Season Preview
Feb 17, 2009 9:28:18 GMT -6
Post by circle70 on Feb 17, 2009 9:28:18 GMT -6
The following story appeared in the current e-mail edition of the Chicago Flame:
This time last year, guessing UIC baseball's starting lineup was as easy as advanced organic chemistry. The Flames returned only two starting position players and no returning starting pitching staff in 2008. But yet again, UIC coach Mike Dee and his staff proved why they're regarded by Rivals.com as the best collegiate baseball program in the state.
UIC not only competed in 2008, they excelled. The Flames won their seventh consecutive Horizon League title and claimed only the second NCAA tournament victory in school history. And lucky for coach Dee and the Flames, this time around almost everyone is returning.
As UIC heads to Texas this weekend to face the 7th ranked team in the nation to kick of the 2009 season, they bring a roster full of experience. 23 players return from last year's Horizon League regular season and tournament champions.
"We are excited that we've got a much different experience level this year," said Dee, now in his 11th season at UIC. "They're in a really good position to play well. Our guys have worked exceptionally hard since we left the NCAA tournament Regional last year."
Two 2009 NCAA player of the year candidates, senior first baseman Brett Schaffer and sophomore centerfielder Steve McGuiggan, highlight the UIC roster, but Dee does not put extra expectations on his two standout position players.
"We really work hard in this program to impress upon our guys that you can't just rely on one guy," said Dee. "It's not like football where you can hand the ball off to one guy forty times. These guys are only going to hit three or four a game.
"My expectation for them is the same as everyone else: try to be as consistent mentally and physically as they can."
Two senior starting pitchers, Derrick Miramontes and Mike Kool, head the Flames rotation and senior closer Adam Worthington, the 2008 HL reliever of the year, should shore up the late innings.
Having so many experienced pitchers is a luxury with which Dee is thrilled.
"It's really hard to replace guys that have been out there for three years," said Dee.
"My expectation is that they're going to go out and not let nerves get to them. If they do those sorts of things in the early part of the season, it'll have a tremendous effect on the team."
A rough opening schedule awaits the Flames, who take on the Texas Longhorns this weekend in a four-game series. UIC then travels to Alabama and Vanderbilt, two more perennial national powers. With a veteran team, though, Dee expects his guys to handle the difficult slate well.
"We really think it's a great opportunity to learn," said the UIC head coach. "For us to face guys that'll be in the NCAA tourney, which is our goal in the end, it gives us an in-your-face assessment as to how far we are from that level.
"You've got to have the right guys, players that can see that and not be worn down by the intensity."
Thankfully for Dee, this time he's had at least a full year to understand the chemistry and character of his team.
Horizon League preseason favorite UIC hosts regional rival Northwestern on March 12 to open the home slate. The Flames dive into League action the following week hosting Cleveland State on the 20th.
This time last year, guessing UIC baseball's starting lineup was as easy as advanced organic chemistry. The Flames returned only two starting position players and no returning starting pitching staff in 2008. But yet again, UIC coach Mike Dee and his staff proved why they're regarded by Rivals.com as the best collegiate baseball program in the state.
UIC not only competed in 2008, they excelled. The Flames won their seventh consecutive Horizon League title and claimed only the second NCAA tournament victory in school history. And lucky for coach Dee and the Flames, this time around almost everyone is returning.
As UIC heads to Texas this weekend to face the 7th ranked team in the nation to kick of the 2009 season, they bring a roster full of experience. 23 players return from last year's Horizon League regular season and tournament champions.
"We are excited that we've got a much different experience level this year," said Dee, now in his 11th season at UIC. "They're in a really good position to play well. Our guys have worked exceptionally hard since we left the NCAA tournament Regional last year."
Two 2009 NCAA player of the year candidates, senior first baseman Brett Schaffer and sophomore centerfielder Steve McGuiggan, highlight the UIC roster, but Dee does not put extra expectations on his two standout position players.
"We really work hard in this program to impress upon our guys that you can't just rely on one guy," said Dee. "It's not like football where you can hand the ball off to one guy forty times. These guys are only going to hit three or four a game.
"My expectation for them is the same as everyone else: try to be as consistent mentally and physically as they can."
Two senior starting pitchers, Derrick Miramontes and Mike Kool, head the Flames rotation and senior closer Adam Worthington, the 2008 HL reliever of the year, should shore up the late innings.
Having so many experienced pitchers is a luxury with which Dee is thrilled.
"It's really hard to replace guys that have been out there for three years," said Dee.
"My expectation is that they're going to go out and not let nerves get to them. If they do those sorts of things in the early part of the season, it'll have a tremendous effect on the team."
A rough opening schedule awaits the Flames, who take on the Texas Longhorns this weekend in a four-game series. UIC then travels to Alabama and Vanderbilt, two more perennial national powers. With a veteran team, though, Dee expects his guys to handle the difficult slate well.
"We really think it's a great opportunity to learn," said the UIC head coach. "For us to face guys that'll be in the NCAA tourney, which is our goal in the end, it gives us an in-your-face assessment as to how far we are from that level.
"You've got to have the right guys, players that can see that and not be worn down by the intensity."
Thankfully for Dee, this time he's had at least a full year to understand the chemistry and character of his team.
Horizon League preseason favorite UIC hosts regional rival Northwestern on March 12 to open the home slate. The Flames dive into League action the following week hosting Cleveland State on the 20th.
