Fact Sheet
The Rowan University baseball team looks to build upon a successful 2010 season. The Profs went 26-16-1 overall and 14-4 in the New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC). Rowan was the top seed in the conference tournament and received an at-large bid to the NCAA Division III Championship Tournament.
“My expectations for this team are through the roof,” said head coach Juan Ranero. “I expect to win the conference this year because we have more talent than last season. We should get into the NCAAs and hopefully win the World Series.”
The Profs return the majority of their pitching staff, including all of the starters. Right-hander Jeff White (sr. Stratford, NJ/Sterling) is the reigning NJAC, New Jersey Collegiate Baseball Association (NJCBA) and Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) Metro Pitcher of the Year. He was chosen to the NJAC All-Conference and American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) Mid-Atlantic All-Region first teams. White also earned NCAA Division III Mid-Atlantic Region All-Tournament Team honors. He posted a 7-1 record with a 2.60 earned run average (ERA) in 11 appearances. White struck out 71 hitters in 72.2 innings. In the conference, he was third in ERA, tied for third in wins, fourth in strikeouts and fifth in opponent’s batting average (.241) and innings pitched.
“It is huge for us to have back all of our starting pitching,” stated Ranero. “I am going into the season happier knowing how deep the starting rotation is. We are six to seven guys deep and they are all lights out. We will see how they perform and set a four to five man rotation for the rest of the season.”
Right-handers Mike Swietanski (sr. Woodbury, NJ/West Deptford) and Steven Melchiorre (so. Atco, NJ/Hammonton) and lefty Michael Cox (sr. Cherry Hill, NJ/Cherry Hill W.) are all back. Left-hander Mark Porter (sr. Cinnaminson, NJ/Lower Merion (PA)) and righty John Harvey (sr. Burlington, NJ/Burlington Twp.) return after missing last season with injuries. Left-hander Curtis Arsi (jr. Washington Twp., NJ/Westwood Reg.) will move from the bullpen to the starting rotation.
“We are looking for another outstanding season from White,” commented Ranero. “He will solidify the rotation. Cox will be a starter or bullpen arm depending on our needs. He is a team player and will do whatever is needed to help the team. Melchiorre was effective as a starter in his freshman year. He will have a chance to start. Melchiorre is a hard worker and has progressed greatly. Swietanski had a great summer and fall and is looking to improve. He has scouts interested in him. Swietanski’s velocity has gone up and he is throwing in the low to mid 90s.”
In 2010, Cox received NJAC All-Conference and NJCBA All-State second team honors. He posted a 4-2 record with a 3.39 ERA and 35 strikeouts in 13 games. Melchiorre was a NJCBA All-Rookie Team selection. He went 1-1 in nine appearances. He produced a 4.15 ERA and struck out 21 batters in 30.1 innings. Swietanski compiled a 4-0 mark and a 4.50 ERA. He started 11 contests and saw action in 13. Swietanski collected 49 strikeouts in 70.0 innings. In 16 relief appearances, Arsi had a 0-1 record and a 5.82 ERA. He tallied 15 strikeouts in 17.0 innings. In 2009, Porter was 1-2 with a 3.65 ERA in eight starts. He struck out 45 hitters in 56.2 innings. Harvey pitched at Washington College (MD) in 2007, where he had a 4-2 record, with a 4.67 ERA and 40 strikeouts in nine games. In 2008, he threw in 10 contests at Burlington County College. Harvey tallied a 4-4 mark with a 6.19 ERA and 43 strikeouts in 48 innings.
“Porter was great two years ago and we are looking for him to rebound from an injury,” continued Ranero. “Harvey is a pleasant surprise. He had an unbelievable fall and is a dominant pitcher that throws in the 86-88 mile per hour (mph) range. Harvey is 6’ 4” and very hard to hit. Arsi has come on. He is hitting the upper 80s with his velocity and has a great frame. He has made big strides and will be given a chance to start early in the season.”
Most of the bullpen remains intact as well. The middle relievers will include veterans Mike Halbach (jr. Parsippany, NJ/Parsippany Hills), Ryan Peterson (jr. Belle Mead, NJ/Montgomery), Kyle Norman (sr. Oakhurst, NJ/Ocean Twp.) and Kyle Brown (so. Southampton, NJ/Seneca). Rookie Pat O’Donnell (fr. Middletown, NJ/Middletown S.) will also be in the mix. Right-hander Todd Burdette (jr. Succasunna, NJ/Roxbury) and Peterson will be the set-up men, while John O’Hara (sr. Clayton, NJ/Gloucester Catholic) will once again handle the closing duties.
“Halbach is a solid pitcher,” praised Ranero. “Hopefully he stays healthy and can provide a boost in the bullpen. Peterson was used in every role last year. His versatility out of the pen is an asset to have. Norman has been steady over the past few seasons. He has put up good numbers and is a key part of the bullpen. Brown was a spot starter last year, but he will assume more of a relief role. He should help the team if he is consistent. We hope that he develops enough to pitch in big situations. O’Donnell has a live arm and throws in the mid 80s. He is coming along and will get some innings and experience.”
Halbach played in four games in 2010. He was 0-1 with a 6.43 ERA and eight strikeouts in 14.0 innings. Peterson was second on the team with a 3.06 ERA, a 5-2 record and three saves. He tossed 50.0 innings with 35 strikeouts. Peterson earned NJCBA All-State third team honors. In the conference, he was seventh in ERA and tied for eighth in wins. Norman appeared in 14 contests. He posted a 2-3 mark, a 4.81 ERA and 14 strikeouts in 24.1 innings. Brown started four games and went 1-2. He compiled a 5.74 ERA and struck out 14 hitters in 15.2 innings. Burdette missed all of last season with an injury. In 2009, he was 1-2 in 15 games. He produced a 5.02 ERA and 18 strikeouts. He had a team-high nine saves. O’Hara saw action in 12 contests last year. He was 1-2 with a 3.55 ERA and 10 strikeouts in 12.2 innings. He led the NJAC with six saves.
“Burdette was one of the top closers in the conference two years ago,” said Ranero. “He has been lights out and pitched in big games. We will use him in the set-up role this season. O’Hara’s fastball is in the 90-92 mph range and he has a good curveball. He is a stable closer and can have a big year. The pros like him a lot.”
Nick Turano (jr. Manalapan, NJ/Manalapan) will once again be the starting catcher. Veteran C.J. Szymczak (so. Maple Shade, NJ/Maple Shade) and rookie Connor Grant (fr. Shrewsbury, NJ/Red Bank Reg.) will see some playing time. Turano started 35 games last season. He batted .294 with 31 RBIs, 21 runs scored, 11 doubles, one triple and one home run. He had a .980 fielding percentage. Szymczak played in four contests with one start.
“Turano has had a solid spring so far,” commented Ranero. “He is healthy and looking for a great year. Turano needs to be a leader and has to keep the staff in check. He will hit in the middle of the lineup and drive in runs. Szymczak has looked good this spring. Grant had a real nice fall. He hits the ball well and needs to continually improve and grow.”
Returnee Eric Newell (sr. Haddon Heights, NJ/Haddon Heights) and newcomers Bobby Gorski (sr. Sewell, NJ/Washington Twp.) and Rich Fagan (so. Nutley, NJ/St. Benedict’s Prep) are competing at first base. Newell saw action in 23 games with 20 starts. He hit .243 with eight runs scored, five RBIs and three doubles. He had a .975 fielding percentage. Gorski transferred from the University of Hartford where he produced a .253 batting average with 18 RBIs, 12 runs scored, two doubles, two home runs and one triple. He had a .927 fielding percentage. Fagan was a two-time All-Prep second team selection at St. Benedict’s Prep.
“Hopefully Newell puts everything together,” remarked Ranero. “He can be a good hitter and needs to get off to a strong start. Gorski is a versatile player that can play first or third base. His bat is coming around and he will be a middle of the lineup hitter. He must be able to play both corner infield positions. Fagan is big and provides power from the right side. He will be given the opportunity early at designated hitter.”
The second base job is still up for grabs. Veteran Brandon Winkler (jr. Glendora, NJ/Paul VI) is joined by transfer Rob Wilgus (jr. Woolwich, NJ/Gloucester Catholic) and rookie Mark Benak (fr. South Plainfield, NJ/South Plainfield).
Winkler played in 24 games with 17 starts. He hit .257 with 13 RBIs, 12 runs scored and five doubles. He recorded a .939 fielding percentage. Wilgus appeared in 40 games at Camden County College. He posted a .438 batting average with 39 runs scored, 38 RBIs, 17 doubles, 12 stolen bases and a .522 on-base percentage. Wilgus was an All-Region 19 second team selection.
“Winkler will see a lot of action,” continued Ranero. “He will platoon with Wilgus at the beginning of the season until someone gets hot. Wilgus had a great fall offensively and defensively. He knows how to hit and gained a lot of experience in junior college. Benak will see time at second base and shortstop. He will be a big time player. He is excellent defensively and had a nice fall with the bat.”
Marc Magliaro (jr. Monroe Twp., NJ/Monroe Twp.) is the starting shortstop. Veteran Brad Woodend (sr. Medford, NJ/Shawnee) and Benak are the backups. As a sophomore, Magliaro batted .312 with 27 runs scored, 20 RBIs and eight doubles. He stole 10 bases in 11 attempts. Woodend had a .208 batting average with 16 runs scored, 10 RBIs and two doubles.
“Magliaro has had tremendous gains since his freshman year,” praised Ranero. “He is being looked at by scouts. Magliaro is a steady defensive player and it is a plus if he hits well.”
Woodend will most likely start the season at third base. He is being pushed by newcomers Matt Hill (jr. Hamilton Square, NJ/Robbinsville) and Gorski. Hill transferred from Mercer County Community College where he received All-Region, All-Conference and Academic All-America honors. In 27 games, he hit .408 with 35 RBIs, 26 runs scored, four doubles, two triples and one homer.
“Woodend provides a senior presence at third base,” said Ranero. “He played well defensively last year. He is looking to improve his batting average this season. Hill has a great lefty bat. He will be a middle of the lineup hitter. Hill’s versatility will allow him to play at either corner infield position, in the outfield or at designated hitter.”
The Profs have two of their three starting outfielders back in left fielder Scott Weaver (sr. Ledgewood, NJ/Roxbury) and center fielder Matt Citro (sr. Bloomsbury, NJ/Phillipsburg). Veteran Kevin O’Brien (sr. Pennsville, NJ/Pennsville Mem.) will start in right field. Rookie Eric Perez (fr. Hopelawn, NJ/Woodbridge) and veteran Nate Floyd (so. Erial, NJ/Timber Creek Reg.) will play behind Weaver in left. Newcomer Scott Bruno (fr. Middletown, NJ/Middletown S.) and O’Brien will backup Citro in center field, while Floyd and Hill are the reserves in right.
“Weaver was one our leading hitters last year,” stated Ranero. “He should have a breakout season. Weaver has all the skills and can hit in the middle of the order. Citro is looking to improve on an excellent year. He hits at the top of the order and steals a lot of bases. He is a great defensive outfielder that can get to any ball that is hit. O’Brien is finally healthy and will get the opportunity to play defensively. He was a good defender before getting injured. He should be a steady bat and I think playing time at the end of last season will help him.”
Weaver led the Profs with 41 runs scored and five home runs. He batted .323 with 27 RBIs and seven doubles. Weaver stole 20 bases in 22 attempts. He produced a .973 fielding percentage. Weaver received NJAC All-Conference honorable mention. In the conference, he was fourth in stolen bases, tied for ninth in home runs, tied for 10th in runs scored and tied for 11th in walks (23).
Citro is Rowan’s top returning hitter with a .339 batting average. He scored 35 runs and drove in 33. Citro was first on the team with 14 doubles and four triples. He also registered four home runs and a .538 slugging percentage. His .991 fielding percentage earned him ABCA/Rawlings Gold Glove first team honors. Citro was a NJAC All-Conference and ECAC Metro All-Star first team selection. He was chosen to the ABCA Mid-Atlantic All-Region second team. In the conference, Citro was first in stolen bases (24), tied for third in triples (4), tied for seventh in doubles (14) and eighth in total bases (92). O’Brien, mainly a designated hitter, hit .256 with 17 RBIs, 13 runs scored, four homers and two doubles.
“Floyd is moving from the infield to the outfield,” remarked Ranero. “We are looking for him to get some playing time. He works his tail off and hopefully he can take advantage of his opportunities. Perez is one of the best freshman bats. He has an idea of what to do at the plate. Perez is an intense player and will be one of the conference’s top outfielders down the road. Bruno is capable of being a spark plug off the bench. He will be pushing to get on the field.”
Rowan will see tough nonconference opponents at the beginning of its schedule. The Profs open the season at Randolph-Macon College (18-16). The teams will play a doubleheader on Saturday, February 19 and a single game on Sunday, February 20. Rowan hosts The College at Brockport (23-18) and Franklin & Marshall College (15-19-1) on Saturday, March 5. The Golden Eagles appeared in the NCAA Division III Championship Tournament. The Profs start their spring break trip with a doubleheader at North Carolina Wesleyan College (17-19) on Saturday, March 12. At the RussMatt Tournament in Central Florida, the Profs face Wheaton College (MA) (34-10) on Monday, March 14 and play a doubleheader against Keystone College (30-9) on Friday, March 18. Wheaton and Keystone both played in the national tournament.
In the conference, Rowan will once again face stiff competition from defending NJAC Champion Kean University (39-12, NJAC 13-5). The Cougars participated in the NCAA Division III Championship Tournament. The Profs will also be challenged by Rutgers-Newark (22-21, NJAC 11-7), The College of New Jersey (23-19, NJAC 11-7) and Montclair State University (23-19, NJAC 9-9). The Profs begin the conference schedule on Saturday, April 2 at William Paterson University (16-21-1, NJAC 6-12). Rowan faces TCNJ at home on Thursday, April 7 and on the road, Friday, April 8. Montclair State hosts Rowan on Saturday, April 16. On Thursday, April 21 and Friday, April 22, the Profs play Kean at home and on the road respectively. Rowan closes out the season with a doubleheader at Rutgers-Newark on Saturday, April 30.
