Louisville Cardinals
Overall Rank: #38
Conference Rank: #3 Big East
Coming off of a 2011 season that did not live up to the early top 20 national ranking, the Louisville Cardinals look to rebound. With 19 letter winners, including much of the pitching staff and many of the position players, coming back, a more seasoned squad expects a much better finish. Head Coach Dan McDonnell’s Cardinals missed making the post season for the first time under his leadership in 2011. In 2012 Louisville will test themselves with games against 14 teams that reached the 2011 NCAA Tournament.
2011: 32-29, 14-13
2011 Postseason: None
Coach: Dan McDonnell, 6th Season
Field Players:
The only under classman selected to be a team captain for the upcoming season, sophomore Adam Engel (IF/OF), will provide on-field leadership for the Cardinals. Engel came on late in 2011, hitting .392 in May. Sophomore Ryan Seiz (3B/OF) returns after a season where he posted a .971 fielding percentage, making just seven errors in a combined 236 putouts and assists. Siez hit .234 and appeared in 56 games. Sophomore Alex Chittenden (SS) returns to provide stability up the middle for the Louisville defense. Freshman middle infielder Sutton Whiting, who was drafted by the Braves in 2011, should provide some added depth.
Pitchers:
Redshirt junior Justin Amlung and senior Derek Self, both drafted in 2011, will return to Louisville for the 2012 campaign. Amlung has been named Preseason Big East Pitcher of the Year after going 10-2 with a 2.31 ERA. He fanned 80 in 105 innings last year. Self was 3-3 with a 2.26 ERA. Travis Tingle spent much of 2011 coming out of the bullpen, but moved to the starting rotation late, going 3-1 for the Cardinals down the stretch. Self and Tingle were both selected as team captains for 2012. Coach McDonnell added four highly touted freshman hurlers to the staff for 2012. 6’9” left hander Adam Schemenauer, drafted in the 12th round by Kansas City, right hander Nick Burdi, picked by the Twins in the 24th round, Jared Ruxer, selected the Indians in the 29th round and Marlins 38th round selection Joey Ceja all chose Louisville instead of heading to the pros.
Who to Watch:
Senior outfielder Stewart Ijames will likely lead the Louisville offense. An All Big East selection in 2011, ljames has been named 2012 Preseason All Big East as well. The 6’1” left hand hitting Ijames was also a 2008 Louisville Slugger Freshman All-American. In 2011 he mashed 11 home runs and drove in 45.
Final Projection:
With a talented and experienced pitching staff to lead the way, the Louisville Cardinals are in great shape to recover from last season’s disappointing result. The addition of the freshmen arms gives Coach McDonnell plenty of options. Amlung will set the pace on offense, but will need some help from his teammates to fill the hole left by Ryan Wright, a 5th round pick by the Cincinnati Reds. If the veterans’ arms continue to shut down bats and the Cardinals’ offense can come alive, they have an excellent chance to compete for a top spot in the Big East and make a successful trip back to the NCAA Tournament.
Projected Postseason: NCAA
Returning Leaders:
At Bats: Jared Womack, C/OF, 234
Hits: Jared Womack, C/OF, 66
Home Runs: Jared Womack, C/OF, 8
RBIs: Jared Womack, C/OF, 46
Runs: Jared Womack, C/OF, 34
Stolen Bases: Hunter Bailey, INF, 5; Gabe Weidenaar, UT/RHP, 5
Wins: Andrew Heaney, P, 7
Innings Pitched: Andrew Heaney, P, 67
Strikeouts: Andrew Heaney, P, 51
Saves: Gabe Weidenaar, P, 4
