Baseball Preview, Part 3: Butler

Feb. 12, 2007

Since head coach Steve Farley arrived at Butler in 1992, every player he has recruited who has remained in the program for four years has either won a conference championship or played in the conference tournament title game. That's a record that few Division I baseball coaches in the Midwest can match.

"We've been fortunate to bring in quality student-athletes who shared our vision of where we wanted this program to go," Farley said. "When pro scouts tell me that they see our players develop and get better, it gives me great pride."

Former Bulldog pitcher and current Minnesota Twin Pat Neshek helped pitch his team to the American League playoffs in 2006. Neshek still owns several pitching records from his days in a Bulldog uniform.

"Everything that Coach Farley told me would happen during my college career came true," Neshek said. "To this day I haven't met a greater bunch of guys than my Butler teammates. I put my faith in coach Farley, and he helped me take my game to a higher level."

The Bulldogs lost five seniors from last year's team that competed in the Horizon League tournament championship game. But the returning core of players has coach Farley optimistic about the team's chances this season.

"We lost some guys from last year's squad that gave us excellent leadership," Farley commented, "but I believe this year's seniors are just as committed. We have a great mix of seasoned veteran players to go with the talented young guys who are just starting their Butler careers.

"Coming so close to claiming an NCAA Tournament bid last year will give our guys even more incentive to play the game with passion this season. I'm excited about the opportunity we have to take that next step."

Pitchers
Pitching depth should be one of the strengths of the Bulldog team in 2007. Matt Byzet is the lone senior on the staff after rejoining the team following a transfer from Kentucky. Byzet was 6-1 with a pair of saves during his freshman season at Butler. Juniors Jon Dages and Brian Deter pitched quality innings in multiple appearances in the 2006 Horizon League Tournament and will be counted on heavily this spring. Dages was named Pitcher of the Year last summer in the Shenandoah Valley collegiate league in Virginia. Another junior, lefty Bryan Bokowy, will figure prominently in the starting pitching plans.

A talented group of freshmen pitchers a year ago, the current sophomores will have an opportunity to gain valuable innings on the mound in 2007. Matt Sokolowski and Ryan Kruszka head the list of potent second-year hurlers. Kruszka helped lead his Great Lakes League team to a championship last summer. Jeff Sinkiewicz, Tyler Tepe, Joe Ochs and Evan DePotter will also battle for time on the mound. Freshmen Tyler Szymczak, Jamie Feldheiser, Mike Hussey and Tyler Schmidt round out the talented pitchers that Farley has to choose from.

Another highly recruited freshman, Chris Denney, will sit out the spring after undergoing shoulder surgery in December.

"I like our pitching staff," Farley said. "We have plenty of talented arms, and now we need to go into every game with a tough, positive mental approach."

Catchers
Senior Joe Dempsey was voted MVP by his teammates following the 2006 regular season, and having him behind the plate to start the 2007 campaign will give the Bulldog pitching staff plenty of confidence. Dempsey, a possible pro prospect, threw out 50 percent of opposing base stealers last season and will hit somewhere in the middle of the Butler batting order.

Backing up Dempsey will be fifth-year senior Brandon Tormoehlen and sophomore Alex Montagano. Tormoehlen sat out last year due to an arm injury but has valuable Horizon League experience, while Montagano was listed as the team's No. 2 catcher at the end of last season.

Also contending for time behind the plate will be sophomores Austin Nickol and Edwin Rodriguez. Junior catcher Kyle McLaughlin played some outfield last spring and may also see action in the designated hitter role.

"We are fortunate to have a quality senior like Joe behind the plate," Farley said, "but in a 56-game season, you need to count on other guys behind the plate as well. It will be interesting to see who emerges as our top back-up guy."

Infield
Farley will have several options to choose from in the infield this season. A proven performer, junior Joe Pauley was named to the All-Horizon League First Team at shortstop in 2006 but may move to second base to start the season. Sophomore Joel Matheny could make the move to short after being tabbed to the league's All-Newcomer team at third base last season.

Senior Matt Ferguson enters 2007 as the starter at third base but could also be used at first base. Backing up Ferguson will be freshman Kyle Schultz, a solid left-handed hitter. Junior Ryan Neat showed strength with the bat during the fall season and will get reps at first base, while sophomore Kyle Cox could see action at first after receiving recognition as one of the top designated hitters in the league last season.

Freshmen Bobby Mosser and Craig Federer will give the Bulldogs depth at second base and first base, respectively, and transfers Jason Jamerson (Ball State) and Garrett Curless (Triton Junior College) could add to the mix. Jamerson is a strong athlete with excellent skills at second base, while Curless is a first baseman with power potential from the left side of the plate.

"We'll be able to use a couple of different line-ups in the infield as we start the season," Farley said. "We have a good mix of righty and lefty hitters to choose from."

Outfield
Farley felt very comfortable with his returning group of outfielders from 2006, so no freshmen outfielders were brought in this past fall. Seniors Tony Barnes and Dustin Bucalo will start in left field and center field, respectively, while sophomore Colin Ziegel is expected to start in right field following an outstanding fall season. Senior Ricky Chomicz and junior Nate Hart also impressed the coaching staff during fall ball with their speed and offensive potential. Sophomores Rick Betsch and Geoff Ritter are very capable players with Division I ability.

"Our outfielders made some huge catches for us last season," Farley commented. "I'm confident Butler fans will see more great plays from them in 2007."

Story provided by Butler Office of Sports Information