2006 Baseball Preview
Hungry Monarchs back for more in 2006

The 2006 baseball season could not get here quick enough for the Methodist Monarchs.

Last season was another season as usual for the Monarchs under veteran head coach Tom Austin. Playing one of the toughest rated schedules in the nation at the NCAA Division III level, the Monarchs finished an impressive 30-12 and won the USA South Athletic Conference regular season championship with a 13-5 mark. In addition, the Monarchs spent a majority of the season ranked nationally in the Division III Top 30 poll and Austin reached a tremendous milestone of recording his 800^th career victory.

However, Methodist felt the snub of not receiving an invitational to the NCAA Division III National Tournament despite the impressive record and strength of schedule. With that in mind, the 2006 season could not get here soon enough for Austin and Monarchs.

“It’s another spring – the grass is growing and sun is shining,” said Austin, entering an unprecedented 27^th season at the Methodist helm. “This is a new team, but there are plenty of returning players who have a little hunger for this season. The potential to be great is there. We have to come out ready each game.”

Overall, Methodist returns a strong mixture of veteran players and newcomers to have another successful season. The Monarchs were picked a close second in the preseason USA South poll behind ninth-ranked Ferrum. Overall, Methodist returns 16 letterwinners from last season, including four starters in the field and sterling pitching staff of seven returnees.

PITCHING

The mound is an area where Methodist prides itself each season, and 2006 will be no different. Two of the top three pitchers in the starting rotation are back, as are five more that were either spot starters or were effective out of the bullpen.

Headlining the starting rotation is senior preseason All-American Ryan Brandt. An imposing 6-foot-4, 233-pound right-hander, Brandt anticipates building on a banner 2005 season in which he went 7-2 with a 2.14 earned-run average with five complete games and two shutouts. In addition, Brandt led the USA South in strikeouts with 89 and was selected USA South Pitcher of the Year.

In addition to his standout junior season, Brandt gained tremendous confidence of the summer as the ace of the Fayetteville SwampDogs of the Coastal Plain League, garnering CPL Defensive Player of the Year honors.

He finished the summer with an incredible 0.71 ERA to go along with an 8-2 record in garnering CPL All-Star status. In 75-and-two-thirds innings pitched, he gave up only 10 runs, six earned, on 50 hits. Even more impressive, however, were his numbers in both walks and strikeouts. On the season, Brandt only walked 11 batters, while striking out 77, giving him a 7-to-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio.

“Ryan is a year older and we hope he repeats his success from last season,” Austin said. “If that happens, then we should do very well. The summer should add to his confidence, but he’ll have to pitch well to be successful.

“In fact, we need our whole pitching staff to do well.”

That starts with fellow senior Adam Denning. A 6-1, 175-pound right-hander, Denning is coming off an impressive 5-2 season in 2005 with a 3.33 ERA with 47 strikeouts. He will be the second starter in the rotation behind Brandt. Like Brandt, Denning has been in the starting rotation since his freshman season and is a true competitor in key games.

The key, according to Austin, is the staff’s third senior – Casey Varnell. Last season, the 6-1, 185-pound right-hander was selected honorable mention All-USA South with a 6-2 mark and a 3.86 ERA as a long reliever. Austin is contemplating whether to keep Varnell in long relief or add him to rotation with Brandt and Denning.

“Casey is so valuable in that relief role,” Austin said. “Those were six games in which we were behind when he entered, and held the opposition in check for us to have a chance.”

Should Austin elect to keep Varnell in the bullpen, he will have plenty of options to choose from for the final starting role. Junior Steve Cornelius (1-0, 6.52 ERA) and sophomores Chase Cates (1-0, 3.07 ERA) and Robert Kisiah (0-0, 4.15 ERA) each had either spot starts or pitched out of the bullpen last season, while redshirt freshman Elliott Bisplinghoff aims to get back to form following Tommy John surgery.

In addition, sophomore Frank Nobile, a transfer from Division II Nova Southeastern, and freshmen Kevin Branch, Kurt Kelly and Josh Andrade will be considered for starting opportunities.

The gapping hole in the Monarch staff is closer, where Blake Maxwell set both single-season and career records for saves before getting drafted a signed by the Boston Red Sox. Sophomore junior college transfer Blake King could figure as the top candidate to replace Maxwell out the bullpen, but Branch and Cates also figure to get opportunities to close.

“We haven’t resolved that role yet,” Austin said. “Right now, someone has to establish themselves in that role.”

INFIELD

For an area that lost four starters from last season, Austin is ecstatic about the potential of the Methodist infield. That means something considering the Monarchs lost All-Conference performers David Hoffman (shortstop), Matt Kleckner (third base) and Ben Kaplan (catcher), plus steady Allen Kent at first base.

“We’ve worked very hard in this area, and I know this unit can play some great defense,” Austin said. “Without a doubt, there’s potential there.”

After garnering All-Conference honors at second base as a freshman, Kyle Eudy moves to third base to anchor the “Hot Corner.” He’s coming off a fine season in which he hit .316 with 16 RBIs and 20 runs scored. Taking over for Kent at first is sophomore Michael Carter, who saw limited duty in the outfield last season.

Sophomore Scott Russell, a transfer from Division I Wofford, takes over for Hoffman at shortstop. He’s coming off a freshman season at Wofford in which he hit .348 and was one of the top hitters for the Terriers. Talented freshman Mark Weadon will get the call at second base after a tremendous fall season for the Monarchs.

Another talented freshman, John Whitaker, will be the top utility infielder this season.

Kaplan will be a considerable loss behind the plate, but Austin believes sophomore junior college transfer Jason Hughes can fill that void. Unlike recent seasons, however, there’s depth behind the plate. Junior Michael Ellsworth hit .344 in 22 games with a home run and 10 RBIs, while freshman Dustin Proctor will provide depth at catcher.

“In recent seasons, we haven’t been as deep behind the plate, so we’re excited in that regard,” Austin said. “Hughes is a complete player behind the plate. He can catch, throw, hit and run well.”

OUTFIELD

Like pitching, this is another area of strength for the Monarchs. Methodist returns two All-Conference performers in juniors Jonathan Spivey and Matt Hunt, plus steady right fielder Andy Redmon, also a junior.

Spivey, back in left field, ignited the Methodist offense at the lead-off position last season, leading the Monarchs with a .372 with two home runs and 33 RBIs and 43 runs scored. In addition, he also led the Monarchs in stolen bases with 21.

Hunt is arguably one of the top centerfielders in the USA South with his size, speed and ability to cover ground in the outfield. He hit .305 last season with a home run, 17 RBIs, 28 runs scored and 20 stolen bases. Redman saw action in 28 games last season.

Sophomore Clayton Erickson and freshmen Brad Davis and Mike Eaton will also see playing time in the outfield.

“When you move a player like Michael Carter to first base, it shows you what you have in the outfield,” Austin said. “Those three starters are tremendous in the outfield, and we expect even better things this season from Jonathan and Matt. Jonathan is out spark at the leadoff position.”

DESIGNATED HITTER

The Monarchs also appear solid at the designated hitter spot. Senior Matt Mergo, who started some in right field last season, will step into that role after battling shoulder problems during the off-season. In addition, expect Ellsworth to also get some at-bats at designated hitter. 

SCHEDULE/OUTLOOK

Like every season, the Monarchs face a challenging schedule. It includes NAIA power Flagler to open the season, plus nationally-ranked opponents Hampden-Sydney, LaGrange and Salisbury. In addition, regional rivals Emory, York, LaGrange, Lynchburg, Virginia Wesleyan, Bridgewater, Maryville and Piedmont also grace the schedule.  Finally, there’s the USA South Athletic Conference, considered arguably the best baseball conference at the Division III level.

“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” Austin said. “That’s why last season hurt so much. If we win 30 games again, it will prove that we are one of the better teams in the South.”