The 2010 edition of the Alabama A&M baseball team will feature an interesting mix of new faces and veterans trying to build on the successes of the 2009 season. First year interim head coach Demetrius Mitchell was elevated from assistant coach following last season and has brought a wealth of new talent into the program to go along with an experienced corps of returning players.
Here is a position-by-position look at the upcoming Bulldog baseball season.
Right Field – The only all-conference player returning to the 2010 team is senior right fielder LaDale Hayes. The second-team all-Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) selection batted .301 a year ago with 9 doubles, 3 home runs, and 20 RBI. As a sophomore, Hayes led the nation in triples and starting building his reputation as one of the best players in the league. Others looking to get time in right field include Duke transfer Marcus Jones and freshman Deon Hall.
Center Field – Mitchell is not only looking for solid defense from his centerfielders this season, but lead-off hitters with speed and the ability to steal bases and put a lot of pressure on opposing defenses. Senior Jeremy Bush, who started 17 games in 2009, along with freshmen Lamar Bridges and Stevie Wimpeye are contenders for time in center field.
Left Field – Diego Lopez started 29 games as a freshman last season and led the team with 15 walks drawn and 15 stolen bases. Bush could also see time in left field.
First Base – Mitchell will rely on two freshmen with a “ton of potential” at first base. Davion Rucker and Charles McKay at left-handed power hitters that will add some punch in the middle of the lineup. Junior Kency Duarte, who will be the Bulldogs’ everyday third-baseman, could also see time at first depending on who is pitching for A&M.
Second Base – Sophomore Paolo Glaude and freshman Norbert Riggins have good baseball instincts, according to Mitchell. Glaude started five games as a freshman and is a solid defensive addition to the lineup.
Shortstop – Senior Fabian Harper and freshman Noel Santos are both switch-hitting prospects at shortstop. Harper batted .265 in 2009 and stole a team-high 15 bases. Mitchell described both as good speed guys with soft hands on defense and the ability to hit from gap to gap on the offensive end.
Third Base – Duarte hit .241 as a sophomore with five doubles and 13 RBI. Junior Artie Clyde and sophomore Joshua Blocker are new to the program and will battle for time on the hot corner. Mitchell said he is looking for more power out of the third base position in 2010.
Catcher – Junior Demarcus Steward returns after missing the 2009 season. In 2008, he started 12 games with a home run and five RBI. Freshman Ronquis Jefferson is a converted catcher and will also see time behind the plate for the Bulldogs.
Starting Pitcher – Sophomore Chris Hernandez leads a corps of starting pitchers that should show a lot of improvement in 2010. Hernandez highlighted the season in 2009 with a one-hit, complete game victory to help lead the Bulldogs to a conference tournament bid. He finished the year with a 7.32 ERA and a 4-7 record in 11 starts. Filling out the rotation will be newcomer junior Luis Lopez and freshman Manny Lora. Lopez is a left-handed addition to the starters, while Lora and Hernandez are more power pitchers.
Setup Pitcher – Mitchell will look to a number of pitchers to serve in long relief and setup roles. Seniors A.J. Campbell, Phillip Guthrie and sophomore Juan Flores all saw significant time on the mound last season. Campbell logged over 50 innings with a 1-6 record and an 8.35 ERA. Guthrie made eight appearances for the Bulldogs, and Flores threw 24.0 innings with a 1-2 record and 15 appearances.
Mitchell will also rely on the services of junior Alex Reyes, sophomore Sanchez Tucker, Jefferson, Blocker, and Rucker.
Closer – Hayes steps into a new role as closer for the Bulldogs in 2010. He made four appearances on the mound in 2009 with a 3.86 ERA and a 1-0 record. He averaged one strikeout per inning pitched and has been clocked in the low 90s. Clyde could also serve in the closing role for A&M.
Mitchell comments of 2010 team – “We are focusing all year on team chemistry.”
“Our offensive goal is to put as much pressure on the opposing defense as possible with speed and base stealers at the top of the order and more power throughout the middle and bottom of the lineup.”
“I feel good about our new prospects and the way they have been able to mix with our veterans to work as a team toward the goals we have set for the 2010 season.”
