Better pitching and added experience makes the prospects of BYU’s 2009 season more optimistic than last year’s 22-36 record might indicate.
Among the incoming pitchers who have 10th-year coach Vance Law excited about the season are transfer Jeremy Toole and freshmen Marc Oslund, Nathan Bunch and Adam Miller. Toole touched the mid-90s several times in Fall ball while Miller was in the low 90’s.
“I am very excited about the depth of our pitching and look forward to them having a great year as a staff,” says Law. “We have a nice combination with a couple of power arms and some guys who know how to pitch and get guys out. It will be a fun team to watch.”
Although the Cougars lost 13 lettermen, they return 24 lettermen, including three who returned recently from Church missions with Stetson Banks, Seth Johnson and Dane Nielsen. Another recently returned missionary is Alex Wolfe, who transferred from Dixie College after being drafted by the Boston Red Sox.
Wolfe, a sophomore who was the leading hitter in the Scenic West League at Dixie, gives Law a lot of flexibility both defensively and at designated hitter.
“Because of his offensive abilities, Alex will have to be in the lineup somewhere, whether it is behind the plate, first base, or at DH,” says Coach Law. “He brings consistency, power, and run production to our lineup.”
At first base senior Kasey Ko could be spelled by Wolfe. Also in reserve at first is senior Thomas Bills.
Wolfe could also find himself at catcher along with senior J.T. Musso, junior Bryce Ayoso and sophomore Chad Nacapoy.
“For the first time in my time here at BYU, I can be comfortable with any of the four guys we have catching,” says Law. “This is one position that we have incredible depth.”
At second base Andrew Law, who may have had the best Fall camp of the team, could be backed up by returned missionary Stetson Banks or his freshman brother Adam Law.
Brock Whitney, Banks or Andrew Law can play shortstop, too, where junior Brandon Relf appears to have the advantage over senior Dan Vargas.
“All of our middle infielders have improved this year and are interchangeable at both positions, which gives us a lot of options,” says Law.
Junior Steve Parker will be at third base and will be backed up by Relf and Kevin Sloan.
In the outfield, junior Sean McNaughton will start again in left field, after being drafted last summer by the Chicago Cubs. Jonathan Cluff has moved over from right to start in centerfield.
Kent Walton, who started in center last year, had off-season shoulder surgery and may redshirt depending on his recovery. In right field, senior Michael Bowen appears to have the edge. Backups in the outfield are sophomore returned missionaries Johnson and Nielsen, utility man Kevin Sloan, and walk-on Brock Luker.
“We have very good depth in the outfield as well and we hope that Walton will make a quick recovery and bring his speed and experience to our team,” says Law.
On the mound, junior righthander Blake Torgerson looks ready for another solid season as one of the Cougar starters. Others who will figure in the starting rotation are Toole and senior southpaw Jake Wortham. Newcomers who will help at pitcher are sophomore transfer/walk-on Shawn Hardesty, and freshmen righties Bunch, Oslund and walk-on Matthew Neil.
Other pitching depth comes from senior Jordan Muir, juniors Sean Amerson and Brandon Michon and Jared Miller, both lefties, and sophomore Justin Shutt. JC transfer David McKnight will redshirt because of surgery.