We recently had a chance to catch up with Binghamton head baseball coach Tim Sinicki to get his thoughts on his 2013 squad. They are coming off a 23-26 campaign in 2012 while going 13-9 in America East play without having a true home field to play at. You can check out the full interview below.
1. Binghamton is coming off a 23-26 season while going a respectable 13-9 in America East conference play with no true home field. What are your expectations for the 2013 season?
Tim Sinicki: Our expectations are always the same …. to put ourselves in a position to compete for the America East Conference regular-season and post-season championship. Even without a home field last season, we did not let that become an excuse for the program and/or an obstacle for reaching those goals. I can’t and won’t say that it wasn’t a challenge, but I thought we did a good job competing given the circumstances.
2. The Bearcats return two out of their top three pitchers from last years squad in redshirt senior Jake Lambert and senior Jay Lynch. Who do you expect to compete for the other opening in the weekend rotation?
TS: The third spot in the conference rotation is wide open at this point and we have three non-conference weekends to figure it out. Returning pitchers Jack Rogalla, Anthony Grillini, Mike Kaufman and Greg Ostner all pitched important inning for us last season and will be in the mix. Also figuring into things is Mike Meleski, a junior college transfer from nearby Broome CC who had an impressive fall season for us and could make an immediate impact.
3. Have any of the incoming freshmen impressed you during Fall workouts? Do you expect any of them to break into the starting lineup/rotation this spring?
TS: I thought the entire freshmen class did an outstanding job during the fall. I think infielder Reed Gamache probably looks the closest of the position players to compete for a starting job and right-handed pitcher Jake Cryts should see significant innings for us on the mound.
4. America East regular season and tournament champion made an great run in the NCAA Tournament winning the Coral Gables Regional and defeating LSU in the Super Regionals with their season ending with an appearance in the College World Series. How important was this run for Binghamton in terms of recruiting and developing the program?
TS: I think the run Stony Brook made last season just solidifies what I’ve been saying for a while and that is that talented high school players no longer have to cross the Mason-Dixon line to play quality college baseball, make a run to Omaha, or seek opportunities to play professionally. I think the quality of play you see from Northeast programs is at an all-time high right now and it’s extremely important for coaches, staffs and administration to take advantage of that and try to continue to close the gap with the warm-weather programs.
5. Binghamton opens up a brand new baseball facility. How important was it to upgrade your program and what is your favorite feature?
TS: The new facility really speaks to the level of commitment our administration has made towards our baseball program, and I know our current players, alumni and recruits have really noticed and appreciate that. I am not sure I have a favorites feature … I think the overall project and facility really puts it near the top of the list when it comes to facilities in the Northeast.
6. One of the stories out of the ABCA conference is the argument that College Baseball should go to a more lively ball. What is your opinion on this?
TS: I do think the “lively ball” has some merit. I am not 100% committed to the change as this point because I do think college baseball is in a good place right now. But at the same time I am all for discussion and ideas that could take our game to the highest level possible for the players and fans.
College Baseball Daily would like to thank Coach Sinicki for taking the time out of his busy schedule to talk with us. Special thanks to Binghamton SID John Hartrick for setting up the interview and sending us the photos. If any other SID’s or coaches would like to be featured in a future interview feel free to send me an email by clicking here.
