When Ball State University baseball coach Greg Beals looks at his 2006 scorecard, one word comes to mind: Experience.-á
A potent Ball State offense that led the Mid-American Conference in team batting average in 2005 returns almost entirely intact for the 2006 baseball season. Of the seven starters returning from that group, six are seniors.-á
"It's going to be a big thing, the experience (the returning starters) bring offensively and defensively," Beals said. "The offense that remains intact is going to be a big part of the success of this year's team."-á
Despite opponents walking him 41 times - the second-most in the conference - Brad Miller managed to finish tied for the third-best batting average (.357) in the MAC. He also tied for the most home runs and finished with the second-most RBIs for Ball State. -á
Although Miller's offensive numbers were slightly down last season, Beals said he expects the first baseman to have a big senior season after making some adjustments to his swing.-á
"The bottom line is Brad Miller is a great hitter," Beals said.
Also returning in the infield are catcher Matt Singleton, second baseman Kyle Dygert and third baseman C.J. Webb.-á
Singleton was drafted in the 33rd round of the Major League Baseball draft by the Oakland Athletics in 2005 but decided to return to school. Dygert had the second-most hits with 76 for a .355 batting average, both marks behind Miller. Webb hit .346, and finished with the second-most home runs (six) on the team.-á
"Those guys have all been around the block," Beals said. "They know what to expect. They're good college baseball players."-á
Center fielder Mike Sullivan will be the catalyst offensively for the outfield after experiencing a breakout season in 2005, finishing with a team-high 72 hits for a batting average of .353. He also drove in 29 runs and scored 57 runs.
["Sullivan's] gotten better and better every year," Beals said. "He's primed for having a great senior season."-áJoining Sullivan in the outfield will once again be Eric Earnhart at right field. Three players - Brian Meyer, Justin Rogers and Chris Pestle - will split time at left field and designated hitter.
Both Pestle and Earnhart joined Ball State after playing a year in junior college. Pestle struggled through his first season with the Cardinals, batting .237, scoring 20 runs and driving in 19 runs. Earnhart batted .321 and drove in 19 runs. -á
"They're going to settle in and be more consistent," Beals said. "That year of experience is really going to improve their consistency."-á
PITCHING
Although most of Ball State University's 2006 baseball team returns most of its pitching staff, two big holes will have to be filled for the Cardinals to experience the same kind of success that it did last season.-á
Gone are closer Erik Morrison and starter Joe Ness.-á
Last season, Morrison tied for fourth in the nation in saves with 15 and compiled a 1.32 ERA and 7-0 record. Ness finished with a 4.01 ERA, a 5-5 record, and struck out a team-best 88 batters.-á
But even with their departure, the Cardinals expect to have a capable staff. Among those returning include Ben Snyder, who was named to the Louisville Slugger Freshman All-America Team last season.-á
Snyder replaces Ness as the Cardinals' staff ace after finishing last season with an 8-5 overall record and 7-0 in Mid-American Conference play. As a freshman, he pitched 98 innings, allowing 53 runs on 93 hits. Opposing batters batted a .249 average against Snyder.-á
Snyder will be joined by Ryan DeGeeter and Tyler Pritchard in the starting rotation, both of whom saw some action last season in starting roles. -á
DeGeeter began last year as the number three starter and will begin this season as the number two man. He made 16 appearances, starting in 10, but struggled in finishing with a 7.19 ERA.
"They're all very capable of playing in those roles, that's normal progression," Beals said.-á
Several Cardinals shared duties pitching in relief last season, and are expected to do the same this season. Kory Bucklew, who's season was cut short when he suffered a broken finger from a line drive during the middle of the season, finished with a 2-1 record in 14 appearances. The Cardinals will also look to Richie Fralick in the bullpen. Fralick managed a 4.93 ERA last year in 20 outings, finishing with a 3-1 record.-á
Morrison's replacement will be Kyle Heyne. Heyne played the closer role during games in which Morrison was not scheduled to pitch, and compiled a 2.59 ERA and two saves. He allowed a team-low 23 hits in 18 appearances.-á
"The thing we're going to really miss is that shutdown closer in Morrison," Beals said. "You're not going to replace those numbers that [he] had."-á
Beals said freshman right-hander Jay Broughton has an "electric arm" who will contribute immediately, and Beals expects him to pitch in relief this weekend.
"We're looking forward to him getting experience throughout the year," Beals said. "As he gets experience, you're going to see him in bigger situations."-á
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