2015 Baseball Preview
Penn State Hazleton Baseball Preview
This year's squad looks to improve from a less than stellar 2014 campaign. New additions Corey Ryba and Tyler Myers look to firm up a middle infield defensively. Tommy Sharp and Ryan Weidick look to add some much needed pop to a lineup that is looking to improve on 2014's low offensive output. Pitchers Charlie Karchner and CJ Zigemont promise to be a formidable duo at the top of the pitching rotation providing ample winning opportunities. Utility player Brian Griest, who has had a great winter program and has proven to be a valuable asset to the club as he will be called upon to fill many different roles this season. Hazleton will also have veteran depth coming off the bench in Starlin Colon, who was last year's team do it all player.
The 2015 squad will be young and inexperienced at many positions but has the talent to be formidable playoff contender come seasons end.
Key Returners:
DH Aaron Glass – Led the team with a .422 batting average and 16 RBI. Coming off should surgery in 2014, Glass's role will be limited, but will to continue to provide offense for the Lions.
INF: Starlin Colon – Colon batted .235 last season with 10 runs scored while playing a multitude of roles for the team.
INF: PJ Hobbs – Led the Lions in stolen bases in 2014 while committing just one error in 75 chances in the field.
P: Sam Yeager – Yeager will see an expanded role 2015, providing the Lions with much needed relief pitching out of the bullpen.
Probable Rotation/Relief Pitchers
1.Charlie Karcher
2. CJ Ziegmont
3. Brian Griest
4. Joey Nigito
5. Tommy Sharp
6. Corey Ryba
RP: Starlin Colon
RP: Michael Baez
RP: Sam Yeager
RP: Joe Winter
Projected lineup:
LF: Cody Ryba
CF: Max Mott
RF: Ryan Weidick
3B: Brian Griest
SS: Corey Ryba
2B: Tyler Myers
1B: PJ Hobbs
C: Joey Nigito
P: Charlie Karchner
DH: Tommy Sharp
Bench:
P/OF: CJ Ziegmont
OF: Tyler Marnell
C: Joseph Winter
OF: Jared Carrelli
3B: Starlin Colon
P: Michael Baez
P: Sam Yeager
2B: DonVito Kuinlan
DH: Aaron Glass