TicketsFeb. 2, 2007
This is the 11th in a 17-day series previewing the 2007 Bearcats baseball team. Today's installment features a look at the Bearcats' outfielders.
by Shawn Sell, UC Assistant Sports Communications Director
The Bearcats are deep and talented in the outfield, but must replace a pair of starters from a year ago. Senior Brian Szarmach, a good fielder and powerful hitter, is the lone holdover from 2006 and could be the power source in the middle of the line-up the Bearcats will need.
"The outfield is the area where we have the least amount of players in their natural position," head coach Brian Cleary says. "If you look at our history, when we are trying to get our best hitters in the line-up, often times we have guys playing in the outfield that might not otherwise. The outfield is a place where we reserve the right to make a change if someone's bat absolutely needs to be in the line-up."
UC has a hole to fill in center with the graduation of the speedy LaFringe Hayes. That job should be manned by an equally fast player in junior Tony Campana. The transfer from UNC-Asheville showed flashes of all-around brilliance with his speed during fall ball.
A pair of Division I transfers are now in the fold as junior Michael Obyc and sophomore Cameron Satterwhite enter their first seasons as Bearcats. Satterwhite showed the makings of a star during his stay at Indiana last year, while Obyc played two seasons at Kent State. Both have the potential to be heavy contributors in 2007.
The Bearcats' depth in the outfield is strong with junior Adam Calez leading the second wave of players. Calez became a starter late in 2006 and has the versatility to play all three positions. Redshirt freshman Keith Kampe is much improved from a year ago and will push for playing time as well.
Two players that figure to contribute elsewhere in senior Kyle Rapp and sophomore Dustin Alvey can also play in the outfield should the need arise.
Brian Cleary talks about the outfieldOn who will start: "As we start, we are looking at (Brian) Szarmach in left, (Tony) Campana in center and (Cameron) Satterwhite in right. I feel good about that group defensively, we just need to make sure we get the offensive production out of those guys that we need."
On other outfielders: "We feel comfortable with (Michael) Obyc out there and (Keith) Kampe is another option. We have a number of options; it is mostly predicated on who is swinging a hot bat."