2020 Baseball Preview: Outfielders

SMITHFIELD, R.I. – The Bryant University baseball team opens its 2020 season on Friday February 14 in Wilmington, North Carolina. BryantBulldogs.com previews the 2020 team leading up to Opening Day.

Position: Outfielders
Returners: Vincenzo Castronovo (Utica, N.Y.), James Ciliento (Mahwah, N.J.), Shane Kelly (Sewell, N.J.), Matt Woods (Warwick, R.I.)
Newcomers: Jarod Dalrymple (East Hartford, Conn.), Derek Smith (Arundel, Maine)

The Breakdown

Bryant's starting outfield combined for 33 home runs, 160 RBI and 180 runs last season. The Bulldogs, however, will have to replace two-thirds of that this spring.

The cupboard is not bare though as the Black and Gold welcome back a pair of veterans and two sophomores that are primed for breakout years. James Ciliento enjoyed a career year in 2019, finishing with 15 doubles, 10 home runs, 57 RBI and a Division I program-record 66 runs scored. He's also one of four team captains and enters his final season with 172 hits, 36 doubles, 14 home runs, 105 RBI and 135 runs scored.

Shane Kelly also returns for the Bulldogs after producing six doubles, six home runs and 19 RBI while battling through injuries during the year. He has 15 doubles and nine home runs in 86 career games (.442 slugging) and will likely open the year in left field. Kelly has four outfield assists in his career.

The sophomore duo of Castronovo and Woods gives the Bulldogs a tandem that has the potential do a lot of damage. Castronovo showcased his power potential last season, hitting five doubles and four home runs in just 52 at-bats. Woods, who will also see time at first base, has shown good range in the outfield.

Bryant will also welcome Jarod Dalrymple and Derek Smith into the fold. Dalrymple was a three-time all-conference selection at East Hartford, while Smith was the top-ranked player in the state of Maine.