The Northwestern baseball team heads to Illinois for a four-game series this weekend having won six of its last seven.
The games against the Fighting Illini (22-10, 7-8 Big Ten) mark the midpoint of the Big Ten season, and grades are in for the Wildcats (15-19, 6-9) …
Catcher: A-
Joe Hietpas who? Ken Padgett’s performance behind the plate this season has caused people to forget all about the four-year starter who was drafted by the New York Mets in 2001. Padgett’s .316 average is leading the team, and in a close game with two outs, Padgett is the guy to have at the plate.
First base: C+
NU coach Paul Stevens called his team’s performance at first base a “huge disappointment early.” But as of late, Travis Tharp and Jason Krynski have shown they can get the job done offensively and defensively. This is one place where the Cats are on the upswing.
Second base: C
Eric Roeder has started almost every game, and while his defense has been solid, he struggled at the plate early. His batting average is rising, and it needs to continue to do so. “Roeder’s one of those keys if we’re going to be strong,” Stevens said.
Shortstop: B+
Starting every game but one at short, Jon Mikrut has proven he’s a legitimate Big Ten shortstop. And after last year’s struggle to fill the spot, Mikrut’s glove has been a welcome addition. His bat has been just as big – he’s hitting .291 overall and .333 with runners in scoring position.
Third base: D
Stevens calls it the “revolving door.” The loss of junior Frank Favia to injury has forced Stevens to throw freshmen out to the hot corner. Haake has been starting at third since last week, and there’s a good chance he’ll stay because it puts another strong bat in the lineup.
Left field: B
David Gresky, Dan Pohlman and Krynski all provide a dangerous bat in the lineup.
Center field: A-
Steve Haake leads the squad in hits, and he has good range. Stevens wasn’t lying when he said, “He’s gonna do anything he has to do to put this team in a position to win.” Haake has played both infield and outfield.
Right field: A
Brandon Ackley said he’d give himself a B+, but he’s being modest. The junior is hitting more than .300, leads the team in home runs and has a strong arm. “I couldn’t be more pleased with his performance,” Stevens said.
Pitchers
Ryan Bos, A: Ironically, the Cats’ best starter with the lowest ERA and most innings. He has a 2-5 record.
Gabe Ribas, B-: He’s had a lot of impressive outings. He’s also been roughed up in a couple of starts, pushing his ERA to more than six.
Zach Schara, Incomplete: The jury’s still out, as Schara isn’t at full force. The senior broke his hand in mid-March, and though he’s back in the starting rotation, he’s not yet 100 percent.
Dan Konecny, C: The consensus is that Konecny “has the best stuff,” and he’s showed it on occasion, but not on a consistent basis.
J.A. Happ, A+: The stats speak for themselves: 1.11 ERA and four saves in four chances.
Setup men, B: Pohlman, Andy Adams and Stanley Finch have done a good job keeping games close. The return of Schara will relieve pressure by allowing them to work solely out of the bullpen.
