Bears’ future depends on ML draft

The question was inevitable. So was the answer.

When University of Maine baseball coach John Winkin was asked about the prospectus for next year, he said, “Ask me again on July first.

“We could get devastated, just like we did after the ’86 season,” said the Bear boss.

The June major league baseball draft will answer a lot of questions and determine the extent of the damage.

Prior to the draft, Winkin knows he will lose seven seniors, including first team All-American center fielder Mark Sweeney, whom he called the “greatest player I’ve ever coached.” Sweeney hit .384 with 23 homers and 80 runs batted in, both school records. He stole 22 bases. He finished with a career average of .383 and school-record totals in homers (52), hits (328), doubles (66), RBIs (211), runs (240), stolen bases (69), total bases (568), and extra-base hits (127).

The other departing seniors are right fielder Gary Taylor (.289-14 homers-54 RBIs this season), catcher Paul Kelliher (.346-5-23), reserve catcher Greg King (.304-0-6), starting pitcher Ed Therrien (8-2, 4.50), and the bullpen corps of Rob Higgins (6-1, 5 saves, 2.28 earned run average), Ted Novio (2-0, 4 saves, 2.60), and Chuck Nadeau (0-1, 2 saves, 7.53).

Maine’s top two starting pitchers, southpaw Larry Thomas (9-4, 2.54) and righty Ben Burlingame (10-3, 3.40), are likely to be drafted. Thomas could go in the first two rounds and Burlingame has a legitimate shot at being selected among the first 10 rounds.

Two incoming recruits, righthander Frank Barresi and southpaw Mark O’Brien, are also strong draft possibilities. Barresi announced his intention to attend Maine several months ago and O’Brien, out of Portland’s Deering High School, recently gave a verbal commitment.

Mike D’Andrea (6-2, 5.30), who was unable to pitch in the Northeast Regional due to soreness around the elbow, will return for his senior year with a career mark of 23-11.

Righty Erik Rosum was a redshirt and will vie for a spot in the starting rotation along with Jason Dryswak (3-1, 9.20) and Mark Ballard (2-1, 5.79). Winkin said Ronnie Hewes (2-3, 9.78) will be used as an all-purpose pitcher after impressing him in two post-season appearances. Lefty Lance Bogardus (0-0, 6.61), a curveball specialist, will be given the opportunity to be the No. 1 short reliever. Bogardus pitched well against Clemson in a relief stint in the regional.

“He (Bogardus) was a bright light,” said Winkin. “I went out of my way to get Hewes and Bogardus into the Clemson game because it gave them experience they need for the future.”

Incoming freshman Ryan Smith could also challenge for a spot in the rotation.

The infield returns intact with newly elected co-captains Brian Seguin (.319-5-46) and Tim Scott (.272-8-45) at shortstop and second, respectively; Shanan Knox (.338-9-37, 22 stolen bases) at third; and Gabe Duross (.259-3-32) at first. Shawn Tobin (.360-5-58) returns behind the plate and left fielder Chad White (.309-2-32) will move to center field.

Tobin and White were chosen All-Tourney in both the ECAC and Northeast Regional tournaments.

Glen Stupienski (.390-1-23) will probably play left field and Chris Karlson (.421-0-6) will have the inside track in right. However, Winkin said Justin Tomberlin, who was a redshirt this year after seeing limited duty two years ago, will challenge for playing time in the outfield or as the DH.

Valuable backup infielder Todd Livingston (.272-0-10) may be tried in the outfield or could be the DH next year in addition to his role as backup infielder. Glenn Domenick (.220-0-3) may also DH.

Redshirt Steve Puleo and incoming freshman Adam Mitchell will back up Tobin behind the plate.

“If our pitching doesn’t get devastated in the draft, we’ll be in great shape next year,” said Winkin. “Our infield is going to be one of the best in the country and Chad should be an outstanding center fielder.

“Offensively, even though we can’t replace Sweeney, we’ve got to hope the experience gained by guys like Stupienski, Duross, and Tobin will offset that and make up the difference,” said Winkin.