Jan. 12, 2005
Each week before the start of the baseball season, GoLobos.com will provide an in-depth look at the different aspects of this year’s team, including pitching, catching, infield, outfield, schedule and overall outlook. This week, the Lobo outfielders are previewed. The Lobos began practice this week in preparation for their season opener Feb. 4-6 at No. 12 Arizona.
OUTFIELD
The outfield will have a new look this season as two veterans will be absent from the lineup. Sean Murray, a two-year starter in both left and right field, graduated, and Matt Young, a three-year starter in the outfield, signed as a free agent with Atlanta.
The Lobos will replace Young with sophomore Matt Foote. Although Foote was an infielder last season and is still learning the outfield, he has the natural athletic ability and leadership qualities needed for such a demanding position. Foote was expected to be a seldom-used reserve infielder his freshman year, but he made the most of his opportunity, and his bat kept him in the lineup. The Albuquerque product batted .333 with eight doubles, hit a whopping .457 (16-for-35) with runners in scoring position, and led the team in conference play with a .429 average.
“Matt definitely has all the tools,” said Alday. “He’s learning how to play center field, and it will take some time, but before long, he’s going to be an excellent center fielder. He’s very fast and has a great arm. He will also start off as our leadoff hitter. He’s very aggressive, has good power and can bunt well.”
Sophomore Chris Dabbs is penciled in as the starting right fielder. Dabbs split time with Murray last year, making 29 starts. He had an impressive rookie season at the plate, batting .305 with four homers, five doubles and 17 RBI, but is looking for bigger numbers in 2005 after gaining experience for the Anchorage Glacier Pilots last summer.
Senior Garrick Haymore |
“For the most part, Chris played very well last summer in the Alaskan Wooden Bat League,” commented Alday. “He had a good fall and he’s been working extremely hard on both his offense and his defense. He’s working on becoming a better outfielder.”
Senior Garrick Haymore, a left-handed hitter, and sophomore Chris Carlson, a right-hander, will likely split time in left field, giving Alday the option depending on the opposing pitcher.
Haymore, a good contact hitter who can nail the gaps, started 32 games in left field last year, batting .275 with three homers and 20 RBI.
Carlson is still learning the outfield, but his potent bat should find him a place in the lineup. He could also see action at first base or DH.
“Chris is a very powerful hitter,” Alday said. “We’ll definitely find him some at-bats. Offensively, he’s going to be very good for our team.”
Junior Brandon Bingham, who has played in 11 games his first two years, could also see action in the outfield.