This is the third and final part of our series previewing the 2010 Razorback Baseball season.
In part one and part two of this series, we took a quick look back at 2009, examined the lofty 2010 preseason expectations of this year’s team, and previewed the everyday players.
Pitching is the focus today, and the Hogs appear to have more candidates than usual.
Starting Pitching
For the first time in a couple of seasons, it looks like pitching coach Dave Jorn might have some depth in the starting rotation. Sophomore Drew Smyly of Little Rock (3-1, 4.66 ERA, 58 IP, 60 Ks), who took a no-hitter into the ninth against Oklahoma in the 2009 Norman Regional, has secured one of the starters spots.
“Drew has really good stuff when he’s on,” Van Horn says. “He throws his fastball down hill, and it has some tilt on it. He’s developed a change-up, and his breaking ball is pretty sharp. If he’s healthy, he’s very good. He looks like he is going to be our Friday starter.”
Along with Brett Eibner, senior Mike Bolsinger will get a chance to be a starter early on. Bolsinger, who inexplicably was drafted low (33rd round) after his junior season, has returned for one final year as a Hog and is ready to shine.
Bolsinger was a stud out of the bullpen in 2009 (6-4, 2.99 ERA, 69.1 IP, 79 Ks) as both a long reliever and closer. His slider is one of the best in the SEC.
T.J. Forrest should figure as a mid-week starter and/or weekend long reliever as well. The 6-foot, 6-inch Forrest started 11 games in 2009.
Middle Relief
In addition to Forrest, look for returnees RHP Jeremy Heatley, LHP Geoffrey Davenport, LHP Christian Kowalchuk, RHP Sam Murphy and LHP Scott Limbocker to fill the bullpen needs. Van Horn has said Davenport is “the most improved pitcher from last year to this year.”
Look for newcomers LHP Jason Fuqua, LHP Randall Fant and RHP Jordan Pratt to be in the mix early as well.
Closer
D.J. Baxendale, the highly touted freshman from Sylvan Hills, looks like he might be the closer to start the year. After a storied high school career where he compiled a 12-0, 0.27 ERA, 58 IP, 97 Ks stat line as a senior, Baxendale is ready to take on the SEC.
For those who haven’t seen him, Baxendale sports a wild wind-up, and has nasty movement on all his pitches. A fastball in the low 90s and hard breaking stuff will make watching this frosh worth the price of admission.
Prediction
The Hogs have the talent to get back to Omaha. It looks like they have more pitching depth than a year ago. It’s a given that Cox, Wilkins and McCann will produce. If players like Bigham, Eibner, Reynolds, and Kuhn contribute like they can, scoring runs won’t be a problem.
To win it all, you’ve got to be good and maybe get a little lucky along the way.
“I think they (the players) do realize there are a lot of ups and downs playing in the SEC.”, Van Horn said. “The key is to just stay on an even keel throughout the season, let some things happen, and finish strong.”
The Hogs open the season today at 3:05 p.m. with the first of a three game series against Ball State. Time to sit back and enjoy the ride. See you at the Baum!