Guys I know I promised you some baseball info and I'm really not sure why the article isn't up yet and I apologize. Josh is a busy guy, so here is a first look at the UA Baseball team, including some of the incoming recruits coach Lopez is really high on.
It may be only September but it’s almost time for the Arizona Baseball team to get back to work and for players to start competing for spots on the 2010 roster. For the first time GOAZCATS.com will be providing extensive coverage of Arizona Baseball throughout the 2009-2010 offseason. So for starters let’s take a look at some of the guys that will not be returning from last year’s roster as well as some of the new and returning players that have a good chance at making the club.
Key Departures
Aside from the obvious departures of MLB draftees Jason Stoffel, Cory Burns, Preston Guilmet, Dillon Baird, Dwight Childs, and Brad Glenn the Wildcats have also lost some other key 2009 contributors.
Donn Roach (RHP): It looks like Roach’s mini suspension after the Oklahoma State series last year was more than just a one time thing, as Roach will not be with the team in 2010 due to academic issues.
Daniel Butler (C): Although Butler did not get drafted in this year’s MLB Draft he was able to get a deal done with the Boston Red Sox single A organization, the Salem Red Sox.
Hunter Pace (OF): Pace has used up all four years of his eligibility, but still plans to come back to the UA to finish up his degree.
Matt Veltmann (RHP): After being drafted in the 46th round of the 2008 MLB Draft by the New York Yankees, Veltmann decided to transfer to the University of Arizona instead. After such high hopes, it appears that Veltmann’s UA baseball career may be over, as he is not expected to compete for a spot on the 2010 roster. The reason why was not released, but his back had given him numerous problems throughout the season last year and as a result he ended up with an ERA at 12.
Bobby Coyle (OF): One of Arizona’s best bats in 2009, as of now, is not expected to rejoin the team this upcoming season. The reason was not reveled, but his 37 RBIs last year were fourth best on the team and that’s going to be hard to replace.
Mike Weldon (2B): Weldon has decided to call it quits after three seasons with the Arizona Baseball program. He batted .149 in limited playing time for the ‘Cats in 2009. Many may remember he played a vital role in Arizona’s 2008 postseason run however.
Codi Harshman (OF): The former 2006 Houston Astros draft pick calls it quits after batting .250 last year in 32 at bats for the Wildcats. He spent one year with the Arizona program.
Key Returnees
Though the Wildcats have lost some familiar faces, Arizona does return most if it’s young core from 2009.
Jett Bandy (C/3B): As a freshman last year, Bandy finished the year batting just under .300 and led the Pac-10 in doubles with 21. There is a chance he might go back to his natural catcher position this spring.
Bryce Ortega (SS): Ortega will return for his junior year after finishing second in the conference in total plate appearances with 259 and finishing fifth in the Pac-10 in steals with 16 in 2008. He is expected to remain the starting shortstop.
Kyle Stiner (2B): As a freshman Stiner batted .295 in limited playing time at second base for the ‘Cats.
Rafael Valenzuela (2B): Valenzuela has elected to return for his senior year after starting 2008 as the starting second baseman. He started the season off well, but went cold down the stretch. He will undoubtedly have a chance to win his starting spot back though.
Shaun Cooper (DH): Cooper had three homeruns and nine doubles in only 80 at bats as a freshman last year. He mostly was used as the designated hitter for Wildcats last season. He will try and earn a spot on the diamond this year.
Steve Selsky (OF): Selsky was another freshman that showed some positive signs as a first year player last year. He’s back and most likely will be an everyday player in 2010.
Bobby Brown (1B): He will compete for the first baseman job after only appearing in seven games as a freshman last year.
Marc Venning (1B): Venning did not play last year due to personal reasons. He will try and make the team as a sophomore this year.
Joe Allison (RHP): He finished with a 4.66 ERA and a 5-1 record as a sophomore last season.
Bryce Bandilla (LHP): Like the rest of the 2008 UA pitching staff, Bandilla had his share of ups and downs. He finished with a 6.20 ERA but has the stuff to be an effective lefty.
Kyle Simon (RHP): As a freshman Simon showed some signs of greatness near the end of the season as a starter.
Daniel Workman: Workman will return for his junior year after becoming one of the better UA pitchers last year. He finished with a 3.86 ERA in 15 appearances for the ‘Cats.
Cody Lewis (RHP): Lewis appeared in seven games for the Wildcats as a freshman last year. He will have a chance to make the team again this year.
Matt Chaffee (LHP): Chaffee was injured most of 2009, but posted a 3-0 record in eight appearances for the Wildcats.
Ryan Doyle (RHP): Like Chaffee, Doyle was also injured most of the season. He only appeared three times in 2009, but should be healthy for the spring.
Rick Patton (RHP): He redshirted as a freshman last year, he will try and compete for a spot on the roster this spring.
Possible New Members (incoming recruits)
The following guys are some of the newcomers that will have a good shot at making the 2010 roster.
Jake Meskin (C): After playing for Arizona in 2007 and 2008, Meskin spent the 2009 season playing for Tucson’s local Pima Community College. He will try to make his way back on the UA roster this spring. Meskin has some talent, as he was named Pioneer League MVP his senior year of high school.
Trey Ford (INF): Ford stands at 6-foot-3, 185 pounds and is a four star recruit out of Chaparral High School (Ariz.). He’s known for his ability to post a high average and drive in runs via the extra base hit. He made second team All-Region while posting a .494 batting average, 38 RBIs, and 10 doubles during the 2009 high school baseball season.
Cole Frenzel (SS/3B): Frenzel is a 6-foot-2, 205 pound recruit out of Dickinson high school (N.D.). His strongest area is his defensive game, as scouts have seen him throw across the diamond at 88mph. He also has big power potential at the dish.
Cory Bernard (RHP/MIF): Bernard is coming out of Hamilton high school (Ariz.) where he was a member of the first team All-Fiesta Region and a three year starter for the 2008 5A State Champion Hamilton Huskies. He is very versatile, as he can pitch and hit. He recorded a 2.92 ERA in 36 innings pitched, while at the same time batting .398 with 22 RBIs during the 2009 high school baseball season. Scouts say he has great gap power as well.
Nick Cunningham (RHP): Cunningham played his high school baseball for Lawrence North high school (Ind.) and was the ace of the team his junior and senior year, recording an ERA in the low twos each season.
Tyler Hale (OF/P): Hale is a 6-foot, 165 pound recruit out of Cullman high school (Ala.). He was a member of Cullman’s 2008 State Championship team.
Kurt Heyer (P): The 6-foot-3, 195 pound pitcher out of Edison high school (Calif.) is one of top pitching prospects in the nation. Heyer had an 11-3 record, 0.84 ERA and 116 strikeouts in 100 innings pitched his senior year at Edison.
It may be only September but it’s almost time for the Arizona Baseball team to get back to work and for players to start competing for spots on the 2010 roster. For the first time GOAZCATS.com will be providing extensive coverage of Arizona Baseball throughout the 2009-2010 offseason. So for starters let’s take a look at some of the guys that will not be returning from last year’s roster as well as some of the new and returning players that have a good chance at making the club.
Key Departures
Aside from the obvious departures of MLB draftees Jason Stoffel, Cory Burns, Preston Guilmet, Dillon Baird, Dwight Childs, and Brad Glenn the Wildcats have also lost some other key 2009 contributors.
Donn Roach (RHP): It looks like Roach’s mini suspension after the Oklahoma State series last year was more than just a one time thing, as Roach will not be with the team in 2010 due to academic issues.
Daniel Butler (C): Although Butler did not get drafted in this year’s MLB Draft he was able to get a deal done with the Boston Red Sox single A organization, the Salem Red Sox.
Hunter Pace (OF): Pace has used up all four years of his eligibility, but still plans to come back to the UA to finish up his degree.
Matt Veltmann (RHP): After being drafted in the 46th round of the 2008 MLB Draft by the New York Yankees, Veltmann decided to transfer to the University of Arizona instead. After such high hopes, it appears that Veltmann’s UA baseball career may be over, as he is not expected to compete for a spot on the 2010 roster. The reason why was not released, but his back had given him numerous problems throughout the season last year and as a result he ended up with an ERA at 12.
Bobby Coyle (OF): One of Arizona’s best bats in 2009, as of now, is not expected to rejoin the team this upcoming season. The reason was not reveled, but his 37 RBIs last year were fourth best on the team and that’s going to be hard to replace.
Mike Weldon (2B): Weldon has decided to call it quits after three seasons with the Arizona Baseball program. He batted .149 in limited playing time for the ‘Cats in 2009. Many may remember he played a vital role in Arizona’s 2008 postseason run however.
Codi Harshman (OF): The former 2006 Houston Astros draft pick calls it quits after batting .250 last year in 32 at bats for the Wildcats. He spent one year with the Arizona program.
Key Returnees
Though the Wildcats have lost some familiar faces, Arizona does return most if it’s young core from 2009.
Jett Bandy (C/3B): As a freshman last year, Bandy finished the year batting just under .300 and led the Pac-10 in doubles with 21. There is a chance he might go back to his natural catcher position this spring.
Bryce Ortega (SS): Ortega will return for his junior year after finishing second in the conference in total plate appearances with 259 and finishing fifth in the Pac-10 in steals with 16 in 2008. He is expected to remain the starting shortstop.
Kyle Stiner (2B): As a freshman Stiner batted .295 in limited playing time at second base for the ‘Cats.
Rafael Valenzuela (2B): Valenzuela has elected to return for his senior year after starting 2008 as the starting second baseman. He started the season off well, but went cold down the stretch. He will undoubtedly have a chance to win his starting spot back though.
Shaun Cooper (DH): Cooper had three homeruns and nine doubles in only 80 at bats as a freshman last year. He mostly was used as the designated hitter for Wildcats last season. He will try and earn a spot on the diamond this year.
Steve Selsky (OF): Selsky was another freshman that showed some positive signs as a first year player last year. He’s back and most likely will be an everyday player in 2010.
Bobby Brown (1B): He will compete for the first baseman job after only appearing in seven games as a freshman last year.
Marc Venning (1B): Venning did not play last year due to personal reasons. He will try and make the team as a sophomore this year.
Joe Allison (RHP): He finished with a 4.66 ERA and a 5-1 record as a sophomore last season.
Bryce Bandilla (LHP): Like the rest of the 2008 UA pitching staff, Bandilla had his share of ups and downs. He finished with a 6.20 ERA but has the stuff to be an effective lefty.
Kyle Simon (RHP): As a freshman Simon showed some signs of greatness near the end of the season as a starter.
Daniel Workman: Workman will return for his junior year after becoming one of the better UA pitchers last year. He finished with a 3.86 ERA in 15 appearances for the ‘Cats.
Cody Lewis (RHP): Lewis appeared in seven games for the Wildcats as a freshman last year. He will have a chance to make the team again this year.
Matt Chaffee (LHP): Chaffee was injured most of 2009, but posted a 3-0 record in eight appearances for the Wildcats.
Ryan Doyle (RHP): Like Chaffee, Doyle was also injured most of the season. He only appeared three times in 2009, but should be healthy for the spring.
Rick Patton (RHP): He redshirted as a freshman last year, he will try and compete for a spot on the roster this spring.
Possible New Members (incoming recruits)
The following guys are some of the newcomers that will have a good shot at making the 2010 roster.
Jake Meskin (C): After playing for Arizona in 2007 and 2008, Meskin spent the 2009 season playing for Tucson’s local Pima Community College. He will try to make his way back on the UA roster this spring. Meskin has some talent, as he was named Pioneer League MVP his senior year of high school.
Trey Ford (INF): Ford stands at 6-foot-3, 185 pounds and is a four star recruit out of Chaparral High School (Ariz.). He’s known for his ability to post a high average and drive in runs via the extra base hit. He made second team All-Region while posting a .494 batting average, 38 RBIs, and 10 doubles during the 2009 high school baseball season.
Cole Frenzel (SS/3B): Frenzel is a 6-foot-2, 205 pound recruit out of Dickinson high school (N.D.). His strongest area is his defensive game, as scouts have seen him throw across the diamond at 88mph. He also has big power potential at the dish.
Cory Bernard (RHP/MIF): Bernard is coming out of Hamilton high school (Ariz.) where he was a member of the first team All-Fiesta Region and a three year starter for the 2008 5A State Champion Hamilton Huskies. He is very versatile, as he can pitch and hit. He recorded a 2.92 ERA in 36 innings pitched, while at the same time batting .398 with 22 RBIs during the 2009 high school baseball season. Scouts say he has great gap power as well.
Nick Cunningham (RHP): Cunningham played his high school baseball for Lawrence North high school (Ind.) and was the ace of the team his junior and senior year, recording an ERA in the low twos each season.
Tyler Hale (OF/P): Hale is a 6-foot, 165 pound recruit out of Cullman high school (Ala.). He was a member of Cullman’s 2008 State Championship team.
Kurt Heyer (P): The 6-foot-3, 195 pound pitcher out of Edison high school (Calif.) is one of top pitching prospects in the nation. Heyer had an 11-3 record, 0.84 ERA and 116 strikeouts in 100 innings pitched his senior year at Edison.
