|
|
 |
|
||||||||
|
||||||||
|
||||||||
|
||||||||
|
|
2011 Rye Patriots Team Preview
Updated: 05/09/2011 at 2:54 PM
2010 Record: 16-12 (1st Round Playoffs)
Manager: Adam Weiss (4th Season 39-72 overall) Key Returns: Joe Vingo, Eric Vingo, Dan Murdoch, Anthony Arrichiello, Frank Sinatra, Matt Pisseri, Mike Tavares, John Miscioscia, Will Falco, Josh Adelsberg, Peter Yaciuk, Matt Moreno Key Losses: Ralph Boniello, Dan Mooney Key Additions: Rob Shaw, Alex O’Neill, Jimmy Kane, Jordan Holtz, AJ Fagan, Bobby DiNuzzo, Vinny Stanziani, Dan Stroud Players to Watch: Dan Murdoch, Rob Shaw, Joe Vingo. Jordan Holtz, Alex O’Neill Outlook: The Patriots posted their first winning season in franchise history and their first playoff appearance in the Patriot era. They entered the playoffs as the #5 seed and took on their “rivals”, the NYC Thunderdogs in a 3-game series. After an unfortunate incident by a former player prior to entering the playoffs, the Patriots did their best to compete with the Thunderdogs despite not having their biggest bats available. They exited the playoffs after two straight losses, but that also made them hungry for the 2011 season. During the off-season, the team made a choice to infuse the veteran roster with some new young talent and former rival players from the league. These new additions included Rob Shaw (Formerly w/ Yorktown Brewers), Alex O’Neill (Fordham Prep/Seton Hall), Jimmy Kane (Westchester CC), Bobby DiNizzo (Iona), AJ Fagan (Pirates - A), and Jordan Holtz (Valhalla HS/Bucknell). To go along with the new blood, the team is happy to report that almost the entire roster is returning for 2011. The biggest losses will be Ralph Boniello, who is forced to travel for work this summer, and Dan Mooney. Here is an overview of the 2011 Patriots Team, broken down by position.... Behind the plate the club features three interchangeable catchers, with one utility player who could see significant time. Returning is Anthony Arrichiello, who is a graduating from American International College as a 4-year starter. The team captain and power bat of their lineup this season, Arrichiello had a stellar senior season and finished his college career with over 100 hits (wood bat). Also joining as battery mates will be WRWBL Veteran Matt Pisseri, Iona/WCC product Vinny Stanziani, and Angelo DeVita (WCC). The infield boasts some new faces, as well as veteran players that will lead the diamond defense. Joe Vingo, the WRWBL 2010 Home Run leader will once again start at 1st base, along with Frank Sinatra. His brother and all-star candidate Eric Vingo will be the primary 2nd baseman. Newcomer Alex O’Neill, who is graduating from Fordham Prep and committing to Seton Hall, will take the shortstop position. Dan Stroud and Rob Shaw will both see time at 3rd base. The outfield boasts an interesting defense and speed combination, between four returning players. WRWBL Veteran Mike Tavares will once again lead from Centerfield, with Greg Caruso in Left Field and Will Falco in Right Field. Angelo DeVita and Marco Segno will both be outfield help, using speed & defense as their main tools. The pitching staff has the main starters returning, with a few power arms added. The 2010 WRWBL Cy Young Award Winner and historical single season strikeout leader, Dan Murdoch, will be returning once again. His UMW teammate, John Miscioscia also returns to be the #2 starter. Jordan Holtz, the son of former WRWBL veteran Eric Holtz, will be the #3 starter in the rotation. He is graduating from Valhalla HS and is committed to Bucknell for 2011. After that, the rest of the rotation is up for grabs between Matt Moreno and Jimmy Kane. The two hard throwing additions to the staff are Bobby DiNuzzo and AJ Fagan. DiNuzzo, an Iona College product, is a former WRWBL player who throws consistent strikes. Fagan, a 2008 MLB Draft Pick by the Pittsburgh Pirates, will help out as his schedule dictates with coaching. He flashes a low-to-mid 90’s fastball and multiple quality off-speed pitches. Josh Adelsberg and Peter Yaciuk are both returning as constant relief, and Yaciuk is fully healthy following knee surgery. The Patriots are looking for big things in 2011 and a return trip to the playoffs. The 1st round isn’t good enough with this powerful roster, so the eyes are set on the league championship. While that might be some big pressure for the team, they still wouldn’t have it any other way. Look for a few more additions to be signed around opening day, which is set for Sunday May 15th at Manhattanville College.
|
|
