Spring Break
Beavers receive preseason baseball honors
Ryan Ortiz, Kevin Rhoderick humble in response to preseason All-American mentions, spots on award watch lists
Matt Wilhelmsen
Issue date: 2/4/09 Section: Sports
With less than 20 days until the Oregon State baseball team takes the field for their 2009 opening series against the Tennessee Volunteers, predictions have begun to surface in addition to preseason nominations.
Looking to rebound after a disappointing 2008 showing, the Beavers have worked hard in the offseason on everything from personal preparation and team camaraderie to mental approach. Searching to rekindle a team bond that resulted in back-to-back National Championships, the Beavers will look to key returning players to step up as team leaders.
Two players rose to the occasion in 2008 with their on field performance and hope to take both their leadership and team roles to the next level in 2009. Each nominated to their own preseason watch list, junior catcher Ryan Ortiz and sophomore closer Kevin Rhoderick are turning heads not only in Corvallis but nationwide.
Playing the role as infield captain from behind the dish, Ortiz has been named to the preseason watch list for the 2009 Brooks Wallace Player of the Year. The award is presented during the College Baseball Hall of Fame ceremonies and is awarded to the nation's top collegiate player.
"The award doesn't mean much to me in the preseason," Ortiz said. "I still have to prove my season during the year, although I was honored to be mentioned."
Although a member of the 2007 championship team, the San Diego native was not given an opportunity to showcase his abilities until 2008. Seizing the opportunity, Ortiz led the Beavers with a batting average of .351 while knocking in 55 runs. In addition to Ortiz's offensive presence, he proved to be a wall behind the plate with a fielding percentage of .988. Ortiz played in all 24 Pac-10 games, recording a team high of nine doubles and 22 runs batted in.
"Last year I had a few good numbers but as a team we struggled," Ortiz said. "Hopefully we can improve in the upcoming season and go after another championship."
Completing the Beavers late inning battery as the team closer, Scottsdale, Ariz. native Kevin Rhoderick wasted no time putting his name on the map with an outstanding freshman season. Entering 2009, the two-time high school all-state player is being recognized again, this time to the Louisville Slugger Preseason All-America Third Team.
Looking to rebound after a disappointing 2008 showing, the Beavers have worked hard in the offseason on everything from personal preparation and team camaraderie to mental approach. Searching to rekindle a team bond that resulted in back-to-back National Championships, the Beavers will look to key returning players to step up as team leaders.
Two players rose to the occasion in 2008 with their on field performance and hope to take both their leadership and team roles to the next level in 2009. Each nominated to their own preseason watch list, junior catcher Ryan Ortiz and sophomore closer Kevin Rhoderick are turning heads not only in Corvallis but nationwide.
Playing the role as infield captain from behind the dish, Ortiz has been named to the preseason watch list for the 2009 Brooks Wallace Player of the Year. The award is presented during the College Baseball Hall of Fame ceremonies and is awarded to the nation's top collegiate player.
"The award doesn't mean much to me in the preseason," Ortiz said. "I still have to prove my season during the year, although I was honored to be mentioned."
Although a member of the 2007 championship team, the San Diego native was not given an opportunity to showcase his abilities until 2008. Seizing the opportunity, Ortiz led the Beavers with a batting average of .351 while knocking in 55 runs. In addition to Ortiz's offensive presence, he proved to be a wall behind the plate with a fielding percentage of .988. Ortiz played in all 24 Pac-10 games, recording a team high of nine doubles and 22 runs batted in.
"Last year I had a few good numbers but as a team we struggled," Ortiz said. "Hopefully we can improve in the upcoming season and go after another championship."
Completing the Beavers late inning battery as the team closer, Scottsdale, Ariz. native Kevin Rhoderick wasted no time putting his name on the map with an outstanding freshman season. Entering 2009, the two-time high school all-state player is being recognized again, this time to the Louisville Slugger Preseason All-America Third Team.
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