New look Outfield

Evin Shoap / senior photographer Junior outfielder Skyler Doom throws toward the infield during preseason practice.

The Diamond Dukes face the daunting task of replacing their entire starting outfield from a year ago. Outfielders Mike Butia, Brandon Bowser and Alan Lindsey left the JMU squad following the 2004 season and left a void not only in the outfield, but the lineup as well.

Butia, who started 52 games last season, was drafted in the sixth round by the Cleveland Indians. He led the team in batting average (.373), RBIs (60), home runs (18), total bases (151), slugging percentage (.782) and walks (31).

In the conference, Butia was second in home runs, third in total bases, fourth in runs batted in and fifth in overall individual batting.

"Losing Butia puts some holes in our line-up and outfield as well," junior second baseman Michael Cowgill said. "This year, different players are going to have to step up and play those spots."

One player who can help fill Butia’s spot is junior Mitchell Moses.

"We’ve got junior Mitchell Moses in right field to replace Butia," JMU coach Spanky McFarland said. "We think his stats will go up with the move as he will be able to focus a little more on his offense collectively."

Moses hit .313 with two home runs and 29 RBIs last season.

Bowser’s absence also will be felt. The former starting centerfielder finished the 2004 season ranked No. 1 on the team in stolen bases (19), No. 2 in multiple hit games (20) and No. 6 in batting average (.305). Bowser transferred to the University of New Orleans.

"Bowser was a solid player, but junior Skyler Doom and freshman Kellen Kulbacki are good ballplayers and should be more than adequate," McFarland said.

Doom said despite the drastic turnover, the Diamond Dukes have the potential to field a productive starting outfield.

"This gives us a chance to start new and evolve together into possibly one of the better outfields in the conference," Doom said. "We did lose some good outfielders, but this year’s outfield can and will step it up.

"I have no doubt our outfield will succeed this year."

McFarland agreed. He said the outfield might be better than last season’s.

"I think our outfield will be better offensively and defensively," McFarland said. "We have more speed and better arms, the production may be more spread out and it may not rely on the long ball as much, but we should be able to more than make up for the personnel changes."