Baseball Announces 2009 Recruiting Class

MIAMI SHORES, Fla.— Barry University head baseball coach Marc Pavao has announced the 2010 recruiting class. Of the players committed, three are pitchers and seven are positional players.

“The new guys bring a solid work ethic and allow us a certain style of baseball,” head coach Marc Pavao said. “There is no doubt we’ll be a different team this year, but I’m excited.”

Of the new players, five are incoming freshmen, while another five are transfer students.

On the local front, the Bucs committed four players from the Miami area including two from Pace High School, Luis Arrizurieta and Edward Pidermann. Arrizurieta is a switch-hitting catcher who should see time this season. “Luis brings a very positive attitude and strong work ethic to the team,” said Pavao. Pidermann is a right-handed pitcher who could see time as a starter, reliever and/or closer. “Edward should make an immediate impact. He has a live arm, solid cutter, and plus off speed pitch,” said Pavao.

Sam Halpern joins the team after playing high school ball at Miami Country Day. Halpern is an outfielder who can fill in at first base. “Sam could contribute as a solid hitter,” said Pavao. Anthony Eglesias and Tyler Kinley round out the Buccaneer freshmen this year. Eglesias has the ability to play multiple positions, potentially seeing time at catcher, outfield, and designated hitter. Kinley is a right-handed pitcher from Nova High School.

In addition to the five freshmen joining the team, the Bucs have signed five transfer students who will add experience and depth to the lineup.

Matt Petty joins the team from Pasco Hernando Community College. He brings valuable collegiate experience to the team, having been named Team MVP at Pasco, 1st Team All-Conference, and 2nd Team All-State. Petty has the ability to play at second and third base. Another infield transfer, Joaquin Valdes, joins the team from Palm Beach Atlantic where he played third and first base. “Joaquin should play every day,” said Pavao. “He’s very good defensively and has a lot of experience against SSC teams.”

Tyler Collins joins the Bucs after playing at Connecticut Avery Point. Collins sat out last season at Avery Point while recovering from injury, but should fit into the mix nicely. “Tyler is an extremely hard worker and has some raw tools. He has plus speed and can hit for power,” said Pavao.

Two other transfer students join the Buccaneers this season, Ryan Garcia and Brett Hammaker. Garcia is a 1B/DH transfer from Division I South Florida. Hammaker is a left-handed pitcher from Tallahassee Community College. “Garcia has some big-time pop while Hammaker will either pitch out of the pen or start,” Pavao said. 

The Bucs had their most successful season ever last year, winning the Sunshine State Conference with a 44-11 overall record, and making it to NCAA South Regional Tournament. In addition to their successful season, four Buccaneers were drafted by MLB in June, including Yan Gomes who went in the tenth round to Toronto.

The 10newcomers join 19 returning players who have high aspirations of repeating last season’s success. “It’s not hearsay anymore,” said Pavao. “We’ve done it now and we have a reputation to defend. There’s no reason we couldn’t compete for the conference again.”