2010 Baseball Season Preview
The Albertus Magnus College Men's Baseball Program will open their season this Saturday in Yaphank, NY at Baseball Heaven against Eastern Connecticut State University at 2:00 pm. The Falcons finished in third place in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference last season after hosting a play-off game for the first time in eight seasons. Head Coach Brian Leighton is looking forward to the 2010 campaign. "This is the most talented team I have had in my six years at Albertus Magnus College. We expect to be playing for the GNAC title on May 2nd," stated Leighton.
The 2010 Falcons will feature a more experienced team with lots of versatility. "The challenge this season will be successfully managing our two-way players so they are in the best position to be successfull in the field, at the plate, and on the mound," stated Leighton.
Of the 21 players on this year's roster, 15 will step on the mound this season. The pitching staff will look to be one of the Falcon's strengths this season. Junior All Conference southpaw Chuck Chancio will again anchor the pitching staff but will have additional help this season. Senior transfer pitcher BJ Senna from Division II Felician College brings a successful collegiate career to Albertus Magnus. "What the pitching staff has lacked in previous years is a legitimate shut down 1-2 punch at the top of the rotation, which we now have. Chuck and BJ have elevated each others game and I am excited to see them anchor our staff this season," said Leighton. The Falcons also feature junior college transfer Jim Stanley (North Haven, CT) who will add quality innings as a starter and reliever. Senior starting pitcher Pete Rogan will also see conference games this season. Senior RHP Brendan Hickey (Salisbury, CT), freshman 1B/LHP Matt Caputo (East Haven, CT), and freshman IF/P Matthew Finkenzeller (Wolcott, CT) will add to a deep starting rotation. The Falcons will have senior 1B/P John Stavola (Berlin, CT), junior Adam Platner (North Branford, CT), sophomore Cullen Burnell (Litchfield, CT), sophomore Nick Forte (Carmel, NY), and freshman Kevin Anastasio (South Windsor, CT) rounding out the staff.
The Falcons look to build upon last season's successful offensive campaign that saw them steal bases at an alarming rate (9th in Nation in stolen bases per game) while still showcasing power throughout the lineup. "This year's team features a solid group of hitters that possess the ability to win games with their bats alone. The key this season will be for our veteran players to have quality at bats instead of giving at bats away. I am excited this season to see the continued growth and development of the hitters. They have worked very hard at improving their approach and technique which we expect to pay huge dividends this season," stated Leighton.
The Falcons return the vast majority of their lineup graduating just one starter from last year's program. Unfortunately, a devastating knee injury to All Conference SS/P Division I transfer Robert Bengivengo (Oxford, CT) two weeks prior to the season starting dealt a blow to the team. "Unfortunately injuries are apart of the game and Bobby's rare non contact acl tear certainly took us all by surprise. We felt that Bobby was going to have a break-out year this season an most certainly worked very hard to do so in the off season. Anytime that you lose your All Conference shortstop and closer, your program suffers. Junior OF Kyle Calechman (North Haven, CT) has made the transition to shortstop in his typical fashion, with enthusiasm, discipline, and a outstanding attitude. We will certainly miss Bobby's presence in the lineup but that vacancy merely creates opportunity for others to step up into bigger roles," said Leighton.
Junior OF/3B transfer Brandon Decker (Wantage, NJ) fills a need in the outfield left by graduated four year starter Chris Noske (South Windsor, CT). Freshman OF/P Jim Stanley (North Branford, CT) will also see time in the outfield.
Albertus has one weakness which is fielding the baseball. "I told our student-athletes that the key to our season is catching the ball between our feet. If we catch the ball between our feet we can play with anyone in the country. Routine defensive plays will define our season and how far we progress this year," stated Leighton.
Be Sure to Follow the Falcons Baseball Program all season on twitter by clicking here.
