Vinny Mallaro, junior first baseman
After batting .289 in a limited role in his freshman season, Mallaro is set to be the team’s starting first baseman. He suffered a hand injury over the summer while playing in a travel league and he still feels lingering hand pain from time to time. Nonetheless, he is ready for the season and said he is “up for the challenge” of playing a new position.
Chris Kwitzer, sophomore third baseman
In order to get ready to assume third base for the first time in a Bulls uniform, Kwitzer said he has done a lot of mental training over the summer and has been in close contact with former third baseman Mike Burke. Kwitzer hit .219 in 64 at-bats last season.
“I did a few things this offseason,” Kwitzer said. “Hitting the weights twice a day and a lot of mental training. Just preparing myself for tough situations and getting ready for the season.”
Brian Dudek, sophomore second baseman
Dudek started 42 games at second base last season, but he is expected to be an everyday player at the same position. He hit .221 in 160 at-bats last season as a freshman. Now a sophomore, he expects to take on a leadership role.
“There are only a few starters back from last season,” Dudek said. “I think I’m going to take a lead role this season, help people out who didn’t play much last year and see what happens.”
Bobby Sheppard, junior shortstop
Sheppard transferred from Prairie State Junior College. Last season, he finished with 64 hits on 167 at-bats. He totaled 11 doubles, six triples, two home runs and 17 stolen bases for Prairie State Junior College last season and is expected to replace Mike Scarcello as the team’s starting shortstop.
Kyle Brennan, junior catcher
Brennan played in 32 games last season, earning 26 starts. He finished with a .202 batting average. He finished last season with 173 putouts from the catcher position. He also posted career highs – 18 hits, nine RBI’s, five doubles and two home runs last season. With the graduation of Kyle Figgins, Brennan will be the primary catcher on the roster.
Anthony Magovney, Pitcher, Senior
After posting a 4.12 ERA, a 6-4 record and 44 strikeouts in 12 starts last season, Magovney will be called on to lead the rotation. He also was tied with Mike Burke for the most wins on the team last season (six). He was third on the team in innings pitched after Burke and Kevin Hughes.
Nick Sinay, junior outfielder
Sinay will move over from right field to center field as the only returning starting outfielder from last season. He finished with seven doubles, 23 RBIs and a .254 batting average, earning himself the leadoff spot for 2015. The speedster also swiped 31 bases last year – nearly 20 more than the next best on the team.
Mike Abrunzo, junior outfielder
Abrunzo is excited to start his career as a Bull after transferring from Lackawanna College. He carries over a .372 average with four homeruns and 31 RBIs in 40 games played last season. He is projected to take over left field. Abrunzo said that junior college has “prepared him well” for Division-I baseball.
Brent Cleland, sophomore outfielder
The sophomore pitched in 11 games last season and started in four games last season. He went 1-0 with 27 strikeouts in 27 innings pitched. Cleland is expected to see a larger role on the team this season in right field. He got one hit in two at-bats last season.
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Photo: Paul Hokanson/UB Athletics
