Jefferson Baseball 2016 Season Outlook

Jefferson returns 2015 starter Al Davis, who had a successful freshmen season ending with a 2-1 record in 24 innings pitched. In addition the Cannoneers have five sophomore pitchers returning, all vying for larger roles. Tyler Stroud will be looked to make the move from the bullpen to the starting rotation while Christian Jorden and Christopher Johannesson will take larger roles in pitching in relief. Freshmen Jarrod Bellinger looks to make an immediate impact in the Cannoneer rotation right away while Javier Ventura and George Amavert will compete for the final rotation spots.

The Cannoneers All-Conference Shortstop, Hunter Thomas, will be a key piece as he looks to put up better numbers his sophomore year. In addition, catcher Jason Pastuizaca will look to take on a bigger role hitting in the middle of the order and controlling the pitching staff from behind the plate. Outfielders Toure Parpit-Sinclair, Yonelle Firebrack, and Zachery Parilla are all back looking to build off solid freshmen years competing with some talent freshmen for everyday roles in the outfield.

The Cannoneers bring in a talented recruiting class for this season. A lineup with potentially more freshmen than sophomores, could be possible. Freshmen outfielder Michael Espino, the brother of 2 time Mid-State Conference award winner Nicolas Espino, will compete for a full time role in the outfield. Matthew Villalobos will also compete for an outfield spot, in addition to a role in the pitching rotation. In the infield we have a handful of talented infielders that will make an immediate impact after losing three starting sophomores from 2015.

The Cannoneers in 2016 will not be light on catching. Jason Pastuizaca is the only returning sophomore however with four talented freshmen, it is a position that can have players play the corner infield or DH. Emmanuel Olivo, Zachary Catlin, Daren Palmer, and Reis Harding will all compete for playing time behind the plate and at other positons.