Feb. 8, 2012
If Siena participates in the lone MAAC Championship it has hosted the past two years, it will be a surprise to the league coaches. The Saints were picked sixth in the MAAC Preseason Poll released Wednesday, but it's a tight pack.
Canisius, Rider and Manhattan landed the top three spots, with each school separated by a single vote. Iona was only three points back in fourth, then another three to Marist, and 10 more to the Saints. Fairfield was just one point behind Siena in seventh, and it was a long way back to eight place Saint Peter's, one point better than ninth place Niagara.
The Saints lost a lot from last year's team which reached the MAAC Championship game for the second time in four years. Junior Dan Paolini, the MAAC's all-time home run king, was the biggest loss, signing with the Seattle Mariners after being drafted in the 10th Round of the MLB First Year Player's draft. First baseman Kevin Quaranto, one of the top hitters in program history, and weekend men Kyle Sumple and Zach Hartman were lost to graduation.
Citro is part of an intriguing young nucleus that comprises Siena's offense. He was second on the team with a .293 batting average last season, playing in 54 of Siena's 58 games, at shortstop. His All-MAAC Preseason accolade was at second base.
Junior Mike Fish figures to pace the Siena offense after battling through injury to hit .273 with three home runs in 48 games last season. Sophomores John Rooney and Tyler Bell each appeared in at least 50 games in the outfield as rookies.
Although Sumple and Hartman played a huge role on the hill in 2011, there are plenty of arms for head coach Tony Rossi to turn to. Junior Justin Brantley started 15 games last year, posting a 6-6 record and a 3.29 ERA. Southpaw Ryan Poplawski will likely move from the bullpen into the starting rotation after topping the Saints with 26 appearances a year ago. Sophomore Neil Fryer led the team with a 1.47 ERA and finished the season very strong. He will be a top arm for Rossi to turn to as well.
The Saints open their 2012 slate with a four-game series in New Orleans against Tulane Feb. 17-19. Siena will host the MAAC Championships for the first time since 1998. The Tournament will be held at Joseph Bruno Stadium in Troy May 24-27.
Full Preseason Poll and Teams
