Buffs add nine players to baseball recruiting class

from staff reports

   Milligan College head baseball coach Danny Clark announced that nine players have been added to the recruiting class of 2005. 
   Bo Alford, a left-handed pitcher from Science Hill High School, will transfer from Walters State Community College for his final two years of playing eligibility. 
   "Bo will bring a lot of experience on the mound for us and also will be a great addition in the outfield. I look for him to be an immediate impact for us," said Clark. "He has a lot of qualities that I look for in a player, and he has come from winning programs."
   Unicoi County High School graduate Drew Anders will add depth to the infield at second base. Possessing a winning attitude, Anders has potential to push for playing time early.
   Shawn Wright will play third baseman for the Buffaloes. A graduate of Sullivan North High School, Wright has the potential to improve his game and be a tremendous asset to the team. 
   Jonathan Ridenour, a transfer from Maryville College, will add depth at first base. He also will be a force at the plate for the Buffaloes. 
   Justin Sauceman, a third baseman and right-handed pitcher from Alcoa High School, will transfer from Walters State for his remaining three years of playing eligibility. 
   "I will use Justin out of the bullpen," Clark said. "He is a sub-arm pitcher with a lot of sink. He also can hit for us in the middle of the lineup."
   Jeremy Hutson is a second baseman and shortstop from Dobyns-Bennett High School. Having been out of the game for two years, Hutson has the potential to contribute early on while improving his game to become a force for the Buffaloes.
   Aaron Cox a 6-foot-5 first baseman from Daniel Boone High School will add depth to the infield. 
   "In addition to playing first base, Aaron's height is advantageous to pitching.  He may see some time on the mound," said Clark. "He is a quality kid that is the right fit for Milligan."
   Volunteer High School catcher Bart Berry completes the recruiting class for the Buffaloes. 
   "Bart is a catch/throw guy, who is a tough nosed player.  With (assistant coach) Ray Smith working with him, I think he will be a quality player for us," said Clark.
   Having signed 16 top athletes for this year's recruiting class and returning all but two position players from last year's 38 win, school record breaking team, the Buffaloes are poised to continue their winning tradition. 
   "We needed pitching so we have signed 10 pitchers and six position players.  I think this is a quality class," said Clark. "I feel good about next year's team. We return a talented group of upper classmen. Their experience coupled with the talent of these new recruits, could be the combination needed for winning the AAC title."