A 'Natural' move to the bullpen

By Josh Griffin

Joe Diefenderfer attracts nicknames like the band Stillwater attracted band-aids in "Almost Famous." While he answers to both "Joe D" and "Red," his teammates believe that his most fitting nickname is inspired by the cinematic baseball hero depicted by Robert Redford in "The Natural."

"We call Joe 'Roy Hobbs,'" said senior catcher and Diefenderfer's roommate Jim Wallace. "I think that's the best nickname for him because he really is just a natural baseball player."

You can add jack-of-all-trades to Diefenderfer's list of aliases, as the senior pitcher/outfielder has not only been one of Santa Clara's best starting pitchers over the last three years, but also one of its most consistent bats and deft fielders. This year he has begun to see time as a relief pitcher, removing him from a rotation that is loaded with southpaws to a bullpen overflowing with right-handers.

"He's been our 'Friday night guy' for three years, and I think he's deserved that," said Wallace. "Joe D is one of the guys that can come out of the pen."

Filling the void at the top of the rotation left by Diefenderfer's move to the bullpen is fellow senior left-hander Matt Travis. Travis has shined in his role as lead starter, compiling a 1-1 record in three starts on a stellar 1.93 earned run average.

He has made a full 180-degree turnaround from his disappointing sophomore campaign, when he finished the season with a 1-9 record and an 8.22 earned run average. He started to bounce back last season, tallying a 5-4 on a 4.35 ERA. His start this season, however, is promising for a team looking for a number one starter.

"Matt has an understanding now of what baseball means to him in his life," said senior center fielder Jack Headley. "His stuff hasn't changed, but he wants to go out there and win now and that really helped him."

Wallace credits second-year pitching coach Tom Myers with preparing the staff for the mental grind of pitching.

"The big key is Myers and the fact that he trusts us," said Wallace. "He knows he's in the dugout and we're in the field and we have to do it. That's something that comes from his experience as a pitcher and his knowledge of the game."

Travis' success, combined with the consistency of junior lefty John Redmond and powerful arm of sophomore right-hander Scott Shapiro, has made Diefenderfer's transition easier. He is also pleased with his ability to play more of an active role at the plate, where he has started the season batting .381 in his first six games.

"I'm not disappointed at all by moving to the bullpen," said Diefenderfer. "It's something new, and I also get the benefit of more time hitting."

Headley says that Diefenderfer's presence in the lineup should not be overlooked.

"He's awesome with the bat, he's always getting on base and having quality at bats," said Headley. "He's a great leadoff guy or No. 2 guy."

Perhaps even more important is his presence in an already deep bullpen that includes star freshmen Pat Overholt and Andrew Slorp, as well as junior Chad Fillinger and sophomore Anthony Rea. Of those four, not one throws with his left arm.

"With Joe coming out of the pen for us, it provides our team with an experienced left-hander that knows how to get outs in crucial situations," said Rea. "He is a great all-around player able to hit, pitch and play defense, and by him being in a relief role, he can have more of an impact in late inning situational roles to help the team win more ballgames."

While neither Diefenderfer nor Travis is an outgoing and outspoken leader, their collective experience sets an example for the young arms that populate the majority of the Bronco staff.

"This year, with a lot of young arms on the pitching staff, their leadership along with our coaching guidance has our staff poised to have a very successful year," said Rea.

The overall success of the Broncos in 2003 lies predominantly in the hands of their senior lefties, who fill essential roles on the field. With Travis' turnaround hitting on all cylinders and Diefenderfer's natural ability and intellect for the game, those should be good hands to rest in.