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New manager likes Cougars’ talent

Enthusiasm and expectations were running high Tuesday afternoon at the Kane County Cougars media day, as players and coaches met with members of the press at the newly renamed Fifth Third Bank Ballpark.

A balanced mix of new and familiar faces will fill the Kane County Cougars’ dugout when the 2012 Midwest League season gets underway this week.

Brian Buchanan takes over the managerial reins after spending the past two years at Idaho Falls, where he managed many of the players on this season’s Cougar roster.

“We have a lot of talent, and a lot of guys with good tools,” Buchanan said. “It helps that I know a lot of these players, know what their routines are and what they can do.”

Buchanan’s early season lineup is set, and includes returning centerfielder Alex Llanos leading off, Daniel Mateo, who hit .348 last year at Idaho Falls will hit second, followed by third basemen Mike Antonio.

Right fielder Jorge Bonifacio, younger brother of Miami Marlins outfielder Emilio Bonifacio, will hit in the clean up spot. The 18-year-old says that he has learned a great deal from his brother.

“(Emilio) has been able to help me a lot, because he has much more time in baseball than me,” Bonifacio said. “We’re always talking about how it’s going for both of us.”

Bonifacio, who is a bit taller and bigger than his brother, said that their playing styles are different. While Emilio relies on speed, Jorge is stronger and should generate more power as he continues to develop.

After spending time at three different levels last season and performing well at each, Lane Adams will now settle into the left field job for the Cougars. Orlando Calixte will be back at shortstop, joined by Justin Trapp at second, and first baseman Henry Moreno, who slugged .599 at Idaho Falls will round out the infield. Murray Watts will also see time at first base. Edul Escobar and Jin-Ho Shin will share the catching duties.

The starting rotation will be anchored by Aaron Brooks, Kellen Moen, who fanned 51 in 58.1 innings last year at Idaho Falls, and Edwin Carl.

Carl posted an impressive 1.36 ERA last season working out of the bullpen in 21 games at Idaho Falls, and feels he’s ready to make the leap to the starting rotation. It will be the first time he’s been a starter since his junior year in college.

“I’m excited about this, definitely looking forward to it,” Carl said. “I’ve started preparing myself in the gym and with my conditioning. Being a starting pitcher, I’ll have more control over the game. My focus will be on being consistent and trying to get ahead of hitters.”

Brooks Pounders, a 6-foot-5 righty acquired during the off-season in a trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates, and Santiago Garrido, back for a second season with the Cougars, will also be in the rotation. Scott Alexander and Jason Mitchell will both start and pitch in relief.

What should be a strong rotation will be supported by a bullpen that includes Mike Giovenco, who boasts a 95 mile per hour fastball, Eric Cantrell, Andrew Stueve, and Nick Graffeo, the 2011 Pitcher of the Year at Burlington of the rookie level Appalachian League.

“Last year was exciting,” Graffeo said. “I figured some things out, threw more strikes, and walked fewer people.”

The Independence, Missouri native will be looking to build on last season’s impressive 4-2 record and 2.04 ERA.

“I have a new cutter-slash-slider that I’ve worked on and I’m pretty pleased with it,” Graffeo said. “At 24, I’m old for this league, and my clock is ticking, so I have to make every out count. That motivates me.”

Graffeo’s maturity and experience will likely make it easier for him to transition to the Midwest League. For others, the biggest adjustment in moving up to single-A from rookie ball will be the longer schedule. Then there’s always the increased level of talent at single-A.

“Each level gets harder,” Bonifacio said. “The game is more advanced, and you have to keep working hard.” One thing most of the new players are looking forward to is the opportunity to play in front of the large summer crowds that have become commonplace at Cougars home games.

“I’m very excited about it,” Antonio said. “It will be the first time I play for a big crowd. I’ll be very nervous at the beginning, but after that first pitch, first at bat, it will all become natural.”

The largest crowd of the season will most likely be the one expected to pack the ballpark on June 19 for the Midwest League All Star Game. Beyond the game itself, which, based on recent history, should serve as a showcase for a number of future Major League stars, the Cougars have lined up a full day of activities and entertainment that will begin with Fan Fest, starting at 11:30 the morning of the game.

Legendary White Sox organist Nancy Faust will be there, and Wayne Messmer is scheduled to sing the national anthem.

But if Buchanan has his way, the midseason gala will be just one part of a memorable and successful season in Geneva.

“We’re going to play the game hard and play it the right way,” Buchanan said. “The minor leagues are about developing players and getting them to the next level. Although winning is a part of development, it’s not the main thing in the minor leagues. But it’s obviously more fun to win and develop than to lose and develop.”

BRIAN HILL/bhill@dailyherald.comEdwin Carl, 23, tosses the ball during a game of pepper during Cougars Media Day at Fifth Third Bank Ball Park in Geneva April 3, 2012.
BRIAN HILL/bhill@dailyherald.comPlayers head to the batting cages during Cougars Media Day at Fifth Third Bank Ball Park in Geneva April 3, 2012. Pictured from left are Julio Bruno, 16, (hitting coach) Henry Moreno, 22, Yowill Espinal, 12, and Alex Llanos, 25.
BRIAN HILL/bhill@dailyherald.comNick Graffeo, 30, knocks back a throw during a game of pepper during Cougars Media Day at Fifth Third Bank Ball Park in Geneva April 3, 2012.
BRIAN HILL/bhill@dailyherald.comNick Graffeo, 30, on ground reacts after making a catch during a game of pepper at Cougars Media Day at Fifth Third Bank Ball Park in Geneva April 3, 2012. Andrew Stueve, 33, is in the foreground.
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