Back with a mission

Some players return for second season

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Butch Hobson, the Atlantic League manager of the year, has 12 pitchers to choose from and will have the chance to earn the top of the league status again this year.

Center fielder Jeremy Owens is returning and more ready than ever to bring a championship to Southern Maryland.

"We all do have a little chip on our shoulders," Owens said. "Not making the playoffs put a bitter taste in our mouth. Hopefully we'll bring a championship to Southern Maryland this year. Personally, I've made some adjustments to help out the ballclub with the bat this year."

2008 first-team All-Star and league pitcher of the year Joe Gannon is looking forward to the season, and hoping the team can get over the hump of missing the playoffs by just a couple games.

Gannon went 12-6 on the mound with an earned run average of 3.17.

"Every game means something," Gannon said. "You can look back all day and think about that rainy day or that one pitch you could have hit that would have changed things, but ultimately our goal is to win a championship."

Ryan Bicondoa, another returning pitcher, is glad that most of his teammates are returning: "We have a nice core group, and it's nice to be on a team where everyone gets along."

Bicondoa is ready to face the Blue Crabs' toughest competitor, Liberty Division rival Long Island on opening night, April 23, at home.

With the pitching rotation solid, returning third baseman and MVP candidate Pat Osborn will be looked upon for leadership with the bat. His .326 batting average earned him a top spot among the Atlantic league best — hitting 17 home runs, 106 RBIs and 39 doubles.

He had originally signed with Aguilias Veracruz in Mexico, but it wasn't a good fit for him, so he signed with Southern Maryland just two weeks ago.

"Butch is a great guy to play for," Osborn said. "He brings in good guys and it's going to be a great opportunity with a lot of the same guys coming back."

Lance Burkhart will start behind the plate for the Blue Crabs and will have backup from returner Anthony Perry. Pitchers include Kenny Baugh, Jason Blanton and Matt Schweitzer and infielders Eric Crozier and Travis Garcia will return to be joined by outfielders Mike Convoy, Steve Doetsch and James Shanks.