Tribe’s baseball coach has optimistic outlook

By MICKEY ALVARADOA promising outlook was given by Tecumseh High School’s varsity baseball coach for the 2010-2011 season, which was set to kick off on Tuesday, with a game against Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard at Adrian College. The Indians’ first home game is April 14, against Monroe High School.The Indians’ players from the seniors on down showed up to media day sporting mohawk haircuts as a show of solidarity.“We have a little bit of everything which is the kind of team you really look forward to having,” said Tecumseh coach Tom Bullinger. “We have senior leadership that’s been around. Two of the seniors have been here three years on varsity so I’m really looking forward to Kyle Hooper and Stephen Bilotta stepping up and being leaders.” Bullinger added the other seniors played a lot last year as juniors so they should be ready to go as they finish out their careers.“The’re going to get even more playing time this year so it should be a really good senior group where I think the leadership isn’t going to be a problem at all this year.”The Indians have Hooper and sophomore Jake Britt at first base. Senior Caleb Armstrong played the position last year but Bullinger said he’s probably moving to the outfield this year. Tecumseh needed a third outfielder to go along with seniors Matt Napieralski and Brendan Diroff. Junior George Preston will also help out in the outfield.Senior Jake Moore returns as the team’s shortstop and he’ll be replaced by Bilotta on occasion. Bilotta may also see time at second base with junior Brad Vannatter.Junior Max Patterson is at third base and he can be replaced by Armstrong or Diroff when needed.Junior Jared Powell and sophomore Eric Eldred are the team’s catchers. The two are also capable of covering third base or the outfield.Four out off the six seniors pitch. Last year Tecumseh was led on the hill by Moore, Bilotta and Hooper but Britt is definitly going to battle for a top pitching position.“That part is going to be real interesting,” said Bullinger, “Because, week to week, it could change.”Armstrong was also mentioned as having put in a lot of extra effort in the off season improving his pitching.“Those five guys are going to battle every time,” said Bullinger.Moore throws hard and is working on a change-up while Bilotta has a good curveball. Both are acceptional at locating the ball, according to Bullinger.Bilotta, Moore and Powell’s batting helped at the plate last season and each are expected to return as strong as ever. “We’re going to rely on some of these guys more offensively than we did last year,” said Bullinger. “Defensively and pitching I think we’re going to be fine right from the start but offensively it’s going to take a little bit of time.”The Indians finished 15-15 overall last year but Bullinger’s optimistic outlook expects an even better season this season. “This year I expect more,” he said. “We’re going to compete in every game.”