2009 Season Preview
The 2009 version of the Taylor Trojan baseball team returns 18 players and welcomes 5 new players to a team that posted a 27-19 record in 2008, placing third in the MCC race.
The Trojans will open the season against 7th-ranked Union on February 14, and face three other ranked opponents in addition to NCAA Div. I Butler in preparation for the always tough MCC schedule.
PITCHING
Taylor is without a senior on the pitching staff and is missing the experience of Landon Good who is taking a medical redshirt. The starting rotation will include three sophomores and a freshman as Taylor Kinzer, Chris Howell, Zach Vander Laan, and Travis Carsten take the mound for the Trojans.
Kinzer, Howell, and Vander Laan each notched five victories in 2008, while Vander Laan's 3.36 ERA led the staff.
The bullpen will be led by juniors Matt Kirkendale and Caleb Stertzer. Providing depth on the staff will be Landon Anspach, Brent Kimbro, and Travis Tomaszewski. Michael Krayak will take the mound as a closer when not at third base.
CATCHERS
Back-to-back All-MCC catcher Paul Passiales tops a very experience catching corps. Passiales, a four-year starter for the Trojans, hit .383, stole 11 bases, and drove in 26 runs from the lead-off spot. Braden Dissinger, also a senior, continues to bring his strong defensive skills to the position, while Brody Rathman continues to gain experience as just a sophomore.
INFIELDERS
Led by senior Matt Maple, the infield crew offers some standout talent. Maple, who has started every game for the past two seasons, hit .333 while committing only six errors. At third base, Michael Kraynak earned a MCC Gold Glove award in 2008 while hitting .344 with 44 RBIs.
The right side of the infield will be covered by two freshmen, Michael Nassar and Ryne Otis. Nassar will handle second base duties as Otis, a two-time First Team All-State selection, holds down first base.
Juniors Wade Rychener and Travis Lee will see plenty of time in the infield as well.
OUTFIELD
Seniors Taylor Wilde and Cassidy Emery anchor the outfield for the Trojans. Wilde hit .385 and was also a MCC Gold Glove winner. Emery hit .326 with an on-base percentage of .450. Nathan Hillery will be in right field for TU and Ethan Houts will see action patrolling the outfield. Taylor Kinzer should also play outfield and DH for the Trojans. Kinzer hit .318 with 23 extra base hits.
OUTLOOK
Overall, the 2009 Trojans certainly have the offensive firepower to blast their way toward the top of the MCC race. Solid defensively across the board, TU hopes may rest upon the depth of the pitching staff. If head coach Kyle Gould's club can avoid serious injuries, they may will find themselves in contention for a playoff bid come May.