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2008 Season Outlook
The 2008 version of the Lakers will be very different from the version that took the field over the last two campaigns. The 2007 season ended with a sub-regional loss to the Herkimer Generals who would eventually finish 3rd in the nation. “We took our shot with that group last year and just came up short. Now it’s time to reload and start building toward a regional championship with a new group,” says head coach Patrick Greer, now in his third season. “We have to replace a lot of offense and basically our whole pitching staff, but I think this group is up to the challenge.”
The 2008 Lakers will look to a few established members to provide leadership both on and off the field. Aaron Hallett (Caledonia-Mumford/Caledonia), returns behind the plate after an All-Region and All-Conference freshman campaign. “We have to ask Aaron to help bring young pitching along as well as be the standout offensive performer he’s always been,” says Greer. “Aaron has really had a great career here, and I think when it’s all over that he could go down as possibly the best all around catcher that we’ve ever had here.”
Strength up the middle is always a positive in baseball and the Lakers will have that with Hallett and returning starting shortstop Damon Arnold (Wellsville/Wellsville). “Damon could always play outstanding defense, but I think an entire summer in the New York Collegiate Baseball League has really helped him develop as an offensive threat. He’s a much different hitter than he was one year ago.” Nate Eaton (Maple Hill/Castleton) will pair up with Arnold in the middle infield while Chris Taylor (East Irondequoit/ Rochester) will get the initial nod in centerfield. “Both of these guys showed flashes for us last year when they were healthy, and we think they’ll be ready to perform this spring. We think we have some exciting freshman that are going to play there way into the mix as well,” Greer says.
On the corners the Lakers will have more options than they’ve had in the past few seasons. Zach Eason (Oswego/Oswego) returns after a All-Region and All-Conference year that resulted in a .378 batting avg. and 5 home runs. “We think that Zach is obviously an offensive threat, so he’ll be in the lineup everyday,” says Greer. “We’ve worked to give Zach the ability to play a couple positions in order to give us lineup flexibility. I think that with Zach, Corey Ernisse (East Irondequoit/Rochester), Jordan Bergado (Penfield/Penfield) and Jeff Jones (Honeoye Falls-Lima/Mendon) we should have some excitement in the middle of the lineup.” Jared Wigden (Penn Yan Academy/Penn Yan) and Sean Loomis (Mexico Academy/Mexico) will vie for playing time at third base. “I’m excited about having the ability to move guys in and out of the lineup to try and maximize our offense based on who’s hot at the time,” Greer says “We haven’t been able to do that the past few years.”
On the mound, the Lakers have to replace nearly the entire staff from 2007. With Jimmy Dale pitching at Minnesota State-Mankato, the Lakers need someone to step up and take the #1 spot in the rotation. “We’ve got a few guys that could step up and be the guy on the mound,” Greer says “It will be interesting to see who wants the ball in his hand during the big games.” Joey Albee (Wayland-Cohocton/Cohocton) returns to the rotation after a solid freshman year. Josh Gascon (Livonia/Livonia), Keagan Smith (Madison/Madison) and transfer Billy Harvey (Honeoye Falls-Lima/Honeoye Falls) should all push to be in the rotation along with six other freshmen. “These guys are all going to have to learn on the job,” Greer said “We’ve done it before, (in 2006), with an entirely freshman pitching staff. There were definitely times when we took our lumps, but it made the group better for having to compete. In the end, we’re really happy with this group’s makeup, its character and its work ethic. I can promise you that this team will work hard right to the end, and I’m excited to see where that takes them.” The Lakers will open the season on March 15 at the University of Maryland.
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