Baseball Concludes Fall Practices
10/24/2003 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
Oct. 24, 2003
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WACO, Texas - The Baylor Baseball team concluded its Fall Practices Tuesday, ending the fall series after 15 games to conserve practice days for the spring semester.
"After meeting with our staff, I decided to conclude our fall intrasquads early," head coach Steve Smith said. "By doing so, we will have five additional days in January to prepare for our opening series with Loyola Marymount on Feb. 13. I believe having those days in which to work will be more valuable than three more fall intrasquads, particularly with the number of injuries we have right now."
Senior first baseman Jared Clements easily led the Bears with 14 RBI and 19 hits in the 15-game series, hitting .339. Sophomore Tyler Bullock hit .278 with a team-leading four home runs, driving in 10 runs. Freshman infielder/pitcher Jeff Mandel topped the squad with a .357 average (15-for-42) and a .462 on-base percentage.
"Jared Clements had an outstanding fall and was very consistent from start to finish. He played well defensively and was a very tough out at the plate," Smith said. "Clay Coates, who served as a bullpen catcher last spring, also was very much improved and swung the bat better than his average would indicate. Mike Heldoorn has improved himself athletically and also swung the bat well.
Junior Trey Taylor finished the fall with a team-best 2.14 ERA, striking out 14 batters in 21.0 innings while compiling a 3-0 record. Sophomore Mark McCormick led the Bears with 28 strikeouts in 21.0 innings and put together a 2.57 ERA.
"Andy Pape and Russell Reichenbach showed a lot of progress from the end of last season, and Trey Taylor's command was much better. Mark McCormick showed much better command of his breaking ball," Smith said.
Numerous Baylor players were affected by injuries this fall, but all should be ready to go in some form by spring. Among those hampered during the practices: Ryan Bennett (finishing rehab from reconstructive elbow surgery last fall), Zane Carlson (rehabbing from strained muscle suffered early this fall), Jason Corley (pitched through torn cartilage in his knee this fall), Zach Dillon (chronic elbow condition may need surgery), Josh Ford (ailing right shoulder underwent surgery Monday), Erik Forestiere (rehabbing from shoulder strain), Drew Sutton (broken hamate bone will undergo surgery next week), Jared Theodorakos (progressing well after spring arm surgery), and Sean Walker (working through torn right ACL).
"Overall, I was pleased with the amount of work we got in and the work ethic of our players. This is a team with a lot of competition on the field, which is much different than a year ago when we returned so many starters," Smith said. "I have a much better idea now of where guys need to be playing and we will take the next six weeks working individually and in small groups. With Josh Ford out as a catcher, it is important to get as much work done with Zach Dillon, Tyler Bullock, Matt Forestiere and Clay Coates as possible. I have a lot of confidence in these guys and, while I am so disappointed for Josh, I believe we are in as good a shape as possible at that position."
Baylor begins the 2004 season at home Feb. 13 at home against Loyola Marymount.
