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Talented battery hopes to get Rockport back to tourney

Tuesday, April, 08 By Matt Langone
Sports editor

At times the relationship between Rockport High School pitching ace Derek Osmond and catcher Erik Juncker resembles an episode of "I Love Lucy," which provides comedy for head coach John Parisi.

"They're like an old couple, they bicker and they fight, and it's really funny." said Parisi of his All-Cape Ann League (CAL) battery. "They've been playing the game together since they were 5-years-old. They are so comfortable with each other in so many aspects."

Of course, the bickering between the Rockport baseball captains never gets too heated. It's usually more of a playful disagreement such as Juncker calling for a fastball on a 2-and-2 count only to be shaken off by Osmond, who wants to throw his change-up.

When asked what it's like to have Juncker as his catcher, Osmond couldn't help but start his response with a good-natured jab at his buddy.

"He's horrible, I hate throwing to Erik," joked Osmond.

The truth is, the seniors are great friends. They are also the backbone of a Vikings squad that hopes to get back to the state tournament after missing the postseason by one game last year with an 8-10 record. Rockport's 2008 fate could ultimately rest on the production of Osmond and Juncker.

"Not to put any additional pressure on them, but Erik and Derek can take us as far as they want," said Parisi.

Today, Osmond will get the ball as the Vikings opening day starter against rival Manchester Essex (3:45 p.m.) with Juncker taking his familiar spot behind the plate. The pair will take the field optimistic about their final season of high school baseball.

"We're definitely hoping to make the tourney," said Juncker. "We're going to fight as hard as we can to get there."

At least one outside spectator believes that Osmond and Juncker are more than capable of helping the Vikings achieve that goal.

"Osmond is the real deal on the mound and Juncker is a terrific catcher," said Gloucester head coach Joe Orlando. "They are both great athletes and great to build a team around. We scrimmaged them twice and the two of them can play."

Ace of the staff

According to Parisi, Osmond is one of the top five starting pitchers in the always-tough CAL, which produced nine state tourney teams last year.

"Derek is a student of the game," said Parisi. "He is always asking questions and trying to get better."

Osmond's stats would back up his manager's claim. The hard-throwing righty went 4-1 last spring with a paper-thin ERA of 1.59. His out-pitch is usually his hard fastball or deceptive change-up, but Osmond will also mix in a curveball and a newly-developed knuckleball.

"Derek's best pitch is probably his fastball, his knuckleball is coming around but it's still a work in progress," said Juncker with a smile.

Osmond's dominant numbers on the mound are thanks in large part to his trust in Juncker's ability to call the game.

"(Erik) knows my pitches, what I can throw and where I should put it," said Osmond. "I trust him."

Even when he's not pitching, Osmond is still a threat to win Rockport some games with his defensive prowess at shortstop and table-setting ability as the leadoff hitter.

The speedy contact hitter led the team with a .390 batting average last year with a simple philosophy at the plate that is easier said than done.

"I just try to hit the ball right back up the middle every time," said Osmond. "I try to avoid bad pitches, work the count and line the ball right back towards the pitcher."

Tireless worker

Involved in every play with a view of the entire field, the catcher is often counted on to be the team leader on the diamond, which is exactly what Juncker tries to be.

"I just try to bring as much leadership as I can and make everyone as confident as possible," said Juncker, who models his game after Red Sox catcher Jason Varitek.

Like Osmond, Juncker receives high praise from his manager. Parisi believes his backstop is the best in the CAL, and will say so without hesitation.

"Erik leads by example," said Parisi. "He's the hardest working hitter on the team and he's always working on his defense."

Batting out of the No. 3 hole, Juncker is counted on to be one of the Vikings chief run-producers. The right-handed hitter accomplished that task at a very successful rate last spring, spraying hits all over the place to the tune of a .300 batting average.

The offensive production is the icing on the cake for Juncker who catches a staff with a variety of pitchers, including senior Cory Emerson and the sidearm delivery of senior Matt Hendy. However, if Juncker and Osmond can combine potent hitting at the top of the lineup with the valuable intangibles they already bring, Parisi is confident in what the results will be.

"If they hit we'll win, bottom line," said Parisi. "They'll lead us offensively and if Erik and Derek get on a tear, then the rest of the team will follow them."