NSU baseball signs 4

As the collegiate baseball season nears the end, the Nicholls Colonels are already working toward next season.

After finishing the 2009 season 19-32 overall with a 9-23 record in Southland Conference play, head baseball coach Chip Durham has already begun overhauling his roster for next season.

Last week, the fourth-year head coach officially announced four more junior college transfers that will join the Colonels in the fall.

The group will join the seven early signees who committed to the Colonels prior to this season.

Jared Cavenaugh, Chase Jaramillo, Jason Judge and Sam Konnoff will suit up for Nicholls for the 2009-10 season after officially committing to the Colonels.

“These four guys are great additions to our squad,” said Durham. “All are high character individuals who will have their opportunities to prove themselves.”

Cavenaugh is a right-handed pitcher from Meridian (Miss.) Community College, and went 9-2 as a starter during the 2009 season. He also posted a 4.00 ERA.

Durham acknowledged that Cavenaugh is a player who will help the Colonels on the mound.

“Jared is a hard-throwing pitcher with a great slider. He has a chance to pitch in many different roles from a starter to a closer,” said Durham.

Jaramillo is a middle infielder that comes to Nicholls by way of Alabama Southern Community College, and put together an impressive sophomore season, according to the coach.

He finished 2009 with a .345 average that included 13 doubles, five home runs, four triples and 18 stolen bases.

“Chase is a very hard-nosed athletic player that can play anywhere on the infield for us. He will hit in the top of our order, and be another added threat on the bases,” Durham said.

Judge follows teammate Cavenaugh to Nicholls from Meridian Community College, and is a southpaw that finished 2009 with a 2-1 record, coupled with a 4.33 ERA.

Durham said he expects Judge to come in and compete for a spot in the Colonels rotation almost immediately.

“Jason throws in the mid 80s and has good command of his curve ball and an exceptional change-up,” said Durham.

Konnoff is a first baseman from San Bernardino Valley Commun-ity College who hit .340 in 2009. He finished up his sophomore season with two home runs and 35 RBIs on his way to being named to the All-Foothill Conference Second Team.

“Sam is a powerful left-handed hitting first baseman that is an excellent defender. He has a chance to be a great RBI guy for us,” Durham said.

Overall, the coach said he was pleased with the signees and is looking both at this group and those who committed earlier in the year to help the Colonels improve on their record.

The Nicholls State Colonels baseball team took its first steps toward next season by adding four junior college transfers to the roster. Head coach Chip Durham believes all four will make an immediate impact on his team as the Colonels look to rebuild after a mediocre season. * Photo by KYLE CARRIER