Season Preview Part II: Health, Depth will Determine Success for Alverno (3/18/08) -- In yesterday's Part I of the season preview, the pieces to this year's puzzle were introduced. But how those pieces are arranged and utilized will be just as important. Who better to talk about that than the person that will be calling the shots once again this season for the Inferno, Coach Heather Burtman. Burtman, beginning her sixth season on the job, took some time out to answer questions before her squad jumps on a plane for Florida this Easter weekend. Q: What areas do you see as being "strengths" for this team? HB: We have a high number of returning players, playing their strongest defensive positions. Add to that a solid group of new players to push for starting spots to create some competition within our team that we haven't had in a long time. Our offensive lineup will have a good combination of speed and power. Q: Conversely then, what is an area that gives you the most concern? HB: Our success really depends on having everyone healthy. We're working much more on strength and conditioning than we ever have so I'm hoping that it translates onto the playing field. If we stay healthy and those players compete, we should finish higher than 10th (predicted finish for the Inferno according to the NAC Preseason Poll). Q: What question marks need to be answered by the time conference play begins? HB: We need to have a set offensive and defensive line-up. When we return from Florida, we have two practices before the conference season opens up. There are so many defensive combinations for our infield right now. We'll need to look at individual offensive output to establish the best combination of players. 2008 Outlook: To build a winner, consistency is key. While there were many successes during Alverno's 2007 season, injuries at times prevented the team from having that consistency. This season's Inferno are ready to win. But you do not achieve success without sidestepping a couple of land mines. By putting an extra emphasis on strength and conditioning, the Inferno have done all they can to prevent injuries from undercutting their chances for success. Provided that the injury bug stays away from 43rd Street this season, pitching and defense could become the main storyline. If the new pitching staff can improve upon last year's 7.40 team earned run average they will find themselves in a lot of close ballgames. Last year's Inferno committed almost twice as many errors as their opponents (81-45). But with players healthy and playing in their more natural positions that number should go down. Less errors puts less pressure on the pitchers to have to get 4, 5, or even 6 outs in an inning. What will the 2008 season hold for our Inferno? Come on out and see for yourself! First home game is March 30 vs. Marian College. First pitch set for 12:00. |
