Michigan State University Athletics
Plenty Of Power In The Pen - 2006 Spartan Baseball Preview
2/6/2006 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
Feb. 6, 2006
EAST LANSING, Mich. - A new-found determination and a thirst to win propel the Spartan baseball team as it anxiously awaits the arrival of spring. State will rely on veteran pitching in 2006, supported by strong defense, while blending a situational and power approach at the plate. A total of 27 Spartans return from a year ago and six newcomers provide the talent and depth to round out a balanced attack.
Outlook
Head coach David Grewe is focused on taking the Michigan State baseball program to the top of the Big Ten standings and establishing it as one of the premier programs in the Midwest. Grewe, who arrived in East Lansing this past July, previously served as the assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Notre Dame (2003-2005). Injecting new life into MSU baseball, Coach Grewe and his staff bring a new attitude and a game plan for success. Grewe's plan for the future is simple: win through hard work and dedication, with a primary focus on doing things the "right" way both on and off the field.
"It's my goal to implement a system where the players understand their responsibility and have accountability for their actions when they take the field." Grewe states. "One of the goals of our coaching staff is that our players can look back every day and say, `I gave everything I had to win, and to win the right way.' We want everyone who comes out and watches Michigan State play baseball to say that our team plays hard, they play smart, and they play together."
"The overall goal of our program is to play with effort and focus on each and every pitch, each and every inning, each and every game. Winning and losing will be a by-product of the way we approach and execute each aspect of the game. We will look to win with dominating pitching, supported by solid defense and timely, clutch hitting. I want our players to be smart, be aggressive and play with passion."
"The great thing about the 33 players on this team is that all of them believe in what we are doing as a program. They believe in each other and are growing together as a team."
"Every player is going to fight for a role in our program. We have many players that can contribute in multiple ways. Our pitching staff allows us to come at the opposition with many different options. Offensively, we have several guys that bring different strengths to the lineup. Bottom line: we are going to put the nine guys on the field that we think will allow us to win that day."
At The Plate
The Spartans return several players on offense that can put pressure on the opposing team's defense. Leading that group is junior Ryan Basham (Lowell, Ind.), who led last year's squad in batting average (.358), home runs (8), RBI (43) and doubles (12), while drawing a team-high 28 walks.
"Basham is a very smart player, who possesses great bat speed," Grewe remarks. "He is one of the top hitters in the Big Ten, and I would put him up against the top hitters in the nation. He is continuously working to improve himself and is consistently getting better."
Also providing firepower at the plate is junior Troy Krider (Coldwater, Mich.), who posted a batting average of .356 during the regular season while leading the Big Ten with a .405 BA in conference play. Krider put together a team best 24-game hitting streak en route to leading the Spartans in hits (77) and multi-hit games (25).
"Krider is able to play to his strengths offensively," Grewe says. "He centers the ball well and uses the whole field. He is the best bunter on the team and is effective with the hit-and-run. He is just an amazing offensive weapon."
Coach Grewe also can look to several other returning players for offense. Senior Alan Cattrysse (Chatham, Ont.) possesses a wide range of skills. Looking to build on the momentum he gained last summer after being named as one of the Top 10 Prospects in the Great Lakes Collegiate League by Baseball America, Cattrysse will be a key member of the offense in the spring. Junior Sean Walker (Round Lake, Ill.) was named Louisville Slugger Freshman All-American in 2004 after hitting .288 with 9 home runs. Looking to rebound from an injury-plagued 2005 season, Walker should be a mainstay in the middle of the Spartans' lineup for 2006. Junior Adam Tripp (Saugus, Calif.) adds another powerful bat to the lineup. Capable of hitting for both average and power, Tripp should provide some pop to the top of the order.
"We have a lot of guys that are really becoming more consistent and becoming more dangerous," Grewe states. "We have stressed two things to our hitters, having a good approach at the plate and being consistent. Our coaching staff has prepared our players to have a versatile offensive attack and put a lot of pressure on the opponent through great base running and well executed situational hitting."
Pitching
Depth will be the biggest strength of the 2006 Spartan pitching staff as Coach Grewe will look to a host of arms to foil opponents.
"Our pitching staff is deep and gives us many options," Grewe comments. "Our pitching coach, Mike Steele, is one of the best in the nation. He has really worked on cleaning up our mechanics and is helping guys develop and become more consistent."
The top returning pitcher in the rotation is junior Craig Brookes (Naperville, IL), who led MSU with a 6-1 record a year ago. His only loss came to sixth-ranked Florida, who ended the season as the runner-up at the College World Series.
"Brookes doesn't throw exceptionally hard, but has good movement," Grewe states. "He is a fearless strike thrower and a tremendous competitor. He has good off-speed pitches and has added a few new wrinkles in the off-season."
Senior Jeff Gerbe (Shelby Township, Mich.) will be counted on to carry a significant load in the spring. Whether Gerbe sees action as a starter or as a closer at the end of the game, he will be a key member of the staff. Junior John Dwan (Libertyville, Ill.) also will play a key role. Dwan possesses the "stuff" and the mentality to be a front-line pitcher in the Big Ten. Sophomore Mike Monterey (Farmington Hills, Mich.) impressed the coaching staff in the fall, showing the competitive attitude that is needed to pitch at the end of games. With a heavy, sinking fastball and a deceptive delivery, Monterey has the ability to make it difficult for hitters to make solid contact. He should see plenty of action for the Spartans when the game is on the line.
"Gerbe has the best fastball on our team and Monterey has a heavy, sinking fastball that is very deceptive," Grewe attests. "Dwan has proven to be one of the fiercest competitors on our team."
There are several other experienced pitchers that will play considerable roles for the Green and White in the spring. Senior Chris Toepper (Portage, Mich.) brings a work-man like attitude and tremendous leadership, while senior Chris Malec (Lindenhurst, Ill.) offers experience as both a starter and a reliever. Throwing from a deceptive arm-slot, Malec could see action during the most pivotal parts of the game. Redshirt junior Dan Noble (Troy, Mich.) provides a power arm to the group, possessing explosive firepower with a ton of potential.
A talented group of sophomore pitchers will go a long way in determining the success of the Spartans. Tony Clausen (Jenison, Mich.) is a left-handed, two-way player with a solid breaking-ball that could see time on the mound in a relief role. Chris Cullen (Tecumseh, Ont.) is a quality strike thrower that can keep hitters off-balance, and will see action in a variety of roles. Redshirt sophomore Spencer Hahn (Findlay, Ohio) is a left-handed pitcher that will compete for a starting spot or provide a tough lefty arm out of the pen. Max Miller (West Bloomfield, Mich.) is a gritty competitor that has made significant strides in the off-season, developing several deceptive pitches. Nolan Moody (East Lansing, Mich.) impressed the coaching staff with his athleticism and competitiveness. Dropping down to a low-arm slot in the off-season, Moody gives the opponent a much different look than normal. Right-hander Mark Sorensen (Northville, Mich.) should see action as a starter, either in the conference or the mid-week games. He has the size and the talent to be very good and has taken significant strides in the off-season toward realizing his potential. Mike Takashima (Rochester Hills, Mich.) is another prospect with tremendous potential. Southpaw Matt Trausch (Charlotte, Mich.) impressed the coaching staff in the fall and off-season and should see significant action as either a starter or a reliever.
Finally, a trio of freshman pitchers could make an impact for the Spartans. A.J. Dunn (Grand Ledge, Mich.) has tremendous power pitches. With an explosive fastball and devastating breaking ball, Dunn has exciting potential and could see action in a variety of roles. Quinn Ewert (Crystal Lake, Ill.) is a two-way player that will see action on the mound. With a well-developed fastball and improved secondary pitches, Ewert could see action as either a starter or a reliever. Recently recovering from arm surgery, redshirt freshman Peter Wolff is making steady progress and will try to join the mix in the spring.
Infield
The Spartans will count on experience in the 2006 season, returning three of their four starting infielders. Seniors Alan Cattrysse and Oliver Wolcott (Plymouth, Mich.) will be the front-runners to start at second base and third base, respectively. Cattrysse has been a mainstay in the Spartan lineup since his freshman year. Beginning his career at shortstop as a freshman, Cattrysse has seen action at every position on the field except pitcher and catcher. Wolcott has been a model of consistency and the epitome of a team player during his career. Once again manning the shortstop position will be junior Troy Krider. Krider was one of three players to see action in every game last spring and has been named to the preseason Wallace Watch List for the top players in the country.
"Krider is one of our key components in the infield and Cattrysse is very athletic and has adapted well to second base," Grewe states. Wolcott is able to throw well from many different arm angles, which will be important at third base. Hopefully by moving him there, it will solidify us a little more defensively. Our infield is going to be an essential element to us winning ball games."
Junior E.J. Daws (Bozeman, Mont.) had a strong fall and could see time in the infield, the outfield, and the DH spot. Sophomore Steve Gerstenberger (Fort Gratiot, Mich.) and freshman two-way player Quinn Ewert look to split time at first base. Both players provide solid bats to the lineup and could platoon based on pitching match-ups. Freshman John Lee (Naperville, Ill.) and junior Jimmy Keyton (Lansing, Mich.) provide strong bats and depth to the infield. Both Keyton and Lee will compete for at bats in the DH spot and pinch-hit roles.
Outfield
Juniors Ryan Basham and Adam Tripp will anchor the Spartan outfield for the second straight year. They join Krider as the only players to start every game in 2005. Basham will see time in both of the corner outfield spots, while Tripp will see action in both centerfield and right field.
"Basham and Tripp are both dependable outfielders, who rarely make mistakes," Grewe says. "Not only are they two of our best offensive players, but they are also two of our most consistent defensive players."
Competing for the third spot in the outfield will be senior Jamey Embree (Grosse Pointe, Mich.), sophomore two-way player Tony Clausen, as well as freshmen Kyle Hurtt (Andover, Mich.) and Kyle Day (Ft. Wayne, Ind.).
"Embree definitely will be used as a defensive replacement in the outfield, and we want to put him in a position where he will have the most success," Grewe remarks. "Clausen has excellent speed and has the potential to make some great catches. Hurtt also has tremendous speed and is able to make the outfield smaller by taking good angles to the ball. Day will be used at catcher, and will see time in the outfield to work his bat into the lineup."
Catcher
Junior Sean Walker (Round Lake, Ill.) returns at the catching position, providing valuable experience and leadership. Freshman Kyle Day will see action behind the plate, bringing a good left-handed bat to the lineup, while sophomore Kyle Kunkel (Kalamazoo, Mich.) is a reliable defensive catcher who provides much needed depth to the position. Sophomore Bobby Walmsley (Harrison Township, Mich.) had arm surgery in the fall and is battling back from rehab, but will also vie for time. Freshman John Lee has seen time behind the plate in the off-season and provides another good bat to the group.
"Walker has a strong arm and has shown the ability to significantly slow down an opponent's running game," Grewe states. "He has made great strides defensively and offensively in the off-season and has worked on improving his throwing and receiving skills. Kyle Day also made great strides during the off-season behind the dish. I will rely on both Walker and Day to consume the majority of the catching duties. We have a good group of catchers and they are all very important in working and helping prepare our pitchers."
Schedule
The Spartans open play Feb. 24-26 at the Cardinal Classic in Beaumont, Texas. State also will make a week-long trip in the Sunshine State, facing six teams throughout Florida on the team's spring trip, March 4-11. Other highlights of the upcoming season are 12 home games at Oldsmobile Park, home of the Class A Lansing Lugnuts.
"I am very excited about the upcoming 2006 schedule," Grewe remarks. "It is a very challenging test for our guys. As most northern baseball programs do, we will play our first 15 games of the year on the road. All 15 opponents that we face during our early season southern trips are extremely tough and have shown past success. It will take a great deal of discipline and focus to maintain a high level of intensity during the early part of our season, which in turn will prepare our players for the later part of our schedule."
"I expect the Big Ten to be once again loaded with great talent, great players and great coaches. It will be exciting to compete every weekend from the end of March till mid-May against the best in the Midwest. Each weekend will present our Spartans with many challenges, and that is the beauty of Big Ten baseball."
