August 1, 2012

Carson-Newman Baseball signs 11 position players

Jefferson City – Head baseball coach Tom Griffin has announced the signing of 11 position players to the 2013 edition of the Carson-Newman baseball team. Wednesday’s announcement brings the total number of newcomers to 21 after the addition of 10 pitchers.

Jefferson City – Head baseball coach Tom Griffin has announced the signing of 11 position players to the 2013 edition of the Carson-Newman baseball team. Wednesday's announcement brings the total number of newcomers to 21 after the addition of 10 pitchers.

Peter Rajkovich-SS: A JUCO transfer from San Jouaqin Delta Community College (Calif.), Rajkovich batted .311 in his lone season with SJDCC. He played his freshman season at Centenary, earning freshman All-America honors and batting .363.

Head Coach Tom Griffin on Rajkovich: "After playing in California for JUCO, he knows how to play the game. He will bring leadership, plus his style will fit us offensively."

Kevin Franchetti-C: A catcher transferring in from Ball State University in Indiana, Franchetti started 60 games in three years behind the dish for the Cardinals. Coaches are high on his ability as a defensive catcher.

Head Coach Tom Griffin on Franchetti: "Because of his three years of experience at Ball State, he'll be another guy who we expect to provide leadership."

Shade Jett-1B/OF: Jett is a local product who comes back to Jefferson County after redshirting his freshman year at East Tennessee State University. A 6-1, 220 pound infielder, Jett played ball in high school for Jefferson County. While playing for the Patriots, he earned All-District and All-Region honors in his senior year. As a member of the 2011 district championship team, he helped lead the Patriots to a school record 31 victories.

Head Coach Tom Griffin on Jett: "Very strong, athletic player who took a redshirt this past year at ETSU. Saw a lot of him in high school, good hitter, runs well."

Brandon Roberts-3B/OF: McCarthy was a member of three Archbishop McCarthy 6A state championship teams in Florida. While in a Mavericks' uniform as a senior, Roberts clocked 11 doubles and hit .385. Four members of his high school team were drafted.

Head Coach Tom Griffin on Roberts: "Solid offensive player who batted 3rd for those three 6A state champion teams. He knows how to win and could see time as a freshman for us."

PJ Sardinia-OF: Sardinia played for former Eagle player and coach Matt Dykema at Independence High School in North Carolina. He hit .319 while there and was an impressive 12-12 in stolen bases his senior year.

Head Coach Tom Griffin on Sardinia: "He will know our system and how things are done here, having played for Matt."

Zach Grace-OF: Grace is an outfielder with a powerful bat who hit .321 with a .500 slugging percentage while at Central Bucks High School in Pennsylvania.

Head Coach Tom Griffin on Grace: "He's an athletic player with a good arm and line-drive hitting abilities."

Jacob Baxter-2^nd/SS: - A Cartersville High School product from Georgia, Baxter hit .335 and drove in 21 runs as a senior.

Head Coach Tom Griffin on Baxter: "We have had several players from Cartersville and they all know how to play the game the right way. Jacob will compete for us in the middle of the infield."

Jackson Reid-C: Reid is a 5-9, 180-pound catcher from nearby Science Hill High School in Johnson City, Tenn. While there, he hit .350 and was named first team All-Conference. The Fellowship of Christian Athletes also named him an All-Star in 2012.

Head Coach Tom Griffin on Reid: "Solid all-around catcher who has caught some outstanding pitchers at Science Hill."

Cole Baxley-C: Baxley earned conference MVP honors while at South Greene High school by hitting .507 with 36 RBI.

Head Coach Tom Griffin on Baxley: "Had an outstanding career at South Greene. We had a chance to see him at our catching camp last year and believe he has a good upside."

Mark Christy- INF: The Southeast High School graduate had a stellar senior season at the dish. The former Seminole was .438 at the plate with 17 RBI. Christy was also dangerous once on the base paths – stealing 26 bases in as many attempts.

Head Coach Tom Griffin on Christy: "Player with ability to play several positions. Good athlete who will compete in the infield and outfield."

Ken Brown-C: Brown was an Honorable Mention All-District selection at West High School.

Head Coach Tom Griffin on Brown: "Very mature player. He has a good work ethic and willingness to learn."

-C-N-