First off I would like to congratulate the 2011 Virginia Baseball team. You guys singlehandedly brought this program to a new level of expectations and accomplishments this season. For all the accolades that Cal received for being on the brink of extinction and saving their season from alumni donations you have saved this program from oblivion with your masterful play. Through the hard work of Coach O’Connor and his staff, as well as the dedication of our players you have truly turned this program into a national force and a team we can all be very proud of. You play baseball the right way, make people think, and really put on a demonstration of how intelligent and strategic the game can be. Thank you for a great season.A big congratulations is in order for the players that will most likely be leaving us this summer. You guys have been the driving force in the reemergence of this program and it’s rise to the new heights it has achieved. I will truly miss watching you play at Davenport. The departing players are:
John Hicks C
Kenny Swab OF
Steven Proscia 3B
Tyler Biddix INF/OF
Corey Hunt INF/RHP
Danny Hultzen LHP
John Barr OF
David Coleman OF
Will Roberts RHP
Tyler Wilson RHP
Cody Winiarski RHP
However let's take some time to look forward. To see what we have coming back. As I see it now with the players we have returning this is the lineup I’d project if the season started tomorrow, and quite frankly I think it’s pretty stout considering we’re losing the 3-4-5 hitters.
Lineup:
Shifflett at the top brings a ton of speed and lets Coach O’Connor put all sorts of plays on with him wreaking havoc on the basepaths. I think Gragnani brings versatility to the 2 hole but I would not be surprised if Keith Werman gets a look their two, though I am projecting him to remain in the 9 spot. Chris Taylor emerged to me to have the talent to become the guy on this team. Pairing with a much improved Jared King and hopefully a returning to form Stephen Bruno I think the heart of the order will pack a pretty good punch. Harrington and Levine have demonstrated a good skillset in their time in the order so they go 6-7. I have no idea what is going to happen at DH. I’ll put Amaro in their for now but I expect this to be another matchup platoon next year barring someone coming and lighting it up. And trusty Keith Werman, the most productive .215 hitter in the NCAA holding strong in the 9 spot.
Mitchell Shifflett CF
Reed Gragnani RF
Chris Taylor SS
Jared King 1B
Stephen Bruno 3B
Colin Harrington LF
Ryan Levine C
Rob Amaro DH
Keith Werman 2B
Reserves:
Derek Justice OF
Mark Podlas OF
Shane Halley OF
Pitching Staff:
I will admit pitching for next year had me nervous. But the performance by both Branden Kline and Kyle Crockett in that last game has completely reversed my thoughts. I think the rotation for next season is going to be very VERY solid. Kline will anchor the staff on Friday and Crockett will pitch Saturday. I don’t think it’s any secret that the Sunday and Weekday starting spots will be worked out between Silverstein and Mayberry. I’m penciling Mayberry in for now because I like his stuff and he’s a little more seasoned. As far as the bullpen goes I suspect JT Thompson will start off the year as the closer. I know I’m not the most supported on this but I like his stuff a lot. I think Shane Halley, Artie Lewicki and Chad O’Connor will round out the primary bullpen guys for us next year. Yes that seems a little thin for now but give the staff the winter and I think we’ll all be pleasantly surprised.
Rotation:
Friday: Branden Kline RHP
Saturday: Kyle Crockett LHP
Sunday: Whit Mayberry RHP
Weekday: Scott Silverstein LHP
Bullpen:
CL-Justin Thompson RHP
Shane Halley RHP
Artie Lewicki RHP
Chad O'Connor RHP
Ryan Ashooh LHP
Aaron Stull LHP
Ryan Briggs RHP
Austin Young RHP
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