Temple University Athletics
Adrian Perez
Photo by: Joseph V. Labolito/Temple University
2011 Baseball Outlook: Infield
2.16.11 | Baseball
PHILADELPHIA - The second in a three-part series highlighting the 2011 baseball season.
INFIELD
Three of the four slots see the return of starters from a year ago to support what will be a veteran Temple infield. Along with the rise of several freshmen who saw time last season, the Owls have added a key transfer to round out the diamond.
When not being used on the hill, redshirt-junior Steve Nikorak will once again command the hot corner for the Owls. Batting .318 and leading the team with 16 doubles last season, the Stroudsburg, Pa., native is expected to again hit out of the middle of the order for the Owls.
"Steve is a better third baseman now than he was a year ago because of his work ethic and discipline," said Valli. "He is an anchor for us and he is a guy we are really going to count on."
There are several practical options for Valli in the middle infield, starting with senior Adrian Perez at shortstop. In his first season with the Owls, the Woodland, Calif., native showed an explosive bat, but looks to clean up his fielding to make himself a solid all-around shortstop this season.
The Owls will look to junior transfer Cameron Green to fit in at second base on opening day. Green, arriving to North Broad Street via East Oklahoma State, has the ability to hit for power and is a legitimate option at third when Nikorak pitches.
"Cameron is a student of the game," said Valli. "He can play second, third and first. He played shortstop in junior college, but he can play those three positions for us adequately."
Cordero and two sophomores - Henry Knabe and Elijah Yarborough - will play important roles in the infield and look to see time. Cordero has seen sporadic action throughout his career and will be utilized at second base. The Colonia, N.J., native hit 11 doubles in just 77 at bats last season.
Yarborough is defensively one of the Owls' top infielders, but will need to show consistency at the plate to increase his playing time. Knabe has a power bat and provides the Owls with a right-handed designated hitter.
On the right side of the infield, an always sure-handed fielder in Flanary provides the Owls' infield with a trusted target at first base. In 2010, the Marlton, N.J., native posted a .979 fielding percentage and committed just six errors in 284 chances.
CATCHER
Senior Ryan Ferguson is going to be counted on to handle the majority of the catching duties for the Owls this season. The Glen Mills, Pa., product started 33 games behind the dish for the Owls last season, coming along as a full-time starter after walking onto the team in 2009.
"Ryan has really made himself a much more complete hitter," said Valli. "His work ethic has allowed him to become a much better catcher, and he has the versatility because he is so competitive to go and play the other corner positions - right field and first base."
Also returning to the catcher position are junior Taylor Juran, redshirt-junior Zach Pettis and redshirt-sophomore Matt Elko. Valli expects Juran to assume the role of designated hitter, being especially valuable as a left-handed hitter.
Freshman Will Remillard is a newcomer that Valli and his staff are very excited about. A Cohoes, N.Y., native (La Salle Institute), Remillard is a very polished catcher and has the potential to command the starting job.
"Will's tools behind the plate right now are outstanding," commented Valli. "Our goal with Will is going to be getting him in the lineup as much as possible and see how he has progressed once A-10 play starts."
INFIELD
Three of the four slots see the return of starters from a year ago to support what will be a veteran Temple infield. Along with the rise of several freshmen who saw time last season, the Owls have added a key transfer to round out the diamond.
When not being used on the hill, redshirt-junior Steve Nikorak will once again command the hot corner for the Owls. Batting .318 and leading the team with 16 doubles last season, the Stroudsburg, Pa., native is expected to again hit out of the middle of the order for the Owls.
"Steve is a better third baseman now than he was a year ago because of his work ethic and discipline," said Valli. "He is an anchor for us and he is a guy we are really going to count on."
There are several practical options for Valli in the middle infield, starting with senior Adrian Perez at shortstop. In his first season with the Owls, the Woodland, Calif., native showed an explosive bat, but looks to clean up his fielding to make himself a solid all-around shortstop this season.
The Owls will look to junior transfer Cameron Green to fit in at second base on opening day. Green, arriving to North Broad Street via East Oklahoma State, has the ability to hit for power and is a legitimate option at third when Nikorak pitches.
"Cameron is a student of the game," said Valli. "He can play second, third and first. He played shortstop in junior college, but he can play those three positions for us adequately."
Cordero and two sophomores - Henry Knabe and Elijah Yarborough - will play important roles in the infield and look to see time. Cordero has seen sporadic action throughout his career and will be utilized at second base. The Colonia, N.J., native hit 11 doubles in just 77 at bats last season.
Yarborough is defensively one of the Owls' top infielders, but will need to show consistency at the plate to increase his playing time. Knabe has a power bat and provides the Owls with a right-handed designated hitter.
On the right side of the infield, an always sure-handed fielder in Flanary provides the Owls' infield with a trusted target at first base. In 2010, the Marlton, N.J., native posted a .979 fielding percentage and committed just six errors in 284 chances.
CATCHER
Senior Ryan Ferguson is going to be counted on to handle the majority of the catching duties for the Owls this season. The Glen Mills, Pa., product started 33 games behind the dish for the Owls last season, coming along as a full-time starter after walking onto the team in 2009.
"Ryan has really made himself a much more complete hitter," said Valli. "His work ethic has allowed him to become a much better catcher, and he has the versatility because he is so competitive to go and play the other corner positions - right field and first base."
Also returning to the catcher position are junior Taylor Juran, redshirt-junior Zach Pettis and redshirt-sophomore Matt Elko. Valli expects Juran to assume the role of designated hitter, being especially valuable as a left-handed hitter.
Freshman Will Remillard is a newcomer that Valli and his staff are very excited about. A Cohoes, N.Y., native (La Salle Institute), Remillard is a very polished catcher and has the potential to command the starting job.
"Will's tools behind the plate right now are outstanding," commented Valli. "Our goal with Will is going to be getting him in the lineup as much as possible and see how he has progressed once A-10 play starts."
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