With four weeks remaining before the Owls' season opener at Stanford on Feb 19, it's far too early to delve too deeply into painstakingly detailed analysis of the roster. So, consider these musings mere conversation pieces as the Owls inch closer to the start of intrasquads Jan. 29.
Countless words have been invested in the lauding of the experience of the position players, and rightfully so. It isn't too often when a team fresh off a super regional appearance returns every starter but one (2B Brock Holt) and doesn't feel genuine excitement over its national title aspirations. Because the Owls are ostensibly set on defense with three seniors (1B Jimmy Comerota, C Diego Seastrunk, CF Steven Sultzbaugh), two juniors (SS Rick Hague, RF Chad Mozingo), two sophomores (3B Anthony Rendon, LF Michael Fuda) and a freshman (2B Michael Ratterree) in the field, how The OG utilizes his bench could produce plenty of intrigue.
Jr. LHP/1B Abe Gonzales enjoyed a fabulous fall at the plate and in the field, and considering the Owls' obvious need for another lefthanded stick, Gonzales should figure into the mix if he remains healthy. Of course with Gonzales, prime health isn't an assumption. He has been plagued by injuries throughout his career, turning the precious few opportunities he's had to prove himself against competition into displays of futility. He's totaled just 17 at-bats and 17 mound appearances, numbers far too miniscule to pass judgment one way or another. The talent has occasionally flickered, but Gonzales' run of stability last fall is cause for excitement.
So. C Craig Manuel returned in excellent shape and, combined with his willingness to absorb all that is tossed his way, serves as an ideal backup to Seastrunk. Manuel (.292/.348/.315) didn't flash much power as a freshman, but his improved physical conditioning has yielded greater bat speed, which in turn should provide Manuel the opportunity to generate additional extra-base hits this season. In all likelihood his at-bat total (Manuel had 130 in 2009) should increase either as a reserve catcher or as the starting designated hitter against righthanders. And because Fr. C Geoff Perrott has proven to be a viable option as the third backstop, The OG will be far more apt to play Seastrunk and Manuel simultaneously in late-game situations.
So. OF Jeremy Rathjen has the speed to be an everyday Division I player, but his bat (.242/.314/.358) must catch up with his exceptional defensive tools. Rathjen made strides at the plate last summer with Santa Barbara, and as was expected, physically matured from the close of his freshman season. Rathjen should be no worse than the Owls' fourth outfielder, and at best could earn a role in the designated hitter platoon as the option against southpaws.
So. OF Daniel Gonzales-Luna rode one scorching stretch of plate appearances into a multi-week span of starts before opposing pitchers stopped feeding him a steady diet of fastballs. Gonzales-Luna eventually came back to earth, but the staff has taken note of his improved ability to handle off-speed pitches. Though his sample size was small (50 at-bats over 21 games, including 13 starts), Gonzales-Luna hit well enough (.360/.411/.480) to remain in contention for a spot behind Mozingo in right. He seems to be the quintessential spark plug.
So. IF/OF Ryan Lewis is the unknown of preseason camp. He ably filled in for Mozingo in right last season and hit reasonably well (.289/.441/.400) in limited action, but he was presented a first baseman's glove last fall and asked to ready himself for a position switch. Should Gonzales continue to develop as the backup to Comerota, Lewis could permanently slide into the platoon at designated hitter alongside Manuel and Rathjen. If Lewis opts to forgo spring football and concentrate fully on stabilizing his swing, additional at-bats might be in the offing.
The OG has several freshmen from which to choose should the veterans not take to their reserve roles. Chase McDowell could manage a corner outfield slot in a pinch while Tyler Spurlin and J.T. Chargois manned first and second base, respectively, during fall intrasquads. With so much depth and experience in the field, odds are slim that The OG will go too deep into his bench and that the reserves will earn their desired number of at-bats barring injury. However, when their number is called they must produce, especially in this heated competition.
Countless words have been invested in the lauding of the experience of the position players, and rightfully so. It isn't too often when a team fresh off a super regional appearance returns every starter but one (2B Brock Holt) and doesn't feel genuine excitement over its national title aspirations. Because the Owls are ostensibly set on defense with three seniors (1B Jimmy Comerota, C Diego Seastrunk, CF Steven Sultzbaugh), two juniors (SS Rick Hague, RF Chad Mozingo), two sophomores (3B Anthony Rendon, LF Michael Fuda) and a freshman (2B Michael Ratterree) in the field, how The OG utilizes his bench could produce plenty of intrigue.
Jr. LHP/1B Abe Gonzales enjoyed a fabulous fall at the plate and in the field, and considering the Owls' obvious need for another lefthanded stick, Gonzales should figure into the mix if he remains healthy. Of course with Gonzales, prime health isn't an assumption. He has been plagued by injuries throughout his career, turning the precious few opportunities he's had to prove himself against competition into displays of futility. He's totaled just 17 at-bats and 17 mound appearances, numbers far too miniscule to pass judgment one way or another. The talent has occasionally flickered, but Gonzales' run of stability last fall is cause for excitement.
So. C Craig Manuel returned in excellent shape and, combined with his willingness to absorb all that is tossed his way, serves as an ideal backup to Seastrunk. Manuel (.292/.348/.315) didn't flash much power as a freshman, but his improved physical conditioning has yielded greater bat speed, which in turn should provide Manuel the opportunity to generate additional extra-base hits this season. In all likelihood his at-bat total (Manuel had 130 in 2009) should increase either as a reserve catcher or as the starting designated hitter against righthanders. And because Fr. C Geoff Perrott has proven to be a viable option as the third backstop, The OG will be far more apt to play Seastrunk and Manuel simultaneously in late-game situations.
So. OF Jeremy Rathjen has the speed to be an everyday Division I player, but his bat (.242/.314/.358) must catch up with his exceptional defensive tools. Rathjen made strides at the plate last summer with Santa Barbara, and as was expected, physically matured from the close of his freshman season. Rathjen should be no worse than the Owls' fourth outfielder, and at best could earn a role in the designated hitter platoon as the option against southpaws.
So. OF Daniel Gonzales-Luna rode one scorching stretch of plate appearances into a multi-week span of starts before opposing pitchers stopped feeding him a steady diet of fastballs. Gonzales-Luna eventually came back to earth, but the staff has taken note of his improved ability to handle off-speed pitches. Though his sample size was small (50 at-bats over 21 games, including 13 starts), Gonzales-Luna hit well enough (.360/.411/.480) to remain in contention for a spot behind Mozingo in right. He seems to be the quintessential spark plug.
So. IF/OF Ryan Lewis is the unknown of preseason camp. He ably filled in for Mozingo in right last season and hit reasonably well (.289/.441/.400) in limited action, but he was presented a first baseman's glove last fall and asked to ready himself for a position switch. Should Gonzales continue to develop as the backup to Comerota, Lewis could permanently slide into the platoon at designated hitter alongside Manuel and Rathjen. If Lewis opts to forgo spring football and concentrate fully on stabilizing his swing, additional at-bats might be in the offing.
The OG has several freshmen from which to choose should the veterans not take to their reserve roles. Chase McDowell could manage a corner outfield slot in a pinch while Tyler Spurlin and J.T. Chargois manned first and second base, respectively, during fall intrasquads. With so much depth and experience in the field, odds are slim that The OG will go too deep into his bench and that the reserves will earn their desired number of at-bats barring injury. However, when their number is called they must produce, especially in this heated competition.
Thanks, MK. Amidst all the good football news, it's good to remember there's another sport about to start.
Thanks, as always, MK. One has to think that if Ryan Lewis elects (and is allowed by DB) to focus exclusively on baseball this Spring, at the very worst he will be the left-handed DH. What he did last season, given he did not practice with the team in the Fall or pre-season, is simply phenominal for a true Freshman; his OBP and plate discipline, in particular. Yes, Abe G. will provide quality competition, but if Ryan can get his timing back, he can be a true force in the lineup. As for the right-handed DH, you would think Coach will go with the hot hand, which is precisely what he did last season. Rathjen, DG-L and McDowell are all likely to get their opportunity.
Walt: Don't underestimate Gonzales. I like the way he goes about his work, and he's giving off a renewed sense of confidence because he's finally healthy. I don't want to put pressure on Abe, but I would not be shocked by a breakout year. - MK
Thanks for your report. You answered all my questions about for the bench and backups for the different positions. I do have a question about J. T. Chargois, I thought he was a pitcher in the raw and was going to be brought up through the ranks for pitching assignments. I thought he had the size and, I think was a lefty.
I sure am glad the Chronicle let you go and Rice picked you up, your a perfect match for Rice.
James: Thanks as always. As for Chargois, I wanted to focus exclusively on bench production for position players. He very much fits into the plans as a RHP out of the bullpen, at least going into intrasquads. The staff likes his arm, but McDowell and Spurlin have caught their eyes as well. The thing about Chargois is he takes serious the chance he might get to occasionally play second. He was ill over the break, yet I frequently see him at second trying to take grounders or getting mental reps there. He seems like a dedicated freshman, and who can frown on that? - MK
MK,
Thanks as always for the reports.
You mentioned that Lewis has a chance to be a real contributor if he elects to focus this spring on baseball (at the exclusion of spring football). What do you think the chances of that are? And would that be a decision to drop football and focus on baseball permanently?
Coatzaowl: That is the $250K question. In my opinion, Lewis could enjoy a fine career if he focuses exclusively on baseball, and given the depth the Owls enjoy at quarterback (Fanuzzi, Cook, McHargue), his loss wouldn't cripple the football program. Has he made that decision? Will he make that decision? Time will tell. - MK