Army West Point Athletics
Army Baseball Teams Reloads With Young Talent
February 16, 2009 | Baseball
There are certain organizations in sports that never seem to hit down cycles. Whether it be the professional or amateur ranks, some programs never struggle through extended subpar stretches of performance. They reload, rather than rebuild.
Count head coach Joe Sottolano’s Army baseball program amongst those falling into that category. Army’s 10th-year field boss states his program’s goals clearly and succinctly at the outset of every season and the message never wavers.
“Our goal remains the same every year,” Sottolano stresses quickly. “Our goal is to win a conference championship and win in the NCAA Tournament. Our vision for the program never changes.”
That was never more apparent than a year ago, when despite losing program-changing talents such as Milan Dinga and Nick Hill to the minor leagues following their graduation from West Point, Sottolano entered last spring with the same lofty expectations firmly in place. Despite a roster featuring 15 freshmen, many of whom would be relied upon to fill key roles throughout the season, Sottolano’s resolve never softened.
“Will our goals change this year?,” he asked incredulously at the time, repeating a question harmlessly posed before him. “ABSOLUTELY NOT.”
Four months later, following a difficult start to the season, his youthful Army team landed atop the final Patriot League standings, captured its third regular season Patriot League title in five years.
“We knew going into last year that we might take some lumps early in the season until the team had matured,” Sottolano explains. “But we were comfortable with the talent level in the program. We just knew that the team would be very inexperienced.”
The Black Knights began the year with only two wins in their first 13 games, then rallied to win 23 of their final 37 contests down the stretch. Army followed a similar formula in conference action, won two of their first seven Patriot League contests, then captured 11 of their final 13 conference tilts to claim the regular-season crown.
“Everything really went the way we expected, although our freshman class performed even better than we had hoped,” he continues. “We really came together well as a team, but we fell a little shy of our goal in the end. Overall, it was a solid year, sort of a stepping stone for us leading into what we want to accomplish in the future.”
Very few coaches would label a season in which their team won a regular season conference championship as a “stepping stone” but for Sottolano, there is no other way.
“Our upperclassmen did a very nice job of bringing the younger players along and keeping them focused on a daily basis,” credits Sottolano. “When the season started, we really didn’t know how quickly things would come together. But I know at year’s end, we were disappointed that we didn’t win the league championship and advance to the NCAAs.
“I credit the leadership of the upperclassmen on the team for helping to shape the mentality of our younger players, for letting them know that it just is not within us to lose. We expect to win every time we step on the field and we expect to win a championship each and every year.”
If Army was able to sneak up on league opponents last season en route to an unexpected regular-season title, that does not appear possible this time around. Not with the Black Knights’ entire infield from last year, three-quarters of its starting rotation, six all-league selections and last season’s conference rookie of the year all returning to the fold.
“We believe the talent level in this program is such that we should compete and win conference championships every year. We feel we’re certainly in that position now. I am very impressed by this group of young men. The players work extremely hard and remain very focused. They bring a great intensity and tremendous focus to practice every day. They’re very coachable and they strive to get better each day.”
No conference team has experienced the level of success Army has the past two decades. In fact, the Black Knights lead all Patriot League schools in both regular season (197) and conference tournament wins (11) despite joining the league two years after its inception. The Black Knights also sport the highest winning percentage in regular season conference play (.614) and league tournament action (.579) among Patriot members.
In all, Army has captured four regular season Patriot League titles and four Patriot League Tournament crowns since joining the conference back in 1993. Three of those regular-season championships have come in the last five years, a span that has seen the Black Knights earn four trips to the league’s season-ending tournament. Army has also sent six players along the well-beaten path from Doubleday Field to the minor leagues, more than any other Patriot League program this decade.
“I believe that you have to develop the mentality and the understanding that you expect to win every single day no matter who your opponent is,” Sottolano offers. “I believe our program has reached that level in the past, and I really believe we can advance to that stage once again.”
Army seems well-suited to meet those standards this spring thanks to the presence of a solid nucleus of upperclassmen, a dynamic stable of sophomores and yet another skilled influx of freshmen primed to make their imprint on what has emerged as the Patriot League’s flagship program.
Senior co-captains Andy Ernesto and J.P. Polchinski head the list of veteran returnees poised to deliver Army back to the postseason this spring. Both players earned all-league honors last spring and have proven to be as valuable off the field as on. Three-year starter Tony Capozzi also returns for his final campaign for the Black Knights, helping to anchor a seasoned Army infield that returns completely intact.
Sophomores Clint Moore and Kevin Mc-Kague headline a sophomore class that might well rate as one of the most talented groupings of players in Army history. While Moore became the fourth Black Knight to earn Patriot League Rookie of the Year laurels last spring, both players garnered Louisville Slugger Freshmen All-America status.
First team All-Patriot League selection Matt Fouch (junior) and second-team choice Ben Koenigsfeld (sophomore) return to familiar roles in Army’s starting pitching rotation, while Kirk Porter and Joey Henshaw, a pair of high-ceiling sophomores, look to command similar roles following promising debut seasons in which both flashed star-power potential.
But the road to the NCAA Regionals remains cluttered with potential landmines. Seventeen freshmen and sophomores are slated to help comprise Army’s pitching staff this spring, and that group will be throwing to an equally youthful backstop with freshman J.T. Watkins and sophomore Cody Shorter the most likely choices to replace three-year standout Chris Simmons behind the plate.
Blend those factors with the normal challenging non-league schedule Sottolano has concocted and another slow start could await this year’s Army edition.
“We return a lot of skilled pitchers, and we’re very excited about the talent of those arms,” Sottolano says. “But how quickly those arms become successful pitchers at this level will determine how successful we can become in the long run. We know we have the arms in our program necessary to win. Now they just have to establish themselves as pitchers.”
And what about that non-league schedule that includes early season matchups against the likes of Davidson, George Mason, Northern Iowa, Central Florida, Illinois and Ohio State? All part of Sottolano’s master plan to prepare his players properly for late-season success.
“One of the things our players need is to win some big games,” Sottolano stresses. “They need to beat some major programs. It’s our job to put them in positions where they can test themselves. Obviously playing those types of teams early in the season is always difficult. But I believe this team needs something by which to measure itself. The ability to win a few of those games will go a long way toward building their confidence level, not only for this year, but for years to come.
“We certainly could make our schedule a little more forgiving early in the year. But we develop our schedule with the idea that if we’re fortunate enough to reach the NCAA Regionals, we’re just not going to be there for a couple of games. We’re going to be there for a purpose.”
That purpose is never in question for a Sottolano-coached group of Black Knights.
Infield
Army’s standout infield from a year ago returns intact, a group that featured three all-league performers and another individual who previously garnered All-Patriot League plaudits. Seniors J.P. Polchinski (.299, 31 R, 7 2B, 6 HR, 30 RBI, 69 TB, .469 SLG, .424 OB) and Tony Capozzi (.302, 33 R, 8 2B, 3 3B, 3 HR, 24 RBI, 71 TB, .447 SLG, .366 OB) rank as the veteran-most members of the lot with each carrying a Patriot League all-star certificate in his pocket.
Polchinski claimed second-team honors at third base last season and emerged as a steadying force in the middle of Army’s batting order. One of the team’s most vocal leaders on and off the field, Polchinski rates as arguably the Patriot League’s finest defensive performer at the “hot corner.” He ranked third among team leaders in home runs and on-base percentage, and fifth in runs batted in and slugging percentage last spring.
“J.P. Polchinski is just an everyday grinder’” says Army head coach Joe Sottolano. “You could not ask for a tougher player. He’s everything you look for in a third baseman. It’s hard to believe how much he has improved defensively over the course of his time here.”
Sophomores Shaun Wixted (.316, 4 R, 1 RBI, 8 TB) and Brandon Hines (.263, 1 R, 1 RBI, 6 TB) serve as the top third base candidates behind Polchinski following productive rookie campaigns in which both individuals filled reserve roles.
After earning second team all-conference honors at shortstop during his sophomore showing, Capozzi returned as the starter at second base last spring. A steady defensive performer, Capozzi established career bests in six offensive categories last season. A valuable offensive contributor at either end of Army’s batting order, the Mt. Pleasant, Pa., native has flashed the ability to deliver in clutch situations throughout his West Point career. He possesses surprising power and has remained a dangerous run-producing threat for the Black Knights each of the past three years.
“We’re looking for Tony to come into his own this season,” Sottolano states. “He really scraps and fights at the plate. If he can continue to become more consistent defensively and perform the way we know that he can at the plate, Tony will solidify the second base position for us.”
Pushing Capozzi for playing time at second base will be sophomore Steve May (.118, 4 R, 1 RBI) and exciting newcomer Zach Price. May saw action in 16 games last spring, ranking as one of the Black Knights’ top pinch-runners off the bench. He provides a solid late-game defensive option, featuring plus range and an accurate throwing arm. Price is a prototypical leadoff hitter from the left side of the plate. He handles the bat extremely well and has caught the attention of Army’s coaching staff with his ability to spray line drives to all fields.
“Steve May truly loves the game and is one our most instinctive base runners,” offers Sottolano. “He will be a valuable member of our squad and could see a lot of playing time late in games. Price might be one of the best pure leadoff hitters that we’ve had in this program. His steady offensive production may force us to find a spot for him in our everyday lineup.”
Joining Polchinski and Capozzi in the starting lineup will be standout sophomores Clint Moore (.350, 46 R, 14 2B, 2 3B, 6 HR, 39 RBI, 105 TB, 14 SB, .533 SLG., .446 OB) at shortstop and Kevin McKague (.328, 33 R, 19 2B, 3 HR, 50 RBI, 92 TB, .472 SLG) at first base. Both North Carolina natives earned Louisville Slugger Freshmen All-America honors on the strength of terrific debut seasons in the Black, Gold and Gray.
Moore nabbed Army’s starting shortstop job immediately last spring and ranked as one of just two players on the squad to start all 50 contests. The sure-handed middle infielder flourished in his role as the Black Knights’ leadoff hitter and blossomed into one of the Patriot League’s most feared offensive performers. He was chosen the conference’s rookie of the year at season’s end and served as the catalyst behind Army’s explosive offense. Moore topped the team in at-bats (197), base hits (69), runs scored (46), total bases (105), walks (28), stolen bases (14), two-out RBI (23) and multiple-hit games (22) last season, establishing five Academy freshman single-season records along the way.
“Obviously Clint Moore is an outstanding baseball player,” Sottolano lauds. “He has the ability to slow the game down as well as anyone we’ve ever had in this program. He can hit all three pitches and covers the field extremely well. We have several players on this team that are capable of carrying a team on any given day. Clint is included amongst that group. He can do it both in the field and at the plate.”
McKague is another one of those difference-making players with the ability to produce runs in bunches. A strapping physical specimen, McKague casts an imposing image at the plate. He set single season school records in doubles (19) and multiple-RBI affairs (18) last spring, while earning second team All-Patriot League honors. At 6-5, 230 pounds, McKague provides an inviting target for his fellow infielders at first base and demonstrated plus defensive skills last season.
Classmates Joey Henshaw (.260, 10 R, 1 2B, 1 HR, 7 RBI, 17 TB) and Ben Koenigsfeld (.333, 5 R, 1 RBI, 8 TB) promise to see playing time at first base behind McKague. Slotted as the Black Knights’ chief designated hitter, Henshaw (6-7, 250 pounds) strikes fear in enemy pitchers with his limitless raw power and tremendous plate coverage. The left-handed swinging basher boasts a reservoir of natural ability and could blossom into one of the Patriot League’s most dangerous longball threats before he graduates. Koenigsfeld, meanwhile, is a versatile athlete capable of filling several lineup positions. Projected to battle for a starting role in the outfield when not taking a turn in Army’s starting weekend pitching rotation, Koenigsfeld swings the bat with authority and has displayed valued run-producing capabilities.
“We expect to be very steadfast at first base,” says Sottolano. “We feel like we have a lot of athletes on this team, and athletes have the ability to be very versatile. Kevin McKague has the potential to develop into one of the best all-around players we’ve had in our program. He’s very talented with a great deal of natural power.
“Depending on the situation, we could use either Joey Henshaw or Ben Koenigsfeld at first base as well. All Joey needs are repetitions and at-bats. He has the ability to be a very dangerous offensive contributor and one of the best pure hitters that we’ve had at West Point. Koenigsfeld will get a lot of plate appearances this year between the outfield, first base and designated hitter. He can drive the ball and give us another threat in the lineup.”
Hines and Wixted are also capable of handling first base, only adding to Army’s extensive depth and versatility. Wixted and May will serve as the primary backups to Moore at shortstop.
Outfield
Replacing the run production afforded by four-time All-Patriot League standout Cole White in right field promises to be no easy task. White graduated as Army’s career leader in home runs (28) and doubles (44), while listing second in base hits (232) and third in RBI (124). He was selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates during Major League Baseball’s First-Year Player Draft following graduation.
“You can never replace a player like Cole White in your lineup,” admits Army head coach Joe Sottolano. “You hope that several players step forward and increase their production to help pick up the slack.”
That is the strategy Sottolano hopes to employ early in the season with freshman Cody Murtle, junior Ben Koenigsfeld (.333, 5 R, 1 RBI, 8 TB) and senior Kyle Fleming (.375, 1 R, 3 RBI, 3 TB), jockeying for the two starting corner outfield spots.
Koenigsfeld and Fleming seemed poised to battle for the starting job in left field, while Murtle appears positioned for the lead role in right. All three feature the ability to handle either corner position. Koenigsfeld also projects to a starting role in Army’s Patriot League pitching rotation, guaranteeing at-bats for all three players.
Koenigsfeld displayed the ability to drive the ball to the outfield gaps during the fall campaign after receiving just 24 at-bats last spring. He could emerge as a dangerous force in the middle of Army’s batting order and features plus power potential. The switch-hitting Fleming has battled injuries during his Army tenure, maintaining a sweet swing from both sides of the plate through it all.
Murtle is another member of Army’s talented swarm of newcomers, boasting excellent physical ability and the tools necessary to develop into an impact player for the Black Knights. A fine athlete with the skill set to handle all three outfield positions, Murtle flashed exciting offensive potential this fall and should settle nicely into Sottolano’s everyday batting order.
“We really have three players to fill two outfield spots,” explains Sottolano. “Ben Koenigsfeld is a very good athlete who swings the bat well and takes good routes to balls in the outfield. Kyle Fleming swung the bat very well during the offseason and could step in and vie for a starting role. He could wind up in either left field or in right. The same can be said for Koenigsfeld or Cody Murtle.
“Murtle has a ton of natural ability. He is very talented, hits line drives and loves to compete.”
Freshmen Zach Price and Matt Carter provide two additional options in left field. Price is expected to push Tony Capozzi for the starting job at second base, but could receive additional work in left field after bouncing to the outfield on occasion this past fall. He is an accomplished line-drive hitter who could emerge as a dangerous leadoff threat for the Black Knights as quickly as this spring. Carter earned a roster spot this fall as a “walk-on” candidate from the U.S. Military Academy Prep School. Both players handle the bat well and could press their way into service thanks to their ability to consistently put the ball in play.
“Price is a very, very good athlete and provides us with another outfield option,” offers Sottolano. “He can be such a valuable offensive performer as a leadoff hitter that we may be forced to find him a spot in our lineup. Carter is a solid ball player who does countless things well. He will add to the late-game options at our disposal.”
When discussing Army’s outfield fortunes, most conversations start with stalwart center fielder Andy Ernesto (.301, 41 R, 15 2B, 2 3B, 2 HR, 31 RBI, 87 TB, .422 SLG, .378 OB). One of the Patriot League’s most dangerous performers in pressure situations, Ernesto has delivered a bushel full of dramatic, game-winning hits during his first three years in the Black, Gold and Gray. Selected to the second team All-Patriot League squad last spring, Ernesto has remained in the middle of seemingly every Army rally since entering the Black Knights’ lead cast as a freshman. He has developed into an outstanding defensive performer and is capable of snuffing out rallies with his far-reaching range from the middle of Army’s outfield alignment.
“Andy is one of our offensive and defensive spark plugs,” boasts Sottolano. “He has a knack for coming up with the big hit at critical times. Patriot League teams fear his capability, intensity and ability to control a game. He does a great job of communicating with the other outfielders and serving as another coach on the field.”
Sophomore David Darnell (.182, 3 R, 1 RBI) shapes up as the chief understudy to Ernesto in center field. A solid defensive performer with the ability to chase down balls in the far reaches of the outfield, Darnell provides the Black Knights with another viable center field option, if needed. The speedy fly-chaser also lends a quality base-stealing threat off the bench and could flourish in late-game pinch-running roles, further enhancing the Black Knights’ reserve cast.
Catcher
It is difficult to overstate the value that graduated starter Chris Simmons lent to Army’s pitching staff the past three years. A consistent offensive force in the middle of the Black Knights’ batting order, Simmons was recognized as one of the Patriot League’s premier backstops and an outstanding handler of Army’s pitching staff. Chosen to the second team Patriot League all-star unit last season, Simmons played a large role in the Black Knights’ hurlers ranking among national earned run average leaders the past three seasons. He was selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates during Major League Baseball’s First-Year Player Draft following graduation.
In his absence, head coach Joe Sottolano will turn to a pair of unproven prospects in freshman J.T. Watkins and sophomore Cody Shorter (.273 2 R, 2 RBI, 3 TB) to shoulder a heavy workload behind the plate. Though just a plebe, Watkins is mature beyond his years, possessing the leadership abilities of a senior.
A take-charge backstop and the son of a professional baseball scout, Watkins boasts a tireless work ethic and burning passion to succeed. He plays the game with a great deal of energy and sports an infectious enthusiasm that permeates a locker room. A plus defender with a strong, accurate throwing arm, Watkins is expected to vie for the starting role vacated by Simmons immediately.
“J.T. Watkins is going to be a legitimate Division I receiver,” offers Army head coach Joe Sottolano. “The cornerstone of a good pitching staff is its starting catcher. We feel like J.T. is an excellent leader and someone who can lead our pitching staff for years to come. He is gaining the confidence of our pitchers so that they feel comfortable throwing any pitch at any time. J.T. has the ability to block balls in the dirt and control the running game. Gaining maturity, repetitions and experience will play key factors in J.T.’s development this year.”
Watkins will be challenged for the starting job by Shorter, a physical second-year player hailing from the state of Texas. Shorter has shown signs of burgeoning power during his limited plate opportunities to date. He will need to improve upon his defensive work in order to earn the starting backstop position according to Army’s head coach.
“Cody has developed into a fine hitter,” expresses Sottolano. “Defensively, he is a talented young man with a strong arm. He has the ability to succeed at this level, but needs his confidence to match that ability. Developing consistency will be key to Cody’s overall progress.”
Utilized primarily as a pinch-runner last season, junior Colby Smith (.500, 5 R, 1 RBI, 1 TB) features plus speed and provides another offensive option off the bench during late-game situations. He runs the bases extremely well and figures to shoulder an important reserve role once again this spring. Freshman Ben Dratch rounds out the catching candidates listed on the Black Knights’ roster.
Pitchers
Quality pitching has been a staple of Army’s current run of unmatched success, a stretch that has seen the Black Knights garner three regular season Patriot League championships in the last five years.
So what can a group of coaches do to enhance a pitching staff that has ranked among national earned run average leaders in three of those years? How about reinforce the troops with a battalion of talented young arms that promises to ensure the program’s health for years to come?
That’s exactly what head coach Joe Sottolano and his coaching staff have done, injecting no fewer than 17 pitchers into the Black Knights’ program the past two years. In fact, 22 of the 36 players listed on Army’s preseason roster have the ability to work from the pitcher’s mound this spring. Seventeen of them are listed as freshmen or sophomores. Several of the Black Knights’ pitching candidates will shoulder starting duty at other positions, all part of Sottolano’s blueprint to inject high-end talent, versatility and depth to his Army pitching staff.
“We’ve worked very hard at bringing quality pitching arms into our program the last few years,” Sottolano says. “We’ve been fortunate to attract some very good athletes to our program and many of them are capable of pitching at this level. It has added a great deal of flexibility and depth to our pitching staff.”
That flexibility and depth should help Sottolano and his staff cushion the graduation loss of four-year standouts Cole White and Drew Clothier. Both assumed key roles in Army’s Patriot League pitching rotation last spring and both were selected in Major League Baseball’s First-Year Player Draft following graduation, White by the Pittsburgh Pirates (as an outfielder) and Clothier by the Florida Marlins.
Nonetheless, Army returns a pair of all-league choices to its weekend starting rotation, led by junior southpaw Matt Fouch (6-2, 4.53 ERA, 44 K, 21 BB), a first-team selection last spring, and sophomore right-hander Ben Koenigsfeld (6-4, 5.61 ERA, 54 K, 21 BB), a second-team choice.
Fouch blossomed into one of the Patriot League’s premier starting pitchers a year ago during his debut in Army’s weekend rotation. A solid candidate for conference pitcher of the year laurels at season’s end, Fouch was dominant in league action, authoring a 3-0 record with a sparkling 1.27 earned run average. He struck out 27, walked only four and yielded just 19 base hits in 28.1 innings of Patriot League work. The hard-throwing left-hander will be counted on to anchor Army’s conference rotation once again this spring.
“Matt Fouch really stepped up last season and began to realize his potential,” recalls Sottolano. “He’s got a real good arm, controls both sides of the plate and pitches to win. He is such a competitor. Matt has improved at all the little things associated with pitching. We expect that he will expand upon the successes he experienced last year.”
Much of the same can be said for Koenigsfeld, who burst on the Patriot League scene by posting an undefeated showing in conference action. The fire-balling right-hander went 4-0 with a 2.57 ERA across five conference starts last spring. He struck out 22, walked six and allowed only 30 base hits in 35.0 innings of league work.
“Ben has the ability to dominate any game in which he steps to the mound,” Sottolano explains. “He can throw four pitches for strikes and has a bright future. We feel very good knowing that Ben and Matt will be part of our starting rotation for the next few years.”
A pair of high-ceiling sophomores in Joey Henshaw (1-4, 5.67 ERA, 25 K, 28 BB) and Kirk Porter (1-0, 3.15 ERA, 16 K, 14 BB) could join Fouch and Koenigsfeld in Army’s starting Patriot League rotation for quite some time. At 6-7, 250 pounds, Henshaw casts an intimidating shape on the pitching mound and shows the ability to dominate enemy batters. The strapping left-hander features a blazing fastball that sits in the low 90s, and a snapping curve ball. Porter, meanwhile, features equally impressive stuff from the right side and came on strong during the latter stages of his freshman campaign. Both will be afforded ample opportunity to claim regular turns in the Black Knights’ weekend starting rotation.
“We feel that Joey Henshaw and Kirk Porter can be very effective pitchers in the Patriot League,” states Sottolano. “Both of them feature live arms and great natural ability. They both need to develop more consistency in the strike zone in order to reach their potential.”
Should either falter, freshman Kyle Brueggemann and sophomore Ben Gibbs appear poised to pounce on any rotation vacancy.
One of nine freshman pitchers that Sottolano and his staff have imported, Brueggemann features a high-end arm and big-league pedigree. The son of former major league pitcher Jeff Brueggemann, Kyle counts a biting fastball and darting curve amongst his repertoire and appears well positioned to assume a significant role on Army’s pitching staff immediately. Gibbs sat out last season while rehabilitating from a high school injury. He could also factor into the Black Knights’ weekend pitching plans.
“Gibbs and Brueggemann are big, strong kids with gifted arms,” states Sottolano. “We’ll have to see how Gibbs progresses after sitting out the past year, but we like his upside. We have been very impressed with Brueggeman and his ability to throw three to four of his pitches for strikes on a consistent basis. He could fill a number of different roles for us.”
Senior Tyler Anderegg (1-1, 4.35 ERA, 2 SV) and sophomore Kevin McKague (1-1, 5.25 ERA, 1 SV) lend added depth, versatility and late-game experience to Army’s relief corps. Anderegg has performed as both a starter and reliever during his West Point career, filling every role in the Black Knights’ bullpen a year ago. He possesses the arsenal and intestinal fortitude to close out games and the versatility and stamina to fill a longer role out of the pen. McKague flashed dominant spurts as a late-game specialist last season and boasts the personality and pure stuff to excel in that capacity.
“Tyler Anderegg and Kevin McKague give us two quality arms with a great deal of experience,” Sottolano expresses. “Anderegg has pitched a lot of important innings for us over the years and he is someone we can turn to in order to record a critical out at any time in a ball game. McKague can dominate hitters and provides us with a great deal of flexibility late in games.”
Freshman Manny Fernandez could hold the key to Army’s end-game success. Blessed with a great deal of natural ability, Fernandez projects as the Black Knights’ closer this spring. He features a hard-riding two-seam fastball that bores in on right-handed batters and a lively four-seamer that explodes past lefties and righties, alike.
“Manny is our closer heading into the season,” Sottolano states. “He can control any given situation and possesses one of the more natural arms we’ve seen here. We will give Manny every opportunity to succeed as our closer, even if it means that we struggle a little early in the year as he becomes morecomfortable. He has the stuff and makeup to be a dominant closer in this program for the next four years.”
Veterans Austin Grimes (0-0, 10.38 ERA), Steve Cummings (0-1, 7.02 ERA), Chris Simpkins (0-0, 0.00 ERA), Andy Seaman (1-1, 7.43 ERA) and Drew Bailey add length and experience to Army’s bullpen. The relief corps could gain an added boost from the presence of starting shortstop Clint Moore (0-0, 0.00 ERA), who saw limited mound work last season despite an impressive high school pitching resume. He promises to receive a heavier workload this season.
Included among the freshman assets added to Army’ vast stable of pitching talent this spring are right-handers Cody Murtle, Ryan Davis, Scott Lucado and Will Haga, and southpaws Logan Lee, Reagan Schiller and Mickey Bozek. All will scrap for mound work during midweek games while battling for weekend innings out of the Black Knights’ bullpen during Patriot League action.
“We have a very talented group of freshman pitchers that can fill a variety of roles on our staff,” Sottolano says. “This group will provide us with numerous options to record outs at all stages of a game. It will be fun to watch their development over the next few years. The pace at which they develop into true pitchers will dictate our team’s overall success this spring.”
