Tartans Ready for Big Season
September 7, 2007
With tryouts over, the Tartans are set to begin what could be a big year with a very talented squad. Over 30 players took part in the tryouts, giving the team its deepest pool of talent in recent memory. The club begins its season tomorrow against perennial rival Robert Morris.
The club returns a good group of veterans, led offensively by outfielders James Langhauser and Jim Stedman, catcher Brian Tabata and first baseman Ryan Comes. Also back are third baseman Aaron Hernley, shortstop Mike Niedzwiecki, outfielder Keith Menchin and second baseman Brett Rehfeld, each of whom played a key role last year. Rounding out the returners are speedster Yoshi Kim, who will get time in the outfield, and Ben Chidester, who will back up Comes at first base. On the mound, junior Jon Coens returns to lead the pitching staff.
With the graduation of Matt Corbett and Jack Bader, who contributed last year both offensively and on the mound, there were holes to be filled by incoming players. The Tartans have brought in several big recruits to fill the gaps. Freshman Joe Seymour will start in the outfield and be a big part of the offense. After playing in the spring of 2006, Ryan Bottini is back with the club and will be a key figure in the middle of the order as a third baseman and on the mound. Also joining the rotation are junior Eric Hayes, who resumes his baseball career after 2 years of football at Carnegie Mellon, sophomore Brian Burdulia and freshman Francisco Santiago. Santiago will also see time at second base, backing up Brett Rehfeld. All four new pitchers have looked good in practice.
Back for their senior years after taking time off last year are Sandy Williams, Tim Sandy and Adam Young. All three have been major contributors in the past and will look to return to form. Williams and Sandy will bolster the relief corps, while both Young and Sandy will see time in the outfield.