The USC baseball season gets underway with a three-game set against Jacksonville this weekend. Opening night is Friday at 6 p.m.
What is the biggest difference from year one to year two of the Frank Cruz era?
It's the experience of our team. They have an idea of what to expect. We are focused more on refining technique and fundamentals than learning.
In a year of great Trojans choosing to return to school like Matt Barkley and Steve Johnson, how important was Andrew Triggs' decision to get his MBA instead of turning pro?
Football has a little more depth and tennis has a ton of depth, but we didn't have any depth in our starting rotation, so it was an even bigger impact for our program than even those other sports. It helped us buy a year to allow some more pitching to come in and smooth out the transition.
What's easier to build quickly, a rotation or a lineup?
I think a lineup. A lot of the top pitchers often sign after they get drafted. They get the most money, so it is hard to keep them committed. We have to focus on developing the young pitchers that we do get.
How are you going to replace Ricky Oropesa?
We are not going to try to. Ricky was such a force in the batter's box. Alex Sherrod, who was our other big offensive run producer last year, is back, so we expect a lot from him. SS James Roberts has gotten a lot bigger. C Kevin Roundtree (photo by Pierson Clair) had a solid season for us last year. We'll have more guys instead of being dependent on Oropesa and Joe DePinto like we were last year. The consistency and execution will be better up-and-down the lineup.
What does new pitching coach Dan Hubbs bring to the dugout?
He has been in the college game for a long time, so his experience helps. Plus, he went here, so he has a great understanding of USC. His knowledge of the overall game has really gotten my attention. He will be a great asset to not only the pitchers but the position players too.
What are reasonable expectations for this team?
Reasonable or Regional?? I call them Regional expectations. We want to get to Regionals. That's our goal. The main goal is always to get to Omaha, but you have got to get to the dance first. Those expectations are not farfetched.
What is the biggest difference from year one to year two of the Frank Cruz era?It's the experience of our team. They have an idea of what to expect. We are focused more on refining technique and fundamentals than learning.
In a year of great Trojans choosing to return to school like Matt Barkley and Steve Johnson, how important was Andrew Triggs' decision to get his MBA instead of turning pro?
Football has a little more depth and tennis has a ton of depth, but we didn't have any depth in our starting rotation, so it was an even bigger impact for our program than even those other sports. It helped us buy a year to allow some more pitching to come in and smooth out the transition.
What's easier to build quickly, a rotation or a lineup?
I think a lineup. A lot of the top pitchers often sign after they get drafted. They get the most money, so it is hard to keep them committed. We have to focus on developing the young pitchers that we do get.
How are you going to replace Ricky Oropesa?
We are not going to try to. Ricky was such a force in the batter's box. Alex Sherrod, who was our other big offensive run producer last year, is back, so we expect a lot from him. SS James Roberts has gotten a lot bigger. C Kevin Roundtree (photo by Pierson Clair) had a solid season for us last year. We'll have more guys instead of being dependent on Oropesa and Joe DePinto like we were last year. The consistency and execution will be better up-and-down the lineup.What does new pitching coach Dan Hubbs bring to the dugout?
He has been in the college game for a long time, so his experience helps. Plus, he went here, so he has a great understanding of USC. His knowledge of the overall game has really gotten my attention. He will be a great asset to not only the pitchers but the position players too.
What are reasonable expectations for this team?
Reasonable or Regional?? I call them Regional expectations. We want to get to Regionals. That's our goal. The main goal is always to get to Omaha, but you have got to get to the dance first. Those expectations are not farfetched.
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