The 2005 Illinois State baseball season is only 10 games old, but the Redbirds already have gone from worst-to-first in the Missouri Valley Conference in a category head coach Jim Brownlee thinks is a key to consistent success: defense. Brownlee hopes to build on that during an upcoming schedule of eight games in as many days in Bradenton, Fla.
With just seven errors in 10 games, the 4-6 Redbirds .981 fielding percentage leads the Valley. They are catching and throwing the ball much better even though they have new starters at five of the eight everyday defensive positions. Last year, the 'Birds made 115 errors in 55 games and ranked ninth in the nine-team Valley in team defense.
A rebuilt infield has only sophomore first baseman Kyle OBrien as a returning starter. Freshmen Lee Fischer and Ryan Anetsberger start at second base and shortstop, while junior college transfer Blake Schoonover has taken charge of third base. Three transfersKris Jenkins, Brian Davis and Chris Frank--join Matt Bolt, the only returning outfielder. Senior catcher Jay Molina behind the plate is the only Redbird starter in his third year at Illinois State.
Our defense hasnt been very good the last couple of years, said Brownlee. But were pretty happy with Schoonover, Anetsberger and Fischer, and OBrien is steady at first base. Were pleased with the outfielders, too. Weve already had 7 outfield assists.
Brownlee believes that the defense will strengthen his pitching staff, a group he believes will benefit from the busy schedule in better weather in Florida.
Theres no question that the pitchers can be more confident in throwing strikes when they know the guys behind them will make plays, said Brownlee. This week, we get a chance to get our pitchers the work they need on dirt (pitchers mounds) and in warmer weather. They can start to get a feel for their breaking pitches. Warm weather helps pitchers develop their arms
Brownlee believes that sophomore Dan Frega and senior Ned Schauff will fill two of the three starting slots in the rotation for three-game Valley weekend series. Brownlee thinks the Valleys reduction from four to three league games per weekend will make those games closer.
When you go from four games to three on the weekend, youre eliminating a doubleheader day which becomes a long day for fans and a 12-hour day for players, said Brownlee. With one game a day, its less taxing on your pitching staff and probably will result in fewer high-scoring games.
Which brings him back to the defensive factor.
When the games are low-scoring and close, defense has a chance to have a greater impact on the outcome, said Brownlee. When you play defense consistently, you have a chance to win a lot of games.
After the eight-game spring break trip to Florida, Brownlees crew opens the home schedule March 23 against Missourithe first of 10 games in 12 days, all at Redbird Field and including the first home Valley series with Creighton March 25, 26 and 27.
Were excited because the next three weeks give us a lot of chances to learn a lot of things about our team, said Brownlee.
Illinois State opens up its Florida swing against Kentucky at 7:00 p.m. CST Saturday night. All games will be played at the IMG Academies in Bradenton.
