2008 Baseball Season Outlook

News: 2008 Baseball Team Ranked #1 in the nation!

The 2008 Pirates will return a nucleus of proven performers in their quest for another State Tournament and JUCO World Series appearance. All Conference players Miguel Mejia, Yariel Soto, Ryan Ditthardt and Joey Stevens return to compliment an outstanding batch of returners and newcomers for PJC. Mejia will be looking to duplicate his 11-0 record from a year ago, and Stevens led the Conference in extra base hits as a Freshman (15 2B, 2 3B & 8 HR).

As usual, the Pirates trophy run will hinge on pitching and that group is expected to be bolstered by LSU transfer and former Pace star, righthander Chris Sorce and BYU transfer, lefthander Blaine Howell. Add to those guys, returning closer Daniel Esparza, who will be helped by sidearmer JB Skees, a transfer from Walters State, highly touted Joey Delgado and Catholic lefty RJ Moye and it looks like the frint end of the rotation as well as the back end of the bullpen will be in good hands. Atlanta’s Matt Caplan and 2 very talented righthanders, Taylor Riggs and Josh Reed are also capable and will each get plenty of opportunities.

Offensively, in addition to the middle of the order that includes 1B/OF Ditthardt, C/1B Stevens and C Soto, the Pirates have a host of talented players to chose from. Most notably INF Robert Beary, OF Bear Comer and 1B/OF Matt Taliercio looked to be exceptional hitters in early workouts. The Big Bend’s Player of the Year, Kevin Vasquez (Godby HS) and the runner-up, Kyle Marks (Wakulla) will be counted on too. If experience counts for anything, then the quartet of INF David Poutier, OF Toddrick Stevenson, 1B Stuart Davis and SS Alex Melendez will round out what could be a very explosive attack.

The Pirates also look to be stronger defensively in 2008 with the additions of Melendez at short and Poutier at second. Melendez is a premium shortstop, along the lines of former greats Jason McBride, Bo Brown and Jeff Morris. With Stevenson or Comer in centerfield and Soto or Stevens behind the plate, PJC should be strong up the middle in the Spring.

Another year of experience for Assistant Coaches Mike Knight and Greg Blackmon, another great job in recruiting by Associate Head Coach Doug Martin and the addition of former State Champion Jason Kohl to the Coaching Staff should spell another Great Season for Head Coach Bill Hamilton and the Pirates!

Baseball Senior Combine 2008 (.pdf)

Baseball Showcase Brochure 2007 (.pdf)