Jan. 28, 2005

Heraclitus once wrote, "Nothing endures but change".

Head coach Tony Rossi has seen enough in his time at the helm of the Saints program to understand that much can be learned from this per-Socratic proverb. For the better part of the last four decades, the program has been under Rossi's steady command, but it has been his willingness to embrace its evolution that has allowed Siena to achieve continued success.

At the onset of the 2005 Siena baseball season, it is evident that much change has occurred. The Saints graduated their top four hitters and lost three of their most reliable pitchers, including ace Ryan Bitter, who was selected by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in the 22nd Round of the June First Year Players Draft.

Even with last year's decorated senior class, the Saints missed out on the MAAC Tournament for the second straight season. Throw in a revamped coaching staff, and it would be easy to point to this spring as a rebuilding year. One does not get that impression when talking with Rossi.

"There is a lot to be excited about this season," Rossi said. "We return one of the deepest pitching staffs in the league, which always gives you a chance."

It would appear Rossi's assessment is accurate, and any success the Saints will achieve this season will depend on the development of their talented pitching corps.

PITCHING

Siena welcomes back a host of capable arms to help ease the transition its young offense is sure to experience.

"We have a number of guys who have proven they can win games at this level," Rossi commented. "We will count on each of them to keep us in a lot of games, especially early in the season, as we search for an offensive identity."

Juniors Ken Grant and John Lannan anchor the unit, and each will again serve as conference starters when MAAC play begins.

Grant will be a focus of not only opposing hitters, but major league scouts as well each time he steps on the hill this spring. The 6-7 fire-baller can overpower the opposition, and has developed a solid off-speed option to compliment his top choice. He struck out 38 batters as a sophomore and walked just 16.

Lannan is a crafty southpaw with a great knowledge of the plate and a keen understanding of the game. He posted a 5-1 MAAC record last season, losing only his final start of the season to eventual champion LeMoyne. Lannan won a team-high seven games, and struck out 54 batters and posted a 3.84 ERA in 72 innings as a sophomore.

"Kenny and John are imposing presences at the top end of our rotation," Rossi noted. "We expect them to pitch with confidence and help our younger pitchers learn the ropes."

Senior Josh Burnett emerged as a viable option last season after working through injuries his first two years in Loudonville. He has the inside track at the final spot of the conference rotation. As the team's top mid-week starter, Burnett compiled a 5-2 record winning his final five decisions against the likes of regional powers Vermont and Massachusetts.

Sophomore Trevor Reid gained valuable experience on the mound as a rookie. Reid was 3-2 as a freshman, picking up his first collegiate victory at Sun Belt member South Alabama.

Other returners include senior Mike Orlick, junior Kevin Snyder and sophomores James Pacifico and Nicholas Kieltyka. Orlick and Pacifico each enjoyed periodic success in their initial seasons with the program last year. The former posted a 3.86 ERA and walked just two batters in nearly 12 innings of work. Pacifico had a 4.07 ERA and struck out 19 batters in 24 innings of work.

A skilled group of newcomers should add even more depth and options for Rossi and first year pitching coach Tim Brown. Canadian Craig Chaput is probably the most refined of the bunch, and will see action as a midweek starter or in long relief. Classmate Thomas Hopkins, a 6-3 lefty with loads of potential, figures to gain valuable experience apprenticing the Saints' deep unit this spring. Ryan King and Corey Muscara join the duo. King possesses great velocity and will be one of the top options out of the pen. Muscara is a strong, physical pitcher who works extremely hard and could see innings from the start.

CATCHING

Three players will vie for the duties behind the plate, as the Saints look for more production and consistency from their catchers this spring. Opponents were successful in 77-of-92 stolen base attempts last spring; a number Rossi knows will need to improve.

"Our catchers are all capable, and have flashed signs of the players they can become," Rossi said. "This spring, we will need them to rise to the challenge and assume leadership roles on the field."

Junior Eric Hildenbrand returns as the lead candidate after seeing most of the action last season. Hildenbrand started 36 games as a sophomore batting .197 with 17 RBI. Classmate Brian Schmotzer and rookie Pete Paris join him. Schmotzer is coming off arm surgery, but has shown potential at the plate throughout his career. Paris is another offensive-minded talent, who will compete for innings at this wide-open position.

INFIELD

The most damage done by last year's commencement exercises was the graduation of three four-year starters in the infield. Shortstop Blake Hanan, third baseman Tony Cipolla and second baseman Kevin Roberts each collected 200 hits in their standout careers. Hanan and Roberts teamed together to turn more double plays than any duo in school history, and Hanan's defensive prowess allowed him to sign a professional contract with Baltimore Orioles after last year's draft. That being said, a heralded crop of rookies will have the chance to start a legacy of their own this spring.

"We relied heavily on our senior class last season, especially our defense in the infield," Rossi said. "We expect a transition period, but remain excited about the next generation of players we have brought in to fill the void."

Sophomore Lou Gattozzi is the top-returning player, and his bat will be difficult to leave out of the lineup. In 33 games last season he batted .299 with 16 runs scored. This year, he will likely make the move from the hot corner to second base. Freshman Chris Klepps may be the most ready of the freshman to make an impact. Klepps is a great all-around player, who could find his name at the top of the lineup. It is hoped he can help fill the void left by Hanan at short.

Matt Vitalone is another option in the middle of the infield. Vitalone enjoyed a spectacular high school career at Rome Free Academy as a shortstop, and he will see time there and at second base. Walk-on Michael Ambury had an impressive fall, and adds depth to these positions as well.

Third base is wide open. Freshman Jacob Willis is a capable alternative who also played well in the fall. Willis could see some action on the mound this spring as well.

Junior Steve Ballas will compete with rookie Rick Seltzer at first base. Ballas batted .282 in 33 games last season, and is the most seasoned of the two as camp breaks. Seltzer is a 6-7 lefty with an unlimited ceiling. His playing time will be dictated according to his adjustment to the college game.

OUTFIELDERS

In a sea of uncertainty, the Saints can take comfort in two familiar faces returning to the outfield. Add in a highly touted transfer from California, and spacious Siena field should be well covered this spring.

"Our outfield is talented and deep," Rossi said. "We will lean heavily on them to solidify our defense and serve as catalysts for our offense."

Junior Scott King has started since his arrival in left field, a spot he is sure to occupy again when the Florida sun greets the Saints. King is a mainstay in the middle of the lineup, where he has been one of the team's top run producers the past two seasons. This year, even more will be asked of his bat, as he anchors Siena's young lineup.

Classmate Matt Gidaly joins King as the opening day starter in center field. Gidaly is one of the top defensive outfielders in the MAAC, and showed great improvement at the plate as his sophomore season advanced.

The Saints replaced the productive bat of Shawn Hampton with another junior college force in the off-season, Kentfield's Gabe Perez. Perez was one of the top offensive players in the California Junior College circuit last season. He is a strong presence who adds much-needed experience to the Siena nine.

Big things are expected from transfer Greg Batista who was the top hitter at conference-rival Fairfield as a sophomore, before taking a step back in a limited role last year. Junior John Wilkes provided an explosive presence in reserve duty last season, starting 19 games in centerfield. Wilkes keyed a sweep of aforementioned Fairfield with five hits in six at bats on the series' opening day. Senior Justin Arasin will add depth to all three positions after returning to the program this fall.

Junior Billy Lazio will likely retain his role as the team's designated hitter after starting in 48 of 53 games as a sophomore. He could see spot time at first base as Rossi adjusts the lineup based on starting pitching.

SCHEDULE

Five teams that appeared in the 2004 NCAA Regionals highlight Siena's 2005 slate. The challenging ledger begins with 21 games away from home consisting of two trips to the Sunshine State, a weekend series in Philadelphia and another southern swing to the Carolinas.

"As always, we have put together a schedule that will test us from the start," Rossi, now in his 37th season said. "We believe this gives us the greatest opportunity to play our best baseball when it matters most--during the conference season and ultimately in the MAAC Championships."

The season opens with a single game against 2004 NCAA Tournament participant Bethune-Cookman in Daytona Beach on February 24. A three-game series with Stetson, which is ranked in Collegiate Baseball's Preseason Fabulous-40, follows in Deland, Fla.

The following week, the Saints make the journey back to Orlando to take on regional power Central Florida in a four-game series. The Golden Knights won 47 games in 2004, advancing to the Regional Finals of the NCAA Tournament. They are ranked #24 in Collegiate Baseball's Preseason Poll.

Siena travels to Philadelphia the weekend of March 11 to take on LaSalle and Villanova. The annual southern trips conclude in the Carolinas, where Siena battles UNC-Wilmington, another NCAA Regional Final qualifier that won 40 games, Campbell of the Atlantic Sun Conference, and 40-game winner Coastal Carolina--another school ranked in the Fabulous 40.

The MAAC opener is optimistically set for March 25 at Niagara. The conference schedule, as always, will be challenging, reaching its zenith in mid-May when Siena hosts archrival Marist on May 14-15 and travels to defending Champion LeMoyne May 19-20.

Other non-league games of interest include regional clashes with New England powers Connecticut (3/28), Vermont (4/12) and Massachusetts (5/3). "We are excited to get underway," Rossi said. "We lost seven major contributors to graduation, but are excited about what we have returning, and the new recruits we brought in. The program is headed in the right direction."