On the heels of one of the most impressive seasons in program history, the 2008 Bulldog baseball team holds high expectations for capturing more success in the coming year.  In addition to the third-consecutive 20-win season, last year’s campaign resulted in the second-most victories in Redlands history.  By returning virtually the same lineup and adding young but experienced newcomers, Redlands promises to build upon last year’s 26-14 record en route to returning to the top of the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SCIAC) and competing for a playoff spot.  The 2008 edition of Bulldog baseball offers depth, diversity and experience while possessing the ability to capitalize on each player’s assets for the overall success of the team.

“Most of our offensive players are back from last year so that is definitely our strength,” said Head Coach Scott Laverty, who enters his ninth year at the helm of the Bulldogs.  “Our pitching and defense provide a lot of great options, too.  It will be fun to see who steps up.”

Redlands welcomes back a slew of talented batters, which includes graduate student first baseman Brian Schumaker (Encinitas, CA) and senior designated hitter Luke Wetmore (Santa Cruz, CA). 

“These players bring experience to the lineup and to the locker room,” commented Laverty.  “They are both great young men who work hard and lead by example.”

Like in years past, the Bulldogs look to Schumaker to carry a significant portion of the offensive load.  Certainly one of the most feared Redlands batters, he returns to action after a solid season that included a .355 batting average and five home runs.  Beyond his intimidating bat, he offers steady play on the right side of the field, following an impressive fielding percentage of .984 during the 2007 campaign.  Given his well-rounded abilities, look for Schumaker to continue providing big plays for the Bulldogs, particularly in game-changing situations.  In addition, Wetmore enters his final season at Redlands more prepared and motivated than ever before.  Last year, he hammered out five home runs and provided 11 doubles, revealing his strength at the plate.  Count on him to serve most of his time in the lineup as the designated hitter, but a strong arm and solid athleticism make him an additional option for the outfield.

Beyond these veterans, the Bulldogs look to various infield players to provide important contributions on both sides of the plate.  After earning the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA)/Rawlings West Region Gold Glove last season, senior shortstop Chase Beatty (Ramona, CA) strives to build upon that accomplishment with strong showings during the 2008 campaign.  Evidenced by his selection to the All-SCIAC Second Team and his team-leading 115 assists, he possesses great composure, agility, and quickness. 

“I look to Beatty to help guide the younger players.  He is vocal off the field and reveals exemplary effort on the field,” stated Laverty.

Aiding Beatty in the middle infield, senior second baseman Billy Lavelle (Phoenix, AZ) adds to Redlands’ stability on defense.  Last year, he made an immediate impact as a first-year transfer, earning a start in every game that he played.  The 1-2 defensive punch he developed with Beatty resulted in many of the team’s 49 double plays, creating one of the most formidable tandems in the conference.   Serving as the Bulldogs’ workhorse, he boasted a batting average of .404 to tie for the team-lead while garnering the most hits for Redlands with 57.  Expect Lavelle to continue solidifying the Bulldogs’ middle infield on defense and create scoring opportunities for the team on offense.

Adding to the mix of infielders, junior first baseman Matt Hughes (Huntington Beach, CA) returns to action after a season-ending injury.  He exudes enthusiasm and appears hungry to gain opportunities on the field.  Throughout the 2008 campaign, expect sophomore shortstop Zack Braband (Alameda, CA) to add depth behind Beatty.  With the privilege of gaining valuable experience as a rookie, count on him to provide solid play when he receives his chances.  On the other side of the middle infield, senior Tom Ledda (Daly City, CA) pushes Lavelle for playing time.  The Bulldogs look forward to undoubtedly rewarding this hard-working player for his consistent efforts during the season.

In the outfield, the Bulldogs must fill the void left by All-Region performer Kyle Gardner ’07.  However, the team returns various options that are excited and ready to step up to the challenge.  Junior outfielders Jordan Snider (Temecula, CA) and Kyle Rizzo (Redlands, CA) easily take on new responsibility due to their experience, versatility and overall speed.  Fresh off of his Second Team All-SCIAC honor, Snider takes over the important duties in center field.  Look for the transition to be a smooth one as he possesses all of the tools needed to establish confidence and consistency in the outfield.  After playing in every game last year, Rizzo expects to continue with his achievements that included a .357 batting average from the lead-off spot.  He ranked first on the team with 47 runs scored and showcased his lightning-quick abilities by going 21-for-24 in stolen bases.  His dynamic abilities easily translate into great coverage in the outfield while providing a consistent and explosive bat on offense.  In addition, the team holds high expectations for junior outfielders Corey Vane (Simi Valley, CA) and Matt Goldstein (Lincoln, CA), who strive to make the upcoming campaign their best yet.  Vane spent the majority of last season gaining starts in right field and emerged as one of the team’s best hitters, showcasing a hot bat while tying for the team-lead with a .404 average.  His all-out play proves to be a true asset to the team, particularly in right field.  Goldstein has consistently improved his play each year and looks forward to possibly enjoying a breakout season in 2008.  The team also welcomes back senior Neil Muller (Santa Barbara, CA) as a viable option in the outfield.  His towering 6’4” frame provides an extended reach as a batter and an intimidating obstacle in the outfield.  Look for him to compete for more playing time as he concludes his four-year career at Redlands.  Rounding out the Bulldogs’ options, junior Will Wetmore (Santa Cruz, CA) makes the transition from infield to outfield this season.  With his talent and determination, the move should be relatively easy, resulting in significant opportunities on the field.

At the all-important catcher position, count on sophomore Jefre Johnson (Canby, OR) to call many of the shots behind the plate.  After making quite an impression on the coaches last season, he strives to fill the hole left by veteran leader Ryan Garcia ’07.  Expect Johnson to build upon his solid rookie campaign by serving as a staple of consistency and strength.  In addition, two talented individuals in junior catchers Mike Corbett (Half Moon Bay, CA) and Brett Sandford (Santa Barbara, CA) compete for opportunities behind the plate.  Due to their significant experience, Laverty looks to them to control the pace of play at various times during the season.

Working with the catchers, the Bulldogs rely on a relatively young yet clearly experienced crew of pitchers to hold off the opponents’ offense.  With significant losses in the starting rotation, the team bolsters a revamped lineup that promises to gain success.  Leading the way as the lone returning rotation member, senior Ryan Seifert (Big Bear, CA) works to build upon last season’s strong performance that included an ERA of 2.58, which ranked first among the starters.  He also notched a team-leading 40 strikeouts as he held opponents to a .220 batting average.  With experience and determination, count on Seifert to serve a big role from the mound in 2008.  Stepping into the rotation, junior Nolan Nicholson (Fullerton, CA) takes on a new role as Redlands’ most versatile and experienced non-starter.  During another solid season in relief, he put together a 3.14 ERA in 21 appearances while stringing together three saves. With his new role, his days at first base may be numbered, but count on him to provide big innings as one of the Bulldogs’ most reliable hurlers.  Sophomores Mike McCarthy (Brentwood, CA) and Michael Lessig (Fountain Hills, AZ) help round out the starting rotation for Redlands.  In 2007, Laverty confidently threw McCarthy into any situation he felt appropriate, allowing him to further develop his pitching arsenal.  Despite being the least experienced starter, Lessig possesses what it takes to provide solid showings throughout the upcoming season.  As they mature into their starting roles, look for them to provide important contributions while adding depth to the pitching staff.

With the promotion of three new starting pitchers, the returning Redlands bullpen counts on fewer hurlers to play bigger roles in the team’s achievements.  Senior Jared Moore (San Diego, CA) returns for his final season after fully recovering from surgery two years ago.  He posted decent numbers in 2007 but now possesses the velocity that he offered prior to his injury.  His middle-to-late-inning relief efforts serve a crucial element in the Bulldogs’ ability to excel.  Look for junior Evan Dunn (Portland, OR) to earn innings on the mound, building on the experience from his six appearances last year.  Continuing to close out games, junior standout Kevin Bissell (Orange, CA) brings his elusive breaking and off-speed pitches to the table as viable weapons.  Last season, he led the team with five saves, tying him for second all-time in a single season at Redlands.  Expect more of the same from this steady performer.

Rounding out the bullpen, look for a lineup of newcomers to provide needed depth and versatility.  Freshman Steven Dryden (Highland, CA) works to become the primary set-up option in front of Bissell, bringing high heat and intensity.  Junior transfer Jon Eubanks (Chula Vista, CA) not only adds depth to the pitching staff but provides a solid back-up option at third base.  Eager to gain experience, freshmen Derek Johnson (Canby, OR) and Corbett Clarke (Mountain View, CA) look forward to making the most of their opportunities.

Beyond the rookie pitchers, the Bulldogs excitedly welcome the contributions of additional new and talented players.  Freshman Brandon Owashi (San Diego, CA) and junior transfer Tony Stutevoss (Portland, OR) look to lead the charge of the rookies.  An exciting player with a great swing, Owashi possesses a high level of skill that quickly translates into considerable playing time.  Look for him to relieve L. Wetmore as the designated hitter and provide depth to the outfield.  Stutevoss inherits the starting position at third base as one of the most talented individuals recruited by Laverty.  Freshman Josh Garcia (Redlands, CA) holds a great deal of potential with stellar quickness and strives to gain time at second base.  Sophomore transfer Paul Bennett (South Weber, UT) complements the already-deep catching staff and works to battle it out with Corbett and Sandford for playing time.

Equipped with a versatile squad of competitors, Redlands looks forward to the challenges of a difficult Division III schedule that prepares them for the toughest opponents through the postseason.  Using the mindset that in order to be the best, they must play the best, the Bulldogs face seven teams that competed in the 2007 NCAA Championships. 

“We are very excited to host so many great teams on our field,” said Laverty.  “We have a terrific facility and it’s great to have opponents from all over the country come to Redlands.”

Aside from regional arch-rival Chapman University, Redlands strives to prove its regional strength with early-season showdowns against Texas Lutheran University and Pacific Lutheran University (WA).  The Bulldogs also host Eastern powerhouses Ithaca College (NY) and Eastern Connecticut State University.  However, the true test comes on March 18, when the Redlands baseball team takes on defending national champion Kean University (NJ).  Beyond the non-SCIAC games, the Bulldogs must persevere in one of the most competitive conferences in the country.  

While staying focused on regaining the SCIAC crown, the Bulldogs realize the trials that sit before them.  However, with a relatively unchanged offense that gained impressive numbers in 2007, this year’s squad expects to excel in the runs column.  Although the pitching staff may appear relatively young, its members offer a unique résumé of experiences that easily translates into success on the field.  With the taste of a conference title from two seasons ago serving as motivation, the Bulldog baseball team holds high expectations for the 2008 campaign, which includes a challenging schedule and the personnel to accomplish its impressive goals.