conference and national contender in 2008. The team has pitching depth, team speed, solid defense, and some hitters that can drive in runs.

The Schedule

The schedule consists of excellent competition for the Patriots. Back on the schedule in '08 are NCAA Division I Belmont University and NCAA Division II Kentucky State University. The Patriots will travel to Lebanon, TN to play Cumberland University who is coming off a trip to the NAIA World Series last year. They are ranked #8 in the Pre-Season rankings. Tennessee Wesleyan received a national rating of #18 in the pre-season NAIA polls and will be in the Patriots line-up. The Patriots will play another ranked team in Union College. They are #19 in the pre-season poll. The Mid-South Conference will once again be strong. Campbellsville University rounds out the pre-season rankings coming in at #24 and the Patriots will see them in Conference play. Overall, the 2008 schedule includes 11 games versus teams ranked in the NAIA Pre-Season Top 25 and 21 games versus teams that participated in regional play in 2007.

2007 Season Preview
2006 Season Preview
2005 Season Preview