BASEBALL

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Much like an expansion team, the University at Buffalo baseball squad struggled to a 12-35 record in the 2000 season, their first in almost a decade and a half. But don't let the lopsided record fool you, of the Bulls' 35 losses last season, seven of those decisions were by two runs or less, giving this season's team a positive outlook.

Head coach Bill Breene returns a veteran lineup that just one year ago was as green as the outfield grass. Eleven of his returnees are now sophomores with seven others, including the Bulls' top three pitchers, entering their senior campaigns. With a freshman laden lineup in 2000 the experience that those newcomers gained will be counted upon by the Bulls in 2001.

"I think we expected to struggle," said Breene on the 2000 campaign. "You try to remain optimistic, but the reality of putting together thirty strangers and a new coaching staff is difficult. We didn't have the depth and experience going into the season." Of last season's squad, only one player, Tom Januchowski, the staff leader in innings pitched, had played in a Division I game when he was at Charleston Southern.

The lack of depth also hurt the Bulls. "Last year was a definite grinder for everyone, even the coaching staff," continued Breene. "The position players were the ones who would get into slumps and we had no options to sit them down for a day or two. They had to play."

"I think a year under their belts helped them become better players," said Breene. "They know what to expect this season. We have to get pitching, hitting and defense on a consistent level."

Last season's numbers show not only room for improvement but flashes of brilliance. UB hit just .254, while the team ERA was 7.21. However, in the field, the Bulls turned 40 double plays including six in the season finale against Stony Brook that tied an NCAA record for the second-most twin-killings in a nine-inning game.

"We have to become a better offensive team," said Breene. "Our goal is to dramatically reduce the number of team strikeouts and leaving men on base and become a tougher out at the plate. If we become more disciplined at the plate, that's the key for us this year."

The Bulls will play a 56-game schedule that includes a full 28-game Mid-American Conference slate. UB saw some MAC competition last season with series against at Bowling Green and Toledo while playing as an Independent. "Now the bar goes up with 28 MAC games," said Breene, referring to the league schedule. "I think they know what to expect in the MAC. They've prepared themselves mentally for the grind of a 56-game schedule with a full MAC schedule."

The MAC schedule will begin in late March, but before that the Bulls will again head to Homestead, Florida to participate in the Homestead Challenge. UB opens the season against a highly-rated Florida International team that advanced to the NCAA South Atlantic Subregional finals last season. Boston College, another of the Bulls' opponents in Florida, is a strong Big East team that UB saw last season.

"We have a demanding schedule and look to everybody to contribute in some way during the course of the year," said Breene.

A detailed look at the 2001 Bulls follows.

FIRST BASE

Bryan Sanchez (Canandaigua, NY/Canandaigua Academy) returns for his sophomore season after a record-setting debut. Sanchez set the UB single-season record for home runs with 11 and earned Honorable Mention status on the Louisville Slugger Freshman All-American Team. Sanchez, the Bulls' top power threat, also led the club with 10 doubles and 33 runs batted in while hitting .272.

"He's got a great lefthanded swing and he adjusted to a new position," stated Breene. "Hel'll be one of our few sources of power, but we want him to hit to all fields and put the ball in play."

SECOND BASE

Team Most Valuable Player Kevin Brown (Amherst, NY/Amherst) had a strong 2000 hitting .297 with 20 RBIs and four stolen bases. "Kevin Brown from start to end was our most consistent player," said Breene. "He's a solid defensive player and a tough out. He leads by example in practice and games. We hope he has a good senior year and gets to the next level."

SHORTSTOP

The Bulls' leading returning hitter Adrian Daniels (Spencerport, NY/Spencerport) hit .305 while knocking in 16 runs and scoring 22. Daniels also led the club with three triples. "Adrian Daniels is probably our most solid player," remarked Breene. "He can run, he can throw, he's got great hands. He's going to be an outstanding MAC player."

Daniels and Brown not only will make up a formidable defensive combination in the middle of the infield they have been selected as co-captains for the 2001 season.

Backing up Daniels will be freshman Nate Bliss (Fabius, NY/Fabius-Pompey). "Nate Bliss is a hard worker with good hands, skill and range," said Breene. "He will need to adjust to Division I pitching like most of the freshmen. We plan on using him in a number of supporting roles."

THIRD BASE

Over at the hot corner Kevin Nesturuk (Cheektowaga, NY/West Seneca East) returns after winning the starting nod last season. Although Nesteruk's offensive numbers were just .213 with seven RBIs, it's his defense that has UB excited. Nesteruk committed just four errors last season moving from shortstop where he spent much of his career. "He's a kid we inserted in the lineup halfway through last season at a new position. He's won that spot," said Breene. "He's a hard worker and does a lot of things well. He still needs to get more experience playing third."

Also expected to see playing time is freshman Joe Todoro (Orchard Park, NY/Orchard Park) a three-time All-Western New York selection and two-time All-New York State honoree. Todoro put up power numbers in high school last season with seven homers and 30 RBIs while hitting .448. "We're looking for Joe to immediately come in and give us offensive power," said Breene. "He's an aggressive hitter and we'll use him as a designated hitter or pinch hitter."

OUTFIELD

The Bulls will see two of the three outfield positions manned by new faces in the 2001 season. UB was dealt a serious blow when one of the Bulls projected starters Bryan Zelasko (Orchard Park, NY/Orchard Park) was lost for the season due to shoulder surgery. But the Bulls think they have some prospects patrolling the outfield.

Eric Huber (Orchard Park, NY/Orchard Park) makes his Bulls debut after missing the 2000 season due to an ACL injury. Huber, a former Junior College Division I All-American at Alfred State, will see action in right field. "He's going to add most needed experience at the plate," said Breene. "He is a good hitter that has the capabilities and we're anxious to get him back into the lineup."

Returning to center field is Mike Flaherty (Spencerport, NY/Spencerport). A .238 hitter last season Flaherty led the Bulls with five stolen bases and knocked in 24 runs while scoring 22. Flaherty was another of the Bulls' positional moves last season taking over in center after playing third base.

"As a staff we thought this was one of our best coaching moves," said Breene. "We feel this is his natural position. From the moment we put him in center field, he started throwing people out at bases and going into the gap to grab balls. He strengthens our outfield defensive play."

The left field position is up for grabs with three players Tim Sova (Rochester, NY/Greece Athena), Scott Mruczek (Rochester, NY/Greece Athena) and Rob Golemba (New City, NY/Clarkstown South) also expected to see playing time. All three have junior college experience with Sova and Mruczek previously playing at Monroe CC while Golemba played at Rockland CC.

Mruczek saw action behind the plate last season. He hit .250 with three homers and seven doubles while adding 17 RBIs. Golemba hit .209 in 22 games last season with four RBIs. Golemba is a strong utility man who could also see playing at first base and on the mound.

CATCHER

"We have a stockpile of versatile catchers," said Breene regarding the Bulls' backstops. Corey Blair (Oneida, NY/Oneida) joins the Bulls after transferring from Siena where he hit .284 with four homers and 20 RBIs. Not only could Blair see time at catcher, he is a versatile infielder who can play both first and third base and could also DH. "We look for him to be an offensive leader," said Breene. "We're looking to have him in the lineup everyday."

When Blair is not catching, the duties could fall on returnee Brandon DiCesare (Rochester, NY/McQuaid Jesuit). DiCesare was in right field last season and led the team with six sacrifices while hitting .254 and knocking in 12. "He'll be someone else we're going to rely on to help out at the catcher position throughout the long season," said Breene.

Also expected to see time behind the plate is Scott Gruver (Vestal, NY/Vestal) who played at Army where he started for the Cadets as a freshman. Gruver has a strong arm which should keep opposing baserunners on guard. Freshman Fran Coudriet (Liverpool, NY/Liverpool) may also see action.

PITCHERS

The Bulls return several experienced pitchers from last season.

UB will feature three senior righthanders in Jeff Robertson (Kenmore, NY/Kenmore West), Anthony Puccia (Penfield, NY/Penfield) and Pete Selden (Holley, NY/Holley). Robertson spent time as a starter and closer for the Bulls last season with all three of the team's saves and a team-best 5.26 ERA. Robertson also led the Bulls with three complete games. Puccia was 1-4 in ten starts last year while Selden was 1-1 with a 6.32 ERA.

"Puccia and Robertson we're looking at as front line starters," said Breene. Pete Selden has the ability to spot start. We're looking for him to be an everyday thrower, a guy we can go to everyday whether it be in a starter or relief role."

Joining the Bulls is Brendan Dunford (Buffalo, NY/Timon/St. Jude) who pitched at crosstown Canisius College bringing Division I experience to the club. "He will be looked at as a primary starter," said Breene.

"The nucleus and future of our staff is composed of our sophomore pitchers," said Breene referring to six second-year players who will see mound time.

Tyler Balentine (Mendon, NY/Honeoye Falls-Lima), a Louisville Slugger Freshman All-America Honorable Mention selection last season, topped the Bulls with four wins against just three losses in 2000. Balentine also recorded one shutout with his 5.40 ERA.

Also looking for starting time will be John Sullivan (Buffalo, NY/Timon/St. Jude) and Mark McMahon (West Seneca, NY/Timon/St. Jude). Sullivan was 1-4 mostly in relief while McMahon, a lefthander, was 0-2.

Kyle Swiatocha (Forest Hills, NY/Holy Cross), Matt Franklin (Rochester, NY/Greece Athena) and Mark Esposito (Fairport, NY/Fairport) will also compete for time. Swiatocha and Esposito each finished with 1-0 records. "We'll look to them for occasional spot starts as well as the bulk of middle, setup and closing relief," said Breene.

Also joining the staff are righthanded freshmen Nick Bellacose (Clarence, NY/Clarence), Mike Leslie (Suffern, NY/Suffern), Dennis Renders (Camilius, NY/West Genesee) and Bob Batdorf (Endwell, NY/Maine-Endwell).