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Friday, April 20
Somers Cyclones 2007 Preview
2006 record - 6-21
managers - Andy and Drew Panos
key losses - 1B,DH Ed Gaug; C, Adam Block
Key Additions - P, INF Artie Mendola; P, OF Andrew Bisagna
Player to watch - Joe Gunshor
Keys to victory - consistency on defense
The Cyclones enter their fourth season with high expectations. Last season's record was no indication of the improvement the team made. They lost five 1-run games and 2 2-run games and were involved in many tight games.
Somers returns 17 players from last season's roster and has added depth to the pitching staff. Add that to an improved defensive effort and Somers hopes to turn some of those tough losses into wins.
The pitching staff will be anchored by Drew Panos ( 4-5, 4.78, 52.2 IP), and Steve Schult (1-5, 4.01, 42.2 IP), who pitched better than their records indicate. Jon Pollock, 2.08, who's arm is healthy this season, and the additions of Mendola and Bisagna should keep Somers in the game. The staff gets stronger when Mike Park, (1-1, 1 save, 4.58) returns from school. Joe Gunshor, Joe Diaferia, and Al Vinberg will all bring relief out of the bullpen.
Offensively, Somers’ catalysts are its timely hitting and speed on the bases; they utilized the hit and run strategy often throughout last season. The Cyclones hit .289 collectively while stealing 54 bases. They will be led by Gunshor, who batted .359, Ricky Gundert (.358), Dan Garcia (.338) and Steve Smith (.319). The Cyclones will get a full season out of Tim Buccolo, who batted .417 with 5 RBI in seven games and should be a legitimate run producer. The big bats the Cylcones will be relying on most heavily are that of Dennis Pettersen (15 RBI, .308), and reigning Team MVP Jon Pollock, who drove in 31 runs and swiped a team-high 20 bases.
Defense was the Cyclones’ Achilles Heel in 2006. Last season’s 81 errors buried the team, with several mishaps occurring late in tight games. If they can improve defensively both on the mound and around the diamond, Somers should be able to contend for the postseason.
Hit Batter Streak Continues
As of May 29th, The Cyclones pitching staff has continued the streak of hitting at least one batter in every game in the '04 season and the '05 season.....THE STREAK CONTINUES.
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