2013 OUTLOOK The 2012 season was a banner year for Saint Joseph’s baseball. A new on-campus facility opened in March. The Liberty Bell Classic championship trophy came home to Hawk Hill for the first time in April. And to top it off, the Hawks tied the school record for wins and achieved their goal of qualifying for their first Atlantic 10 Tournament in May. But that was then. Just like their real-life counterparts, it’s onward and upward for the Hawks in 2013. After reaching the proverbial mountain and getting a taste of what it takes to climb to the top, fifth-year head coach Fritz Hamburg knows his team is primed to reach the summit. “Our goal has always been to win the Atlantic 10 championship,” he said. “I think it’s a lot more realistic now [than in the past].” As the Hawks prepare to take flight in 2013, they will do so with a pair of new faces, and one familiar face, joining the coaching staff. Hamburg will count on Matt Allison, Kyle Werman, and Alex Pracher to help guide the Hawks to their ultimate goal. “One of the unique things about our staff is that we have four guys who, age-wise, are in four different decades,” explained Hamburg. This varying experience allows the staff to both relate to the players while at the same time teaching and mentoring them. Allison is SJU’s new hitting coach, and Hamburg is pleased with the early returns. “Matt has a unique, laid-back approach,” Hamburg said. “The guys have engaged with what he’s trying to do on the offensive side.” Werman played his college ball at the University of Virginia before spending time in the New York Mets organization. His recent pro-
Senior Kyle Mullen, the reigning Big 5 Pitcher of the Year and a First Team AllConference honoree, will once again anchor the Hawk rotation. Mullen is within striking distance of a number of school records.
fessional experience will bring a new perspective to the staff and Hamburg feels it can pay big dividends. “One of the many things Kyle brings to the table is that he can demonstrate what’s being taught,” Hamburg said. “He’s still able to do those types of things.” Pracher pitched for last season’s Saint Joseph’s squad as a graduate student; the bonds he forged with his teammates, and the respect he earned from being a part of the team, will allow him to be a key part of the staff right from the get-go. “Alex and I work well together,” Hamburg said, “and he knows, from a foundation standpoint, what we want as a staff.” Individually, each member of the staff will contribute in his area of expertise. Working together, they will provide a boost to what is already a focused and experienced group of players. “I really feel like all three of these guys offer a great deal, not just from a technical standpoint, but as mentors. I’ve seen a big change in the players,” Hamburg revealed. While the coaching staff has some exciting new additions, if the Hawks are going to succeed on the diamond this season, they’ll have to rely on an old standby: outstanding pitching. Last season, the Hawks rode an improved rotation and a steady bullpen all the way to the conference tournament, and this season will be no different. Leading the rotation once again will be Kyle Mullen. An All-Atlantic 10 First Team selection and the Philadelphia Big 5 Baseball Pitcher of the Year in 2012, the senior is primed to follow up his junior campaign – one of the finest in Saint Joseph’s history – with another big year. “Kyle has led the charge from a pitching standpoint, and we’re very proud of what he’s done,” said Hamburg. “He’s everything you hope for.” The Hawks have won each of Mullen’s last 13 Atlantic 10 regular season starts, as Mullen went 5-0 with a 1.99 earned run average in league play last year. “If he gives us what he gave us last year, we’ll be thrilled,” Hamburg said. Teaming up with Mullen in the rotation will be junior Daniel Thorpe. Thorpe transitioned from the bullpen to a starting role last season, making seven starts in his 19 appearances. He ended the 2012 season on a high note, tossing a complete game as the Hawks eliminated Rhode Island and kept their run alive at the Atlantic 10 Tournament. “It was a huge performance,” Hamburg said of Thorpe’s effort in the Bronx. “We’ve learned over the last two years that his role needs to be as a starter…when he’s on, his stuff is really, really strong.” The third weekend rotation spot is still up for grabs, but junior Jordan Carter and sophomore Tim Ponto would appear to be the favorites heading into Opening Day. Carter made 15 starts last season and would bring experience to the role, while Ponto showed flashes of potential before missing most of the second half of the season due to injury. Freshman lefthander Jack Stover will find himself in the mix as a midweek starter as well. Behind every successful starting rotation is a strong bullpen, and the Hawks intend to be no different. Relief ace Steven Schuler set a school record for appearances in 2012, and the junior
lefty will once again be a major part of the Hawk relief corps, as will junior righthander Mike Muha. Schuler had a 5-2 record last season and earned two saves as the primary setup man, while Muha appeared in 23 games on the mound, posting a 4-3 record and a 2.82 earned run average. Junior Jimmy Yacabonis will get the bulk of the save opportunities early in 2013 after strong performances in both the Perfect Game Summer League and SJU’s fall exhibition slate. “He’s harnessing his repertoire better,” Hamburg said of Yacabonis. “We need him to step up, and this is his time.” Senior Kevin Burum appeared in 20 games last season and posted a strikeout-to-walk ratio of nearly 4-to-1. He will no doubt be called on to contribute in late-game situations as well. Freshman Matt Haskins has impressed in the early going, and should see some work as well. Also adding important depth to the staff will be senior Shane Carey, junior Brett Koliani, sophomore James Harrity, and freshman Jason Holcomb, while freshman lefthander Joey Gorman is likely to redshirt the season. Offensively, the Hawks will look to improve across the board, especially in regards to their power numbers. Hamburg wants his charges to be a more potent offense than in years past, and that starts with extra-base hits. “We need our slugging percentage to go up,” he explained. “On-base percentage and scoring runs is the name of the game, but doubles create havoc and keep rallies going, and that’s been a focus of ours. “Anyone can hit a double,” he added. “We need guys to produce that way.” The team’s leader in doubles last season, catcher Brian O’Keefe, is back for his sophomore season as the squad’s starting backstop. O’Keefe took over the starting job early in the season and parlayed his strong rookie campaign into a spot on the All-Philadelphia Big 5 Baseball Team. “Brian did an absolutely stellar job with our pitching staff last year,” said Hamburg, a former All-American himself behind the plate, “and I don’t know of anybody in the conference that has a better arm.” Senior Eddie Palmer provides a more-thancapable backup to O’Keefe, and with the improvement he showed at the plate during the fall schedule, should find at bats throughout the year. Junior Cody Silverman will also provide depth behind the plate, while versatile freshman Dallas Wilson could see time as a catcher or in the outfield. With the graduation of All-Atlantic 10 First Team and All-Big 5 first baseman Kevin Taylor, the Hawks will have holes to fill both defensively and in the middle of the order. Muha impressed with his bat during the fall and could see time at both at first and as a designated hitter, while freshman John Brue brings lefthanded power that could make up for the loss of Taylor without missing a beat. “I think [Brue and Muha] are going to have a big part in our overall game,” Hamburg said. “Brue is a guy we brought in here to do big things, and I’m very pleased with what Mike has done.” Senior Quinn Renner had a productive fall and will start the season as the everyday second baseman. Sophomore Lansing Veeder will once again push for at bats after rehabbing an injury throughout the fall.
2013 SAINT JOSEPH’S BASEBALL MEDIA GUIDE 2