2012 Baseball Season Outlook; Peacocks Set to Begin Season This Afternoon At Charlotte

Returning all eight starting position players, including Preseason All-MAAC Second Team selection, Preston Aldridge, the Saint Peter's College baseball team enters the 2011-12 season with high hopes of attaining a berth to, and ultimately winning, the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Championship. Last year, the Peacocks finished eighth in the league, with an overall record of 16-34, while going 5-18 in conference play. With a seasoned roster that boasts 13 seniors and 17 total upperclassmen however, leadership and experience will undoubtedly play a key role in the success of this years' team. Additionally, the Peacocks will play in one of the toughest non-conference schedules in recent memory, matching up against schools in leagues such as the A-10, Big South and the ACC. The coaching staff is certain that these early tests will fully prepare the team to thrive in MAAC competition.

The pitching staff will be led by senior ace Dom Macaluso. Referred to by the coaching staff as “the epitome of a bulldog on the mound”, Macaluso led the team with a 4.92 ERA in 82.1 innings pitched. Sophomore Zach Hopf and juniors Matt Mancini and Matt Yuhas will also start for the Peacocks, with all three competing for a role as one of the four conference starter. Hopf enjoyed a solid freshman campaign, tying for the team lead in wins (4) with Macaluso. According to pitching coach Sean Cashman, “Yuhas has all the ability to take over as one of the best pitchers in the conference”, while Mancini's “work ethic and love for the game” will surely prove to be a recipe for success. Seeing time in the role of middle relief will be Brian Schroeder, Mark Wilson and Kevin Croucher, while Anthony DeLeo and Russ Stupienski will close out the games for SPC.

The infield consists of an experienced group of seniors, with Chris Grimes at first base, Mike Scicutella at second, Justyn Carter at short stop and Brian Koster at third. Grimes led the team in homeruns (2) and finished second in runs batted in (27), while batting .297 in 158 plate appearances. Carter, who was limited to action in just 12 games, is touted as one of the top base-runners in the league and is expected to have a productive season now that he is healthy.

Behind the plate, the Peacocks will go with a combination of senior Russ Stupienski and sophomore James Smith. Stupienski will be the team's starting catcher, while also serving as the number one closer. A solid defensive catcher, Smith saw time at the position last year as a freshman and is expected to continue to progress and mature with more experience.   

Led by senior center fielder Preston Alrdidge, the coaching staff firmly believes that the Peacock's outfield will be one of the team's primary strengths. A five-tool player, Aldridge was named to the 2011 All-MAAC Second Team, after leading Saint Peter's with a .364 average, 24 runs scored and 29 RBI. At the corner outfield positions will be Matt Mancini and a platoon of Matt Speckman and Nicholas Henriquez.