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Princeton University Athletics
Players Mentioned
New Faces in New Places the Theme for 2010 Baseball Season
March 01, 2010 | Baseball
Princeton was the Gehrig Division runner up last season after going 10-10 in Ivy League play. Princeton and Cornell tied in the final standings, but Cornell won a one-game playoff to represent the division in the Ivy League Championship Series, which was eventually won by Dartmouth.
Princeton relied on a senior heavy lineup last season, but that will change in 2010 as six of Princeton's top batters in terms of average are now gone. Those batters hit one through four, and fifth and sixth in the Tiger lineup last spring. Dan DeGeorge, Derek Beckman and Adrian Turnham graduated after being key contributors for all four years, while David Hale and Jack Murphy were drafted as juniors as signed professional contracts in the offseason.
"We're excited about this year," says Scott Bradley, the Robert H.B. Baldwin '42 Head Coach of Baseball at Princeton. "This is something new and we've never been in this position in my time coaching here."
"We will be a different kind of team," he continues. " We will play good defense, pitch well, but be different offensively. We will have a lot of different guys battling for playing opportunities throughout the season."
Princeton will have a few established upperclassmen in the everyday lineup, but will look to its younger classes to inject energy into the lineup. That includes a sophomore class of five players that did not get a chance last season with the bulk of juniors and seniors in the lineup, as well as an eight-member freshman class.
"There are definitely unknowns entering the season," adds Bradley, "but we have a good group of players that have good plate discipline, can take pitches and run the bases. It will probably affect the way we play on a daily basis."
The Pitching Staff
Strong pitching has been a staple of Princeton baseball over the years and that will remain the same this season, despite the loss of two weekend starters in Hale and Brad Gemberling.
Princeton's rotation begins with a healthy Dan Barnes, who battled through injuries last season. Barnes had a 4.58 ERA in 12 appearances as a freshman, beginning the year as a starter and finishing the season in the bullpen. Barnes pitched in three games last year before an injury sidelined him the remainder of the year. Barnes is back healthy and ready for the 2010 season.
Junior David Palms, a classmate of Barnes, was Princeton's top pitcher last season, recording a 5-2 record in seven starts. Palms pitchability, command and make-up made him one of the Ivy League's top pitchers last season as he earned second-team All-Ivy honors.
Senior Langford Stuber continued to progress last season and gained consistency as he got the opportunity to pitch regularly during the Ivy League season. Stuber was 3-4 with a 6.12 ERA, but saw that number drop throughout the season.
The Tigers also look to be strong at the end of games with Ryan Makis and Matt Grabowski in the bullpen. Both have established their roles in the pen, with Grabowski going 2-1 with a 2.65 ERA and five saves as the closer. Makis had one save and a 3.90 ERA in 16 bullpen appearances, allowing only three earned runs in more than 10 Ivy League innings.
Three freshman pitchers will jump right into the mix and pitch important innings. All three-Zak Hermans, Matt Bowman and Kevin Link-have the chance to be weekend starters and have very successful college careers. They all pitched in competitive high school environments and have good command, can field their position and hold runners well.
Additionally, Ross Staine, Chad Ohlendorf, Matt Welsh, John Mishu, Alex Flink and Stephen Elmore will add depth to the Princeton bullpen. Tim Feess, who pitched 20 innings a season ago, is likely to miss the whole season recovering from offseason surgery.
The Infield
Several of Princeton's infield positions will have a new look in 2010 as Princeton's everyday catcher, first baseman, second baseman and shortstop are no longer on the team.
Sophomore Sam Mulroy will step in for Jack Murphy behind the plate. Mulroy, who saw limited action behind the plate last season, has worked hard in the offseason physically to be able step in and put his stamp on the team as a catcher and someone who can hit in the middle of the lineup and produce. Junior Matt Connor, sophomore Kyle O'Donovan and freshman Steven Fuchs will provide depth behind the plate.
Jon Broscious will spend a lot of time at first base as a senior, after appearing primarily in the outfield through his first three seasons. Broscious hit .286 last season with a .462 slugging percentage. Senior Brian Berkowitz will also appear at first base, as well as the outfield, and sophomore Andrew Whitener may see some time at first base, as well as the other three infield positions at some point during the season. Also, Hermans may see some time at first base or as a DH.
Senior Noel Gonzales-Luna, freshman Alex Flink and Whitener will split time at second base. Flink played at a high level in high school and during the summer, while Gonzales-Luna has appeared in several infield positions during his Princeton career.
Freshman Matt Bowman will see a lot of time as the team's shortstop and leadoff hitter. A good all-round player and great competitor, Bowman will likely be at short four times a week, with the only exception being the game when he is pitching. Whitener will likely take shortstop on those days.
Third base is the only infield position where a returning player played the bulk of games last season. Both Connor and Whitener will see time at third throughout the season. With one being left-handed and one right, it's a spot where the coaching staff can look for a match-up or go with the hot bat.
The Outfield
Princeton has a group of six outfielders on its roster, but only one with significant college experience. Berkowitz is the most experienced of the group and has spent time in right field as well as first base and will appear in the outfield and as the designated hitter during the season.
Sophomore Tom Boggiano had limited playing time as a freshman, but is probably the team's top defensive outfielder and the staff is looking for him to take a step forward offensively this season. Also, senior Brandon Englert returns to the team after missing the past two seasons and has good offensive potential.
Two freshmen will also factor into the outfield lineup. Nate Baird and John Mishu enter with high expectations. Both have power, hit hard and can run well and will be important at the plate for the Tigers.
Two more freshmen, Steve Harrington and Zak Hermans, will add depth in the outfield.
Princeton will likely find its designated hitter from this group of outfielders, as Berkowitz, Baird and Mishu are guys with pop who can put the ball in play.