Projected SJSU Rotation, Bullpen, Lineup and Bench.

2011 Projected Rotation:

1.      (JR) Blake McFarland RHP ­

 (Preseason WAC pitcher of the year has improved from a year ago according to coach Piraro)

2.      (JR) Roberto Padilla LHP

(Junior college All-American southpaw turned down the MLB draft to deal for the Spartans)

3.      (JR) Andy Hennessey/ (JR) Sean Martin RHP / (JR) Estaban Guzman

(All three arms have shown marked improvement since last season and are vying for final rotation spot. Hennessey has the early edge)

Bullpen:

1.        (SO) Zack Jones (Dual-threat star brings mid 90’s out of the pen to compliment contributions with the bat)

2.        (SR) John Austin (Velocity has gone up a glove-popping 4 to 5 mph since last season)

3.       (SR) Eric LeBaron (Looks better this year than any year before in the program, according to coach Piraro.)

4.      (FR) D.J. Slaton (Newcomer has impressed early and will get opportunities to pitch)

5.      (SO) Drew Bradshaw (Finished last year with a solid 4.00 ERA in 16 appearances; against the old aluminum)

6.      (SO) David Wayne Russo (Returns for sophomore season looking to establish a role out of the pen.)

7.        (FR) Johnny Melero LHP (Southpaw from Mitty has impressed Piraro after being a long shot going into the fall. )

2011 Projected Lineup

CF Jason Martin (SR) (4-year starter has hit better than .300 in each season with SJSU)

LF Tim Quiery (SO) (Ended last year with a .344 batting average as a freshman)

SS Zack Jones (SO) / (Piraro must find a way to utilize Jones’ versatile talent)

RF Kerry Jenkins (SR) (JC transfer from Chabot hit four homeruns a year ago and added 24 RBI.)

DH Craig Hertler (SR) (Hit .322 in 09’ but saw average drop to .217 in 2010.)

1B Danny Stienstra (SR) / (Hit .337 as a sophomore on the 41-win SJSU team in 2009; average slipped to .265 in 2010)

C Michael Di Rocco (JR) (Transfer from nearby Ohlone college will start immediately but needs to stay healthy.) 

3B Tyler Christian (SO) (Trying to establish himself as a starter in 2011; Natov will keep the competition interesting.)

2B Michael Reiling (JR) (Versatile infielder can play anywhere and is a reliable contact hitter.)

Off the bench:

1B Matt Carroll (FR) (6-foot-6 inch first basemen has most “pure power” on team.)

IF Nick Borg (SR) (Can play multiple infield positions and will likely start when Jones is scheduled to pitch.)

OF Tommy Gale (SR) (Hit .294 in 68 at-bats in 2009; can play anywhere in the outfield)

OF Andrew Rodriguez (SO) (Speedy outfielder will be a small ball instrument of Piraro’s.)

C/1B Anthony Bona (JR) (Will be counted on to keep DiRocco fresh and contribute with the stick off the bench.)

3B Caleb Natov (FR) (Newcomer has impressed Piraro and will get chances to prove himself; hit .450 as a HS senior)

C Trevin Craig (FR) (Freshman gives Piraro much needed depth at catcher position.)