{"id":74872,"date":"2019-01-25T17:01:38","date_gmt":"2019-01-25T23:01:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news.medill.northwestern.edu\/chicago\/?p=74872"},"modified":"2019-01-25T20:20:40","modified_gmt":"2019-01-26T02:20:40","slug":"wildcats-baseball-season-preview-team-expects-confidence-and-consistency-to-play-big-role-culture-change","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/news.medill.northwestern.edu\/chicago\/wildcats-baseball-season-preview-team-expects-confidence-and-consistency-to-play-big-role-culture-change\/","title":{"rendered":"Wildcats baseball season preview: Team expects confidence and consistency to play big role culture change"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>By Andre Toran<\/strong><br \/>\n<em>Medill Reports<\/em><\/p>\n<p class=\"dropcap\">After a disappointing 17-32 finish in 2018, the Northwestern University Wildcats expect to win the day in 2019 with confidence and consistency.<\/p>\n<p>Now, less than a month away from their first slate of games in Mesa, Arizona, vs. Brigham Young University, the NU baseball team believes that a combination of experience, youth development, and a strong off season could spark a change of narrative and culture in 2019 and moving forward.<br \/>\n<!--more--><\/p>\n<p>\u201cProbably the most over used phrase in sports right now is \u2018The Process\u2019,\u201d Allen said. \u201cBut really, it\u2019s just about our daily actions, our daily decisions that we\u2019re making that\u2019s going to put us in a position to have some consistency. When you\u2019re talking about 56 games you need consistency and I think that\u2019s what proved in 2017 &#8212; that when you just play the game and stay consistent you can make runs like that.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Allen\u2019s reference to the 2017 club ties directly into the team\u2019s expectations entering 2019: qualify for the Big Ten tournament en route to a NCAA tournament bid.<\/p>\n<p>Though 2018 was an off year, the club flashed down the stretch in 2017, making a run to the Big Ten Tournament final, after a 6-18 start, and falling one game shy of a NCAA berth.<\/p>\n<p>This year, Allen expects the Wildcats to find a similar groove, but from the start season \u2013 a level of consistent play that\u2019ll hopefully warrant the team\u2019s first NCAA tournament appearance since 1957.<\/p>\n<p>The Wildcats have 20 returning players from 2018, which gives this team a well of depth and experience that should help NU play more consistently on a regular basis. Of the 20, seven are either returning starters or heavily contributed a season ago \u2013 including a starting pitching staff that is completely intact from the year prior.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI really want to see these guys playing at a consistent level from the jump,\u201d Allen said. \u201cAnd, I think that at times we either haven\u2019t started out great or we\u2019ll have a good weekend and then it\u2019s just really up and down. To me, this team, they have the experience\u2026 which will give us an opportunity to put a record together that\u2019s going to warrant us playing in the NCAA tournament.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>The anticipation of consistency and the level of experience the club brings back is expected to translate into wins according to Allen and will have a positive impact on the growth and development of a strong freshman class.<\/p>\n<p>Northwestern is confident that 2019 will be the start of something new: a change of culture, a change of outcome, and the establishment of a household name.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI want the culture to change,\u201d said Jack Dunn, senior infielder and team leader. \u201cThe culture is slowly changing, and I want to see that take another step forward. I want to build a foundation, because I don\u2019t think Northwestern baseball has that\u2026 so I want to create a foundation and hopefully a tradition for the young guys moving forward.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Here\u2019s a deeper look into 2019 Northwestern baseball.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Team Strengths<\/strong><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_74902\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-74902\" style=\"width: 1100px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-74902\" src=\"https:\/\/news.medill.northwestern.edu\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2019\/01\/erro-tag.jpg\" alt=\"NU Alex Erro tag out \" width=\"1100\" height=\"733\" srcset=\"https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/medill.wordpress.offload\/WP%20Media%20Folder%20-%20medill-reports-chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2019\/01\/erro-tag.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/medill.wordpress.offload\/WP%20Media%20Folder%20-%20medill-reports-chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2019\/01\/erro-tag-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/medill.wordpress.offload\/WP%20Media%20Folder%20-%20medill-reports-chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2019\/01\/erro-tag-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/s3.amazonaws.com\/medill.wordpress.offload\/WP%20Media%20Folder%20-%20medill-reports-chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2019\/01\/erro-tag-1024x682.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-74902\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Second baseman Alex Erro tags a Belmont runner out, as the runner attempts to steal second base in a late May game in 2018 vs. Belmont University.\u00a0Photo Courtesy of Carolyn Katz Photography.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong>When talking about the strengths of this Northwestern team, their depth of experience has already been mentioned. However, without a doubt, this is the Wildcats\u2019 greatest strength, because it is connected to so many areas where the team performs well.<\/p>\n<p>Among these, you can expect this team to defend, and at a high level \u2013 especially up the middle of the field. The experience throughout the diamond, should give the NU pitching staff greater confidence in the defense being played behind them, a comfort all pitchers hope to have.<\/p>\n<p>In mention of the pitching staff, Allen raved about the \u201cnumber of options\u201d he has.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI do feel like we are going to be able to go into a weekend and not have to concede,\u201d Allen said. \u201cWe are going to be able to run out guys that are going to be able to challenge other teams\u2019 lineups.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Allen and his coaching staff have yet to designate a No. 1 starter, as they are blessed with the challenge of too many options.<\/p>\n<p>However, the likes of junior Hank Christie (RHP), the sophomore left-handed duo of Jack Pagliarini and Quinn Lavelle, and freshman newcomer Michael Doherty (RHP) are expected to be in the mix &#8212; all of who are expected to make up the Wildcats starting rotation.<\/p>\n<p>Though the strength of the team is expected to be their ability to defend at a high level,\u00a0 Allen made it clear that his club has the potential to burst on the offensive end as well. This is where the Wildcats experience comes into play regarding some of the things they could excel in, in 2019.<\/p>\n<p>Offensively, this team has seen a great number of college at-bats prior to the 2019 campaign, which could translate into an increased level of production. According to Allen, the team has about six players that have seen 200-plus college at-bats. This speaks comfort and savvy in the batter\u2019s box, which could become an advantage for the \u2018Cats down the road.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Players to Watch\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_74903\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-74903\" style=\"width: 1100px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-74903\" src=\"https:\/\/news.medill.northwestern.edu\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2019\/01\/jack-dunn1.jpg\" alt=\"Jack dunn 5\/19\/18\" width=\"1100\" height=\"733\" srcset=\"https:\/\/news.medill.northwestern.edu\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2019\/01\/jack-dunn1.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/news.medill.northwestern.edu\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2019\/01\/jack-dunn1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/news.medill.northwestern.edu\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2019\/01\/jack-dunn1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/news.medill.northwestern.edu\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2019\/01\/jack-dunn1-1024x682.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-74903\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Jack Dunn runs off the field after scoring a run in a loss 7-5 to Belmont in 2018.\u00a0Photo Courtesy of Carolyn Katz Photography.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><em>\u00a0<\/em><strong><em>Jack Dunn, <\/em><\/strong><strong>SR INF<\/strong><em>\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/em>2018 slash: .314\/.399\/.381<\/p>\n<p>A 2018 All-Big Ten honoree, the senior shortstop is expected to have an even bigger year than 2018 where he led the team in batting average, stolen bases (21), and on base percentage (OBP). Dunn is a senior leader on this team whose work ethic and grit has had a big-time impact on the culture of the club, according to Allen. Expect Dunn to have another big year and become a repeat All-Big Ten team member.<\/p>\n<p><strong><em>Alex Erro, <\/em><\/strong><strong>JR INF<\/strong><em>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/em>2018 slash: .296\/.376\/.393<\/p>\n<p>As Dunn\u2019s running mate up the middle of the diamond, Erro started every game at second a year ago and has been a solid contributor to the NU lineup since his freshman year. According to the coaching staff, Erro has a lot of good baseball ahead of him and his game really grew over the summer and through the fall.<\/p>\n<p><strong><em>Willie Bourbon<\/em><\/strong><strong><em>, <\/em><\/strong><strong>SR INF<\/strong><em>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/em>2018 slash: <em>\u00a0<\/em>.275\/.384\/.455<\/p>\n<p>Bourbon started every game at first base a year ago and has the potential to put up serious power numbers in 2019. A season ago, Bourbon finished second on the team in every major power category (6 HR, 34 RBI, .455 SLG).<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong><em>Hank Christie, <\/em><\/strong><strong>JR RHP \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong>2018 stats: 3-5, 4.61 ERA, 37 SO<\/p>\n<p><em>\u00a0<\/em>According to Allen, Christie seems \u201cmotivated\u201d coming into 2019 and Allen is hopeful Christie will return to an elite form. Christie was an All-freshman honoree in the Big Ten in 2017, but in 2018 Christie failed to build upon his freshman statically speaking. However, expect Christie to have a clear plan when he takes the mound each day in 2019, which Allen hopes will translate to a heightened level of execution and success.<\/p>\n<p><strong>For more player stats and biographical info:<br \/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/nusports.com\/roster.aspx?path=baseball\"> https:\/\/nusports.com\/roster.aspx?path=baseball<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2><strong>X-Factors<\/strong><\/h2>\n<figure id=\"attachment_74906\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-74906\" style=\"width: 1100px\" class=\"wp-caption alignnone\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-74906\" src=\"https:\/\/news.medill.northwestern.edu\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2019\/01\/lawerence-1.jpg\" alt=\"Sam Lawrence v. Belmont 05\/18\" width=\"1100\" height=\"733\" srcset=\"https:\/\/news.medill.northwestern.edu\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2019\/01\/lawerence-1.jpg 1100w, https:\/\/news.medill.northwestern.edu\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2019\/01\/lawerence-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/news.medill.northwestern.edu\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2019\/01\/lawerence-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/news.medill.northwestern.edu\/chicago\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2019\/01\/lawerence-1-1024x682.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1100px) 100vw, 1100px\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-74906\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Left-handed pitcher Sam Lawrence delivering a pitching in middle inning relief in a 13-4 win over Belmont University. Photo Courtesy of Carolyn Katz Photography.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong><em>David Dunn, <\/em><\/strong><strong>R-FR INF\/OF<em> \u00a0<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Brother of shortstop Jack, David Dunn is expected to start in centerfield for the Wildcats this season. Dunn played 10 games a year ago but missed the rest of the season due to injury. However, early success prior to the injury a year ago has the Northwestern coaching staff excited to see what he will contribute this year at 100 percent.<\/p>\n<p><strong><em>Sam Lawrence <\/em><\/strong><strong>(LHP) and <em>Nick Paciorek<\/em> (RHP)<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong>Allen said he expects a lot out of this pitching duo coming out of the pen. Lawrence\u2019s freshman year really impressed the Northwestern staff, as the lefty posted a 2.85 ERA and a 5-3 record in 23 appearances, but a sophomore slump a year ago leaves room for redemption. As for Paciorek, he is a converted catcher that Allen hopes to deepen his options coming out of the bullpen. Expect these two to stabilize the NU bullpen and to be used heavily in \u201chigh leverage\u201d situations.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><strong>Newcomers: Fresh and Physical\u00a0 <\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong>Northwestern is ecstatic about this year\u2019s freshman class. Described as \u201cphysical\u201d and adding an aspect of athleticism to this year\u2019s team that hasn\u2019t been seen in a while, here are a few newcomers to keep your eye on:<\/p>\n<p><strong><em>Michael Doherty <\/em><\/strong><strong>(RHP) <\/strong>&#8212; 6\u20192, 205<\/p>\n<p>Described by Allen as the \u201cprototypical\u2026big bodied\u201d starting pitching, Doherty \u2013 as mentioned previously \u2013 is expected to see some time in the starting rotation this year after impressing the staff in the fall with a beyond his years type of composure.<\/p>\n<p><strong><em>Michael Trautwein <\/em><\/strong><strong>(Catcher) <\/strong>\u2013 6\u20191, 185<\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong>Trautwein is a left-handed hitting catcher who the staff expects to display to some elevated power numbers as his career and development grows. Allen is high on Trautwein\u2019s leadership ability at a young age and expects him to develop into a \u201creally special player.\u201d<\/p>\n<p><strong><em>Anthony Calarco <\/em><\/strong><strong>(1B) <\/strong>\u2013 6\u20193, 215<\/p>\n<p><em>\u00a0<\/em>Calarco is another newcomer that Allen and staff expect to hit for great power. This is a piece their team was missing in 2018; \u201cthe ability to score quickly,\u201d Allen said<\/p>\n<p><em>\u00a0<\/em><em><strong>Jack Anderson (C\/1B) <\/strong><\/em>\u2013 6\u20193, 200<\/p>\n<p>Described by Allen as another \u201cbig bodied\u201d physical specimen, Anderson flashed bright spots in the fall, and rounds out this talented group of guys.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Season\u2019s projections<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Finishing second to last in the conference a season ago, doesn\u2019t bode well for Northwestern\u2019s projected preseason ranking going into 2019. \u201cMy guess is they probably pick us on the back-half,\u201d said Allen, but wherever they fall won\u2019t make a dent in the confidence of this program.<\/p>\n<p>The Wildcats believe change is due and soon to come. They believe they will be a top 8 team in the Big Ten and that an NCAA tournament bid is possible. They understand that signature wins and victories on the road are necessary to boost their RPI and liken their chances at a berth. Northwestern believes in now.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThere needs to be a belief in the dugout,\u201d Allen stressed. \u201cIt&#8217;s like the chicken or the egg. What comes first? The confidence or the wins? But we feel that confidence is a choice and we really believe we can go out and do some big things.\u201d<\/p>\n<div class=\"featurecaption\">Photo at top: 2018 Northwestern men&#8217;s baseball team stands in reverence of the national anthem, prior to a game vs. Concordia University. (Courtsey of Carolyn Katz\/Carolyn Katz Photography)<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>By Andre Toran Medill Reports After a disappointing 17-32 finish in 2018, the Northwestern University Wildcats expect to win the day in 2019 with confidence and consistency. Now, less than a month away from their first slate of games in Mesa, Arizona, vs. Brigham Young University, the NU baseball team believes that a combination of [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":538,"featured_media":74876,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[31,4559],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-74872","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-sports","category-winter-2019"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Wildcats baseball season preview: Team expects confidence and consistency to play big role culture change - Medill Reports Chicago<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/news.medill.northwestern.edu\/chicago\/wildcats-baseball-season-preview-team-expects-confidence-and-consistency-to-play-big-role-culture-change\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Wildcats baseball season preview: Team expects confidence and consistency to play big role culture change - Medill Reports Chicago\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"By Andre Toran Medill Reports After a disappointing 17-32 finish in 2018, the Northwestern University Wildcats expect to win the day in 2019 with confidence and consistency. 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