2009 Georgia Baseball Preview

In 2008, the Diamond Dawgs were only a few innings of quality relief work away from a national title.  That title was eventually taken by a thumbless bandit and another pack of Bulldogs in Omaha, providing a bitter dessert to a gluttonous feast of Bulldog baseball.  The end of the CWS was also the end to two of the most storied careers in Georgia baseball history.  Gordon Beckham and Joshua Fields have left for much greener pastures, as both were drafted in the first round of last year's MLB draft and signed big pro deals. 

So what's in store for 2009?  If the trends hold up, it will be a lean year.  The Dawgs have been consistently inconsistent in recent years: Omaha in even number years, no postseason play in odd numbered years.  There are two reasons to think that trend will end, the return of Friday night starter Trevor Holder and the best recruiting class in Georgia baseball history.

The pitching staff will start with a proven commodity in Holder.  He's an SEC veteran who was named second team All-SEC last year.  The Saturday starter is likely to be Alex McRee who was a solid reliever last season.  McRee looked unhittable at times last year in relief, but his longest outing was 4 and a third.  He'll need to translate his stuff over to a starting role, but if he can, the Dawgs have two nasty starters.  It's a good thing because the Sunday starter is a big question mark.  Some think Justin Grimm will be the guy, but Grimm looked unsettled during appearances against real teams last year.  Freshmen Cecil Tanner and Michael Palazzone will get looks for Sunday starts as well. The bullpen will be anchored by Dean Weaver.  Weaver was a good set up guy last year for Fields and should be a solid closer in 2009.  Justin Earls and Will Harvil will be the other keys to the bullpen. 

The Dawgs return some big bats from last year, too.  1B Rich Poythress and C Bryce Massanari are the two biggest bats in the lineup and both were named preseason All-American.  OF Matt Cerione (who will serve a six game suspension at the start of the season for booze) and OF Lyle Allen return.  They could be joined by a freshman in the outfield.  Zach Cone and Chase Davidson will get their chances to start.  The infield will be revamped from last year, as former second bagger Michael Demperio will start at short.  Demperio won't hit like Beckham, but should field as well, if not better.  David Thoms and Miles Starr will share second until someone distances themselves from the other.  Freshman Colby May is penciled in at third and will have to attempt replace Ryan Peisel's steady bat.  May's off to a good start with three hits in the last weekend's scrimmage.

So, what's the outlook?  The preseason polls think a lot of this year's team: No. 4 in Collegiate Baseball, No. 5 in NCBWA, No. 14 in Baseball America, No. 9 in Rivals.com's poll.  And, we know preseason polls are always reliable, right?  I think we're more likely in the teens than the top 10 right now. This team, however, has the potential to make a return trip to Omaha and break the odd year streak of mediocrity, but it has to have some breaks go its way.  Alex McRee has to be solid and some freshman have to hit.  Relying on freshman is a scary proposition, but this class appears to be living up to the hype already.  

There is good reason to be hopeful.  Talented freshman mixed with veteran leadership is a solid mix for conference title contention.  No matter what, it should be an interesting year.  The season starts on the 20th against Youngstown State at Foley Field.

Quinton