Hawaii: A quick glance

[JoJoforHeisman]

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*2004 WAC Coach of the Year Coach Mike Trapasso's Rainbows enter the '05 campaign coming off consecutive 30-win seasons, and were ranked 42nd in Baseball America's preseason poll (Alabama was 43rd). BA has UH finishing second in the WAC, behind Rice, which has won the past eight conference championships. The preseason WAC coaches poll projects a fourth-place finish for the 'Bows. Clearly, Wayne Graham's Rice Owls are head-and-shoulders above the rest of the conference competition, but Hawai'i, Nevada, and Fresno State are considered legitimate contenders for at-large regional bids.

*As is the case in all sports, Hawai'i enjoys a natural home-field advantage over eastern teams due to the time difference. Though it wasn't the only factor in the Rainbows' two-of-three series upset over Rice last season, it certainly didn't hurt. Fortunately for the Tide, the team will be departing on Tuesday, which should allow for plenty of time to adjust before Thursday night's opener.

*The ace of the Rainbow staff is preseason WAC Pitcher of the Year Ricky Bauer, a right-handed control artist who finished 8-4/3.60 with 72 K's and a mere twelve walks in 2004. The #2 starter in the UH rotation is righty Stephen Bryant, another preseason all-conference selection who posted an 8-4/3.52 mark as a sophomore last year. Sophomore closer Darrell Fisherbaugh, who saved six games while fanning 47 in 37.1 IP in '04, was also named preseason all-WAC by the coaches. Third baseman Rocky Russo and right fielder Greg Kish (began career at Oklahoma) were the Rainbow position players receiving this recognition.

*Outfielder/catcher Matthew Inouye was named to the 2005 Brooks Wallace Watch List, a list that includes our own Wade LeBlanc. Inouye, a BA preseason All-WAC pick, hit .326/5/48 with 13 stolen bases as a sophomore in '04.
%e competition, but Hawai'i, Nevada, and Fresno State are considered legitimate contenders for at-large regional bids.

*As is the case in all sports, Hawai'i enjoys a natural home-field advantage over eastern teams due to the time difference. Though it wasn't the only factor in the Rainbows' two-of-three series upset over Rice last season, it certainly didn't hurt. Fortunately for the Tide, the team will be departing on Tuesday, which should allow for plenty of time to adjust before Thursday night's opener.

*The ace of the Rainbow staff is preseason WAC Pitcher of the Year Ricky Bauer, a right-handed control artist who finished 8-4/3.60 with 72 K's and a mere twelve walks in 2004. The #2 starter in the UH rotation is righty Stephen Bryant, another preseason all-conference selection who posted an 8-4/3.52 mark as a sophomore last year. Sophomore closer Darrell Fisherbaugh, who saved six games while fanning 47 in 37.1 IP in '04, was also named preseason all-WAC by the coaches. Third baseman Rocky Russo and right fielder Greg Kish (began career at Oklahoma) were the Rainbow position players receiving this recognition.

*Outfielder/catcher Matthew Inouye was named to the 2005 Brooks Wallace Watch List, a list that includes our own Wade LeBlanc. Inouye, a BA preseason All-WAC pick, hit .326/5/48 with 13 stolen bases as a sophomore in '04.

*In its assessment of the best tools in the Western Athletic Conference, Baseball America lists outfielder Robbie Wilder as the fastest runner, second baseman Isaac Omura has having the best strike-zone discipline as well as being the WAC's best defensive player at his position, #2 starter Stephen Bryant as having the best breaking ball, and ace Ricky Bauer as having the best control. BA considers the team's top prospect to be 6'8 righty Colby Summer, although he has not pitched since 2002 due to Tommy John surgery.

*The Rainbows weren't exactly known for their power last season, as no player hit more than 5 homeruns. They are hoping that new first baseman Luis Avila, a product of Venezuela who last season hit .418/16/75 at Eastern Oklahoma JC, can add some production in that department. Their stolen base totals were relatively modest, with 51 swiped in 69 attempts (74% success rate). Though speedster Robbie Wilder has been lauded for his ability on the basepaths, he'll have to improve on his .193 freshman batting average in order to put his wheels to any use.



*While the Rainbows may be on the rise in the WAC and have some respectable talent, I see no reason why the Tide cannot dispose of them this weekend. Look for the most improved team in the SEC to make a statement early.

[Diamond Tide]

Starting out on the road is tough. Hopefully we can put it all together, both pitching and hitting for this four game series. I'm glad to see the team rewarded for a trip like this.

RTR,

Diamond Tide

[Play Ball!]

Artifical turf will be the biggest adjustment.

[JoJoforHeisman]

Excellent point, Play Ball!.

If I am not mistaken, the last time this team played a game on artifical turf was in 2002 (the Hormel Foods Classic at the Metrodome and at Arkansas), when the current seniors were freshmen.

[rolltide92276]

Thanks for the write up JoJo. I am looking forward to this season and think we will surprise some people starting with a series victory, if not a sweep, of Hawaii. RTR!