2008 Baseball Season Preview: Outfielders
2/20/2008 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
Feb. 20, 2008
Outfielders
The RedHawks' leading run producer from last season, junior Chris Nadeau, leads a group of young, fast outfielders into the 2008 campaign. Nadeau drove in a team-high 41 runs last season and is one of three returning players who batted over .300 last season. The Saline, Mich., native had the highest on-base percentages among returnees from last year and has progressed into a solid outfielder.
Niro, junior Blake Chaffee and redshirt sophomore Ben Eubank are multi-dimensional athletes who give the RedHawks tremendous versatility. Despite competing for starting roles at other positions, Niro and Chaffee will see playing time in the outfield, which can benefit late-inning decisions while also allowing young players to see action at other positions. Eubank was primarily a late-inning substitution last season, but his speed and improvement in the off-season will give him more opportunities to shine in 2008.
Freshmen Jon Edgington and Adam Eaton are two young outfielders who Simonds believes can grow into great college players. Edgington comes into his first collegiate season as one of the fastest players on the team. With his speed, Edgington has the ability to create a lot of pressure on the defense and has the ability to be a difference maker on the base paths. Eaton is a player that will split time between the mound and outfield, giving Simonds depth at more than one position.
