Gabriel Garcia-Serrano will be part of a double-play combo for the 'Jacks in 2009 that could be the best defensively in the SLC.
FROM CBB NEWS SOURCE
NACOGDOCHES, Texas – The defensive strength of the 2009 SFA team should come up the middle with what could turn out to be the most dangerous double-play combination in the SLC in Tanner Hines and Gabriel Garcia-Serrano. SFA turned 35 double plays a year ago, but with this year’s combo plus a new pitch-to-contact pitching outlook, that number could easily rise.
A local product from Hudson High School just outside of Lufkin, Hines was originally a 44th round pick of the Pittsburgh Pirates out of high school before deciding to go the junior college route where he earned all-conference honors for San Jacinto College. A hitter who rarely strikes out, he was savvy on the base paths as well, stealing bases on 37 of 41 tries in two seasons.
“This is the best defensive pair of infielders we have had since I have been here, and I could see that in the fall on some of the double plays that those guys were turning,” Cardenas said. “”Tanner and Gabe really get along well and have a good feel for each other, and having that kind of tandem up the middle is really going to help our pitching staff to get out of big innings this year.”
Garcia-Serrano was used mainly as a defensive replacement and pinch runner in 2008, but is set to bring his slick set of defensive skills and speed to the lineup in 2009. Despite only 36 official at-bats a year ago, he still managed to cross the plate 12 times, draw eight walks and steal three bases. That patient approach could quickly pay dividends for him as a junior as he takes over an everyday role.
Sean Meyers brings back one of the best bats in the SFA lineup for 2009 after hitting .333 with four home runs in his first year at the Division I level. He saw time at both first and third base as a junior, and will likely see time at both spots this year. Cardenas feels it imperative for him to have a good year in 2009, and be a leader not only in the middle of the order but in the clubhouse as well.
Redshirt junior Adam Bosley is also back and healthy, who before an ankle injury midway through last season, provided a steady glove at first as well as a patient eye at the plate, putting a .434 on-base percentage.
Jeffrey Kello saw time as well at first and third base last year and provides another option there this year. Also in the mix at the corners is Nacogdoches freshman Justin McAninch, who earned all-state honors as a prep standout for the Dragons.
“Our depth in the infield I feel is really going to help us this year,” Cardenas said. “We have both quality left-handed, and right-handed, bats and will be able to utilize that late in games to help put ourselves in better situations.”
Brian Ferguson, Kello and Luke Baker each have the ability to step in and play up the middle as well although Ferguson could also be used in the outfield at times after a season that saw him smash his first two career home runs in 2008. Kello may have the steadiest glove of anyone off the bench for SFA, while Baker brings a high ceiling after utilizing his redshirt last year.
