Ohio is just about a week away from kicking off its 2017 campaign as it heads to South Carolina to take on La Salle and Butler next weekend.
The last two seasons have seen the team win the Mid-American Conference Tournament and then fail to even qualify the tournament. This season, though, the team has to make do without former outfield standout Mitch Longo, who was drafted by the Cleveland Indians last summer.
But with the Bobcats gearing up for the season, coach Rob Smith feels confident about his team’s chances.
Confident in arms
After a season where Ohio’s pitching staff posted a 4.87 ERA, Smith said that he’s never been more confident in the team’s arms.
“This is the best staff we’ve been able to put together from top to bottom, our starting rotation to our bullpen,” he said. “It’s probably the most depth I’ve had in the five years I’ve been here.”
The starting rotation will be anchored by Gerry Salisbury, a redshirt senior who started five games last season. Also in the rotation will be Butch Baird, a junior transfer from Wabash Valley College in Illinois.
The back of the bullpen will be loaded with experience for the Bobcats. Seniors Tom Colletti and Jake Rudnicki, as well as redshirt junior Jake Roehn, will be the featured relievers for Smith out of the bullpen.
Roehn led the team in saves and ERA while Rudnicki led in strikeouts.
“That’s a lot of experience, a lot of talent to work with,” Smith said.
Fighting for positions
With the departure of Longo, as well as catcher Cody Gaertner and outfielder Manny De Jesus, there are a few positions in the field up for grabs.
The team is in need of a starting third baseman and a few outfield roles, Smith said. The middle infield is set, however, with Ty Black and Tyler Finkler manning at second base and shortstop, respectively.
At catcher, Anthony Mrosla is slated to start. Though, Nick Bredeson and freshman Tanner Piechnick will see some time behind the plate as well.
Mrosla was Gaertner’s backup last year and hit .128 with 3 RBIs.
“I feel good about where some of our guys are,” Smith said.
Second time around
After a stellar freshman campaign, first baseman Rudy Rott is surely looking for a repeat performance.
Rott hit .319 with three home runs and 39 RBIs last year. He was named a Louisville Slugger Freshman All-American for his performance.
But Smith has no worries at all about a potential sophomore slump.
“Rudy is steady,” he said. “I don’t worry too much about him. He’s as steady as a player as we have from an attitude and effort standpoint. I feel good about where he’s at. He’ll be fine.”
