University of Georgia Athletics
2006 Georgia Fall Baseball Review
November 07, 2006 | Baseball
Overall, the Bulldogs return 15 lettermen off the 2006 College World Series squad that went 47-23 and finished ranked sixth nationally. Seven former Bulldogs have moved on to professional baseball careers. Still, Georgia returns more than a handful of veterans looking to deliver another memorable season.
Top Returning Hitters for 2007:
Jonathan Wyatt (OF, Sr.): .360 BA, 4 HR, 40 RBI, 10 SB
Gordon Beckham (SS, So.): .280 BA, 12 HR, 54 RBI
Ryan Peisel (3B/1B, Jr.): .310 BA, 2 HR, 45 RBI
Matt Olson (DH/OF, Jr.): .326 BA, 1 HR, 19 RBI
Matt Robbins (DH): .301 BA, 2 HR, 24 RBI
Wyatt looks to again excel in a leadoff role and likely will patrol centerfield. Beckham, a consensus Freshman All-American in 2006, will anchor the infield and hit third in the batting order. Peisel, who played mostly first base at East Carolina as a freshman and then third base for the Bulldogs last year, moves back to first. He is very comfortable at first and enjoyed a solid fall, according to Perno. Meanwhile, Olson is the leading candidate to start in right field while Robbins will platoon at designated hitter with sophomore newcomer Bryce Massanari (CC Southern Nevada) and redshirt freshman outfielder Clayton Cain.
Newcomers To Watch Around the Diamond
Georgia needs to fill holes at catcher, second base, third base (after Peisel's move to first) and one spot in the outfield. Following fall drills, the leading candidates for these jobs are three freshmen and a pair of junior college transfers.
Joey Lewis (C/DH, Fr.): Probable cleanup hitter for the next three years much like Josh Morris did from 2004-06; Similar in size to Morris at 6-4, 220, with a strong arm.
Mike Freeman (2B, Fr.): Slick-fielding infielder and should be a great double play tandem with All-American Gordon Beckham.
Luke Stewart (3B, Fr.): At 6-4, 208 pounds, he has nice range and potential as a middle of the order hitter.
Travis Parrott (OF, Jr.): Another left-handed hitting outfielder joining Wyatt and Olson; A reliable defender likely to start in left field.
Jake Crane (C, Jr.): Returns to Georgia where he began his career in 2004; Good catch-and-throw skills and has shown ability to handle a pitching staff.
Ready For A Shot
A few Bulldogs who showed this fall they are capable of contributing more in 2007 are sophomore infielder Miles Starr and junior outfielder Blake Cannady. Starr will be a utility player who improved "leaps and bounds" at the plate and around the infield, according to Perno. Cannady is one of the team's best outfielders, has the most speed and provides a right-handed bat.
The Pitching
With All-American closer Joshua Fields and sophomore starter Trevor Holder resting their arms for much of the fall, Georgia set out to find its other options on the mound. Here's a look at who emerged as the most reliable starters and relievers.
Stephen Dodson (RHP, RSo.): Consensus #1 in the fall after pitching mostly in relief last year. He has improved each year and now is in his third year in the program.
Nathan Moreau (LHP, So.): Returning Freshman All-American went 8-1 last year
Dean Weaver (RHP, Fr.)/Jason Leaver (LHP, So.): Both Bulldogs were very consistent and Leaver has proven he can excel "in the moment" beating Florida State in an NCAA Regional elimination game.
In the bullpen, the best fall performances by the veterans came from Nick DeSilvio (LHP, So.), Adam McDaniel (RHP, Sr.), Nick Montgomery (RHP, RJr.) and Iain Sebastian (RHP, So.). The youngsters who made an impression on the staff include Ryan Woolley (RHP, Fr.), Andrew Turner (RHP, RFr.), Alex McRee (LHP, Fr.), Justin Earls (LHP, Fr.) and Steve Esmonde (RHP, Fr.). Woolley exhibited signs of a future closer as he performed well in late-inning situations.
Perno said he and his staff answered a few questions this past fall and felt like the team responded well to the training schedule that featured numerous games. "I like where we are right now, and I feel our leadership is solid and our newcomers have tons of potential and will have an immediate impact," said Perno. "We'll see how this team performs over the long haul. Some of the guys we will be counting on were good in spurts last year, and now with an increased role, they will have to be more consistent." The Bulldogs will be tested right away as they play host to the defending national champion Oregon State Beavers on Feb. 9 at Foley Field. First pitch will be at 5 p.m.