Baseball Staff Reorganized

BASEBALL

University of Georgia baseball coach David Perno announced Thursday a reorganization of his current coaching staff.

Assistant coach Jason Eller, who recently completed his 10th season with the Dawgs including his sixth as a full-time assistant, will now serve as the Pitching Coach. For the past two years, he has assisted Perno with the pitchers. In 2011, the Dawgs reduced their Earned Run Average (ERA) by 3.61 runs a game. In 2012, Georgia’s ERA was its lowest in the aluminum bat era which dates back to 1974. Perno and Eller assumed control of the pitching staff following the 2010 season when the Dawgs finished with an 8.51 ERA. Since then, Georgia’s ERA improved to 4.90 in 2011 and then 3.86 in 2012.

“Jason understands our system extremely well and has been a part of my staff for a long time,” said Perno. “He’s done a good job, and his main focus now will be on pitching and developing our starters. We will continue to work together with our bullpen.”

Assistant coach Allen Osborne, who is in his third stint with the Dawgs including his third year as a full-time assistant, will add the duties of Recruiting Coordinator. Since returning to Georgia in June of 2010, Osborne has served as the hitting instructor, third base coach and assisted in recruiting and camps.

“Since Allen’s return, our recruiting has gone to another level, and a large part of the credit goes to him,” said Perno. “This year’s class is potentially the best we’ve ever had that will make it to campus.”

The 2012 Major League Baseball draft concluded Wednesday, and Perno said he is looking forward to the 2013 season.

“We’re encouraged about the way the draft turned out with our signees,” Perno added. “Also we’re excited about Kyle Farmer returning for his senior year. He’s going to lead a veteran group that includes seniors Curt Powell, Brett DeLoach, Bryan Benzor and Blake Dieterich.”

Farmer, a three-year starter at shortstop, led the team with 41 RBI while hitting .302 in 2012. He was drafted in the 35th round by the New York Yankees Wednesday.Powell earned All-SEC second team honors as a starting third baseman. He batted a team-best .355 with 12 stolen bases. DeLoach hit .303 as a starting catcher/designated hitter. Benzor went 5-4 with a 4.95 ERA and two saves in 26 appearances while Dieterich posted a 3-4 mark, 3.52 ERA and a team-best seven saves in 27 games. Georgia went 31-26 this past season and set a school record for highest fielding percentage with a .978 mark.