Experience, depth has RedHawks coach smiling

Dan Simonds has his infield, starting battery and injured outfield back.

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By Pete Conrad, Staff Writer 1:02 AM Thursday, February 17, 2011

OXFORD — The 2011 baseball season opens today for Miami University, not a minute too soon as far as head coach Dan Simonds is concerned.

“I’m excited. We’ve got a very solid team,” said Simonds, whose RedHawks face Marshall this afternoon in the College of Charleston (S.C.) Invitational.

The RedHawks have been picked to finish second in the Mid-American Conference East Division behind Kent State in the preseason coaches poll.

Simonds pointed to a combination of speed, power and depth in his pitching staff as a reason for his optimism. Miami’s entire infield returns: first basemen Kyle Weldon and Kevin Bower (who teamed for 14 homers and 76 RBIs a year ago), second baseman Jon Edgington, shortstop Ryan Kaup and third baseman Brad Gschwind.

Miami’s outfield has a couple speedsters in Ryan Curl and Ryan Brenner.

“Curl and Brenner are two guys who can be difference makers,” Simonds said. “They’re two of the fastest players in the MAC. They can put a lot of pressure on opposing defenses.”

Another key player could be junior Bryce Redeker, who started last season in left field and as the No. 3 batter in the lineup.

Redeker hit for the cycle and drove in seven runs in Miami’s second game of 2010, “but two games later he took a swing and broke his hamate bone (in his wrist),” Simonds said. Redeker missed the rest of the season and received a medical redshirt.

“He’s not only an important player on the field, but a leader,” the Miami coach said.

Bryan Beaver, a sophomore outfielder who has been moved from the infield, is a Lakota West graduate who was redshirted as a freshman and who can expect some serious playing time this year. “A strong, strong hitter,” Simonds said.

The RedHawks also have a strong hitting catcher in senior Adam Weisenburger, who batted .312 with 45 RBIs.

Simonds called his pitching staff “one of our strengths. We have six guys capable of starting and it’s been a while since we’ve had that many.”

The six prospective starters include a couple mainstays from last year’s staff, sophomore right-hander Mac Thoreson and senior lefty Tyler Melling, the team leaders in wins and innings pitched.

Sam Dawes is expected to handle the majority of the closer’s role, replacing Jordan Jankowski, who recorded 10 saves last season but has since left Miami.

“We see Sam very much as our closer,” Simonds said, calling him “Mr. Consistency ... He gets outs and he doesn’t get caught up in situations.”

Contact this reporter at (513) 820-2197 or pconrad@coxohio.com.