Bring On The Cats - K-State Baseball 2014 PreviewA Kansas State Wildcats Blog -- Carrying the Banner Highhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47995/bringoncats_fave.png2014-02-14T15:00:03-06:00http://www.bringonthecats.com/rss/stream/51740952014-02-14T15:00:03-06:002014-02-14T15:00:03-06:00K-State vs Cal Poly (BSB): Preview/How to Listen
<figure>
<img alt="It's time, BatCats. Let's get this thing started." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/_tJHRQh4w83ybxE5NezTLmC_VYU=/589x0:3714x2083/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/28581641/20130609_jla_ae6_079.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>It's time, BatCats. Let's get this thing started. | Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The BatCats begin the road to Omaha this weekend in California.</p> <p>It's been a long eight months for fans of the K-State baseball program. After the greatest year in the team's long history, including a Big 12 regular season championship, selection as a regional host for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/march-madness">NCAA tournament</a>, a win in that regional, and a thrilling -- albeit heartbreaking -- loss in the super-regionals, it's time to get started again.</p>
<p><b>The series</b>: #18 (NCBWA) <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-basketball/teams/kansas-st-wildcats">Kansas State</a> (45-19 last year) visits the #29 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/teams/cal-poly-slo-mustangs">Cal Poly-SLO Mustangs</a> (40-19 last year). The teams have met once for a three-game series, last year in Manhattan. The Mustangs won the series two games to one.</p>
<p><b>The opponent</b>: Cal Poly finished in second place in the Big West last year, which you may not think is a big deal but this is baseball we're talking about. That second place finish earned the Mustangs a trip to the UCLA regional, where losses to UCLA and San Diego ended their campaign. Keep an eye -- well, an ear, anyway -- on OFs Jordan Ellis and Nick Torres, and be aware that just like K-State, the Mustangs have a lights-out multi-inning closer in Reed Reilly.</p>
<p><b>First Pitches</b>: Friday and Saturday at 8pm CT, Sunday at 3pm CT, at Baggett Stadium in San Luis Obispo, California.</p>
<p><b>Expected Starters</b>: Friday: Levi MaVorhis (5-0, 4.77 last year) vs Matt Imhof (7-3, 2.74); Saturday: Jared Moore (4-0, 3.73) vs Slater Lee (freshman); Sunday: Jordan Witcig (0-0, 3.68) vs Casey Bloomquist (6-2, 5.02)</p>
<p><b>Television</b>: let's not get carried away here.</p>
<p><b>Radio</b>: <a target="_blank" href="http://1350kman.com">1350 KMAN</a>, with Rob Voelker on play-by-play.</p>
<p><b>Online</b>: No video streaming. Audio streaming via <a target="_blank" href="http://www.kstatesports.com/allaccess/">K-State All-Access</a>, live stats via <a target="_blank" href="http://%20www.kstatesports.com/gametracker">Gametracker</a>.</p>
<p>Note: as the season gets moving, we'll try and have some sort of daily recap of each game, but for the time being we'll only be offering series recaps.</p>
<p>
<link rel="stylesheet" href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3604021/nextclicks.css"></p>
https://www.bringonthecats.com/kansas-state-baseball/2014/2/14/5410130/k-state-vs-cal-poly-baseball-preview-and-how-to-listenJon Morse2014-02-14T13:00:02-06:002014-02-14T13:00:02-06:00K-State Baseball 2014 Preview: Pitchers
<figure>
<img alt="Sophomore Blake McFadden will miss the year after breaking his elbow." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/IfaKPWxreUU559RGnTBt0GId-N8=/0x30:4000x2697/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/28593967/20130609_jla_ae6_050.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Sophomore Blake McFadden will miss the year after breaking his elbow. | Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The infield? Secure. The outfield? A complete unknown. The pitching staff? Well... it's a work in progress.</p> <p>On the one hand, the infield returns everyone. On the other, the outfield was decimated. The pitching staff sits right in the middle, and the biggest question there isn't whether they can reload or rebuild, but whether they can improve.</p>
<table align="center"><tbody>
<tr>
<td colspan="4" style="text-align:center;"><b>DEPARTED</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>NAME</b></td>
<td style="text-align:center;"><b>ERA</b></td>
<td style="text-align:center;"><b>W-L</b></td>
<td style="text-align:center;"><b>SV</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Joe Flattery</td>
<td>3.86</td>
<td>5-4</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tanner Witt</td>
<td>3.18</td>
<td>0-0</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jake Doller</td>
<td>3.54</td>
<td>2-3</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Gerardo Esquivel</td>
<td>3.99</td>
<td>2-2</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Hayden Nixon</td>
<td>5.89</td>
<td>2-0</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Josh Smith</td>
<td>9.00</td>
<td>0-0</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p>The losses are painful, but manageable in context. Flattery made 13 starts; he's graduated and signed with the Tigers, undrafted. Doller also graduated, taking nine starts with him. That's about a third of the load, but it's important to remember that a couple of freshmen did step into the rotation late in the season. Esquivel wasn't particularly heralded, but his departure is also a nagging loss; his four-plus innings in the regional final against Arkansas were a critical piece of the Wildcats' regional win, and earned all-regional honors. After not making an appearance in game two of the super-regional, Esquivel was rumored to be in line to start the final game of the super-regional against Oregon State, but Brad Hill made the startling decision to send closer Jake Matthys to the hill. Esquivel came on to relieve Matthys, and his effort helped keep the BatCats' hopes alive in a tight contest. He wasn't a star for the 2013 'Cats, but diehard fans are going to fondly remember Esquivel for a long time.</p>
<table align="center"><tbody>
<tr>
<td colspan="10" style="text-align:center;"><b>RETURNING</b></td>
</tr>
<tr></tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align:center;"><b>#</b></td>
<td><b>NAME</b></td>
<td style="text-align:center;"><b>TH</b></td>
<td style="text-align:center;"><b>HT</b></td>
<td style="text-align:center;"><b>WT</b></td>
<td style="text-align:center;"><b>YR</b></td>
<td><b>FROM</b></td>
<td style="text-align:center;"><b>ERA</b></td>
<td style="text-align:center;"><b>W-L</b></td>
<td style="text-align:center;"><b>SV</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>21</td>
<td>Landon Busch</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">L</td>
<td>6'1"</td>
<td>200</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">So.</td>
<td>Brookings SD</td>
<td>4.58</td>
<td>0-0</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>12</td>
<td>Jake Matthys</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">R</td>
<td>5'11"</td>
<td>180</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">So.</td>
<td>Spring Lake Park MN</td>
<td>2.05</td>
<td>9-2</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>29</td>
<td>Levi MaVorhis</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">R</td>
<td>6'1"</td>
<td>195</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">So.</td>
<td>Everett WA-Archbishop Murphy</td>
<td>4.77</td>
<td>5-0</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>23</td>
<td>Blake McFadden</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">R</td>
<td>6'1"</td>
<td>200</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">So.</td>
<td>Savannah MO</td>
<td>4.97</td>
<td>6-3</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>33</td>
<td>Jared Moore</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">L</td>
<td>6'0"</td>
<td>200</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">Sr.</td>
<td>Boulder CO</td>
<td>3.73</td>
<td>4-0</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>31</td>
<td>Jordan Witcig</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">R</td>
<td>6'4"</td>
<td>190</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">So.</td>
<td>Kansas City MO-Staley</td>
<td>3.68</td>
<td>0-0</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>20</td>
<td>Matt Wivinis</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">R</td>
<td>5'11"</td>
<td>190</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">Jr.</td>
<td>Downers Grove IL-South</td>
<td>4.72</td>
<td>6-2</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>45</td>
<td>Nate Williams</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">R</td>
<td>6'2"</td>
<td>225</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">Jr.</td>
<td>Valley Center KS</td>
<td>2.81</td>
<td>4-3</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p>This is a deep returning staff, and the only real question is whether the young starters can take the next step and become solid mainstays in the rotation. MaVorhis moved into the rotation late in the season and established himself as the likely ace of the staff in 2014; indeed, he's been named the opening day starter for tonight's clash with Cal Poly. Senior Jared Moore is the dean of the staff; he didn't start a game last year, but is expected to move into the rotation after a solid year in the bullpen. The final piece of the rotation as the season begins is soph Jordan Witcig, whose only start last year was in the Big 12 Tournament final against Oklahoma. Prior to that, however, Witcig had only allowed a single run in six appearances. McFadden was also a solid part of the rotation, but he's suffering from a fractured elbow and is out for the year; Wivinis is also sidelined after shoulder surgery. That means depth is going to be an issue.</p>
<p>The bullpen is anchored by freshman All-American and All-Big 12 first team closer Jake Matthys, who was absolutely dominating in 2013. Opposing hitters only managed to hit .186 against him, and both that and his 2.05 ERA are slightly inflated by that super-regional start against Oregon State, where he wasn't bad, but wasn't perfect. Matthys enters the year as a third-team pre-season All-American. Landon Busch didn't see a lot of work last year, but he's the most experienced healthy arm in the 'pen. Nate Williams, the primary set-up man for Matthys last year, is out for the year; he, like Wivinis, had to get his shoulder worked on in the off-season.</p>
<table align="center"><tbody>
<tr>
<td colspan="7" style="text-align:center;"><b>NEW FACES</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align:center;"><b>#</b></td>
<td><b>NAME</b></td>
<td style="text-align:center;"><b>TH</b></td>
<td style="text-align:center;"><b>HT</b></td>
<td style="text-align:center;"><b>WT</b></td>
<td style="text-align:center;"><b>YR</b></td>
<td><b>FROM</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>30</td>
<td>Jordan Floyd</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">L</td>
<td>6'2"</td>
<td>230</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">Fr.</td>
<td>Topeka KS-Shawnee Heights</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>22</td>
<td>Jake Fromson</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">R</td>
<td>5'10"</td>
<td>175</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">Fr.</td>
<td>Lee's Summit MO</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>24</td>
<td>Nate Griep</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">R</td>
<td>6'2"</td>
<td>185</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">Fr.</td>
<td>Omaha NE-Millard West</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>14</td>
<td>Colton Kalmus</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">R</td>
<td>6'2"</td>
<td>190</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">Fr.</td>
<td>Rowlett TX</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>35</td>
<td>Ethan Landon</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">R</td>
<td>6'4"</td>
<td>200</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">Fr.</td>
<td>Sioux Falls SD-Lincoln</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>44</td>
<td>Jon Roblez</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">R</td>
<td>6'3"</td>
<td>210</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">Fr.</td>
<td>Kansas City KS-Bishop Ward</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>34</td>
<td>Jake Whaley</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">R</td>
<td>6'4"</td>
<td>230</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">Jr.</td>
<td>Marshalltown (IA) CC/Marshalltown IA</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>13</td>
<td>Braxton Wilks</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">L</td>
<td>5'11"</td>
<td>175</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">Fr.</td>
<td>Sugar Land TX-Episcopal</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p>Jake Whaley, who tossed a no-hitter two years ago for Marshalltown CC, averaged over 12 strikeouts per nine innings in Iowa. The remaining newcomers are all freshmen. Griep and Kalmus redshirted last year, so they've at least got a year in the program; Kalmus sported a 1.66 ERA in high school, while Griep was a Louisville Slugger High School All-American. The incoming freshmen include Floyd, a Kansas 5-A All-State selection last year who passed up the money from a 25th-round selection by the Yankees, and two other All-Staters in Roblez (Kansas 4-A) and Landon (South Dakota). As he showed last year, Brad Hill isn't afraid to rely on freshmen on the hill, so some of these guys are going to be important -- especially as the staff deals with the loss of three important pieces due to injury and another three to graduation. The season may well depend on these guys.</p>
https://www.bringonthecats.com/2014/2/14/5359526/k-state-baseball-2014-preview-pitchersJon Morse2014-02-14T10:00:12-06:002014-02-14T10:00:12-06:00K-State Baseball 2014 Preview: Outfield
<figure>
<img alt="Rebuilding... or reloading?" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/d5XDMTXaIwZrjLx1ZHenmeGyfYw=/0x275:825x825/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/28593003/img_20130530_093404.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Rebuilding... or reloading?</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The infield is the same. The outfield? Facing a complete reload.</p> <p>So, you're all excited after reading the infield preview, are you? All those returning starters, things must be great.</p>
<p>Yeah, about that.</p>
<table align="center"><tbody>
<tr>
<td colspan="4" style="text-align:center;"><b>DEPARTED</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>NAME</b></td>
<td style="text-align:center;"><b>AVG/OBP/SLG</b></td>
<td style="text-align:center;"><b>HR</b></td>
<td style="text-align:center;"><b>RBI</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tanner Witt</td>
<td>.337/.398/.402</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">1</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">35</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jared King</td>
<td>.335/.439/.523</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">7</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">53</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jon Davis</td>
<td>.302/.428/.476</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">5</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">42</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Joe Goodwin</td>
<td>.267/.313/.378</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">0</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">5</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p>That's all three outfield starters right there, including 2012 Big 12 Player of the year and 2013 first team All-Big 12 center fielder Jared King (graduated and drafted by the Mets), 2013 first team All-Big 12 left fielder Tanner Witt, and our beloved Pornstache, the inimitable Jon Davis, whose penchant for clutch hits when the Wildcats desperately needed them last year made him a cult hero in Manhattan. As much as the returning infielders provide stability and hope, the damage done to the Wildcat outfield due to graduation cannot be understated. So the question is: can Brad Hill reload?</p>
<table align="center"><tbody>
<tr>
<td colspan="11" style="text-align:center;"><b>RETURNING</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align:center;"><b>#</b></td>
<td><b>NAME</b></td>
<td style="text-align:center;"><b>BT</b></td>
<td style="text-align:center;"><b>TH</b></td>
<td style="text-align:center;"><b>HT</b></td>
<td style="text-align:center;"><b>WT</b></td>
<td style="text-align:center;"><b>YR</b></td>
<td><b>FROM</b></td>
<td style="text-align:center;"><b>AVG/OBP/SLG</b></td>
<td style="text-align:center;"><b>HR</b></td>
<td style="text-align:center;"><b>RBI</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align:center;">5</td>
<td>Clayton Dalrymple</td>
<td>R</td>
<td>R</td>
<td>6'1"</td>
<td>190</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">So.</td>
<td>Coppell TX</td>
<td>.343/.343/.400</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">0</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align:center;">35</td>
<td>Mitch Meyer</td>
<td>L</td>
<td>R</td>
<td>6'3"</td>
<td>185</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">Jr.</td>
<td>Stilwell KS-Blue Valley</td>
<td>.281/.322/.492</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">4</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">34</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align:center;">27</td>
<td>Kyle Speer</td>
<td>L</td>
<td>R</td>
<td>6'4"</td>
<td>210</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">Jr.</td>
<td>Manhattan KS</td>
<td>.143/.273/.200</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">0</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">4</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p>The answer: probably. He's got a decent start in Mitch Meyer, who saw regular action as the BatCats' designated hitter last year. Meyer especially caught fire late in the season and during K-State's post-season run, and that momentum carried into his summer league play; Meyer hit .376 with 4 homers and 34 RBI in the Texas Collegiate League. He's the presumptive replacement for Davis in right field, though he could remain at designated hitter if one of the newcomers fits better in the field.</p>
<p>Dalrymple was a true freshman last year and saw significant action as a pinch hitter and a late-inning defensive sub. Statistically, he's by far the best returning hitter among the bench players, and has the speed to suggest he's got a good shot at establishing himself as the regular center fielder.</p>
<p>Speer, on the other hand, is probably destined to remain on the bench unless he's shown some growth. Although the sample size is small, the Manhattan native's numbers last year don't show the promise you expect from a potential starter.</p>
<table align="center"><tbody>
<tr>
<td colspan="8" style="text-align:center;"><b>NEW FACES</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align:center;"><b>#</b></td>
<td><b>NAME</b></td>
<td style="text-align:center;"><b>BT</b></td>
<td style="text-align:center;"><b>TH</b></td>
<td style="text-align:center;"><b>HT</b></td>
<td style="text-align:center;"><b>WT</b></td>
<td style="text-align:center;"><b>YR</b></td>
<td><b>FROM</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align:center;">16</td>
<td>Max Brown</td>
<td>R</td>
<td>R</td>
<td>6'5"</td>
<td>200</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">Jr.</td>
<td>Bellevue (WA) CC/North Bend WA-Mount Si</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align:center;">19</td>
<td>Brooks DeBord</td>
<td>R</td>
<td>R</td>
<td>5'9"</td>
<td>190</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">So.</td>
<td>Hutchinson CC/Manhattan KS</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align:center;">17</td>
<td>Nate Hale</td>
<td>L</td>
<td>R</td>
<td>5'9"</td>
<td>180</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">Jr.</td>
<td>Cochise (AZ) CC/Las Vegas-Cimarron Memorial</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p>Here's where the Wildcat fan's finger can be removed from the panic button. It's entirely possible that two of three newcomers could step right in and solidify the outfield if their JUCO performance translates to Division I action. Brown is a hot prospect, batting .378 with 21 extra base hits last year. He played for New Zealand in the qualifiers for the 2013 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/world-baseball-classic">World Baseball Classic</a>. He's almost certain to slide into one of the outfield slots. Hale isn't quite as much of a certainty, but he'd appear to be a better option than Speer. He doesn't have a lot of fence power, but he did hit .367 and reached double figures in extra base hits last year in Arizona, and most importantly he reached base over half the time. Brad Hill values the power of the free pass, and a guy with the plate discipline to draw a walk in nearly 15% of his at-bats is going to get opportunity. DeBord, the younger brother of starting catcher Blair, looks bound for utility duty, but nobody's going to look like they just ate a lemon if he's announced as a pinch-hitter.</p>
<p>Next: the pitchers.</p>
<p>
<link rel="stylesheet" href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3604021/nextclicks.css"></p>
https://www.bringonthecats.com/2014/2/14/5359738/k-state-baseball-2014-preview-outfieldJon Morse2014-02-13T19:24:41-06:002014-02-13T19:24:41-06:00K-State Baseball 2014 Preview: Infield
<figure>
<img alt="Our very own consensus All-American. Feels good, doesn't it?" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/mqe3Gn9zYoI0Navg-BbbcaqWvpg=/0x0:3999x2666/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/28580121/20130610_jla_ae6_305.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Our very own consensus All-American. Feels good, doesn't it? | Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Wildcats survived last year on hitting and defense. Well, guess what? All five starters are back in the infield. Scared yet?</p> <p>In 2013, the Wildcats possessed one of the most productive infields in all the land, and when draft day rolled around it looked very much like it was going to be chopped in half. Psyche!</p>
<table align="center"><tbody>
<tr>
<td colspan="4" style="text-align:center;"><b>DEPARTED</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b>NAME</b></td>
<td style="text-align:center;"><b>AVG/OBP/SLG</b></td>
<td style="text-align:center;"><b>HR</b></td>
<td style="text-align:center;"><b>RBI</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Damion Lovato</td>
<td>.262/.319/.310</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">0</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">7</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p>Lovato wasn't even a full-time infielder; we could just as easily have dropped him in the outfielders post and pretended nobody was missing from the faux-dirty part of the diamond. No, one problem the BatCats will not have in 2014 is returning experience in the infield. Not only do all five starters return, the two guys who saw the most action behind them also return.</p>
<table align="center"><tbody>
<tr>
<td colspan="12" style="text-align:center;"><b>RETURNING</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align:center;"><b>#</b></td>
<td><b>NAME</b></td>
<td style="text-align:center;"><b>POS</b></td>
<td style="text-align:center;"><b>BT</b></td>
<td style="text-align:center;"><b>TH</b></td>
<td style="text-align:center;"><b>HT</b></td>
<td style="text-align:center;"><b>WT</b></td>
<td style="text-align:center;"><b>YR</b></td>
<td><b>FROM</b></td>
<td style="text-align:center;"><b>AVG/OBP/SLG</b></td>
<td style="text-align:center;"><b>HR</b></td>
<td style="text-align:center;"><b>RBI</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>10</td>
<td>Alex Bee</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">C</td>
<td>L</td>
<td>R</td>
<td>5'11"</td>
<td>185</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">So.</td>
<td>Chatham IL-Glenwood</td>
<td>.105/.150/.105</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">0</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align:center;">9</td>
<td>Blair DeBord</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">C</td>
<td>R</td>
<td>R</td>
<td>5'11"</td>
<td>205</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">Sr.</td>
<td>Manhattan KS</td>
<td>.327/.418/.392</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">0</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">37</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>15</td>
<td>Shane Conlon</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">1B</td>
<td>L</td>
<td>L</td>
<td>6'1"</td>
<td>190</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">Jr.</td>
<td>Naperville IL-Central</td>
<td>.341/.430/.502</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">7</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">28</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align:center;">7</td>
<td>Ross Kivett</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">2B</td>
<td>R</td>
<td>R</td>
<td>6'1"</td>
<td>200</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">Sr.</td>
<td>Broadview Heights OH-Saint Edward</td>
<td>.360/.440/.483</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">3</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">39</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>28</td>
<td>R.J. Santigate</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">3B</td>
<td>L</td>
<td>R</td>
<td>6'2"</td>
<td>220</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">Sr.</td>
<td>C. Ariz. CC/Las Vegas NV-Bishop Gorman</td>
<td>.324/.409/.360</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">0</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">29</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align:center;">3</td>
<td>Austin Fisher</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">SS</td>
<td>L</td>
<td>R</td>
<td>6'1"</td>
<td>195</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">Jr.</td>
<td>Olathe KS-Northwest</td>
<td>.361/.443/.514</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">2</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">38</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align:center;">8</td>
<td>Lance Miles</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">IF</td>
<td>R</td>
<td>R</td>
<td>5'10"</td>
<td>180</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">So.</td>
<td>The Woodlands TX</td>
<td>.241/.323/.241</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">0</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">9</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align:center;">1</td>
<td>Jake Wodtke</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">IF</td>
<td>R</td>
<td>R</td>
<td>5'9"</td>
<td>170</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">So.</td>
<td>Shawnee KS-Saint James Academy</td>
<td>.000/.125/.000</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">0</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p>The key was, of course, consensus pre-season All-American and reigning Big 12 Player of the Year Ross Kivett. Number 7 was drafted in the tenth round by his hometown Cleveland Indians, and as a result the expectation was that he'd probably take the money and run. Wouldn't you, with the chance to play for the team with whom you'd always dreamed of playing? But Kivett felt the job wasn't finished, and wasn't keen on the thought of riding a charter around between minor-league towns while his teammates made another run for Omaha.</p>
<p>Kivett's decision, in turn, helped K-State's other underclass draftee decide to turn down his chance to go pro. Shane Conlon, drafted by the Royals, quickly made the decision to return to Manhattan after Kivett made his announcement.</p>
<p>Conlon and Kivett, first-team All-Big 12 selections last year, both bring two critical skills: plate selection and power (though Kivett's isn't so much of the home run variety). In addition to being .340 and .360 hitters, respectively, last season, they also know when to take what's freely offered. Kivett reached base safely in 8% of his plate appearances last year without getting a hit, Conlon 10%. Those are big numbers, and a key component in the BatCats familiar process of scoring runs in bunches last year.</p>
<p>They weren't alone, of course. Shortstop Austin Fisher's batting line was very similar to Conlon's, although trading home runs for doubles and triples. He was a finalist for the Brooks Wallace Award (nation's best shortstop), and his glove wizardry anchored the defense. He had a bit of a shaky post-season as a result of a late-season back injury, which potentially marred national perceptions, but make no mistake: the Big 12 knows what he's capable of. Fisher was also a first-team all-conference selection last year.</p>
<p>R.J. Santigate holds the dubious distinction of being the only member of the starting five in the infield who <i>wasn't</i> a first-teamer last year. That's not a criticism, though; the veteran third-sacker more than carried his weight in the batting order, and frequently re-started stalled rallies in the post-season run. He doesn't have quite the pop of his infield-mates, but he knows when to take a base when it's offered, and a .321 batting average isn't exactly a number to be laughed at.</p>
<p>The fourth all-conference returnee is catcher Blair DeBord. The local product doesn't have much power, but he does possess a keen singles stroke, and isn't an exception to the plate discipline philosophy that pervades the lineup. He's also tough as nails, and if there's one criticism one might levy against this squad, it's that DeBord can sometimes be a little too passionate. If the opposing fanbase is riled up about a Wildcat player, there's a pretty good chance they're mad at DeBord. He's the sort of guy opposing fans hate and the home crowd loves.</p>
<p>In addition to returning all five starters, Lance Miles returns as the primary utility infielder. Miles saw significant action in relief of Fisher during the latter's post-season convalescence, and took advantage of the opportunity; he actually played better than he had during the regular season. The other main returning cog is backup catcher Alex Bee, who didn't show a great deal last year, but didn't get much chance to either due to DeBord's durability. Jake Wodtke saw action in 10 games, but only stepped to the plate eight times.</p>
<p> </p>
<table align="center"><tbody>
<tr>
<td colspan="9" style="text-align:center;"><b>NEW FACES</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align:center;"><b>#</b></td>
<td><b>NAME</b></td>
<td style="text-align:center;"><b>POS</b></td>
<td style="text-align:center;"><b>BT</b></td>
<td style="text-align:center;"><b>TH</b></td>
<td style="text-align:center;"><b>HT</b></td>
<td style="text-align:center;"><b>WT</b></td>
<td style="text-align:center;"><b>YR</b></td>
<td><b>FROM</b></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>26</td>
<td>Taylor Anderson</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">IF</td>
<td>S</td>
<td>R</td>
<td>6'1"</td>
<td>190</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">So.</td>
<td>Cuesta (CA) CC/Northern Colorado/Lincoln NE-Southwest</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align:center;">4</td>
<td>Tanner DeVinny</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">C/DH</td>
<td>S</td>
<td>R</td>
<td>5'9"</td>
<td>200</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">Fr.</td>
<td>Lucas TX-Lovejoy</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>32</td>
<td>Tyler Stover</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">IF</td>
<td>R</td>
<td>R</td>
<td>6'3"</td>
<td>210</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">Fr.</td>
<td>Vacaville CA</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="text-align:center;">6</td>
<td>Carter Yagi</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">IF</td>
<td>L</td>
<td>R</td>
<td>5'9"</td>
<td>165</td>
<td style="text-align:center;">Jr.</td>
<td>College of Southern Idaho/Salt Lake City UT-Cottonwood</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<p>Anderson is a transfer who bounced around a bit. He sat out all of last season on a medical redshirt. DeVinny was all-state in Texas last year, and Yagi brings with him a .356 average in two years at CSI. The interesting piece is Stover, who was drafted by the Rockies last summer. He chose to forego that path and come to Manhattan, and coach Brad Hill is very high on his potential.</p>
<p>
<link rel="stylesheet" href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3604021/nextclicks.css"></p>
https://www.bringonthecats.com/2014/2/13/5359658/k-state-baseball-2014-preview-infieldJon Morse