46. SANTA CLARA

2008 RECORD. Overall: 33-22. Conference: 13-8 / 3^rd in West Coast Conference.

Coach: Mark O’Brien (199-190, 8^th season).

First Game, 2009: Feb. 20 vs. Xavier at Raleigh, N.C.

 

OVERVIEW: This could be a special year for Santa Clara baseball as the team returns a core of accomplished veteran players, like former Team USA C Tommy Medica, and four prominent arms. RHP Thain Simon led the Broncos in wins (9) and ERA (2.59) as a freshman, working in a variety of roles, and could be poised for a big year now that he has been installed in the rotation alongside junior RHP Nate Garcia, last year’s No. 1 starter. The veterans will be supplemented by a trio of talented freshmen who received plenty of attention from scouts last year leading up to the draft before electing to attend Santa Clara : RHP/SS J.R. Graham, OF Lucas Herbst and 1B/OF Ryan Rieger.

 

PROJECTED STARTING LINEUP

C: Tommy Medica (3), Jr. (.342-6-44).

1B: Curtis Wagner, So. (.386-0-9).

2B: Brady Fuerst, Sr. (.332-5-44).

3B: Chris Morton, So. (.250-0-1).

SS: Jon Karcich (4), Jr. (.351-*12-*51).

LF: Ryan Rieger, Fr. (HS—Roseville, Calif.)

CF: Lucas Herbst, Fr. (HS—Monterey, Calif.).

RF: Matt Long (1), Sr. (.303-11-40).

DH: Geoff Klein, Jr. (.307-3-31).

1/Starter: Nate Garcia, Jr. (7-3, 3.65, *86 IP/*75 SO).

2/Starter: Thain Simon, So. (*9-2, *2.59, 62 IP/71 SO).

3/Starter: Steve Kalush, Jr. (5-3, 5.80, 54 IP/61 SO).

Closer: J.R. Graham, Fr. (HS—Livermore, Calif.).

 

BEST TOOLS

Best Athlete: J.R. Graham.

Best Overall Hitter: Tommy Medica.

Best Power Hitter: Jon Karcich.

Best Strike-Zone Discipline: Tommy Medica.

Fastest Base Runner (60 time): Lucas Herbst (6.6).

Best Base Runner: Matt Long.

Best Defender: Tommy Medica.

Best Infield Arm: J.R. Graham.

Best Outfield Arm: Matt Long.

Best Fastball (velocity): J.R. Graham (94 mph).

Best Breaking Ball: Alex Rivers.

Best Changeup: Steve Kalush.

Best Command: Thain Simon.

 

TOP FRESHMAN PROSPECT: J.R. Graham, rhp/ss. Graham’s raw tools measure up to anyone’s. As a pitcher, he has a closer’s mentality and a 90-94 mph fastball, sharp slider and splitter to back it up. He’ll also likely see plenty of action in the field, where he’s a plus runner with some pop in his bat.

TOP SOPHOMORE PROSPECT: Thain Simon, rhp. The 6-foot-4, 200-pound Simon was outstanding as a freshman in a swing role. He pitches in the upper 80s with a plus slider and changeup, and does an excellent job of keeping his pitches down in the strike zone.

TOP JUNIOR PROSPECT: Tommy Medica, c. The 6-foot-1, 215-pound Medica has been a high-profile player since catching for Team USA after his freshman year. Last year, he added more power to his game while further refining his high-level defensive skills. He should be among the most heavily-scouted catchers in the college ranks this spring.

TOP SENIOR PROSPECT: Matt Long, of. On a team with plenty of talent, Long might be the best, most complete player. He’s the Broncos best defensive outfielder, has power at the plate (11 home runs in 2008), led the team last year in walks (36) and has the speed, in addition to the plate discipline, to be an ideal leadoff hitter.

--DAVID RAWNSLEY