Temple University Athletics
2009 All-Big 5 selection senior Tony Jusino
2010 Baseball Outlook: Infield
2.17.10 | Baseball
PHILADELPHIA - The second installment in a three part series highlighting the 2010 Temple baseball season.
Infield
The Owls are very confident in their outfield prospects, and the same can be said of the infielders.
In his first season with the Cherry and White, senior Tony Jusino burst onto the scene hitting .363 with 19 doubles to earn All-Big 5 honors. The California native worked the hot corner last season, and moves to more familiar territory at second base this year.
“We will lean on Tony and expect that he will improve upon the season he had a year ago,” commented Valli. “We asked Tony to play a new position last year (3B), and he was resilient enough to put together his best offensive season.”
Newcomer Adrian Perez joins Temple from Yuba Community College, where he garnered first team All-Bay Conference honors batting .399 driving in 34 runs. Also a product of the Golden State, Perez is penciled in as the opening day starter at shortstop for Temple.
“Adrian plays baseball better than his tools would lead you to believe,” assessed Valli. “He has great instincts that allow him to be in the right position at the right time.”
Sophomore Foster Dunigan increases depth to the infield, an athlete who can play three positions and spark the lineup at the plate. Last season, Dunigan proved his worth with nine hits batting .391.
Freshmen Henry Knabe and Elijah Yarborough look to develop and could see time as the season progresses. Both can play multiple infield positions, and have the ability to contribute a hot bat to the lineup at any point in the season.
On the corners, co-captain redshirt-sophomore Steve Nikorak missed last season due to injury, and returns to hold down third base for the Owls. Possessing a strong arm, Nikorak will be utilized as a pitcher as well, throwing from the bullpen and eventually in a starting role.
Junior Rafael Cordero has transitioned to third base this season, and is going to be a key part to the Owls' defense.
“Rafael is one of the hardest workers in our program,” commented Valli. “He can play second base and shortstop, but will have an opportunity to start at third.”
At first, junior Ben Flanary provides a tall target for the rest of the infield. Known for being a solid defensive player, he committed only two errors in his first two seasons.
“Ben is an outstanding defensive first basemen, which often gets overlooked,” said Valli. “He anchors our infield defensively, and can save a lot of throwing errors.”
Catcher The Owls graduated starting catcher Kyle Obal, but have several candidates in line to fill the duties. Three sophomores – Matt Elko, Taylor Juran, and Zach Pettis – and redshirt-junior Ferguson offer Temple dependable starters behind the plate.
“This is a position where no one player can go wire to wire,” said Valli. “Taylor will be our opening day starter, Ryan, Zach, and Matt are narrowing the gap and will compete to share the duties.”
Juran had to wait his turn in 2009, seeing time in 17 games, starting 11. With an added year of experience, the Shaler High School product gives the Owls a consistent presence behind the plate.
Elko and Pettis each redshirted last season, and are making strong returns to provide depth as solid defensive catchers.
Ferguson saw time in the outfield and at first base last season, but still is a viable option to catch. Making five starts, he hit four doubles and drove in five runs in 2009.
Infield
The Owls are very confident in their outfield prospects, and the same can be said of the infielders.
In his first season with the Cherry and White, senior Tony Jusino burst onto the scene hitting .363 with 19 doubles to earn All-Big 5 honors. The California native worked the hot corner last season, and moves to more familiar territory at second base this year.
“We will lean on Tony and expect that he will improve upon the season he had a year ago,” commented Valli. “We asked Tony to play a new position last year (3B), and he was resilient enough to put together his best offensive season.”
Newcomer Adrian Perez joins Temple from Yuba Community College, where he garnered first team All-Bay Conference honors batting .399 driving in 34 runs. Also a product of the Golden State, Perez is penciled in as the opening day starter at shortstop for Temple.
“Adrian plays baseball better than his tools would lead you to believe,” assessed Valli. “He has great instincts that allow him to be in the right position at the right time.”
Sophomore Foster Dunigan increases depth to the infield, an athlete who can play three positions and spark the lineup at the plate. Last season, Dunigan proved his worth with nine hits batting .391.
Freshmen Henry Knabe and Elijah Yarborough look to develop and could see time as the season progresses. Both can play multiple infield positions, and have the ability to contribute a hot bat to the lineup at any point in the season.
On the corners, co-captain redshirt-sophomore Steve Nikorak missed last season due to injury, and returns to hold down third base for the Owls. Possessing a strong arm, Nikorak will be utilized as a pitcher as well, throwing from the bullpen and eventually in a starting role.
Junior Rafael Cordero has transitioned to third base this season, and is going to be a key part to the Owls' defense.
“Rafael is one of the hardest workers in our program,” commented Valli. “He can play second base and shortstop, but will have an opportunity to start at third.”
At first, junior Ben Flanary provides a tall target for the rest of the infield. Known for being a solid defensive player, he committed only two errors in his first two seasons.
“Ben is an outstanding defensive first basemen, which often gets overlooked,” said Valli. “He anchors our infield defensively, and can save a lot of throwing errors.”
Catcher The Owls graduated starting catcher Kyle Obal, but have several candidates in line to fill the duties. Three sophomores – Matt Elko, Taylor Juran, and Zach Pettis – and redshirt-junior Ferguson offer Temple dependable starters behind the plate.
“This is a position where no one player can go wire to wire,” said Valli. “Taylor will be our opening day starter, Ryan, Zach, and Matt are narrowing the gap and will compete to share the duties.”
Juran had to wait his turn in 2009, seeing time in 17 games, starting 11. With an added year of experience, the Shaler High School product gives the Owls a consistent presence behind the plate.
Elko and Pettis each redshirted last season, and are making strong returns to provide depth as solid defensive catchers.
Ferguson saw time in the outfield and at first base last season, but still is a viable option to catch. Making five starts, he hit four doubles and drove in five runs in 2009.
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