FROM CBB NEWS SOURCE
Pitt’s new staff shares thoughts on upcoming season
Your thoughts after joining the Pitt baseball staff?
[Danny] My first thoughts after joining the staff were the possibilities of where the University of Pittsburgh Baseball could go! With new stadium plans set for next season, several other sports programs in the top 25 and an energetic staff, there’s a bright future for PITT Panther Baseball!
[Brandon] My first thoughts after joining the staff here at Pitt was seeing how hard our kids work. Their work ethic speaks for itself not only on the field, but in the classroom as well.
[Ryan] I was excited to back in the college game and happy to be back in the Big East. Being a former player in the Big East and playing against coach Jordano’s team’s I knew exactly how his teams played the game.
What are your goals for the 2009 season?
[Ryan] Our goals as a staff are to prepare our players for every game the same way. Get the players to buy into our philosophy of playing the game the same way every day. There’s no such thing as an intersquad game, Big East game, NCAA tournament game, they are ALL baseball games. My goals personally are to get the best out of every single player on our roster. Help them reach their goals and to make them better people.
[Danny] Our team goals are to play the game, not the opponent and to stay healthy. If we can attain those two goals, the end results will take care of themselves!
[Brandon] Obviously, a Big East Conference Championship is our number one goal. It has to start there. We’ve been close here in the past. With our veteran leadership this year, along with a solid group of newcomers, we feel confident that we can compete in every game. Our guys are highly motivated group.
Where is the team at in terms of progress from fall ball/workouts?
[Brandon] First, I was very pleased with our team this fall. They competed every day of practice. They came to the ballpark wanting to get better. As far as right now, everyone is getting back into their routine in preparing for the season. Most of our guys have come back from the holiday break in great shape and you can tell they’re ready to get going. This is always an exciting time of year because the season opener is so close.
[Ryan] The team is coming along well. When we started I didn’t even know any of the players names and I’m still working on it. I’m thankful for Coach Jordano to give me an opportunity to coach on his staff. He assembled a great staff with Coach Lopaez and Coach Rowen. All of us bring a passion to teaching the game of baseball.
Your thoughts on a young staff?
[Danny] It’s exciting to be part of a young staff. We get along very well, have a lot of the same interests due to closeness in age proximity and we bring a lot of new ideas to the forefront everyday. A huge positive is that we can relate to players and recruits a bit more because of our age and playing experiences.
[Brandon] I think having a young staff can be very beneficial. Danny, Ryan, and myself are all former Division I ballplayers which allows us to relate well with our guys. Also, I think they feed off our enthusiasm and intensity. We try to keep them upbeat and positive at every practice and workout. I don’t want them to see me as a coach that is unapproachable. Building a good relationship with your players is crucial to having a successful program.
Your late May travel plans, particularly the 19-23?
[Danny] Our plans are to be in Clearwater, Florida, at the Big East Conference Tournament. Hopefully, we can play our best baseball leading up and into the conference tournament and make even more future travel plans!
[Ryan] Without a doubt the Big East Tournament. I’ve been there and I know what its like to play in that championship game, this year I would like to know what it feels like to win that game.
[Brandon] Right now, I’m focused on our February 20th opener against Bradley, but obviously we’d love to be in Florida for the Big East Tournament in late May. There’s a lot of baseball to be played before then, but I have a great feeling about this team. It should be fun to watch.
