SAN ANTONIO - The UTSA baseball program is coming off a season that saw it finish with a 37-22 record and 20-10 mark in the Southland Conference. The Roadrunners reconvened last month for the first time since May, as they conducted their annual fall workouts.
Expectations are high, as UTSA welcomes back 18 letterwinners - including five position starters and six pitchers - in addition to 19 newcomers this season. The 2007 schedule is highlighted by six opponents who qualified for the 2006 NCAA Tournament (Baylor, The College of Charleston, Houston, Rice, Texas and Texas-Arlington), a pair of early-season tournaments and a full slate of Southland Conference action.
Last week, head coach Sherman Corbett sat down with goUTSA.com to discuss the recently-completed fall campaign.
What were some of the things you wanted to accomplish during the fall season?
“We needed to answer some questions on the mound, specifically our relief rotation and possible closers. A majority of the guys we lost filled those roles for us a year ago. We also needed to find another starting pitcher. We saw some very good freshman arms on the mound. Ryan Proudfoot, Zach Calhoon and Jake Sillavan all threw extremely well and Bradley Chovanec from Blinn Junior College did as well.
“Another area we needed to address was the left side of the infield where we lost Lee Todesco and J.R. Voyles. Those were our two big positions to fill this fall. Looking at that side of the infield, we are going to move James Keithley, who was more of a utility player for us a year ago, to second base. Josh Wilson and Trent Lockwood will both see time at first base in the spring. We feel comfortable with both those guys, and whichever one is not playing first, will probably fill the designated hitter role.
“Overall, I think we were able to answer all those questions pretty well. The fall allowed us to identify the potential of this team with the new guys coming in and I am looking forward to see how this group performs in the spring.”
Which veterans stood out this fall?
“Our top two guys on the mound, Josh Ruffin and Blake Brannon, worked more on specific areas of their mechanics rather than throwing a lot of innings this fall. However, when it got down to the last week when we had the World Series, they competed and showed why they are our top two guys. They really threw well in those games and finished the fall on a strong note.
“From the position side of things, Marshal Davis continued to play solid shortstop for us. In the outfield, Michael Rockett came off summer wrist surgery and was very impressive in center field. Those guys played very well throughout the fall.”
Who do you expect to step up and take on a leadership role this season?
“That may have been the biggest issue we had to address going into the fall. We lost several seniors that had been a part of our program for four or five years, so it definitely was something we needed to answer. I think there are a number of guys who can step up and fill that role. It looks like Zach Etheredge may be that guy. He would be a great one, especially since he’s a catcher. Marshal Davis has the potential to be one of those guys but more by example. He is more of a quiet leader, but he just goes out and performs every day. Ryan Saltzgaber is one of our seniors whose been in the program for a few years now and I think he has the potential to be an on-field leader. Josh Ruffin has stepped up and taken the role on the mound and he definitely will be the leader of our pitching staff.”
How did the newcomers adjust to the team?
“Our newcomers came in and were accepted right away. What we want to accomplish this year was stated early on and our veterans made that point clear to them. Conversely, that’s what those guys wanted to hear. From day one, that was the expectation and the newcomers grabbed a hold of that and worked toward those goals.”
What does the team need to improve upon before reconvening in January?
“When we come back, I’d like to see the guys a little stronger, and most importantly, in great shape and as healthy as possible. We have a couple of pitchers that are on throwing programs right now and we are looking forward them to being healthy enough to contribute in the spring.”
What are the team’s biggest strengths?
“I think our starting pitching is our biggest strength and we have talent, ability and depth in the outfield. We also have confidence and higher expectations based on what we’ve accomplished the last couple of years.”
What are the squad's weaknesses heading into the spring?
“We need to define our bullpen roles and get our middle relievers experienced early in the season. We have several live arms and good depth in the bullpen, but we have inexperience in that area.”
Can you talk about this year’s Alumni Weekend?
“Our annual fundraiser at La Cantera went extremely well. We had a sunny day and more than 100 golfers played. It went extremely well and I think everyone had a good time. The Alumni Game was a great success. We had the most participation we’ve ever had and it was exciting to see baseball under the lights.
“We also announced that we are starting the Brian Wilson Endowed Scholarship during the weekend. Brian’s wife, Prairie, was in town and she has given us her full support. We’re really looking forward to kicking off that campaign next spring.”
How were the new lights?
“I am extremely pleased with them. Whenever you install lights, you want to know if the players lose balls or if there are any dark spots on the field. All our tests showed there was a very good distribution of light on the field and the players haven’t expressed any concerns. I think they are going to enhance the game day atmosphere at Roadrunner Field.”
