2008 Preview

Catchers

The catching position has some new faces this year.  Freshmen Jake Leonardo (Omaha, NE) & Courtney Spitz (Springfield, MO) will both find consistent playing time this year.  Leonardo had a good fall both defensively and with the bat and displays a strong throwing arm. Spitz had a good fall defensively and has quick feet and a quick release.  Freshman Andrew Kuhn (Lenexa, KS) could also find playing time at the catching position.

First Base

Freshman Andrew Kuhn comes in from a decorated high school career and will see the majority of time at first base.  Look for Andrew to hit in the middle of the order and provide lots of run production.  Jake Leonardo will also find time at first base when he is not catching.  Redshirt Freshman Philip Schmidt (Grand Island, NE) is a very good defensive first baseman and will battle for playing time as will Freshman Jason Browar (Stillwell, KS) and Freshman Kyle Kaiser (Overland Park, KS).  Both Kaiser and Browar are strong offensive players.

Second Base

This position will see lots of different players throughout the season depending on who is hot at the time and what our pitching matchups are.  Sophomore and team captain Chris Wagner (Lansing, KS) will see significant time at second base when not pitching or playing elsewhere.  Chris is a very good athlete who is versatile and will be in the lineup daily at multiple positions.  Freshman Craig Meyer (Owasso, OK) will also see significant time at second base and provide a steady glove and competitive nature.  Freshman Brian Gomez (Kansas City, KS) is another versatile player that the coaching staff labels as a “gamer” and he could see time at second base.

Shortstop

Freshman and team captain Tim Lackovic (Omaha, NE) will primarily handle the shortstop duties this spring.  Tim comes from a very successful high school program and is a natural leader who plays every pitch 100%.  Sophomore Chris Wagner could also see time at shortstop as could Freshmen Nathan Kleckner (Council Bluffs, IA) and Brian Gomez.

Third Base

The hot corner will be manned primarily by Freshman David Wade (Overland Park, KS).  Wade had a superb fall with the bat and looks to hit in the middle of the order and provide lots of run production.  Freshmen Nathan Kleckner and Brian Gomez could also see time at third base.

Outfield

The outfield position will see many faces this spring.  Center Field will see a familiar face in sophomore and team captain Tyler Knight (Lawrence, KS).  Knight comes off of a good freshman campaign, a good summer, and is a preseason All-American candidate.  Look for Knight to have a big year for the Panthers.  Freshman Patrick Deao (Omaha, NE) comes off of a good fall both in the field and with the bat and looks to play significantly in right field and be a table setter offensively.  Left Field will see numerous faces depending on pitching matchups and who is hot at the time offensively.  Freshman Jake Kleine (Omaha, NE) will see significant time when he is not pitching   Sophomore Chris Wagner’s athleticism, versatility, and bat will land him notable playing time in left field as we look for various ways to keep him in the lineup and Freshmen Mathias Simmons (Kearney, MO), Kyle Kaiser and Brian Gomez will also continue to battle for playing time in the outfield.

Starting Pitching

 The Panther pitching staff has one returner in Tim Lysaught (Shawnee, KS), who will anchor the staff.   Others that will be contending for innings in the starting role will be Cole Moore (Lee’s Summit, MO), Kyle Suder (Council Bluffs. IA), Jake Kleine (Omaha, NE), Matt McCann (Omaha, NE), Corey Wells (Overbrook, KS), Taylor Henry (Boulder, CO), and Kyle Kaiser (Overland Park, KS).  All of these guys mentioned, save Lysaught and Moore, are Freshmen that are being counted on to produce as they did in the Fall. 

Bullpen

 Of the eight that are mentioned above contending for a starting role, two will be counted on to come out of the pen to pick up long relief innings.  The Panthers’ bullpen doesn’t have many set roles.  All will be expected to fill in when necessary.  Among those in the pen are Rick Carroll (Shawnee Mission, KS), Ryan Snow (Kansas City, KS), Brandon Rusnak (Stilwell, KS), Matt Komenda (Dwight, NE), K. P. Prewett (Shawnee, KS), Mathias Simmons (Kearney, MO), Brian Gomez (Kansas City, KS).  The bullpen is also full of Freshmen that must give us great innings each time out.