By Paul Gotham
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Syracuse’s Salt Cats reached the post-season for the second consecutive year in 2013. The Salt Cats look to make a deep run in 2014 and will be led by Yaniel Delgado (Benedict College/ San Lorenzo, Puerto Rico), Mike Gentile (American International University/ Windsor Locks, Conn.), Cody LaBadia (Southern Vermont College/ Howes Caves, N.Y.), Anthony Massicci (Canisius/ Ithaca, N.Y.) and Erik Poldroo (Concordia College/New York, N.Y.).
Gentile (LHP/OF 5-10 185 FR Bats Left) earned All-Northeast 10 Conference honors this spring leading the Yellow Jackets with an ERA of 2.27. He throws mid 80s with a plus curve ball. His move to first is very similar to his move to the plate. He has the ability to come up with the leg and go to first mixed with a knee-to-knee modified slide step. In 35.2 innings of work, the southpaw has fanned 31 while walking 12 and holds opposing batters to .246. A bout with mononucleosis limited appearances during his freshman season.
“He can throw his breaking ball to any hitter in any situation,” American International coach Nick Callini said. “His changeup is developing, but he’s really able to get by on that fastball – curve ball. It’s not a rolling curve ball. It’s sharp. When he’s throwing that for strikes, he’s very difficult to hit. It does make the fastball look that much better…He’s got a lot of upside.”
LaBadia (1B 6-5 JR Bats Left/Throws Right) garnered All-New England Collegiate Conference first team leading the Mountaineers hitting .438. He has two home runs and 15 RBI and is slugging .607. He uses middle-away approach at the plate to go to all fields. At the same time, he can pull an inside pitch.
“He can hit the ball all over the park,” Southern Vermont coach Dave Gage stated. “He’s going to be the guy who hustles out a groundball to the pitcher. He’s always in taking extra swings, lifting or doing anything that we need. He’s always in my office going over scouting reports and doing the extra stuff. He’s a high-level player with a high-level attitude.”
Massicci (IF 5-10 168 SO Bats Left/Throws Right) returns for a second season with the Salt Cats. He hit .306 in 108 at bats for Mike Martinez’s club in 2013. He scored 22 runs and drove in 15 RBI. Currently, Massicci paces the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference leading Golden Griffins hitting .360 including seven extra-base hits and 24 RBI. He runs a 6.8/ 60 time and has stolen 10 bases in 13 attempts.
“He’s got gap power, and he definitely can use the whole field,” Canisius coach Mike McRae noted. “He has to in order to be successful…He is so versatile. He’s got enough arm strength to play the left side of the diamond. We can set up our lineup based on who is going good, and we’re not at the mercy of, and Anthony in particular, being in locked in to a certain spot. It allows us to have some flexibility in our lineup.”
Poldroo (OF 6-4 195 JR Bats Left/Throws Right) is hitting .285 with eight extra-base hits for the Clippers. He has scored 18 and driven in a dozen. He hits the ball to all fields and is at his best going opposite. Poldroo possesses average speed and has stolen nine bases in 11 attempts. He can play all three positions in the outfield and has a plus arm.
“He’s a big, strong kid,” said Concordia coach Craig Everett. “He’ll find gaps. He can hit for power. He’s a very good two-strike hitter. He hits the ball wherever it is pitched. He won’t try to do too much with a pitch off the plate with two strikes. He’ll go with it for a base hit… He grinds out at bats.
Delgado (RHP 6-3 200 SO) leads the Tigers with 58-plus innings of work. He has 19 appearances on the mound – 11 starts. He has fanned 68 while walking 41.
Click here to view the entire Salt Cat roster.
The Salt Cats host their cross-town rival Jr. Chiefs on Sunday June 1st. A 7 p.m. first pitch is scheduled at Onondaga Community College.
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