Roster Breakdown - The Frosh

Of course, none of these guys of played a game in a Petrel uniform. I'm basing this all on practices and their high school careers. Coaches are not crystal ball readers, we tend to be wrong, only occasionally, in our assessments. Like last year..I said Freshmen Micah Seehorn would play great defense, give us some speed but would really struggle at the plate....40 games later he was a .295 hitter!?! There is much to be said when the lights go on. Some guys just have that switch.

Enjoy!


#2 - Brandon McMichael - Outfield / Second Base

A speedy Inf/OF with good hands and an above average arm. He can play both the infield and outfield but will probably see more time in the outfield early in his career. Brandon gives us a nice option off the bench with speed on the base paths and is a good bunter. He'll need to work on his stroke during the year to shorten up his swing. Has the potential to develop into a leadoff type hitter and a solid 2B...

#4 Andrew Llano - Shortstop

Llano joins us after a year hiatus from baseball and from the St. Pius baseball program. He'll be the first player to wear the #4 since the last SS to come from Pius to Oglethorpe, Ryan Meehan. Both guys have a very similar style of play, for Llano that means some pretty big shoes to fill. There is no doubt he has the attitude, work ethic and talent to surpass Meehan's illustrious OU career. Andrew has quick feet, great hands and a ROCKET arm. He has a sweet swing with surprising power and knows the game of baseball. He'll most likely hit in the top of the lineup and give us some surprising speed on the base paths. He also is one of the locker room champs at video games....which may or may not be a good thing?!?

#7 Austin Benedict - Outfield

One of three Lakeside boys on the roster....Austin is a speedy center fielder with a good arm that will see time at all three outfield spots this year. A great bunter with a nice swing. He'll need some AB's to adjust to the college pitching but he works very hard and there is no doubt he'll find a way. Once on the bases he puts tremendous pressure on the opposing pitcher with his great speed.

#8 John Hale - Pitcher

After nursing an injury in the fall, John is fully recovered and ready to go. He will step into the starting rotation and will be able to give us quality innings. He has an unbelievable knack for pitching and delivers with four quality pitches. We will lean on him to make an immediate impact and get us deep into games.

#11 Chris Lucas - Outfield / First Base

Lucas joins us after a year at Ranger JuCo in Texas. He brings with him four years of eligibility and a passion for the game. Once you see Chris you think baseball player...when you see him you'll know what I mean. A smooth swinging lefty with a great arm and good speed, he'll give us a few options in the outfield and at first base. Chris will also contribute on the hill, giving us a quality lefty out of the pen.

#13 JJ Rizzo - Infielder

JJ transferred in at the semester break from Rollins College and immediately made his presence known. He has a smooth stroke, soft hands and a great arm...Coming from South Florida he has quickly made the adjustment to the cold weather. He'll see a lot of time at 1B and will also see time around the infield. Look for him to bat in the top half of the lineup and be a big run producer for the offense. He'll also see some time on the hill both as a reliever and spot starter.

#15 Brendan Pilger - Right Fielder

Pilber continues his career at Anderson Field after spending the past two seasons patrolling RF for St. Pius...He's very athletic, with a great arm and good wheels. He's been working extremely hard at his hitting and if he continues, he can develop into a big time hitter. He'll spend most of the time in RF and we look for him to mature into a leader on and off the field.

#18 Ben Giddens - Catcher

Ander, the Best Madden player on the team, starts the season as the #2 catcher and a candidate to get some AB's as the DH. He delivers a powerful stroke and we'll look to get him as many AB's as possible throughout the year. Behind the dish he's a good receiver and an excellent blocker. He gives the pitchers instant confidence with his catching skills and knowledge. As a freshmen he'll need to make the most of his time and learn the college game...He'll come into 2008 as the leading candidate to catch full time.

#20 Matt Anderson - Third Base

Matty will begin the season as the starting third baseman. He brings a gritty, blue-collar type of play to the team which is suited well for 3B. He's not afraid to put his body in front of screaming grounder or stick his nose in on a tag. Offensively he shows surprising pop in his bat. He's a tireless worker and has a me against the world attitude.

#23 Theo Stathakis - Inf

Basketball has claimed another victim...Theo playing some BB rolled is ankle and was diagnosed with a grade 3 sprained ankle (not good), It may take a few months to get him back and the possibility of red shirt will be discussed.

#26 Patrick Falco - Pitcher

After a tough loss in the Sugar Bowl his draft stock dropped and his NFL career never materialized....Just kidding. That was Shane Falco! Patrick gives the Petrels depth in their bullpen and looks to start the season as the setup man. The hope is he can move into the closer role later in the year. Now on a regimented throwing program Pat will gain arm strength which will only help him some zip to his fastball to go along with a good curve ball...

#28 Mario Rivera - Pitcher

The Hondurian sensation looks to fill out the starting rotation. Coming from a predominately soccer country, Mario has not had the intense baseball training found in the states. He has already added a few pounds to his frame through Infinite and with a structured throwing program will add to his arm strength. He brings a great curve ball to the mound along with a good sinking fastball. He's been working on a nice 'hook' change that will make his fastball that more deceptive.

#32 Stephen Archer - 1st Base

The big man has sure impressed us early on and is pushing for some serious playing time. A nice solid swing with good power, Archer could develop into a big time run producer. He's shown good footwork and a good glove at first base. Practice and hard work will only make him better.