2014 New Bedford Bay Sox Preview

Conor Gleason. /Franklin Pierce

Last season was a disappointing one for the Bay Sox as weak pitching doomed a strong offensive team as they finished 20-24, the leagues third worst record. New Bedford had some positives, including two All-NECBL first-teamers but a five-game losing streak and a trio of three-game losing streaks was too much to overcome.

This year, the Bay Sox have assembled a strong group of hitters to drive the offense, including returning first teamer Chris Travers. They've also created a strong 1-2 punch to start the rotation and alos have a strong bullpen anchored by a lockdown closer.

Projected Lineup
Chris Travers, C
Adam Routhier, 1B
Tim Hoehn, 2B
Joe Cronin, SS
Brad Johnson, 3B
Cullen O'Dwyer, OF
Lorenzo Papa, OF
Josh Smith, OF
David Mackinnon, DH

Travers was a beast for the Bay Sox in 2013 as he was viewed as the best catcher in the league. The All-NECBL first teamer led the league with a .462 on-base percentage and looks to return for more. Hartford designated hitter David Mackinnon is another player to watch as he hit .366 this year over 41 games with 11 doubles.

Projected Rotation
RHP Conor Gleason
LHP Reed Mason
LHP Tim Superko
RHP Joe Carvero

Gleason is the ace of the staff as he's been dominant for Franklin Pierce. The 6-1 righty leads the nation in hits allowed per nine innings (just 3.86) and second in strikeouts per nine (13.57). After Gleason, Reed Mason represents the second half of a formidable 1-2 punch. Mason has been solid for Northwestern this year over 14 starts and 82 innings.

Projected Bullpen
Closer- RHP Dan Hertz
Setup Men- RHP James Davitt, LHP Jeremy Perron
Middle Men- RHP Nicholas Brown, RHP Brandon Cook, LHP Scott Tully, LHP Michael Hearne
Long man- RHP Colin Manning

Dan Hertz will be the man in the ninth for the Bay Sox, and he's joined by a strong bullpen led by setup man James Davitt. Past those two, Nicholas Brown has been strong but the group is thin in experience.

Outlook
Are the Bay Sox on pace for another losing season? Or will they return to 2012 form when they made it to the division finals and fell to Newport. A strong rotation and a solid bullpen paired with a mixture of power and average hitters should have this New Bedford team on the verge of the playoffs if not in.