The 2007 Worcester State College baseball team will be looking to rebound from a disappointing 2006 campaign.  Under the tutelage of Worcester State Coach Dr. Dirk Baker, the Lancers will have to overcome the loss of top pitcher Tim Stronach who was drafted by the New York Mets in the 22^nd round of the past Major League Baseball entry draft as well as MASCAC Co-Player of the year Jeff LaHair, 4 year starter Bobby Montalto and MASCAC 1^st teamer Matt DiTullio.  The Lancers, who went to the NCAA tournament in 2005, are looking to regain the form from that season and compete for the MASCAC championship in 2007

The strength of this year’s team should be found on the mound as Baker’s squad features 13 arms.  Leading the way will be senior Steve DiRoberto (Worcester, MA) who was 5-3 a year ago with an ERA of 2.41.  Joining DiRoberto is newcomer Eric Grabowski (Auburn, MA) who transferred to Worcester State for his senior season after competing at Franklin Pierce a year ago.   Also looking to be in the mix are juniors Joel Brierley (New Bedford, MA) who was 3-2 a year ago and Josh Buzzell (New Braintree, MA).  Sophomores Craig McBride (Attleboro, MA) who was 3-2 in 2006, Pat Good (Hull, MA), Mike Borowiec (Spencer, MA) and lefthander Andy Cunningham (Leicester, MA) will also be looked at for strong contributions.  Junior Steve Minor (Worcester, MA) will get a long look as the closer as he returns to the diamond this season.  Freshmen Jeff Reynolds (Westboro, MA), Kevin Hayes (Medford, MA) and left hander Tony Brunetta (Franklin, MA) round out the 2007 pitching staff

The infield will have a new look this year.  Transfer and former MLB draft pick Nate Nelson (Worcester, MA) will man first base this season as the 6-6 junior will look to be both an offensive and defensive force for Worcester State.  Freshman Anthony Sacco (Stoneham, MA) and Joe Regan (Upton, MA) will provide back up for Nelson at first base.  Junior Mike Moffett (Lowell, MA) will look to replace those large shoes left behind by LaHair along with first year player Ryan LaPrade (Leominster, MA) and sophomore Kyle Parmenter (Shrewsbury, MA).  At shortstop, sophomore Mike Andrews (Greenfield, MA) will take over backed up by freshmen Mason Poce (Leicester, MA) and Derek Gomes (Easton, MA).  Incumbent Chris Atchue (Westboro, MA) will be the man at third base to open the season with backup provided by junior Ryan Hawley (Shrewsbury, MA) and freshman Nick Dortona (Revere, MA).  Junior Chris Logan (Spencer, MA), who batted .312 and had a .989 fielding percentage in 2006, returns for his second year of starting behind the plate.  Two year co-captain Kirk Monbleau (Dracut, MA) and freshmen Jeff Kodys (Rutland, MA) and Jonathan Pena (Dorchester, MA) will provide backup behind Logan.

In the outfield, 2006 All-MASCAC designated hitter Billy Manley (Lowell, MA) will grab a glove this year and start in left for Worcester State with junior Mike McCormack (Newburyport, MA) also seeing action in left field.  Junior Justyn Ainsworth (N. Attleboro, MA) will make the move from left field to start the season in center field.  Freshman Nick Caparell (N. Attleboro, MA) will provide backup in the center field position.  In right field, newcomer Tom Huddleston (Braintree, MA) will get the start.  Junior Pat Moran (Leominster, MA), a strong left-handed bat, will provide depth for fight field.

At designated hitter, junior Chris Gusha (Rutland, MA) returns after batting .324 a year ago and leading the Lancers in home runs with 6 round trippers. Sophomore Dan DiPilato (Worcester, MA) will serve as Gusha’s backup at DH.