2006 Baseball Preview: Quantity and Quality Could Be the Story for Eagles
February 17, 2006

It’s not newsworthy that Ashland University baseball players take multiple choice tests. It is, however, somewhat rare for the AU baseball coach to be taking that kind of exam.

Head coach John Schaly faces multiple choices as he looks to settle on a lineup for the 2006 Eagles. He may have more options than a senior citizen perusing Medicare drug plan options, but the good news is that when all’s said and done, Schaly won’t be confused. This AU team appears to have quantity and quality and the big question is how long it takes everything to come together.

“I think we have a great nucleus of returnees and with our new players we have a lot more depth,” said Schaly, who’s in his ninth season at AU. “Early on, especially the Florida trip, we’re going to look at some different combinations and see what works. There’s competition at every position. We wanted to do that, it will make everyone better. I feel very good about our depth, I think it’s the best we’ve had in awhile.”

AU was 32-16 a year ago, 13-7 in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. For most teams, those figures would be a cause for celebration. For the Eagles, those numbers have rekindled their competitive fires. AU missed the NCAA playoffs last season and that snapped a string of six consecutive NCAA playoff appearances. That’s added to the Eagles’ determination for 2006.

“There’s no question we have a bad taste in our mouths,” Schaly said. “We’re using that as motivation for this year.”

A look at the 2006 Eagles follows.

Catcher – The reception is strong here, not a lot of static. That bodes well for the pitching staff.

AU is blessed with three receivers who have college experience – sophomore Chase Beatty, junior Eric Zattlin and senior Ray Frisbee.

Beatty hit .280 in 25 games as a rookie last season.

“For a freshman Chase did very well,” Schaly said. “He got a lot of experience and that will make him that much better this season.”

Frisbee spent most of his time as a designated hitter last season and hit .328 with a homer and 22 RBI. He’s a proven hitter who is expected to reside in the middle of the order again in 2006.

Zattlin is a transfer from Muskegon Community College who will be counted on immediately.

“Eric’s a lefthanded hitter with a good arm,” Schaly reported. “He’s a good receiver. We’ve got a great left-right combination with these guys.”

The lone newcomer at this spot is freshman Justin Wohlford, a righthanded hitter with power.

First Base – Stability is the byword here thanks to sophomore Ron Oneson. A honorable mention All-GLIAC pick last season when he hit .353 with 10 doubles and a team-high 37 RBI, the 6-5, 230-pound Oneson is expected to be a leader on this year’s team. The righthanded-hitting Oneson should be one of the top players in the region.

“Ron’s been in the middle of the order since his freshman year,” reminded Schaly. “We want him to take on more of a leadership role, perform in the clutch, drive in runs. He’s improved his defense, which makes our infield defense better.”

Three other players could surface at first base if Oneson needs a breather. That trio includes juniors Casey Jirsa, Josh Davidson and John Hosgood.

Jirsa has hit with power in the past (nine homers in 2004) and the Eagles would love to see him come of age in 2006. Davidson hit .281 last year and knocked in 20 runs. However, because Davidson is counted on so heavily as a pitcher, he probably will see more time at designated hitter than in the field. Hosgood hit .289 in 2004. He’s the lone lefthanded hitter of the group at first base.

“Casey’s got great power,” said Schaly. “With more consistency, he should have a great year.”

Second Base – The Eagles will turn to a newcomer here, introducing junior Justin Richards to AU fans. Richards is a transfer from West Virginia. He had success with the Mountaineers – he was the program’s freshman of the year and earned two letters. He can play third base, shortstop and second base. He’s expected to settle in at second base with the Eagles and also see time on the mound.

“Justin hit the ball well at West Virginia,” said Schaly of the lefthanded-hitting Richards. “He’s a guy who can hit in the middle of the order, maybe third.”

Sophomore Chris Haycox is second on the depth chart. Senior Jim Barry could figure in the mix, but he’s projected to see more playing time at shortstop and on the mound.

“Chris has really improved, he’s going to be a good player,” said Schaly of Haycox, who played in 18 games last season. “He’s ready for his opportunity. We feel very comfortable with him as he’ll play great defense.”

Another player listed here is junior Brian Fanion. This newcomer is on the shelf due to injury.

Shortstop – Barry’s game doesn’t include a lot of peaks and valleys. As a pitcher and middle infielder, he has methodically handled every challenge that’s come his way.

“His biggest strength is his defense,” Schaly said. “Jim plays good defense and he’s improving offensively. He’s a steady player.”

Barry hit . 309 a year ago in 42 games.

Junior Justin Randall, a transfer from St. Clair County Community College, figures to play here, too. He brings experience to the middle infield.

“Justin can play short, third or second,” pointed out Schaly. “He plays them all well. He’s a contact hitter and will hit at the top of the order.”

Third Base – Randall, Jirsa, Hosgood and Davidson are candidates to see time at this corner spot. Jirsa and Davidson have filled this role in the past. Davidson is sometimes overlooked at this position, but he’s been effective when he’s played.

“Josh makes plays defensively and has a good arm, obviously,” Schaly stated. “He just has to become consistent with the bat.”

Sophomore Nick Kasper is another player who will work out at this position. He is also slated to get a look as a pitcher.

Outfield – Schaly’s no carpenter but he has a team that’s perfectly “centered,” thanks to senior David Waters.

Waters will patrol the turf in center field and make a difference offensively and defensively. He paced last year’s team in batting average (.390) and on-base percentage (.500) and swatted three homers to go with 34 RBI. Waters was Ashland’s lone first team All-GLIAC performer. He was also a second team all-region selection. The lefthanded-hitting Waters has three years of experience behind him and he’s a known quantity.

“David’s been in the lineup since his freshman year,” reminded Schaly. “He plays great defense for us. He may not have blazing speed, but he covers ground and he has great instincts.”

The questions here center on who will flank Waters. Players who will get a long look are sophomores Jeff Yates, Jesse Michel and Bryan Thrasher and freshmen Tyson Rowland and Jeff Foltz

Yates, who was redshirted last season, has been with the program for several seasons. He could be a legimate power source.

“Jeff has really improved because of his work ethic,” said Schaly. “He’s got some power and runs well.”

The righthanded-hitting Michel led his summer league in Akron, OH, in hitting.

“Jesse’s got a great arm and he has really come on from a year ago,” Schaly said. “He had a great summer and he has a lot of potential.”

Thrasher, who also hits from the right side, is a transfer from the University of Buffalo.

“Bryan has great speed so he’s a threat on the bases,” said Schaly.

Rowland’s game also centers around speed.

“Tyson can run and he’s probably our best defensive outfielder,” noted Schaly.

Foltz will probably need some seasoning, but the coaching staff likes what it’s seen so far.

“Jeff can swing it a little bit and will be a good player,” Schaly said.

Sophomore Michael Biller and junior David Quiroga are going to be redshirted.

Pitching – The starting rotation has experienced success, so this isn’t an area where there will be a lot of rebuilding. Davidson, who’s regarded as one of the league’s top pitchers, has the ability to anchor the staff. He was an honorable mention All-GLIAC choice last season when he went 6-4 with a 1.84 ERA. The durable righty completed seven of nine starts and came on in relief to save seven games.

“Josh has great command, he can throw strikes with any of his four pitches at any time in the count,” commented Schaly. “That’s his big strength.”

Senior Cody Castle was redshirted last season due to arm surgery. In 2004, he was the staff ace with a 9-4 record and a 3.22 ERA. If the righthander’s healthy, the Eagles have another top-of-the-rotation arm.

“Cody’s doing well, looks good,” Schaly said. “He was our No.1 two years ago. We’ll ease him into it early on, see how he handles everything. He’s a bulldog on the mound.”

The third spot in the rotation is expected to be nailed down by sophomore righthander Thom Abbott. He was 3-0 with a 2.28 ERA in six appearances last season. At the time, he was playing football and baseball. This year, he’s with baseball only.

“Thom worked into our conference rotation as a freshman,” Schaly emphasized. “He has great command.”

Barry should secure the fourth spot. He pitched in seven games last season, starting twice. Barry was 1-0. Richards will get a chance to compete for this spot, too.

“Justin’s a good one if we can keep his arm healthy,” said Schaly. “He throws hard and has a good breaking ball.”

Freshman Todd Schlenkerman presents an interesting case. Even though he’s green, he’s very talented.

“Todd throws hard and has a very good curveball,” previewed Schaly. “He needs to work on his command. He’s got the arm and the breaking ball.”

The bullpen has balance and experience. Most of the closing opportunities will go to senior lefthander Ryan Douglas. Douglas was out a year ago due to arm surgery. He’s a two-time second team all-conference performer who was 4-3 with six saves two years ago. Douglas has 10 career saves.

“Ryan’s fine, back to 100 percent,” answered Schaly, when quizzed about the health of his fireman. “He’ll close for us.”

Michel and lefty Matt Patton give the Eagles a nice lefty-righty combination to set up Douglas. Patton, a junior, appeared in eight games in 2005 and had a 1.12 ERA.

Freshmen righthanders John Barnhart and Matt Schultz will be brought along with care. Both have potential and just need to get work. Schaly will find ways to do that.

Junior Dan McGinnis, a lefthander, will be redshirted.