So it looks like Texas is poised for a deep run into the NCAA tournament this year, returning tons of talent and trying to replace other talent. The Longhorns have been consistently ranked in the top 10 in every preseason poll.
The coaching staff is one of the nation's best. Augie Garrido, NCAA's all-time leader in wins, mans the ship with a zen-like captaincy, while Associate Coach Tommy Harmon and Pitching Coach Skip Johnson round out the rest of the staff, respectively, while former All-American pitcher Greg Swindell resumes his role of volunteer. There is no need for panic with that sort of talent in the dugout.
The infield is the biggest question mark concerning the 'Horns this season. Only 2 starters return, and only 1 is in his original position. Jr. catcher Preston Clark, the Big 12's top returning catcher, will kickoff the season behind the plate for the 3rd time. Jr. Travis Tucker, last year's starting 2nd baseman and leading base stealer, will make a move to 3rd base, in place of departed All-American Bradley Suttle, now in the Yankee's organization. 1st base will be manned by So. Brandon Belt. At 6' 5", Belt maintains the height that Chance Wheeless had brought to the base the previous years. The middle of the infield will most likely belong to a pair of D1 transfers. Former USC Trojan Michael Torres is projected to cover 2nd base, while Fresno State transfer David Hernandez tries his luck at shortstop. The projected backups are Jeff Boes (1B), Bobby Buckner (SS), Tant Shepherd (3B) and Todd Gilfillan (C)
The outfield is where UT excels. Home Run King Kyle Russell opted to return to the Longhorns for his Jr. season in right field instead of signing with the St. Louis Cardinals. His 28 home runs last season not only led the nation, but set a new UT single-season record. Fellow Jr. Jordan Danks returns to his regular role in center field. The speedy Danks led the team last year in walks while hitting .332 and stealing 19 of 19 bases. He did not commit an error in 119 chances. Left field will initially belong to So. Russell Moldenhauer. The Boerne High School product hit in 2007 in 49 games. His 6 home runs ranked 4th on the Longhorns. His backup will be So. Kyle Lusson, a key defensive replacement for last year's team.
The designated hitter's spot appears to be a 2-way battle by a pair of freshmen. Cameron Rupp and Kevin Keyes, both big-time talents will battle for the position to begin the season.
Texas returns experience on the pitching mound. Jr. Kenn Kasparek and So. Riley Boening are both expected to return to starting roles after sitting out last season due to injuries. Jr. Austin Wood is Texas' top returning pitcher, after going 8-1 on the mound with a 3.15 ERA. The weekday rotation is still up for grabs, although touted Frs. Brandon Workman and Cole Green, and Florida State transfer So. Casey Whitmer appear to be the current front runners.
Jrs. Pat McCrory and Keith Shinaberry both return to the Longhorns after seeing extensive bullpen time in 2007. Shinaberry was 3rd on the team in relief appearances, while McCrory began the season as the starting SS. Jr. Kyle Walker should also get plenty of time on the mound if he has solved his control problems that plagued his first 2 years in Austin. Newcomers Chance Ruffin, Garrett Clyde and Lee Johnson are also candidates for early and often playing time. Rounding out the bullpen is So. Hunter Harris, a 2 game winner in '07.
With plenty of veterans, as well as incoming legacies (Bobby Buckner, son of Bill Buckner, Chance Ruffin, son of Longhorn Legend Bruce Ruffin, and Garrett Clyde, cousin of David Clyde) give the Longhorns more than a chance of making it back to Omaha, again.
Garrido still sizing up his team, but he digs the new Disch (Austin American-Statesman)
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