2010 Baseball Season Preview

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - The Trevecca baseball program has produced a consistently competitive team during the last seven years. Each of those teams has produced 35 wins or more and a winning conference record. Three different coaches have led the program in that time. One common denominator has been current head coach Jonathan Burto-first as a player then as an assistant and now in his second season as head coach. The program has produced TranSouth Conference regular season and tournament championships. Now the team wants to take the next step into the NAIA National Championship Opening Round and NAIA World Series.

The 2010 team returns a great class of five seniors along with a number of incoming freshmen and transfers.

"We graduated 13 seniors last year, a loss that made this recruiting class one of the most challenging in my time at Trevecca," commented Burton. "The task wasn't easy, but we think that this recruiting class has the necessary pieces to be very competitive again in the TranSouth and beyond. The entire team is working extremely hard, and the continuity we have built, will translate into another successful season."

Pitching: Returners
The pitching staff is strong again with NAIA First Team All-American Tim Dunn leading the way. Dunn was the TranSouth Player of the Year and was undefeated as a junior. The Trojans have a great chance to win every time he takes the mound. He has a great work ethic and makes himself and his teammates better with his leadership. Jeff Hughes made strides despite having to redshirt because of a back injury. We are expecting him to be a contributor for us out of the bullpen. Chris Sutherland continues to do exactly what is expected of him out of the bullpen. He is a great teammate who exemplifies Trevecca's values. Trevecca.

Pitching: Newcomers
Caleb Longshore has a unique delivery that makes him very deceptive. He has been able to bounce back quickly, a skill that will make him valuable in postseason tournament play. Blake Payton has improved throughout the fall and will be used in many different roles. He will be counted on heavily in late game situations. BJ Boston is a transfer arm that will make an immediate impact. His strength and velocity have improved throughout the fall and is someone whom the coaching staff is very excited about. Michael Son is a solid arm who competes in the strike zone with three effective pitches. Kyle Pfiirman was a key last summer pickup, and he understands how to pitch in big games. He produced for a good UNC-Charlotte program that reached the NCAA Regional. Jerry Young has good movement on his pitches and projects as the closer, but he could see time in other roles this season. Codi Webb drew praise from the coaching staff or his progress through the fall. He could see time in weekend and midweek games.

"Our pitching staff is as deep as it has been at Trevecca," commented Burton. "We will bring experienced arms into every key situation, a factor that prepares us for success in those situations. Some of these guys were starters in their JUCO programs and now they will bolster our midweek games and perform out of the pen on the weekend. What's impressive is that everyone pushes each other, and we've had some very competitive intra-squad games and bullpen sessions."

Outfield: Returning
Matt Tidwell, who is recovering from Tommy John surgery, had a great first season with Trevecca. He has worked hard and will be ready to go by opening day.

Outfield: Newcomers
Edwin Borbon has continued to improve daily at the plate and in the outfield. Mark Hewitt improved through the fall with his plate awareness will be someone to count on in key situations. Bret Grizzard, a transfer, will compete for a starting spot with his arm and ability to be very productive at the top of the order. Trae Weiss, a transfer from Western Kentucky, has great baseball instinct.

"This outfield group is talented and will be outstanding defensively," said coach Burton. "As they become familiar with each other during the early part of the season, we'll see them become even more cohesive this spring."

Infield: Returning
Chase Birdwell is projected as the starting second baseman. He has improved dramatically in a year's time and has the ability at the plate to execute the team scheme. Trey Morrison will split time at first base and as designated hitter. Trey really squared the ball up this fall and can produce at the plate.

Infield: Newcomers
Brad Gooch is a middle infielder with versatility to play several positions. He will be on the field, and we hope that his experience will help lead the team in many ways. Greg Casebier is a solid defender who makes all the routine plays. He is a heady player who will be a contributor. Chad Reynolds was a pick up at the hot corner. He puts his nose in everything and is a physical player. He promises to be one of the more consistent offensive players. Chris Hale is the projected first baseman heading into spring. He improved throughout fall at the plate and in his defensive moves.

Corey Crunk, Jacobie Olin, Jackson Nichols, and Chad McDaniel will help in many ways this season-in pinch-hitting roles, base running, or starting in the field. Unfortunately, Matt Owens will be redshirting this season because of an injury.

"We only return one player from last year's infield," commented Burton. "Still, because of our recruiting efforts, this infield is a very one with solid defensive skills. We believe that we have improved what was a very good infield last year."

Catchers: Newcomers
Roger Vazquez has a great arm and a quick release. Luke Fennell is steady for a freshman. He improved daily and should mature quickly. Zach Sutton split time in the outfield this fall, but he is comfortable behind the plate. Freshman Scott Lynn will redshirt this spring but shows a lot of promise for future innings.

"Our loss behind the plate last year was our biggest need," said Burton. "We have a mix of both transfers and freshmen who will fill that void. The freshmen have been a pleasant surprise and, along with the transfers, will be expected to be consist contributors for our pitching staff."

Schedule
The 2010 schedule has a total of 26 games against teams that made the NAIA Tournament last year, including 13 versus teams that reached the NAIA World Series.

In all, nine teams on the 2010 schedule appeared in the NAIA Tournament last season; four appeared in the NAIA World Series last year.

"Our schedule outside of conference is as demanding as it's ever been," Burton said. "We play some great teams that will allow us to evaluate our team and see what areas we need to improve on to make a run at winning the TranSouth. Before the first poll is released, we will have played 12 games against the top 11."

There are 18 games on the schedule against teams that are ranked in the NAIA Preseason Top 25 and another 10 games against teams receiving votes in the preseason poll.

The Trojans will open the season on the road at No. 4 Southern Tech in Marietta, Ga., on February 12-13.

Fans of the Purple and White will first get a chance to see their team in action against Indiana Southeast on February 16 and then against No. 23 Auburn-Montgomery in the opening weekend of play, February 19-20. Other games at Jackson Field against ranked opponents include No. 8 Campbellsville (February 23), No. 11 Tennessee Wesleyan (March 17), No. 19 Cumberland University (April 9-10).

Highlighted on the March schedule is a trip to No. 7 Embry-Riddle where the Trojans will play four (March 11-13) of their five games in Florida.

"I don't remember a season when the TranSouth has been as balanced as it is this season," Burton continued. "We have our work cut out for us, and that's why we will have played such a demanding non-conference schedule."

The Trojans will begin the TranSouth portion of their schedule March 26-27 in McKenzie, Tenn., at Bethel University. The first home conference series will take place the following weekend as Mid-Continent University makes the trip to Nashville on April 2-3.

The Trojans will also host three-game TranSouth sets against Cumberland University (April 9-10) and Union University (April 30-May 1).

The 2010 TranSouth Athletic Conference Tournament is set for May 10-13 at Brooks Stadium in Paducah, Ky. The 2010 NAIA Opening Round will take place at regional sites to be announced. The NAIA World Series will be held at Lewis-Clark State University's Harris field in Lewiston, Idaho, May 28-June 4.