Eastern Michigan Athletics
2019 Baseball Season Preview
2/12/2019 4:17:00 PM | Baseball
"Interim" Tag Removed: Eric Roof Enters His First Season as Head Coach
YPSILANTI, Mich. (EMUEagles.com) — The Eastern Michigan University baseball team travels to "The Heart of Dixie," leaving behind the frigid Michigan conditions, as it heads down to Hoover, Ala. to open its 2019 season Friday, Feb. 15. After a promising 2018 campaign, which saw the Eagles reach their third consecutive Mid-American Conference Tournament, the Eagles will look to spend 2019 flying high atop the Mid-American Conference under first-year Head Coach Eric Roof.
Roof enters his fifth season in the Eastern Michigan program, spending last season as the interim head coach for the club. Discussing if anything has changed in his approach since the removal of his "interim," tag, Roof offered, "It feels good to have that trust in the administration, but my job still remains the same. I am going to go out there and do the best I can." Prior to 2018, Roof spent three seasons as an assistant coach for EMU. Remaining on staff is pitching coach, A.J. Achter, and volunteer assistant, Matt Rembielak. Joining the staff in 2019 is Jonathan Roof, the younger brother of Eric Roof. A defensive guru, Jonathan Roof helped establish a top 10 unit in his most recent stint at the University of Missouri. He will look to bring more of the same when he dons the Script E in 2019.
The 2019 roster features a great balance of youthful energy and experienced professionalism. This season, the Eagles welcome nine new players to Ypsilanti, many of whom will look to make an immediate impact on the field. The team also features a slew of play-making veterans, welcoming back the likes of First Team All Mid-American Conference selection Zachary Owings (Saline, Mich.-Saline), along with other proven producers. Owings, who led EMU with a .350 batting average in 2018, is set to become the latest returning First Team All-MAC honoree for the Eagles, and the first selection to do so since Lee Longo in 2014.
Confidence is a term that characterizes the EMU dugout going into 2019, and is a word that has been expressed by junior captains Caleb Hester (Coloma, Mich.-Coloma) and John Rensel Jr. (Tallmadge, Ohio-Tallmadge) througout preseason preparations. "If we didn't expect to win, we wouldn't book the flight," Hester said in a serious tone following a recent practice. Discussing the word he hopes his teammates will identify with, Rensel added, " Confidence. We have been there (The MAC championship game), we are so close."
PITCHING
The projected 2019 rotation is one which perfectly displays the balance between experience and youth, as it features starters with senior, junior and sophomore status. Incumbent senior Jackson Shaver (Grand Rapids, Mich.- Forest Hills Northern) highlights the battery as the projected No. 1 starter, while junior Remington Monce (Largo, Ind.-Northfiled (Jackson College)) will debut for his new team with high expectations in 2019. Monce joins the Eagles after an impressive stint at Jackson College.
Shaver appeared in 15 games in 2018, making 12 starts for the Green and White. In his time on the bump, the senior standout racked up an impressive 46 strikeouts over 63.1 innings of work. Both numbers ranked third for the Eagles last season. Standing at 6-foot-7, Shaver will look to use his unique ability to stretch the mound in an effort to lead Eastern's defense. Shaver is one of just five seniors on the Eagle roster in 2019.
Meanwhile, Monce will look to turn heads for the first time on a Division I stage, as the impressive junior college transfer will be in the mix as a weekend starter. In the two seasons prior to his move to Ypsilanti, Monce was a proven asset to his junior college program both on and off the field. In those seasons, Monce was named to the All-Michigan Community College Athletic Association freshman team, was a two-time All-Academic honoree, two-time second team all-conference selection, and was a NJCAA Gold Glove Award Winner.
Another weekend starting role will most likely go to transfer Holden Cook (Oklahoma City, Okla.-Casady (Murray State)). The 6-foot-5 right hander was a proven force in his college prep days, as he earned two varsity letters. A proven all-around athlete, Cook compiled a 4-4 record as a starting pitcher, with a .398 batting average in high school, as well as earning three varsity letters on the gridiron.
Elsewhere on the staff, a mix of newcomers and veterans will look to log innings in the midweek starting role and out of the bullpen. Freshman Justin Meis (Pittsburgh, Pa.-Bethel Park) will see time on the mound for the Eagles. Although young, the newcomer from the Steel City will look to make an impact for the Eagles this season. At the back end of the bullpen, senior captain Caleb Hester and sophomore Thomas House (Ross, Ohio-Ross) will return and look to lock down the end of games. Hester has battled injuries in his time with the Eagles, but has been impressive in limited time, totaling 23 strikeouts in 22.1 innings during the 2018 campaign. House, who led the Eagles with four saves and a .232 batting average against in 2018, will look to close games regularly for Eastern in 2019.
The rest of the staff will be made up of both fresh and returning faces, who will look to prove themselves early in the season in order to carve out a role come conference play. Some of the early stand-outs include freshman Tyler Koons (Flat Rock, Mich.-Gibraltar Carlson), as well as sophomore Scott Granzotto (Northville, Mich.-Gabriel Richard), sophomore Luke McGuire (Shelby Township, Mich.-Stevenson) and junior Brett Stenger (Kingsville, Ontario-Kingsville District).
CATCHERS
Filling out the back end of the battery in an everyday role will be junior, and returning captain, Nick Jones (Battle Creek, Mich.-Lakeview), who will look to build upon his already impressive young career. Thinking about the start of the 2019 campaign, Jones offered "Just continuing to do the small things, and play with energy; play with love for one another." In 2018, Jones fought through injuries to play in 41 games, including 37 starts behind the plate and at third base. A sniper behind the dish, Jones threw out a team-best 14 attempted base stealers. In addition to his defensive dominance, Jones racked up 10 multi-hit games, and was named to the Academic All-MAC Team. In 2017, Jones finished first amongst the freshmen class with 56 games played, including 50 starts, as well as freshman highs with a .274 batting average, 51 hits, and 30 RBI's (In fact, Jones leads all returners in those categories). In 2019, a healthy Jones will look to remind runners throughout the country why he is one of the best behind the dish.
Backing up Jones will be a mix of his teammates, including sophomore Eli Gora (Cincinnati, Ohio-Anderson), redshirt senior Alex Wolanski (Naperville, Ill.-Neuqua Valley), redshirt sophomore Mike Monahan (Saline, Mich.-Saline), and freshman Stephen Karis (Zionsville, Ind.-Zionsville Community). Gora has the most experience behind Jones, having started 25 games a season ago.
INFIELD
The infield will be the anchor for a stout EMU defense this season, offering solid depth and experience as a unit, with numerous players being able to play multiple spots. One of just 18 teams in the country to turn a triple play in 2018, this year's team will have to play strong in order for Eastern to achieve their goal of a MAC Championship.
Going around the horn, first base, a position occupied by numerous Eagles throughout the past two seasons, will be locked down by senior John Rensel Jr. Rensel, a high level defender, made no errors in 114 chances for a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage in 2018. Making 34 starts between first base and designated hitter last season, Rensel tallied 30 hits, including four doubles and two home runs, as well as 17 RBIs and six runs scored. Excited about the team's goal of a MAC championship, Rensel is certain that the 2019 squad has all the right attributes to win such a crown. "We have the pieces, and we just need to continue to play confident and fearless," Resnel offered following the team's practice on Thursday, Feb. 7.
Zachary Owings, meanwhile, will defend the "hot corner," for the Eagles this season. Owings enjoyed an incredibly successful season for Eastern in 2018, and will look to imporve upon his already impressive resume in 2019. Looking back on his successful 2018, Owings says, " I have always been a person to push myself. I have never been a person to sit back and ride last years results." The junior, who was named both an All-MAC defender and All-MAC first teamer, will be one of the most sure-handed players in the MAC. In 2018, Owings started in all 48 games he played in at first, third, and DH, finishing as the team leader in batting average (.350), slugging percentage (.530), on-base percentage (.440), home runs (6), triples (2), and walks (30), while also ranking second in hits (64), runs (36), RBIs (30), doubles (11), total bases (97), and steals (16). His batting average ranked third in the MAC, while his slugging percentage and steals were fifth.
Up the middle, two returners will log a majority of the innings as juniors Drake Peggs (Knightstown, Ind.-Knighstown Community) and Devin Hager (Commerce Township, Mich.-Walled Lake Northern) will form Eastern's double-play-duo. Reliable is a term that defines Hager, as he will likley make 40+ starts for the third straight year in 2019. Peggs, the surehanded second baseman, battled injuries last season after appearing in more than 40 games for the Green and White in 2017. The two will be without shortstop Max Schuemann by their side in 2019, as the former Eastern Michigan standout was drafted by the Oakland Athletics organization following the 2018 season.
OUTFIELD
The outfield will see two out of three starters from the 2018 squad return in 2019, as sophomore Nate Jones (Battle Creek, Mich.-Lakeview) and redshirt sophomore Jeff Timko (Rochester Hills, Mich.-Brother Rice) will aim to patrol center and left field, respectively. In 2018, Jones appeared in all 56 games in his first collegiate season, making 52 starts in the outfield. Jones tied for the team lead with two triples, and also hit a home run for a slugging percentage of .330. Jones also turned in a 21-game hitting streak, the longest for an EMU player since 2012, while also adding a 26-game reached base streak. As a defender, Jones was superb, only committing two errors in 146 chances for a .986 fielding percentage, while also leading all outfielders with six assists. Timko is experienced as well, making 50 starts for the Eagles in 2018.
Finally, the designated hitter role will likely see a mix of talented Eagles fill that role. With the depth that the EMU bench offers, numerous players will see an opportunity to make an impact from inside the batter's box in 2019.
The Eagles begin the 2019 campaign this Friday, Feb. 15, when they battle NJIT for a four-game set down in Hoover, Ala. The Eagles' 56-game slate is highlighted by 19 games at Oestrike Stadium, opening with a single game against the University of Dayton, Tuesday, March 12.
Roof enters his fifth season in the Eastern Michigan program, spending last season as the interim head coach for the club. Discussing if anything has changed in his approach since the removal of his "interim," tag, Roof offered, "It feels good to have that trust in the administration, but my job still remains the same. I am going to go out there and do the best I can." Prior to 2018, Roof spent three seasons as an assistant coach for EMU. Remaining on staff is pitching coach, A.J. Achter, and volunteer assistant, Matt Rembielak. Joining the staff in 2019 is Jonathan Roof, the younger brother of Eric Roof. A defensive guru, Jonathan Roof helped establish a top 10 unit in his most recent stint at the University of Missouri. He will look to bring more of the same when he dons the Script E in 2019.
The 2019 roster features a great balance of youthful energy and experienced professionalism. This season, the Eagles welcome nine new players to Ypsilanti, many of whom will look to make an immediate impact on the field. The team also features a slew of play-making veterans, welcoming back the likes of First Team All Mid-American Conference selection Zachary Owings (Saline, Mich.-Saline), along with other proven producers. Owings, who led EMU with a .350 batting average in 2018, is set to become the latest returning First Team All-MAC honoree for the Eagles, and the first selection to do so since Lee Longo in 2014.
Confidence is a term that characterizes the EMU dugout going into 2019, and is a word that has been expressed by junior captains Caleb Hester (Coloma, Mich.-Coloma) and John Rensel Jr. (Tallmadge, Ohio-Tallmadge) througout preseason preparations. "If we didn't expect to win, we wouldn't book the flight," Hester said in a serious tone following a recent practice. Discussing the word he hopes his teammates will identify with, Rensel added, " Confidence. We have been there (The MAC championship game), we are so close."
PITCHING
The projected 2019 rotation is one which perfectly displays the balance between experience and youth, as it features starters with senior, junior and sophomore status. Incumbent senior Jackson Shaver (Grand Rapids, Mich.- Forest Hills Northern) highlights the battery as the projected No. 1 starter, while junior Remington Monce (Largo, Ind.-Northfiled (Jackson College)) will debut for his new team with high expectations in 2019. Monce joins the Eagles after an impressive stint at Jackson College.
Shaver appeared in 15 games in 2018, making 12 starts for the Green and White. In his time on the bump, the senior standout racked up an impressive 46 strikeouts over 63.1 innings of work. Both numbers ranked third for the Eagles last season. Standing at 6-foot-7, Shaver will look to use his unique ability to stretch the mound in an effort to lead Eastern's defense. Shaver is one of just five seniors on the Eagle roster in 2019.
Meanwhile, Monce will look to turn heads for the first time on a Division I stage, as the impressive junior college transfer will be in the mix as a weekend starter. In the two seasons prior to his move to Ypsilanti, Monce was a proven asset to his junior college program both on and off the field. In those seasons, Monce was named to the All-Michigan Community College Athletic Association freshman team, was a two-time All-Academic honoree, two-time second team all-conference selection, and was a NJCAA Gold Glove Award Winner.
Another weekend starting role will most likely go to transfer Holden Cook (Oklahoma City, Okla.-Casady (Murray State)). The 6-foot-5 right hander was a proven force in his college prep days, as he earned two varsity letters. A proven all-around athlete, Cook compiled a 4-4 record as a starting pitcher, with a .398 batting average in high school, as well as earning three varsity letters on the gridiron.
Elsewhere on the staff, a mix of newcomers and veterans will look to log innings in the midweek starting role and out of the bullpen. Freshman Justin Meis (Pittsburgh, Pa.-Bethel Park) will see time on the mound for the Eagles. Although young, the newcomer from the Steel City will look to make an impact for the Eagles this season. At the back end of the bullpen, senior captain Caleb Hester and sophomore Thomas House (Ross, Ohio-Ross) will return and look to lock down the end of games. Hester has battled injuries in his time with the Eagles, but has been impressive in limited time, totaling 23 strikeouts in 22.1 innings during the 2018 campaign. House, who led the Eagles with four saves and a .232 batting average against in 2018, will look to close games regularly for Eastern in 2019.
The rest of the staff will be made up of both fresh and returning faces, who will look to prove themselves early in the season in order to carve out a role come conference play. Some of the early stand-outs include freshman Tyler Koons (Flat Rock, Mich.-Gibraltar Carlson), as well as sophomore Scott Granzotto (Northville, Mich.-Gabriel Richard), sophomore Luke McGuire (Shelby Township, Mich.-Stevenson) and junior Brett Stenger (Kingsville, Ontario-Kingsville District).
CATCHERS
Filling out the back end of the battery in an everyday role will be junior, and returning captain, Nick Jones (Battle Creek, Mich.-Lakeview), who will look to build upon his already impressive young career. Thinking about the start of the 2019 campaign, Jones offered "Just continuing to do the small things, and play with energy; play with love for one another." In 2018, Jones fought through injuries to play in 41 games, including 37 starts behind the plate and at third base. A sniper behind the dish, Jones threw out a team-best 14 attempted base stealers. In addition to his defensive dominance, Jones racked up 10 multi-hit games, and was named to the Academic All-MAC Team. In 2017, Jones finished first amongst the freshmen class with 56 games played, including 50 starts, as well as freshman highs with a .274 batting average, 51 hits, and 30 RBI's (In fact, Jones leads all returners in those categories). In 2019, a healthy Jones will look to remind runners throughout the country why he is one of the best behind the dish.
Backing up Jones will be a mix of his teammates, including sophomore Eli Gora (Cincinnati, Ohio-Anderson), redshirt senior Alex Wolanski (Naperville, Ill.-Neuqua Valley), redshirt sophomore Mike Monahan (Saline, Mich.-Saline), and freshman Stephen Karis (Zionsville, Ind.-Zionsville Community). Gora has the most experience behind Jones, having started 25 games a season ago.
INFIELD
The infield will be the anchor for a stout EMU defense this season, offering solid depth and experience as a unit, with numerous players being able to play multiple spots. One of just 18 teams in the country to turn a triple play in 2018, this year's team will have to play strong in order for Eastern to achieve their goal of a MAC Championship.
Going around the horn, first base, a position occupied by numerous Eagles throughout the past two seasons, will be locked down by senior John Rensel Jr. Rensel, a high level defender, made no errors in 114 chances for a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage in 2018. Making 34 starts between first base and designated hitter last season, Rensel tallied 30 hits, including four doubles and two home runs, as well as 17 RBIs and six runs scored. Excited about the team's goal of a MAC championship, Rensel is certain that the 2019 squad has all the right attributes to win such a crown. "We have the pieces, and we just need to continue to play confident and fearless," Resnel offered following the team's practice on Thursday, Feb. 7.
Zachary Owings, meanwhile, will defend the "hot corner," for the Eagles this season. Owings enjoyed an incredibly successful season for Eastern in 2018, and will look to imporve upon his already impressive resume in 2019. Looking back on his successful 2018, Owings says, " I have always been a person to push myself. I have never been a person to sit back and ride last years results." The junior, who was named both an All-MAC defender and All-MAC first teamer, will be one of the most sure-handed players in the MAC. In 2018, Owings started in all 48 games he played in at first, third, and DH, finishing as the team leader in batting average (.350), slugging percentage (.530), on-base percentage (.440), home runs (6), triples (2), and walks (30), while also ranking second in hits (64), runs (36), RBIs (30), doubles (11), total bases (97), and steals (16). His batting average ranked third in the MAC, while his slugging percentage and steals were fifth.
Up the middle, two returners will log a majority of the innings as juniors Drake Peggs (Knightstown, Ind.-Knighstown Community) and Devin Hager (Commerce Township, Mich.-Walled Lake Northern) will form Eastern's double-play-duo. Reliable is a term that defines Hager, as he will likley make 40+ starts for the third straight year in 2019. Peggs, the surehanded second baseman, battled injuries last season after appearing in more than 40 games for the Green and White in 2017. The two will be without shortstop Max Schuemann by their side in 2019, as the former Eastern Michigan standout was drafted by the Oakland Athletics organization following the 2018 season.
OUTFIELD
The outfield will see two out of three starters from the 2018 squad return in 2019, as sophomore Nate Jones (Battle Creek, Mich.-Lakeview) and redshirt sophomore Jeff Timko (Rochester Hills, Mich.-Brother Rice) will aim to patrol center and left field, respectively. In 2018, Jones appeared in all 56 games in his first collegiate season, making 52 starts in the outfield. Jones tied for the team lead with two triples, and also hit a home run for a slugging percentage of .330. Jones also turned in a 21-game hitting streak, the longest for an EMU player since 2012, while also adding a 26-game reached base streak. As a defender, Jones was superb, only committing two errors in 146 chances for a .986 fielding percentage, while also leading all outfielders with six assists. Timko is experienced as well, making 50 starts for the Eagles in 2018.
Finally, the designated hitter role will likely see a mix of talented Eagles fill that role. With the depth that the EMU bench offers, numerous players will see an opportunity to make an impact from inside the batter's box in 2019.
The Eagles begin the 2019 campaign this Friday, Feb. 15, when they battle NJIT for a four-game set down in Hoover, Ala. The Eagles' 56-game slate is highlighted by 19 games at Oestrike Stadium, opening with a single game against the University of Dayton, Tuesday, March 12.
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