Josh Siebenaler has proven that he has the versatility to play numerous positions for UCF.
FROM CBB NEWS SOURCE
ORLANDO (UCFAthletics.com) – As we dig deeper into the UCF baseball season preview, part six features the makeup of the Knights’ second basemen. We will take a look at UCF’s other half of the double-play combination on Tuesday.
Second Base
Stephen Branca – So. – .111, 26 GP, 3 GS, 27 AB, 0 R, 3 H, 4 RBI, 1-2 SB
Jake Huxtable – Fr. – Posted a .421 batting average and a .968 OPS as a junior at Winter Springs HS
Josh Siebenaler – Sr. – .248, 48 GP, 42 GS, 149 AB, 24 R, 37 H, 6 2B, 1 3B, 0 HR, 19 RBI, 14-16 SB
Another position that UCF needs to focus on is second base, as Dwayne Bailey capped off his senior year in 2008 by being drafted by the Angels. However, one player stepped up in the fall and may transform from a pinch-hitter as a freshman to an everyday infielder as a sophomore.
“Second base was one of the best battles of the fall,” admitted Rooney. “Going into the season right now, Stephen Branca is our starting second baseman. He is probably the most improved player on this team, and one of the most athletic as well. He has the ability to drive balls out of the yard, and added some stolen bases in the fall. When I look at these younger players, I look for Stephen to have a breakout year.
“Josh Siebenaler is someone who can play second as well, and he possesses a very good defensive glove and a left-handed bat. What that does is give us the option of both a right-handed and left-handed bat at that spot, which is a good situation to have. Josh is a guy who needs to continue to play the game at the tempo and style that we are looking for. As he continues to do that, we expect great things from him. Jake Huxtable is a freshman and another second baseman. If he gains consistency in his offense, it will allow him to get more innings.”
