2007 University of the Cumberlands Baseball Season Preview

The 2007 Patriots are coming off of a solid 2006 campaign that saw the Patriots advance to the NAIA Region XI play-offs for the third consecutive year. Although the outcome was not what the Patriots had hoped for, their drive, determination, and abilities were displayed as their name has become synonymous with the NAIA’s top baseball teams. The Patriots finished the season with a 39-16 record and the coveted Mid-South Conference Championship.

Pitchers

Once again, the Patriots have a deep pitching staff that should make for a talented rotation. Returning for the Patriots is Chris Short ( Willwood, MO) who was 8-2 last year pitching in the #2 slot. Adam Blakey ( Jamestown, KY) had a very good season last year and really came along as the season went on recording a 5-3 record. Jon Silverman (53.1 IP) ( Kettering, OH) and Adam Blanton (31.1 IP)( Staffordsville, KY) logged significant innings in 2006 and currently Silverman is throwing harder than ever while Blanton may just have the best stuff on the mound.

Out of the bullpen look for the crafty lefty Brooks Morgan (Lexington, KY) and Justin Adams (New Albany, IN), who both saw several innings last season and Jeremy Taylor (Williamsburg, KY), to gain valuable relief time. Right hander Josh Blanton ( London, KY) returns for his senior season after a red shirt year in 2006. Blanton was a weekend starter in 2005. Tim Thoreson (Orlando, FL) and Joel Dobney (Xenia, OH), both seniors, as well as Alex McDougall (Bowling Green, KY) and Alan Wolanin (Brook Park, OH), who was 3-0 last year, will all be returning to the mound with valuable experience vying for a spot in the starting rotation.

Joining the already deep and talented pitching staff will be Mike Fiers (Ft. Lauderdale, FL), Matt Greely (Juneau, AK), Brandon Williams (Ashland, KY), Trevor Madison (Franklin, KY), Ryan Bennett (Winchester, KY), Jeron Dunbar (Russell Springs, KY), and Macon Smith (Frankfort, KY). “We have the best class of freshman pitchers I have had since I arrived,” stated Shelton. “They all have bright futures if they continue to work hard and develop.”

Fiers will step right in and be a conference starter. He has a great arm and throws all of his pitches for strikes. He hails from a great high school and transfers to Cumberlands from an excellent Broward Junior College. His experience in the Junior College World Series will be invaluable.

Matt Greely is a side-armer with a deceptive motion. He is tough to hit and when he induces contact, he is very successful because hitters just don’t center the baseball.

Outfield

The outfield returns two MSC Honorable Mention All-Conference Players in Daniel Guttridge ( Richwood, KY) and Trevor Urbanick ( Conneautville, PA). Guttridge (.335, 4 HR, 38 RBIs, 11 SB) will return to centerfield for his senior season. He has been a four year starter and is a solid all around player and leader. Urbanick (.347, 61 Hits, 26 RBIs, 27 SB) coming off an excellent 2006 season led the team in stolen bases; he will return to left. Replacing the graduated Chris Wood in right will be senior Adam Garrett ( Lawrenceburg, KY) who will make the transition from the infield to the outfield. His speed and bat must remain in the Patriot line-up for Cumberlands to continue to be successful. Also vying for playing time in outfield will be sophomores Ronnie Hawkins ( Danville, KY) and Dylan Holt ( Lawrenceburg, KY). They will both receive opportunities early in the season in right field.

Look for two new faces in the Patriot outfield line-up in Chris Glass ( Henning, TN) and Mark Guttridge ( Richwood, KY). Glass runs very well and had a great season last year at Chattanooga State Community College. He has the potential to help the Patriots offensively. Mark Guttridge is a freshman outfielder with great speed and a very good arm.

Infield

Cumberlands can look count on the skills of NAIA Honorable Mention All-American and All-Conference Victor Wooldridge (Jamestown, KY) returning to first to lead the infield. Wooldridge (.395, 13 Doubles, 12 HR, 48 RBIs) had a great 2006 and look for his senior leadership to emerge in 2007 as he finishes strong. Junior Mike Dooley ( Cincinnati, OH) will back up Wooldridge as he is a very good defensive left handed first baseman.

Strong-armed third baseman Joe Hager ( Shepherdsville, KY) returns as a vital player in the Patriot infield in 2007. “Hager is a key part of our team. He leads by his work ethic. He will play some third base, DH, and maybe catch a little,” stated Shelton.

With the loss of All-Conference second baseman B.J. Foley to graduation look to other returning starters including red-shirt sophomore David Roberts (Edmonton, KY), a second baseman, who Shelton says, “has good speed and is a tough out from the left handed side of the plate,” to step up and compete for the starting job. Joe Scharold ( Alexandria, KY), also a sophomore, could be playing some shortstop with his speed and his strong arm.

New faces that should mix their way into their Patriot starting line-ups include: Aaron Friend (Las Vegas, NV), Josh Konicek (Riverside, CA), Javi Gali- Rodriguez (Corozal, PR), and Luis Raffan (Miami, FL). Friend is a talented shortstop who can run and throw well with great range. Konicek can turn a double play well and has surprising power for a freshman. Shelton stated, “Aaron and Josh have the potential to be one of the top middle infields in the country.”

Gali-Rodriguez is a versatile player transferring in from Louisburg Junior College. He is a switch hitter with power and will be a big part of the Patriots lineup. Raffan arrived at Cumberlands at Christmas but his defensive skills and his smooth swing have already garnered the Patriots coaching staff’s attention.

Catchers

2006 NAIA All American Honorable Mention and All Conference catcher Robert Mills ( Las Vegas, NV) returns to the Patriots roster. Mills is expected to be a primary leader this year as he returns behind the plate. Mills has improved defensively and will be looked upon to become a complete player and handle the Patriot pitching staff and control the running game. Backing up Mills will be returner Joe Hager and also newcomer, Javi Gali-Rodriguez.

The Outlook

Brad Shelton enters his sixth year at the Cumberlands with high hopes. Experienced veterans and talented newcomers make this team a national contender for the 2007 season.

Last year Shelton led his 2006 team to a Mid-South Conference Championship and to a runner-up honor in the NAIA Region XI. The NAIA took notice of the Patriots in 2006 as the NAIA pre-season coach’s poll placed Cumberlands #15 for the 2007 season.

Look for the Patriots to get in their groove after a few games as the newcomers gel with the returnees as the Patriots look to finish strong and on top of their competition for the season.

The Schedule

Once again the schedule is looking tougher than it has been in the past for the Patriots. Tennessee Wesleyan received a national rating of #14 in the pre-season polls for the NAIA after finishing in the #15 spot in the 2006 season. West Virginia Tech is also joining the opponent list this year and will not be an easy win as they join the MSC play. As always, look for the Patriots Mid-South Conference opponents to come out with their A game and their bats swinging.

2006 Season Preview
2005 Season Preview