PITCHING

The Foresters return eight pitchers from the 2007 staff. Starters Drew Taylor, Eric Randel and Michael Dalton return to lead a staff that posted a 5.98 team ERA last season.  Taylor (Kokomo HS, Kokomo, IN) the junior left hander, was 7-4 with a team leading 2.49 ERA. Taylor was named to the Mid-Central College All-Conference team. Junior Eric Randel (Frankfort HS, Frankfort IN) was 4-6 with a 4.84 ERA in ten starts, and senior Michael Dalton (Blackford HS, Montpelier, IN) finished the 2007 campaign with a 3-5 record and a 7.51 ERA.

Senior Trent Huffman (Angola HS, Angola, IN) will have an opportunity to be in the 2008 rotation. The left hander was 1-0 in his only start a year ago. Seniors Adam Farris (Florence, KY), Korey Grow (Sullivan HS, Sullivan, IN), Jeremy Rodibaugh (Rensselaer Central HS, Rensselaer, IN), and Keith Benbow (Cowan HS, Muncie, IN) will be used in relief, as will freshman Avery Simonds (Lawrence North HS, Indianapolis, IN).  

Coach Frame’s pre-season pitcher evaluation: “Our pitching was too inconsistent in 2007 and this must change if we are to compete at a high level. With the exception of Drew, we were never quite sure what to expect. We have made some adjustments in our approach and we saw some very good things in the fall.  Drew has gotten better and will be counted on heavily again. His arm strength has improved and his velocity is better. Eric had some good outings in 2007 and we expect him to continue to improve. Michael has outstanding stuff, but got off to a very slow start last year due to illness. This team needs both Eric and Michael to step up and be consistent in our rotation. Trent has never really gotten an opportunity to get consistent innings, but will get that chance this year. Although he has not had many starts, he has demonstrated the ability to get people out and had a very good fall. Both Keith and Adam had good outings in the fall and will be counted on heavily in relief. Both have good stuff, but lacked consistency in 2007. Keith has a great arm and continues to get better with every outing. Korey was used in short relief as a sophomore and we will use him again as a senior. Jeremy will be used as a short reliever and has demonstrated the ability to be effective out of the pen. Avery had a decent fall when he was healthy. He has the ability to get college hitters out. As a staff we underachieved last spring.  This season, we feel like we have some good arms on the staff, but we need to go out and perform everyday.” 

INFIELDERS

The Foresters will return three fourths of their infield in 2008. Senior Thad Frame (Huntington North HS, Huntington, IN, .364, 31-R, 27 RBI) returns at shortstop after an NAIA All-Region year in 2007. Senior Austan Kas (Frankfort HS, Frankfort, IN, .279, 15- SB, 15 RBI) will once again be the Foresters' second baseman. Kas has been one of the most consistent performers for the Foresters since his arrival on campus in 2004. He as named to the NAIA All Golden Glove team last year. Senior Alex Rinearson (Northrop HS, Ft Wayne, IN, .347, 4-HR, 32 RBI) will move from first base to his natural position of 3B in 2008. Sophomore Andrew Drummond (Huntington North HS, Huntington, IN, .394, 1-HR, 20 RBI) moves from the DH role to play 1B. Drummond joined Frame on the NAIA All-Region team a year ago. Senior Adam Farris (Florence, KY, .394 2-HR, 18 RBI) will be the everyday designated hitter. Sophomore Jared Hammel (Huntington North HS, Huntington, IN) will compete for time at first base.  The newcomer to the infield this fall is third baseman Travis Frantz (Fremont, IN). 

Coach Frame’s pre-season infield evaluation: “We feel like we will once again be solid in the infield. Thad and Austan have played together for a long time and give us a very solid middle defensively, especially turning the double play. Thad and Austan will also figure into our plans in a big way offensively.  We think Alex can make the transition back to 3B. This will allow us to get Andrew and Adam into the lineup at the same time.  Travis is going to be an outstanding player for us and will make an impact right away. Jared gives us some offense off the bench. Once again, our infield is one of the biggest strengths, both offensively and defensively, that we have as a team. If our pitchers can get the ground ball consistently, we think we have players that can field it.” 

CATCHERS

As with several other position, the Foresters will return their starting catching from last year. Senior Zach Crooks (Carroll HS, Churubusco, IN, .377) returns as the Foresters' starter behind the plate. Freshman Justin Branock (Mississinewa HS, Marion, IN) will begin the year backing up Crooks. Junior Edwin Rodriguez (Arecibo, PR) and senior Matt Cross (Elkhart Central HS, Elkhart, IN) will also see time behind the plate.  

Coach Frame’s pre-season catcher evaluation: “Our catching was solid last year, and it will be even better this year.  Zach has developed into a very solid college receiver. He also made a big contribution last year at the plate. Justin has an outstanding throwing arm and is very athletic. Edwin came in this fall with the reputation as someone who could swing the bat, but he also demonstrated he will be very solid defensively as well. Matt, although not getting much playing time, is a big part of our catching position and our team. He makes a very important contribution in our bullpen.” 

OUTFIELDERS

The Foresters return two everyday starters and one spot starter from their 2007 team. Senior Keith Benbow (Cowan HS, Muncie, IN, .217, 15 RBI, 10-SB) returns in center field. Senior Korey Grow (Sullivan HS, Sullivan, IN, .370, 2-HR, 30 RBI) returns in left field and will hit in the middle of the Foresters order. Grow led the Foresters in several offensive categories last season and was named to the NAIA All-Region Team. Sophomore Ryan Shell (Gas City, IN, .368, 19-R, 3-SB) saw time as a part-time starter in right field and will have a chance for more playing time in 2008. Three new players will compete for playing time in the outfield. They are sophomore transfer Eric Harpring (Parkland CC, Rushville, IN), freshmen Justin Branock and Avery Simonds.  

Coach Frame’s pre-season outfield evaluation: “We return some solid talent in the outfield. Korey will play left field and hit in the middle of our order. He has gotten better every year and we are expecting more from him this season. Keith has great athletic ability and is one of the best defensive centerfielders we have ever had. His consistency at the plate is a big key for us offensively. Eric will see playing time in center field. He was probably our most improved player from the beginning of the fall to the end. Ryan will compete for time in right field with Justin Branock when he is not behind the plate. Avery will make a contribution for us right away off the bench.”

COACH FRAME’S OVERALL TEAM OUTLOOK

“We believe once again that this team has a chance to be very good. We have eleven seniors that have been together for at least 3 years. There is the perception that we underachieved as a team in 2007 and there is certainly some truth to that. We are trying not to focus on expectations and just try to be the best we can be each and every day. We have a great group of kids that are committed to getting better and performing at a high level. We have a strong coaching staff that does a great job of teaching the game and motivating our kids. As is the case every year, we must stay healthy and perform up to our ability level. Our conference schedule is tough again and there are no easy wins. We have to show up every day to compete.” 

“We think the strength of our team will be our ability to score runs. We think our offensive lineup will be solid from top to bottom. Defensively, we are strong, especially up the middle. We have people in the outfield that can run and we can turn the double play in the infield. Our catching is improved over last year. Our consistency on the mound will ultimately be the key to our season. We have kids on the mound that have had good success against good teams; we just have to be consistent. We have to believe we can win no matter who is on the mound. Once again, our kids have a high level of anticipation for the 2008 season. They are very competitive and truly like being together. As always, we play a very difficult schedule, especially early in the season. We will work to get off to a good start.”

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