TicketsFeb. 17, 2010
INFIELDERS
Arguably the most experienced group for the Bearcats in 2010 will be their infielders. UC lost a vital part of its infield in third baseman Mike Spina, who was drafted by the Oakland A's in the 11th round of the 2009 Major League Baseball Draft and also finished his career ranked third in UC history in home runs (44) and sixth in RBI (148), but the three other positions are filled with experience.
The double-play combination of junior shortstop Chris Peters and sophomore second baseman T.J. Jones started 50 games side-by-side a year ago giving the Bearcats leadership up the middle. Jones is Cincinnati's top returning hitter from a year ago after hitting .327 with four home runs and 32 RBI. Peters, who is a rangy defender, vastly improved his offensive game from his freshman campaign to his sophomore campaign hitting .252 with three round-trippers and 31 RBI in 2009.
Last season, freshman Cory Hough primarily played first base following an early-season injury from incumbent first baseman Kevin Johnson. Both players return in 2010 giving head coach Brian Cleary some depth at the position.
Freshman Logan Jackson and sophomore Kiley Jones are set to compete for the starting position at third base, while senior Beach Brooks provides the versatility to play several positions throughout the infield.