Dec. 4, 2009

Santa Clara left-handed slugger Ryan Rieger - a redshirt freshman from Roseville, California - caught up with SCU media relations assistant Justin Kuehn about returning from injury and the Broncos' 2010 season.

Prior to sitting-out in 2009 due to NCAA Clearinghouse regulations, Rieger ranked as one of the nation's Top 50 prospects by Baseball America. Rieger was selected to play for the Colorado Rockies scout team during an outstanding high school career in Roseville. Rieger was named Woodcreek High School's Offensive Player of the Year and was a First Team All-Sierra Foothill league honoree, batting .471 as a senior.

How are you recovering from a shoulder injury over the summer? What have you been doing so far this preseason to help get your body in shape?

I am in the middle of physical therapy and everything is going well. My flexibility and strength is almost back to normal. So far this preseason I have not been able to practice so I have been I have been running to stay in shape.

Do you think you will be able to return at a 100 percent come opening day?

My goal is to be at 100 percent by opening day. If I keep progressing in my physical therapy, I don't see any reason why I will not be able to get back to 100 percent by the start of the season.

How is the team looking this year? What do you feel are the team's biggest strengths and weaknesses?

The team is looking very good this year due to strong leadership and a great work ethic. We are very young in some positions but we have been working very hard this fall to make up for it.

What is your prediction for the team's final position in league this year?

WCC Champs

"Like a lot of other people around our program we are really excited for Ryan to get out on the field and perform for us," said Santa Clara head coach Mark O'Brien. "If he works hard and commits to being the player he can be, Ryan has the chance and has the potential to be a middle of the order player for us this spring."