Dec. 7, 2006
Head baseball coach Tony Rossi announced the commitment of five student-athletes to the College beginning next fall. Zachary Hartman (Ballston Spa, N.Y./Ballston Spa), Dan Lazzaroni (Roswell, Ga./Lassiter), Kyle Sumple (Hartford, Conn./ Northwest Catholic), Juan Amador (Derry, N.H./ Pinkerton Academy) and Kevin Quaranto (Hopkinton, Mass./St. Johns) each filed their paperwork during the NCAA early signing period.
"We are really excited about this year's early recruiting class," Rossi said. "(The staff) did an outstanding job identifying quality students, as well as athletes who will fit into our system. We have addressed some important needs for next year - speed, a power hitting corner infielder, and two pitchers who can give us immediate innings. We signed two exceptional outfielders, a quality first baseman, and two outstanding pitchers. All five should have an immediate impact on our program and get quality playing time right away."
Hartman, a 6-5 185-pound pitcher from nearby Ballston Spa, was an honorable mention All-League selection in the Suburban Council as a junior. He was also selected team captain and Most Valuable Pitcher after posting a 5-5 record in just under 63 innings of work and posting 75 strikeouts.
"We're happy that Zach has chosen to further his education at Siena and be a part of our baseball program," Rossi said. "Zach has shown marked improvement over the past year, and has a tremendously high ceiling. Playing in the strong Suburban Council, we feel that with continued growth, he will be a major contributor in his first year. He also is an exceptional student."
Lazzaroni, a 5-11 175-pound outfielder, helped Lassiter High School to the 2006 6AAAAA Georgia State Championship. Lassiter is currently ranked sixth in the nation by Baseball America. As a junior, Lazzaroni batted .370, stole 45 bases and drove in 25 runs on 150 at bats.
"Danny is an outstanding outfielder from one of the top high school programs in Georgia," Rossi said. "He has a chance to be an impact player for our program immediately. He will supply additional offensive support and outstanding speed. We are extremely happy he will be a part of our baseball program, and the Siena community."
Sumple, a 6-foot 170-pound pitcher, was named to the 2006 Connecticut Fall All-Star squad. As a junior he compiled a 2.40 ERA and tallied 45 strikeouts in 40 innings of work. Sumple was an All-League academic selection as a sophomore and a junior.
"Kyle comes from the Northwest Catholic Program which has produced many outstanding players over the years," Rossi said. "He is a four-year varsity performer with an outstanding curveball and a fastball in the upper 80's. Kyle has outstanding movement on his pitches and excellent command. He has a high ceiling, and should receive quality innings from the start."
Amador, a 5-11 175-pound outfielder, was a 2006 New Hampshire Class L First Team All-State selection. As a junior he posted a robust .517 batting average with 14 stolen bases in as many attempts. For his efforts, he was named to both the Union Leader and Eagle Tribune New Hampshire All-State team this past spring. Amador was also a First Team New Hampshire selection in football.
"Juan is an exceptional athlete who excelled in football as well as baseball at Pinkerton Academy," Rossi said. "As one of the top running backs in the state, he broke most of the school rushing records. He was also one of the state's top outfielders. He is an outstanding hitter with exceptional speed. We feel he will be an impact player immediately and are excited to have him aboard."
Quaranto, a 6-3 225-pound first baseman, was an All-Conference selection as a junior at St. John's High School. He finished second in Central Massachusetts Division I with a .471 average and a .629 slugging percentage. Quaranto was a 2005 and 2006 Bay State Games starter as well as a Central Massachusetts Division I football Al-Star after leading St. John's to three straight Super Bowl Championships.
"Kevin comes from one of the premier athletic programs in Central Massachusetts," Rossi said. "He is a three-sport athlete participating in football and hockey along with baseball. He is an outstanding hitter who will add a much needed left-handed bat to our lineup, and depth at first base. Kevin's size and strength should earn him quality playing time. We are extremely happy to have Kevin as a member of our squad."
The Saints open their 2007 season February 24 at New Orleans.
