BRYANT BASEBALL GEARING UP FOR SEASON OPENER FEB. 26

February 16, 2010

BRYANT BASEBALL SEASON PREVIEW
Bulldogs Ready to Compete in NEC  in Year Two of Division I

After a successful 2009 season - their first at the Division I level - the Bryant University Baseball Team is looking to follow up a 32 win season with another strong campaign, and firmly establish themselves as one of the premier Division I teams in the Northeast. 

For the first time, the Bulldogs' 2010 schedule features a full slate of Northeast Conference (NEC) games.  Outside the conference, Bryant's regional opponents will include Boston College, UCONN, URI and Northeastern, among others.  The Bulldogs will also travel outside the region to play a schedule highlighted by Virginia Tech and West Virginia.

Here is a look at the 2010 Bulldogs as they prepare for the upcoming season.

Pitching Staff

The Bulldog pitching staff will be anchored by 2009 First Team All-New England and All-Independent Pitcher of the Year, senior tri-captain Eric Polvani (Wallingford, Conn).  Polvani (8-2, 2.04 ERA in 2009) hopes to cap off a successful career with one more strong season on the mound.  In the program's history, Polvani currently ranks 11th all time in Wins, 2nd in career ERA, 2nd in appearances, and 3rd in saves.

Eric Polvani was a Division I First Team All-New England selection in 2009. www.dspics.com

Returning to the rotation in 2010 after missing the entire 2009 season with an injury is David O'Brien (Whitman, Mass).  O'Brien was spectacular as a freshman in 2007, posting a 7-1 record and an ERA of 2.27. 

Junior right-hander John Michael Ryan (Worcester, Mass.) will also be a key starter for the Bulldogs.  Ryan (3-4, 3.94) evolved into a reliable arm in 2009, and will bring his strong fastball and excellent off-speed pitches into the rotation.

The bullpen will be anchored by junior Mark Andrews (Hillsborough, NJ).  The left-hander recorded 10 saves in 2009 and posted an ERA of 4.38.  This season he will again be counted on as the team's closer.

Bullpen depth will be key for the Bulldogs.  Senior Nick Laude (Wells, Maine), junior Matt Griswold (Berlin, Conn.), and sophomore Brian O'Neil (North Reading, Mass.) combined for 45 appearances last year in the later innings, and all three will be used in a similar capacity this year. 

Several other pitchers will be used in a variety of roles.  Senior Brent Almeida (Fairhaven, Mass.) has been used as both a starter and a reliever throughout his career, and his versatility will make him valuable this season.  Senior Tom Baker (West Brookfield, Mass.), juniors Dan Walsh (Burlington, Mass.) and Sean McNiff (Andover, Mass.) and sophomore Ross Fino (Ashland, Mass.) will be competing for time on the hill.

The staff also features three freshmen who are in line to contribute right away.  Right-handers Sal Lisanti (Bronx, NY) and Joe Michaud (Milford, Conn.), along with southpaw Tim Bessette (Waterbury, Conn.) all pitched well in the fall and will all have the chance to help the team on the mound.  Freshman righty Kyle Leonard (North Merrick, NY) is a two-way player who has continued to improve as a pitcher.

Catcher

Senior Jeff Vigurs (South Windsor, Conn.) enters his fourth season as the Bulldogs' starting catcher.  A 2009 Second Team All-New England selection, Vigurs (.389 BA, 9 HR, 70 RBI) will bring a veteran presence both behind the plate and in the middle of the lineup in his second season as one of the team's captains.

Vigurs will be backed up by freshman Ryan Granat (Long Valley, NJ), who proved to be a solid backstop in the fall season.  Junior Scott Merritt (Norwalk, Conn.) gained experience behind the dish in the fall, and will provide depth at the position.

Infield

Tri-Captain Dylan Stone of Portsmouth, RI returns to his starting position at second in 2010. www.dspics.com

The Bulldog infield is led by senior tri-captain Dylan Stone (Portsmouth, RI).  The second baseman started every game in 2009, and he provides a versatile bat near the top of the lineup that will give the middle of the order plenty of RBI opportunities.

Sophomore Jamie Skagerlind (Holden, Mass.) returns as the starting first baseman after a solid freshman season (6 HR, 31 RBI).  His .993 fielding percentage (3 errors in 452 chances) in 2009 ranks 7th all time in Bryant history.

Returning at third base is junior Tim Norton (Barnstable, Mass).  Norton was the Bulldogs' primary third baseman in 2009, and he showed in the fall that he is ready to step up as one of the team's leaders.

With the graduation of Pat McKenna, who was drafted by the Detroit Tigers, the Bulldogs are looking to replace a four year starter at shortstop.  Multiple newcomers showed in the fall that they are capable of filling that void, and the competition has provided the team with tremendous depth in the infield. 

Sophomore David Soltis (Plainville, Conn.), a transfer from the University of Vermont, had an impressive fall season and will be an important part of the lineup this spring.  Another transfer, junior Macky Cianciolo (Prospect, Conn.), brings a consistent approach at the plate and can play anywhere in the infield. 

Freshman Dan Muscatello (Hopkinton, Mass.) is a sure-handed defender who also runs well.  He provides a versatile option late in games both defensively and on the bases.  Junior Colin Dougherty (Lowell, Mass.), sophomore Dan Mello (Peabody, Mass.), and freshmen Pete Kelich (Jackson, N.J.) and Adam Claire (Litchfield, Conn.) will provide additional support at all four infield positions. 

Outfield

Bryant's all time hits leader, senior Nick Campbell (Raynham, Mass.), returns as the starter in centerfield.  Campbell (.375, 42 RBI, 50 runs) is an exceptional hitter who also provides top notch defense in the outfield.  Through his first three seasons, Campbell ranks 8th or better in six different categories in the Bulldogs' career record book. 

Junior Jordan English (Windsor Locks, Conn.) will once again start in right field for the Bulldogs.  English will bring a strong arm and reliable bat to the everyday lineup.

Sophomore Connor Carignan (Norwich, Conn.) and freshman Kevin Brown (Northborough, Mass.) both had strong fall seasons, and will both see time in the outfield this spring.  Brown also has experience in the infield, and will provide more depth there as well.  Merritt and sophomore Mike DelPonte (Tewksbury, Mass.) have outfield experience, and both have proven to be strong, dangerous hitters - making them natural options for the designated hitter spot.