MIAMI SHORES, FL— After a season that saw them go 29-19 overall but a disappointing 9-15 in Sunshine State Conference that left them in eighth place at season’s end, Barry baseball goes into 2015 with new hope and encouragement.
This offseason, head coach Marc Pavao says that the coaching staff changed things up in the run up to this year’s campaign.
“We changed some practices a little bit to benefit our players,” Pavao said. “Much more conditioning this fall, and getting them into better shape,” Pavao added, “It’s just a new vibe this year, a new attitude because we have some young players and they’re really working hard.”
Those young players are already making an impression: Daniel Broeseker is a very talented freshman pitcher expected to log a lot of innings, as a either a starter or reliever.
According to Pavao, Jake Jacobs is the team’s best speed guy, hands down, with the versatility to play both infield and outfield. He is also an aggressive player whose work ethic is through the roof.
“He pushes everybody else, never took a sprint off in the fall, so it’s refreshing to have a guy like Jake,” claimed Pavao.
“Kyle Pangallo,” Pavao says, “had a tremendous fall, and has a great arm, most likely going to be playing a lot of third base.” But I think down the road, he’s a guy we can put behind the plate as well, because if he hits the way he hits, and he continues to improve, I think down the line, professionally, he might be a catcher.”
Freshmen outfielders Ross Thibeault and Christian Khawley, will also challenge for playing time as rookies. Both players are solid defensively, with good potential at the plate.
The Buccaneers also have several players back from redshirts last year who should have big roles.
“One that jumps out at me is immediately redshirt freshman Ryan Baldwin,” said Pavao, “He came in this fall and he’s done a great job. He’s impressed, improved dramatically.”
Jonathan Hernandez and Jonathan Quintana should also step into bigger roles this year. Hernandez, one of a bevy of Bucs’ left-handed pitchers, should find a valuable role in the rotation or in the pen. Quintana, a dual-role player, will compete for a job on the infield and out of the pen.
The backstop duo of Greg Brodzinski and Ramon Valdez, the top returning hitters for the Bucs, has also been very consistent behind plate. Brodzinski, who hit .308 last year, knocked in a team-best 40 runs among the returners, while Valdez chipped in 17 RBI on a .303 average.
Additionally, Mike Diaz, who Pavao says has done an amazing job as far as solidifying his position as the team’s best defensive outfielder, is competing for the starting job in central.
Good teams are always strong up the middle, and the Buccaneers are fortunate to return the keystone combination of second baseman Khalil Denson and shortstop JC Cardenas. Cardenas, a junior, posted a big power spike as a sophomore, while Denson enjoyed an outstanding rookie campaign.
Eight members of last year’s pitching staff return, including Adrian Benitez, Nate Greve, Billy Atkins, all members of the rotation. Benitez, who led the team in starts and strike outs, looks to be locked into one of the spots. Greve, a left-hander brings balance to the staff, while Atkins is looking to return to from an injury that cost them the second half of the season.
The bullpen shows good balance, with righties Luis DeVille and Jesse Montalto, and southpaws Joeanthony Rivera and Blaine Duncan, giving Barry plenty of matchups.
Schedule-wise, the Bucs face their usual tough course through Sunshine State Conference play as well as some notable out of conference opponents.
“The Miami game is big because the kids get amped up for it. We do too as coaches,” claimed Pavao, “You almost look at that game as almost to see ‘where you’re at.’ We’re going to play as hard as we can.”
“The trip up to Georgia College is a big one,” Pavao added. “That will be a test because it will be like a conference series as far as the level and that’s upper conference, that’s not bottom of the barrel. Those guys are nationally ranked every year. They have a great program and it will be our first time there. I’m looking forward to that one personally.”
New coaches have also arrived to Miami Shores to help the program reach new heights.
“I’m really excited, and this is my opinion, that this is the most enjoyable coaching staff I’ve had around, and the most knowledgeable and experienced,” exclaimed Pavao.
“Chris Leon played for us, we recruited him, he was a four-year starter, he went to two regionals, and he was one of the best catchers to come through,” said Pavao. “He brings a high level of energy, pride and intensity to this program that no one has before. We’re super excited with that.”
“Kevin Howard, from the University of Miami, played professionally for 11 years and got at high as AAA,” said Pavao, “His knowledge and energy is fantastic, and I’m learning from these guys every day. I think we work well together, all of us, including holdover coaches Alex Gonzalez and Erik Buisine.”
“We also have a very intelligent and hard-working student-assistant in Bryan Medeiros,” proclaimed Pavao. “He’s done a tremendous job, he’s been a big help for me and the program, and I love this staff, I really do. “
The Buccaneers open the season on February 4th at St. Thomas and open their home schedule on February 7th and 8th against Tuskegee. The Bucs are looking to get back to the NCAA regional for the first time since 2011 with a good showing on the season.