jmcclain19
01-17-2005, 01:04 PM
http://www.azstarnet.com/sn/wildcats/56869.php
Still getting ready for the kick off to the baseball season in a few days
Wildcats say they hope to build on '04 success
By Charles Durrenberger
ARIZONA DAILY STAR
Shifting from the hunter to the hunted, Arizona baseball has undergone a dramatic transformation in 12 months.
At this time a year ago, the Wildcats opened practice with dreams - not expectations - of making the College World Series.
But after a stunning post-season run, the Wildcats ended 36-27-1 with a surprise appearance in Omaha in Andy Lopez's third season as UA coach.
"That's the goal every year; that's what these guys were recruited for," Lopez said Thursday after practice at Kindall Field at Sancet Stadium.
Arizona is ranked 12th by Collegiate Baseball and Baseball America magazines. The season begins Feb. 4 with a three-game home series against New Mexico.
"There's a lot less I have to say now as a coach," Lopez added. "These guys have experienced what it feels like to get to the College World Series, and I think it has made them even hungrier to get back and go a step further."
The 2005 schedule includes a nonconference series against No. 1 Texas, which will visit Tucson on March 4-6, and a trip to defending national champion Cal State-Fullerton (March 18-20) also highlights a competitive 56-game slate.
"We are hungry," junior outfielder Trevor Crowe said. "The attitude is upbeat, and everyone is focused for the season."
Crowe, who led the team with a .350 batting average and 26 stolen bases in 2004, said getting to Omaha has put a big target on the backs of the Wildcats.
"We're going to get everyone's best shot," said Crowe, a preseason second-team All-America pick by Baseball America. "That gets you even more focused on playing good baseball."
Right-handed starters John Meloan (10-0, 4.66 ERA) and Kevin Guyette, and sophomore reliever Mark Melancon return to the mound this season from Arizona's College World Series team.
Meloan, who became the first Arizona pitcher to complete a season undefeated since 1956 (10 or more decisions), was a third-team preseason All-America choice by Collegiate Baseball.
"We have a good mixture of veterans with experience and young guys with talent who just need to play," Meloan added. "We got a great taste in our mouths last year, and we're determined to take another step this year."
Still getting ready for the kick off to the baseball season in a few days
Wildcats say they hope to build on '04 success
By Charles Durrenberger
ARIZONA DAILY STAR
Shifting from the hunter to the hunted, Arizona baseball has undergone a dramatic transformation in 12 months.
At this time a year ago, the Wildcats opened practice with dreams - not expectations - of making the College World Series.
But after a stunning post-season run, the Wildcats ended 36-27-1 with a surprise appearance in Omaha in Andy Lopez's third season as UA coach.
"That's the goal every year; that's what these guys were recruited for," Lopez said Thursday after practice at Kindall Field at Sancet Stadium.
Arizona is ranked 12th by Collegiate Baseball and Baseball America magazines. The season begins Feb. 4 with a three-game home series against New Mexico.
"There's a lot less I have to say now as a coach," Lopez added. "These guys have experienced what it feels like to get to the College World Series, and I think it has made them even hungrier to get back and go a step further."
The 2005 schedule includes a nonconference series against No. 1 Texas, which will visit Tucson on March 4-6, and a trip to defending national champion Cal State-Fullerton (March 18-20) also highlights a competitive 56-game slate.
"We are hungry," junior outfielder Trevor Crowe said. "The attitude is upbeat, and everyone is focused for the season."
Crowe, who led the team with a .350 batting average and 26 stolen bases in 2004, said getting to Omaha has put a big target on the backs of the Wildcats.
"We're going to get everyone's best shot," said Crowe, a preseason second-team All-America pick by Baseball America. "That gets you even more focused on playing good baseball."
Right-handed starters John Meloan (10-0, 4.66 ERA) and Kevin Guyette, and sophomore reliever Mark Melancon return to the mound this season from Arizona's College World Series team.
Meloan, who became the first Arizona pitcher to complete a season undefeated since 1956 (10 or more decisions), was a third-team preseason All-America choice by Collegiate Baseball.
"We have a good mixture of veterans with experience and young guys with talent who just need to play," Meloan added. "We got a great taste in our mouths last year, and we're determined to take another step this year."