2014 Baseball Roster
2014 Baseball Schedule

The class of 2014 has been a part of some of the most successful baseball in the 98-year history of the Viking program. As they fight for their third CCIW championship in four years, some program milestones are within striking distance, and Head Coach Luke Johnson is eager to see how his team responds to the challenge.

"We won 21 games last year and finished in third in the CCIW and the conference tournament, and I don't think anyone associated with our program was particularly satisfied with that. The fact that our expectations are elevated beyond that is a good thing. I'm looking forward to seeing how this team responds to both the reality of what they have accomplished as a group, but, more importantly, what they have in front of them. We need to continue to do the types of things that championship teams do, and the first part of that is to never take success for granted. They've done a nice job of paying the price for excellence so far. I think they feel like they have something to prove. We'll judge ourselves on how well we prove it," states ninth-year head coach Luke Johnson.

Calling the 2014 schedule rugged would be an understatement. The first two weekends see the Vikings compete against perennial national level contenders Birmingham Southern, Millsaps , (preseason #14), Wesbster (preseason #7) , and Wartburg (preseason #21). This trend continues into the rest of the non-conference schedule with Concordia Chicago (preseason #13), St. Scholastica (received votes in preseason poll), and Benedictine (all of whom were NCAA tournament teams in 2013). WIAC tournament qualifier UW-Oshkosh (received votes in preseason poll), Central Region stalwart University of Chicago, Aurora University (received votes in preseason poll) as well as several nationally prominent CCIW opponents. "All told, we have 12 games against NCAA regional teams from 2013, two of which advanced to the World Series, and our non-conference opponents winning percentage from 2013 is .626," says Johnson. "The ability to make some early season traction will be important for this team. We will make a strong case for ourselves postseason-wise if we navigate both halves of our schedule effectively".

Pitching

The Vikings will lean on some experienced pitching as well as some young talent to get the job done. "We return some significant pieces to the puzzle, and we have some new players who are ready to make their mark, so we're encouraged. There are some important guys who are coming off of injuries, so getting them at 100% and keeping them all there for the duration of the season is a priority," says Johnson.

They return a duo of fifth-year seniors that they will lean on to set the tone. Right-hander and captain Alex Silverthorne (Wichita, KS/Valley Center) and lefthander Nick Soldano (Lake Zurich/Zion-Benton) are both battle-tested in the CCIW and NCAA tournament. Career-wise, they have 23 wins and 10 saves between the two of them. "Nick is coming off of elbow surgery that cut things short for him last year. His past record speaks for itself. He's worked very hard to get back to the level he was at in 2012 (3rd Team All-American, CCIW Pitcher of the Year), and in doing so has controlled all the things he can in this situation. He's had faith in the process and we're all very encouraged by his progress. He's been a workhorse for us, with over 200 innings pitched in his career. We know he knows how to win, and bringing him along health-wise will be important. Alex had a very nice year last year in his first as a full-time starter. He ate almost 70 innings for us in 12 starts, winning three games with an ERA under 3.50. In 124 career innings, his career hits and strikeouts to innings pitched are excellent, which is probably the best way to evaluate a guy who has pitched in the variety of roles that he has, and we expect more of the same this year. Opponents have hit .243 off him since 2010. He should be more comfortable this year with the pace and tempo of starting ball games. He also has a full year of matching up with top-3 CCIW arms under his belt. Both of these guys have worked hard to go out on top. When they're good, they are two of the better pitchers in the region."

Seniors Johnny Larson (Mt. Prospect/Prospect/McHenry County College), Bobby Herrick (Glendale, WI/Nicolet) and Charlie Moran (Williamsville, NY/University of Hartford), and Roy Garcia (Elmhurst/York/College of DuPage) will also compete for time. "All of these guys have intriguing qualities that could make them very valuable for us. Johnny had his non-throwing shoulder repaired in 2013 and the time off has actually helped his velocity and pitchability. If he shows command early, he could be a big factor for us. Bobby comes from a different arm angle that can be really tough. He's worked hard to get his game ready and if he is we'll have a weapon that we haven't had since I've been here. Charlie has worked hard to put things together, and has shown flashes of very good stuff. He had a better fall, he's getting better at self-correcting, and I'm looking forward to seeing how that translates for him. Roy battled arm issues all last year. He's post-surgery as well, and having him as a strike-throwing left-handed option is important for us."

Junior Merrick McGrady (Buffalo Grove/Stevenson) will also be vying for a return to a significant role in 2014. "Merrick had shoulder surgery last year about the same time Nick had elbow surgery. That was a big blow to our staff. He appears to be ready to go and the hope is that he can contribute as a starter, which was the plan in his progression all along. Command and competitiveness have always been his strengths, and we're looking forward to the first 100% healthy season from him since 2010. He's been in big games since his freshman year, has exceptional leadership qualities, and is easy to root for," notes Johnson. McGrady owns a 3-3 record with 4 saves in 32 appearances, with 43 strikeouts in 55 innings pitched in his career. Junior transfer Ryan Kennedy (Gurnee/Warren/Valparaiso) will also be expected to chew up innings. In 23 career appearances at the Division I level, Kennedy logged a 4-1 record, appearing out of the bullpen for the Crusaders. "Ryan's been part of a program that's won conference titles, conference tournament titles, and appeared in two straight NCAA tournaments. I expect that he'll be competitive from the get-go and look forward to what he can accomplish as a player here," says Johnson. Kennedy logged a 0.60 ERA in 15 innings as a freshman in 2012, going 2-0, and was 2-1 with a 1.88 ERA as a sophomore. John Nemcek (Crystal Lake/Central) is another junior who made strides in 2013 and is poised to continue that. "John led us with 3 saves and appeared in 11 games last year, all in crucial spots. Depending on how some other pieces fit together, he could be used in a similar role this year. Whatever role he's in will be important and his ability to be flexible will be key," Johnson said. Junior lefty Matt Peterson (Madison Heights, MI/H.S.) also emerged near the end of 2013. "Matt started the year as a match-up lefty and progressed in both confidence and production as the year went on. As long as he sticks with what works for him, he'll be valuable again," says Johnson. In 7 appearances out of the bullpen, opponents hit .244 against Peterson. Kenny Blanchard (Niles/West/Knox College) has also continued to progress. "Kenny's stuff, command, and confidence were all much improved this fall. He pitched against good teams in tough situations last year. He's made the adjustment to the caliber of hitter he's going to face, and he's positioned himself as a legitimate option." Blanchard went 1-1 in 10 appearances.

Sophomore Jason Meger (Niles/Niles West) will look to take the next step. "Jason pitched in very tough situations as a freshman. He got pressure innings in a ton of big ball games. He experienced a mix of legitimate success and adversity, and it will be exciting to see him make the jump he's capable of. He's going to fight for innings as a starter on this staff," notes Johnson. Mario Creecy (Chesterfield, MI/Stevenson), Eric Bacon (Naperville/St. Francis) and Jimmy Roach (Downs/ Tri-Valley), are three sophomores who have seen big improvement. "All of these guys have made drastic physical improvements. They are hard workers who are very competitive. If they're patient, they have a good chance to see the fruit of their labors. They will all be in position to fight for a variety of roles on this staff. Mario, depending on how his arm responds to being a two way player, can start or relieve. Eric will probably see time out of the pen, as will Jimmy," says Johnson. Patrick Pokrovac (Chicago/St. Laurence) and Matthew Griffith (Chicago/Taft/Clarke University), John Hayes (Frankfort/Lincoln-Way West) and B.J. McNaughton (Cromwell, CT/Cromwell) will look to solidify roles out of the bullpen. "Pat is a side arm guy who is going to be very valuable when he learns how to harness what he does. Matt has very good command of breaking stuff that can be a real tool for us. B.J. is getting better and I'm looking forward to seeing him grow. John has converted his arm slot and I'm looking forward to seeing him get comfortable with it," notes Johnson.

Freshman Alex Vannucci (LaGrange/Lyons Township) had a very productive fall. "Alex is going to be a good lefty. He has good composure, a good self-concept, and he's pitched in an outstanding high school program. He knows how to win, so he'll be in the mix," says Johnson. Kyle Kennedy (Gurnee/Warren) was impressive as well. "Kyle has a unique and mature concept of what he is and how to compete. He's mature enough to be a factor pretty quickly," notes Johnson. Connor McElfresh (Girard/North Mac) is in the same boat. "Connor has three pitches he can use and has showed command. His attitude toward his work is equally impressive," Johnson said. T.D. Conway (California, PA/California) will also make an impact. "TD had an outstanding fall on the football field. I think it's fair to say he's proven he has leadership qualities as an All-CCIW quarterback. Although he missed fall practice because of it, he can be really special. He's had a one-year layoff from baseball, but he's very talented and he'll catch up quickly," Johnson said.

Catcher

The Vikings will have strength and versatility behind the plate. Combinations could change depending on other lineup variables, but Johnson will have experience and upside in whatever combination he uses. "Dan Sabin (Slinger, WI/Slinger) continuing to grow defensively from last year to this year was a priority for us, and he has. Coming off arm surgery his senior year in high school, we really only had a few weeks of practice to get him game ready last year. That was a tall order for a freshman catcher. He's a really talented offensive player. He'll get time back there, but he's got to continue to progress and focus," Johnson said. Sabin hit .393 and slugged .589 in 20 starts last year. The Vikings have a duo of freshmen that are emerging as well. Cam Adams (Johnsburg/Johnsburg) has a valuable combination of offensive and defensive skills, and is polished enough with both to contribute now. Greg Grana (Palatine/Palatine) has excellent catch and throw ability with an emerging offensive skill set. "Both of these guys have futures here. Their roles will depend on lineup combinations and health and production, but the bottom line is they are very valuable for a lot of reasons," notes Johnson. Sophomore Brendan Seaver (Beaver Dam, WI/Beaver Dam) will provide depth behind the plate, as will second year IF/catcher Eric Stojanoff (Lincolnwood/Niles West).

Infield

"We have a great deal of experience in the infield," says Johnson. "Getting all the experience to click on both sides of the ball at the same time will be the trick, and that's something they've been paying attention to. I think they're ready for that breakout year as a group."

Senior middle-infield combo Eric Sousanes (Aurora/Waubonsie Valley) and Mike Coduto (Carol Stream/Wheaton North) will lead the way. "Both these guys have career bodies of work that speak for themselves, but it's as a combination where they are strongest. They have over 800 career at-bats between the two of them, multiple All-CCIW and All- Region awards, and have been in on well over 100 double plays as a unit. Getting them to seize this moment together, both offensively and defensively will be key for us," says Johnson. Sousanes is coming off of junior year where he hit .319 with a .446 on base percentage, garnering All-CCIW honors. Coduto, spending a great deal of time in the leadoff spot in 2013, led the team with 176 at bats, hit .295 and was 10-12 on the bases. Senior Jordan Sidwell Bondurant, IA/Ankney) and Creecy will push for time in the middle as well. "Jordan has worked hard and has embraced things as a role player. His contributions may not be on stat sheets but they are significant," says Johnson. Brody Burkart (Lake in The Hills/Huntley) has some versatility that can allow some flexibility between second and third base. "Brody has finally been healthy for the majority of the year and he gives us some feel for the game defensively and some physicality that is valuable. His offensive ceiling is pretty high and I have a feeling he'll find a way to make an impact," Johnson says. Freshman Nate Simons (Racine WI/St. Catherine) is progressing nicely. "Nate had minor knee surgery over break, but has been working very hard. He's improved both his offense and defense and will be in the mix in time," Johnson says.

Juniors Joe Belmonte (Elk Grove/Conant) will be a middle of the lineup component, coming off of a second team All-CCIW year in 2013. He'll contribute as a first basemen and DH. "Joe has been a mainstay for the better part of two years. I'm looking forward to him continuing to mature in every way," Johnson says. Belmonte hit .378 in CCIW play. Sophomore Tyler Woolbright will have opportunities at both of those spots as well. "Tyler's really matured, physically and mentally. We recruited him to be a middle of the order guy, and he's starting to show the feel for the game that we thought he had in him," Johnson said. Woolbright appeared in 23 games as a freshman.

Creecy and Freshman Mitchell Jordan (Sycamore/Sycamore) will likely compete for time at third base. Johnson appreciates both players poise and presence. "These guys are tougher than they are old. That's a good thing. Both of them have some juice in their bat and defensive capability." Junior UT Tommy Endres (Niles/Fullerton CC), may see some time there as well. Junior Andrew Molley (Northlake/Proviso West) will continue to push for time. "Andrew can pick it pretty well. He's a good soldier and hopefully we can find a way to reward him for his effort and contributions," Johnson says.

Outfield

Junior captain Zak Worsley (Ottawa/Marquette) will man centerfield. "Zak, after a breakout freshman year, had a hard second season. However, consider that fact that we played 42 games and he started all of them. That's enough said. He has excellent speed and good instincts. He can hit at the top of the order and he'll be a leader in every way on this team," Johnson said. Worsley was 22-25 on the bases and led the team with 40 runs scored. Dan Anderson (Moose Lake, MN/Itasca CC) will get opportunities in left field. "Dan can really run. He needs to do a better job at finishing at bats, but if he comes around we could have a very big, fast left-handed option in him," Johnson said. Sophomore Alec Strachota (Carol Stream/West Chicago) has also showed improvement. "Alec continues to show some feel defensively and he has good arm strength. He's also showing signs of matching his offensive approach to his skill set. If that continues to improve he'll see time in right or left," Johnson said. Endres will likely man right field early on. "Tommy can swing the bat and is pretty athletic. I'm looking forward to watching him. He'll be a middle of the order guy for us. He can run and he has very good physical tools," Johnson said. Juniors Nathan Clarke (Evanston/Evanston) and Connor Sarant (Spring, TX/Oak Ridge) are also emerging. "Connor does the little things well and may find himself in there in tough spots. He's a high effort guy who we can count on to do the right thing at the right time. Nathan continues to work on his all-around game, but possesses the best raw tool on this team in his speed. We'll use that any way we can, and as much as we can," Johnson said. Junior college transfer Luke Wichmann (Freeport/Marshaltown CC) provides a left handed hitting option. "Luke has been banged up arm wise, but he can really swing the bat. His health will determine his role, and he may be more of a DH option at this point," Johnson said. Freshman Christian Rodriguez (Chicago/Whitney Young) has impressed Johnson. "Christian runs, throws, and hits. He's a little guy but he has big play potential. He's learning how to work hard every day, but he's going to be a fabulous player for us, and another legitimate left-handed hitting option for us immediately." Tyler Kopp (New Lenox/Lincoln Way West) is a switch hitting outfielder who will add depth. "Tyler is moving along nicely. I think he's good enough from both sides to continue to do it collegiately, and as his defensive skills improve, he'll be in the mix," Johnson said.

The Vikings open up the weekend of February 22-23 against Piedmont College at University of Alabama-Birmingham; take on 2013 World Series qualifier Millsaps, as well as host Birmingham Southern.