1/5/2005
WASHINGTON, D.C.-- With the 2004 season the most successful campaign for the Hoyas in 19 years, the 2005 Hoya nine has every reason to hope and to build on last year?s success for the upcoming season. Head Coach Pete Wilk is anticipating a successful season, especially with the addition of assistant coaches Mark VanAmeyde and Matt Bok. The 2005 squad is led by three senior captains, Bill Quinn, Eddie Pena, and Jim Supple. Quinn, a 2004 All-BIG EAST second team selection, is expected to be the main offensive force in the lineup, while Supple will play two key defensive positions and also hit somewhere in the middle of the lineup. Pena will go into the season as the ace of the pitching staff.
Defense will be the strength of this year's squad, anchored by short stop Matt Johnson and center fielder Tim Jones, two of the best in the BIG EAST. With solid catchers senior Andrew Cleary and sophomore Brandon Davis splitting time, and Parker Brooks coming back to play second base, the old baseball adage of "strong up the middle" rings true for this year's squad. Junior Danny Gronski will again hold down the hot corner at third base while Supple will continue his outstanding defensive work at first base, backed up by Dargen and junior Ryan Craft. Quinn will anchor right field with his outstanding arm and sophomore transfer Mark McLaughlin will hold down left. In addition, sophomore Derek deGrijs adds speed and good defense while junior Drew Dargen will see time in both the infield and the outfield. Junior Joe Graziano is also expected to contribute in the infield.
Offensively, the Hoyas are led by Quinn who posted the highest batting average of returnees in 2004. Surrounding Quinn in the middle of the lineup are senior Cleary and juniors Jones and Dargen. Brooks, McLaughlin, and Johnson will compete to fill the crucial two spots in the top of the order. Supple, Gronski, and Craft look to get big RBIs. The designated hitter slot will be rotated, with a lot of at bat's headed to Craft and Dargen. In what promises to be a potent lineup, the key to the 2005 run production lies in the top of the order getting on base, and the big boys bringing them in.
Pitching will be the key to the Hoyas' success. Pena, a four year starter, is the acclaimed ace of the staff, but fast on his heels are juniors Warren Sizemore and Stephen Burns. The other two spots in the five man rotation are being fought for between seniors Travis Danysh, Mike Halloran, and a promising left-handed freshman Mike Gaggioli. Providing experienced relief will be sophomore Mark Dutmers, senior Tyler Abbott, and Quinn. Rounding out the bullpen is senior closer Tom Braun, who came a game short of setting a Hoya record with seven saves last season.
Georgetown baseball in 2005 promises to be another step in an upcoming program, and with the team record 31 wins in the crosshairs, this season should exciting in the "new history" of a historical program.
