First impressions matter. After only two home series to start
the year, UCLA baseball coach John Savage has apparently seen
enough out of his prized freshman class to slate several of them as
starters. Savage will be using a No. 5 recruiting class to give his
club an influx of talent. Center fielder Tim Murphy, shortstop
Brandon Crawford and catcher Ryan Babineau have all solidified
their spots on the lineup card, while infielder Jermaine Curtis
figures to serve as a super utility player with increased playing
time as the season continues. The group adds balance to a Bruin
club that looked far more pedestrian and less powerful than its
opponents last year. “We are much more athletic,”
Savage said. “We have guys playing at their natural
positions, so that makes everyone more confident in their
roles.” The Bruins (2-4) feature young players at several key
positions, but Savage is not gun shy to put some of his younger
players out on the field and see how they respond. Babineau, for
example, is at the core of the youth movement, learning how to
handle the pitching staff while adjusting to the college game.
Perhaps more than any other position, catching requires knowledge
of the game and natural leadership skills ““ attributes the
freshman is developing on the job. “He is playing
exceptionally well,” Savage said. “There is a lot of
weight on his shoulders in terms of responsibility, and he’s
handling it well.” The UCLA coaching staff hopes the freshmen
starters will benefit early on from the difficult nonconference
games. But if anyone stumbles, Savage will not be afraid to open up
competition. “We feel good with how we’ve put everyone
in a position to succeed, but it is an ongoing process,” he
said.
UPCOMING GAME: UCLA hosts UC Riverside (3-3)
tonight at 6 p.m. at Jackie Robinson Stadium. Junior pitcher Brian
Schroeder gets the start against the Highlanders, who are opening
against the Bruins an 11-game road trip. UC Riverside is coming
into the game trying to snap a three-game losing streak at the
hands of Arizona.
“˜PEN PLANS: While the starting rotation
of juniors Hector Ambriz, Dave Huff and Tyson Brummett has been set
since the team started its preliminary practices, the bullpen is
still taking form. Freshman right hander Jason Novak and Schroeder
are to serve as long relievers who get the occasionally spot start.
Redshirt senior Josh Roenicke is to be counted on to setup junior
Brant Rustich, who will be the closer. However, nothing is set in
stone as Savage is interested to see how each reliever does in his
new role. “We have roles in the bullpen that are being
established,” Savage said. “We have some youth and some
experience that provides us with a good mix that should be
successful.”