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2015 SCHEDULE | 2015 ROSTER | 2014 FINAL STATISTICS
 
SAN FRANCISCO—The catcher position is arguably the most important position on the diamond and the second of four baseball previews takes a look at the Dons' signal callers.
 
The Dons finished last season with a 25-29 record and 11-16 in conference, which followed a season in which they reached the NCAA Regional for the second time in three years. USF returns a slew of veterans as well as 17 newcomers to the Hilltop as they look to return to the postseason.
 
USF is looking to rebound after a disappointing 2014 and they are prepping themselves with a grueling preseason schedule, which includes 12 straight on the road to begin the season. They will play 2014 College World Series participant Texas Tech, New Mexico, Oregon, and Stanford as part of the nonconference schedule.
 
The season begins on Feb. 13 at Texas Tech.
 
JAN. 27: INFIELDERS | JAN. 30: CATCHERS/DESIGNATED HITTERS
FEB. 4: PITCHERS | FEB. 6: OUTFIELDERS
 
CATCHERS
USF has possibly its most experienced group of catchers going into the 2015 season. Senior Justin McCullough, junior Ryan Matranga, and transfer sophomore Dominic Miroglio all have at least a full season of time behind a Division I plate and this gives Head Coach Nino Giarratano confidence in the trio.
 
"We have a luxury right now of having three players that have played at the Division I level at the catching position, which we haven't had in the past," he said. "We've always had one we were trying to get ready and then the backup hadn't had a whole lot of experience. We feel really comfortable with the catching situation right now, having three guys that we can go to at any point of time."
 
Returners McCullough and Matranga shared the duties behind the plate, with each bringing something different to the team. Matranga caught majority of the innings behind the plate and got into 44 games with 33 starts. McCullough came on strong at the end of the season and hit .304 in 79 at bats.
 
"Ryan's been there since he was a freshman so he's had two years of experience under his belt," Giarratano said. "He's worked really hard at getting better and doing the things he's capable of. He's a great catcher, throws the ball very well. Offensively is where he has had his struggles in the past.
 
"That's where Justin comes in to really solidify that position. Justin is a solid offensive player that has the defensive tools."
 
Miroglio, who went to Bishop O'Dowd High School in Oakland, spent last season with UCLA and maybe the most balanced player offensively and defensively at the position for the Dons.
 
"He's kind of a blend between both Ryan and Justin," Giarratano said. "When you look at what Dom is capable to doing, Dom will probably be the starter."
 
DESIGNATED HITTERS
The designated hitter position rotated between a few players last season, including Brendan Hendriks and Zack Turner, but could fall on the shoulders of one newcomer: Manny Ramirez, Jr.
 
Ramirez, the son of former Major League All-Star Manny Ramirez, comes in from Central Arizona College where he hit three home runs in 44 games and had a strong fall season.
 
"Manny is a very talented hitter, can back us up and play first base," Giarratano said. "We think if we can get Manny 200 at bats, he's going to hit for power, have an opportunity to drive runners in. He really understands the strike zone well. He's a solid player."
 
He was teammates with Mack Meyer at IMG Academy in Florida.