79.
BOSTON COLLEGE
2008 RECORD. Overall:
26-27.
Conference: 9-21 / 6th in ACC (Atlantic).
Coach: Mik Aoki (50-54, 3rd
season at
Boston College
; 137-194 overall in 7 seasons).
First Game, 2009: Feb. 20 at Stetson.
OVERVIEW: The Eagles have gone a combined 30-59 in their first three
years in the ACC, but finally look like they may be ready to turn the corner and
seriously compete for one of the eight spots in the ACC tournament. The 2009 tournament
was supposed to be played in their backyard, at
Fenway Park
, but a late scheduling snafu by the Boston Red Sox temporarily delayed that from
happening. Led by highly-regarded C Tony Sanchez, BC returns every position player
but one from a year ago. The pitching staff is not so set, but hard-throwing junior
LHP Mike Belfiore is one of the nation’s best closer prospects and will stabilize
the bullpen—even as he takes a regular turn at first base. Promising freshman RHP
Mike Dennhardt will get a chance to pitch immediately.
PROJECTED STARTING LINEUP
C: Tony Sanchez (3), Jr. (*.313-*9-*45).
1B: Mike Belfiore, Jr. (.274-2-26).
2B: Brad Zapenas, Fr. (HS—Nashua, N.H.).
3B: Mickey Wiswall (4), So. (.306-4-28).
SS: Garrett Smith, So. (.285-3-27).
LF: Robbie Anston (1), Jr. (.246-0-6).
CF: Mike Sudol, So. (.188-0-3).
RF: Barry Butera, Jr. (.268-6-32, *11
SB).
DH: Harry Darling, Sr. (.244-0-4).
1/Starter: John Leonard,
So. (*4-0, 5.27, 41 IP/26 SO).
2/Starter: Mike Dennhardt,
Fr. (Mariners/17th round).
3/Starter: J.B. MacDonald,
Sr. (*4-7, 7.64, 53 IP/26 SO).
Closer: Mike Belfiore, Jr. (2-0, 2.45; *8
SV, 18 IP/19 SO).
BEST TOOLS
Best Athlete: Rob Moir.
Best Overall Hitter:
Tony Sanchez.
Best Power Hitter:
Tony Sanchez.
Best Strike-Zone Discipline:
Mike
Belfiore.
Fastest Base Runner (60 time):
Robbie Anston (6.55 seconds).
Best Base Runner:
Barry
Butera.
Best Defender: Brad Zapenas.
Best Infield Arm:
Garret
Smith.
Best Outfield Arm:
Barry
Butera.
Best Fastball (velocity):
Mike
Belfiore (94 mph).
Best Breaking Ball:
Mike Dennhardt.
Best Changeup: Mike Dennhardt.
Best Command: John Leonard.
TOP FRESHMAN PROSPECT:
Mike Dennhardt, rhp. One of the most-heralded
Boston
College
baseball recruits ever, Dennhardt played an instrumental role in leading
New Jersey
prep powerhouse Don Bosco Prep to a 34-0 record in 2008. At 6-feet and a solid 205
pounds, Dennhardt looks like he has maxed out physically but has an electric arm
with a fastball that sits in the 90-93 mph range. He has command of three solid
pitches.
TOP SOPHOMORE PROSPECT: John Leonard,
rhp.
After being promoted to the No. 3 starter job late in the 2008 season, Leonard takes
over the Friday role for the Eagles. He has solid command of a fastball in the 90-92
mph range and a slider that peaks at 84.
TOP JUNIOR PROSPECT: Tony Sanchez,
c.
One of the top catching prospects in this year’s draft, Sanchez is a skilled defender
in all phases with a consistent 1.9 pop time. He can turn on any fastball, but needs
to learn to hit the breaking ball more consistently.
TOP SENIOR PROSPECT:
J.B. MacDonald, rhp. As the No. 3 starter in the BC rotation, MacDonald
adds experience to a young staff. He has solid command of three pitches, including
an 87-89 mph fastball.
--JEFF SIMPSON