2014 Baseball Preview: Part III - The Pitchers - Seton Hall University Athletics

Feb. 12, 2014

Later this week the Seton Hall baseball team will begin the 2014 regular season at the University of Oklahoma. In a special three-part series, SHUpirates.com will preview the new season. Today's edition focuses exclusively on the Pirates' pitching staff.

Historically, the Seton Hall pitching staff has been the strength of the team. During the Pirates' recent surge, their staff has regularly ranked amongst the top three in the BIG EAST in team ERA.

In 2014 however, the Pirates' pitching staff will have a dramatically different look. Jon Prosinski, a two-time First Team All-BIG EAST performer, and Greg Terhune, Seton Hall's ERA and wins leader last season, have graduated leaving the Pirates in need of new Friday and Saturday starters. Furthermore, junior Jose Lopez (Cranbury, N.J.), a hard-throwing spot starter and reliever in 2013, was lost due to injury and will not pitch for Seton Hall this season.

Despite the defections, Seton Hall's rotation is in good hands at the top with senior Josh Prevost (Belle Mead, N.J.) poised to take over the ace, Friday role. The 6-foot-8 right-hander started nine games for the Pirates in 2013, and pitched to an impressive 5-2 record with a 3.24 ERA. An All-NJCBA Second Team selection, Prevost earned a spot on the BIG EAST's Weekly Honor Roll following his 7.1-inning, three-hit shutout of Connecticut on March 28. He'll also provide needed experience and leadership as one of only four seniors on the Pirates' roster.

"It's good to have Josh back at the top of the rotation," said Head Coach Rob Sheppard. "Josh really embraces and understands the role of being the top guy. He had an opportunity to go pro, but wanted to come back and be that number-one guy. He has a renewed sense of focus and we're really happy to have him."

Another regular starter from 2013, junior Anthony Elia (Flanders, N.J.), is also expected to enter the Pirates' weekend rotation this season. The left-hander was Seton Hall's regular mid-week starter last season and posted good numbers with a 6-2 record and a 3.65 ERA. Elia's final start of the season resulted in a victory over Michigan at Citi Field, home of the New York Mets.

"Elia made the most of his opportunities last year as our mid-week starter," Sheppard said. "He did a really good job. He also had starting chances as a freshman, so he'll bring some more experience to the rotation."

Other returning starter candidates include sophomores Sam Burum (Robbinsville, N.J.) and Luke Cahill (Tinton Falls, N.J.). Burum had a terrific freshman season, serving as both a spot starter and the team's primary bullpen "long-man." The 6-foot-5 right-hander pitched to a 1.45 ERA and was named to the NJCBA All-Rookie Team. Cahill pitched entirely out of the bullpen in 2013, and was highly successful. He appeared in 18 games and opponents hit just .224 against him.

Freshmen Zach Prendergast (Horsham, Pa.) and Anthony Pacillo (Lyndhurst, N.J.) are also both mid-week starter candidates amongst the newcomers.

"The young guys have all shown flashes of potential, but with them it's all about consistency," Sheppard said. "We're trying to find a role where they can grow, but we're not throwing them in the fire."

Just as Seton Hall fans will see a number of new faces on the mound at the start of games, the Pirates will unveil a new closer for 2014 as well. Brian Gilbert, an All-Conference closer for the Pirates in 2013, was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the seventh round of the MLB Draft last June. This season, Seton Hall will turn to junior Conor Krauss (Randolph, N.J.) to close out Pirate victories. The lanky 6-foot-5 right-hander pitched entirely out of the bullpen last season for Seton Hall and opponents hit just .194 against him.

"Krauss has that closer mentality," Sheppard said. "Gilbert really flourished when we moved him to closer and I can see Krauss responding similarly. "He's got that... give me the ball, I'm going to get these three outs... attitude, and I think he can really shorten some games for us."

Left-handers Dan Ditusa (St. Charles, Ill.) and Joe DiBenedetto (Staten Island, N.Y.) as well as a bevy of right-handers, Brett Ender (Skillman, N.J.), Ryan Testani (Shelton, Conn.), Steven Lombardi (Saddle River, N.J.) and Greg Tripold (Colts Neck, N.J.) will attempt to bridge the gap from the starters to Krauss.

For a preview of Seton Hall's 2014 infielders, CLICK HERE.
For a preview of Seton Hall's 2014 outfielders, CLICK HERE.