AROUND THE DIAMOND: Season Wrap Up with Coach Jordano
6/27/2016 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
What are you initial thoughts following the season?
Obviously, we are disappointed that we are still not playing. Equally frustrated because I thought we played some of our baseball the last few weekends of the season. We played hard and had our opportunities to win but came up a bit short. Overall though, we made progress. We got our freshmen very important experience that cannot be taught - it has to be lived. I thought we made progress defensively after a rough start and offensively had some improvement as well. On the bump we did a solid job, but ran into some injuries that hurt us and limited our options. I also thought we learned a ton about this team and how important it is to grind and work hard every day. We saw some results and look forward to us moving forward next season. We definitely have some things to build on going into next year.
What are some of the things you can build on?
We were young at times on the field and I thought our freshmen did a solid job for us. Of course you cannot predict the future, but I believe these guys are going to be that much better moving forward. In this league, there is a very fine line between winning and losing, and all of our players need to understand that. Each pitch is important. Each at bat can be the one that changes the game. Each play can be a difference maker. Again, that type of intensity is tough to teach. The more often our guys are exposed to that level, eventually the game will slow down. We were in so many games late and we need to make certain that these experiences make us better moving forward.
Talk a little about your returning players…
I am very excited about the guys we have coming back. The draft is going to play a big role in a few instances, but overall, we have experience in the infield, outfield, behind the plate and on the mound. In many of these positions these guys have significant innings, so from my standpoint, I feel good about where we are at with the returners. I am also confident that they definitely understand what it takes to win. I know these guys want to move us forward and they are ready to make that happen.
How about the incoming players…
Arguably one of the most talented classes we have signed. We have some significant arms coming in that will have a big impact on our staff from day one. It will give us some much needed depth on the mound and provide us with more options moving forward. Position player wise, I really like this group. We have some very tough, hard-nosed players coming this fall and I love that. Give me the kid that wants to come to the ballpark every day and not only wants to get better but do whatever it takes to help the team improve. We got those guys and will continue to go after those types of kids moving forward.
What has joining the ACC meant to the program?
It has provided us a platform to play in the best baseball conference in the country. It was amazing to see, but certainly not surprising, that all 10 teams that made the ACC Tournament got NCAA bids with four going to the super regionals. It is amazing talent and it is a very fast league and we love it. It is a challenge every weekend during conference play and the level of play is phenomenal. As I said earlier the margin for error is razor thin. As a coach and a player – this is what you work for and this is what it is all about. We are heading in the right direction and are attracting some great quality recruits that want to play in this league.
T.J. Zeuch & Charles Leblanc had banner years, how did they impact the program?
I cannot say enough about both of them. Two incredibly hard workers and two great teammates. T.J. was the 21st overall pick, which is incredible, but not surprising! He has earned everything that comes his way. We are certainly going to miss him, not only his arm, but his work ethic and how he conducted himself every day. He is a very special young man.
Charles made a big step this year. He really improved defensively to become one of our best infielders and won the ACC batting crown and the post-season accolades just keep coming in. He was drafted in the fourth round by the Texas Rangers and has signed professionally. It would have been very interesting to see what would have happened if Charles came back for another year, quite frankly, he may have been another first rounder. Like T.J., Charles is a very special player. It was a pleasure to coach both of these guys. We look forward to watching their progress in professional baseball.
You also had six other players drafted that are associated with the program…
Again this year, we had a very healthy draft. It is bittersweet because you are so happy and proud of the guys that get drafted, but you hate to see them go. I could not be happier for Alex Kowalczyk, Aaron Schnurbusch and Nick Yarnall. All of them now have the opportunity to live a dream to play professional baseball. As with the others, it will be a lot of fun watching them progress in their respective baseball careers. In addition, we had three of our incoming players drafted. Two have already signed professional contracts and the third is Blair Calvo, who will compete for a weekend starting spot on the mound for us. He is incredibly talented and we look forward to having him with us this fall.
Any final thoughts…
As we build this program, I am very encouraged where we are positioned. We were very close to having a really good year, but ran into a few injuries and some tough breaks down the stretch. We have to work through those things and get better. One of the unique things about us is for incoming players to play early in their careers – this really translate to success. Our two recent high draft picks are prime examples. T.J. pitched a ton as a freshman and started on the weekend for us – you cannot teach that experience. Charles practically played every inning of every game since he came here and, after getting stronger, working hard and improving their respective skill sets, they end up first rounder and a fourth rounder. I am a firm believer that the opportunity they received from day one contributed to their development and helped them with exposure, experience and success.