Temple University Athletics
Junior Byron McKoy
2010 Baseball Outlook: Outfield
2.16.10 | Baseball
PHILADELPHIA - Stepping onto the diamond this spring, the Temple baseball team is focused on proving they are a top contender in the Atlantic 10. Bringing back his entire pitching staff from last season, fifth-year head coach Rob Valli also has on his hands a group of explosive position players ready to make an impact in 2010.
Headlining the Owls' staff is redshirt-senior Matt Mongiardini, a veteran hurler expected again to be the ace in Valli's rotation. The Temple bullpen hosts four more seniors, including 2009 All-Philadelphia Big 5 selection Ryan Thomas.
Add redshirt-sophomore Steve Nikorak's return to health with several key newcomers, and the Temple staff arrives fully reloaded for its 2010 campaign.
Leading the Owls returning position players are senior infielder 2009 All-Big 5 pick Tony Jusino and junior outfielder Byron McKoy. The pair is complimented by nine fellow letterwinners and a talented class of eight new arrivals.
“We have a group of juniors and seniors who have accumulated a lot of experience in our lineup over the past four years,” commented Valli. “Our goal is to put players in challenging situations with the expectation that experience will allow them to play their best baseball in second half of their careers.”
With the graduation of six starters from last season, Valli is confident the rising underclassmen will step in and fill the necessary roles.
“We have some big shoes to fill replacing six senior hitters, but the upside is that we have all of our pitchers back,” said Valli. “With the return of Mongiardini and Nikorak the whole pitching staff gets to bump down two spots, and we can put guys in positions were they can really succeed.”
Outfield
Emerging as one of the top outfielders in the conference over the last two seasons, McKoy (.314, 21 2B, 14 HR; career) is a vital part to the Temple offense and defense.
“Byron is our most explosive hitter,” Valli said. “He will hit third in the lineup and we need him to drive in a lot of runs.”
Starting in leftfield, McKoy spearheads a young but talented outfield that will be expected to immediately perform.
Joining him will be sophomore Jabair Khan, who has the duties of patrolling centerfield. This combination gives two true speedy centerfielders the opportunity to cover a lot of ground.
“Jabair gives us plenty of range in center and is a very exciting player to watch” said Valli. “He has the potential to not only be our top defensive player, but one of the best in the conference.”
Khan started 20 games during his freshman season, and will be called upon to bat at the top of the order for the Owls in 2010.
“Our best lineup would consist of Jabair leading off, Tony batting second, and Byron hitting third,” stated Valli. “The question will be whether or not Jabair can give us the type of on-base percentage we need out of a lead off hitter.”
Rightfield is a spot where the Temple staff has some options, with multiple candidates competing for starting time.
Expect freshman David Hall to vie for time in the right corner. A 2009 Under Armour Preseason High School All-American, Hall hit .404 as a high school senior with seven homeruns.
Classmate Daniel Dragos is another outstanding athlete that will play a valuable role in the outfield. Dragos was a preseason All-State selection before being injured for most of his senior season at DeMatha Catholic (MD).
“David and Daniel have demonstrated tremendous focus and continue to improve by leaps and bounds,” commented Valli. “They are the foundation of very talented freshman class.”
Transfer Jean Carlos Diaz can play both rightfield and designated hitter, possessing a power bat to help drive in runs for the Owls. A native of Puerto Rico, Diaz hit .333 at Broward J.C. last season.
Redshirt-junior Ryan Ferguson, a versatile athlete that can play outfield, first base, or catcher, provides another potent bat for the Owls. Freshman Bobby McCormick is a left-handed hitter that will backup in the outfield.
Headlining the Owls' staff is redshirt-senior Matt Mongiardini, a veteran hurler expected again to be the ace in Valli's rotation. The Temple bullpen hosts four more seniors, including 2009 All-Philadelphia Big 5 selection Ryan Thomas.
Add redshirt-sophomore Steve Nikorak's return to health with several key newcomers, and the Temple staff arrives fully reloaded for its 2010 campaign.
Leading the Owls returning position players are senior infielder 2009 All-Big 5 pick Tony Jusino and junior outfielder Byron McKoy. The pair is complimented by nine fellow letterwinners and a talented class of eight new arrivals.
“We have a group of juniors and seniors who have accumulated a lot of experience in our lineup over the past four years,” commented Valli. “Our goal is to put players in challenging situations with the expectation that experience will allow them to play their best baseball in second half of their careers.”
With the graduation of six starters from last season, Valli is confident the rising underclassmen will step in and fill the necessary roles.
“We have some big shoes to fill replacing six senior hitters, but the upside is that we have all of our pitchers back,” said Valli. “With the return of Mongiardini and Nikorak the whole pitching staff gets to bump down two spots, and we can put guys in positions were they can really succeed.”
Outfield
Emerging as one of the top outfielders in the conference over the last two seasons, McKoy (.314, 21 2B, 14 HR; career) is a vital part to the Temple offense and defense.
“Byron is our most explosive hitter,” Valli said. “He will hit third in the lineup and we need him to drive in a lot of runs.”
Starting in leftfield, McKoy spearheads a young but talented outfield that will be expected to immediately perform.
Joining him will be sophomore Jabair Khan, who has the duties of patrolling centerfield. This combination gives two true speedy centerfielders the opportunity to cover a lot of ground.
“Jabair gives us plenty of range in center and is a very exciting player to watch” said Valli. “He has the potential to not only be our top defensive player, but one of the best in the conference.”
Khan started 20 games during his freshman season, and will be called upon to bat at the top of the order for the Owls in 2010.
“Our best lineup would consist of Jabair leading off, Tony batting second, and Byron hitting third,” stated Valli. “The question will be whether or not Jabair can give us the type of on-base percentage we need out of a lead off hitter.”
Rightfield is a spot where the Temple staff has some options, with multiple candidates competing for starting time.
Expect freshman David Hall to vie for time in the right corner. A 2009 Under Armour Preseason High School All-American, Hall hit .404 as a high school senior with seven homeruns.
Classmate Daniel Dragos is another outstanding athlete that will play a valuable role in the outfield. Dragos was a preseason All-State selection before being injured for most of his senior season at DeMatha Catholic (MD).
“David and Daniel have demonstrated tremendous focus and continue to improve by leaps and bounds,” commented Valli. “They are the foundation of very talented freshman class.”
Transfer Jean Carlos Diaz can play both rightfield and designated hitter, possessing a power bat to help drive in runs for the Owls. A native of Puerto Rico, Diaz hit .333 at Broward J.C. last season.
Redshirt-junior Ryan Ferguson, a versatile athlete that can play outfield, first base, or catcher, provides another potent bat for the Owls. Freshman Bobby McCormick is a left-handed hitter that will backup in the outfield.
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