During this lull in the OU basketball schedule, I’d like to take an opportunity and talk some Golden Grizzlies baseball.
Baseball in December? Yep. As college baseball’s season begins in February, the pre-season hype commences about this time of the year. As such, I figure this is a good a time as any to start posting about it.
Oakland has a number of returning players that will vie for all-conference honors. SS Andrew Stafford (.344/3/40/11 SB), OF Justin Wilson (.350/4/30/12) and OF Dan Ryan (.325/3/25) all had outstanding season in 2007 and more is expected of each of them in ‘08.
The Grizzlies offense could be the best in the conference. Yes, that’s part homer talk out of me, but OU could swing the bats last year and I would expect more of the same this coming season.
The old axiom in baseball is that you’ll go as far as your pitching carries you and that will most likely be the case for the 2008 Grizzlies. Matt Trausch and Mike Takashima will anchor a veteran rotation. The Grizzlies will also look to both freshmen and transfer arms to bolster their staff.
One freshman of note is Jeff Gorecki. The Orchard Lake St. Mary’s product was one of the top Michigan HS players a year ago and now looks to have the same success in college.
First year head coach John Musachio might have just enough of the right pieces to find Oakland battling for the conference crown. Just like in hoops, if OU can find a way to capture the conference tournament title, a NCAA berth comes along.
While all of us are optimistic about OU’s basketball future, the baseball program does appear to be on the verge of following suit.
Here are some links to OU baseball that you might find interesting.
* The annual First Pitch Dinner is being held January 26, 2008.
* Coach Musachio and his staff have been on the recruiting trail, as well.
* A student at Michigan (and blogging ally, Samara) takes tons of photos at each UM game she can get to. Why is this important? Because OU plays Michigan every year. There are some very nice shots of Oakland players, as well. (Realize she’s a Wolverine and comments are sort of partisan.)
* Finally, the Grizzlies 2008 schedule is out. It’s a bit nasty with notable field trips to Kentucky (I’m guessing they’ll be in the hunt for the SEC title) and Tulane (a college baseball power) plus the usual visits to places like Michigan (which should be in the top 10) and Michigan State (my early underdog choice in the Big Ten). CMU and WMU might win the MAC and Oral Roberts is good in baseball, too.
Tags: Andrew Stafford, college baseball, Dan Ryan, Jeff Gorecki, Justin Wilson, Matt Trausch, Mike Takashima
December 17, 2007 at 8:10 pm |
Love the baseball stuff during the lull. I am totally going to get into OU baseball this year.
December 17, 2007 at 9:17 pm |
I’m glad to hear that, E4. I know the team would appreciate the support.
March 24, 2008 at 8:57 pm |
I hosted Mike Takashima last summer when he played in Battle Creek, and from the looks of the Tulane series he is still pitching well. I’ll be following him and the rest of you OU guys all spring.
By the way, how do you e-mail an OU student? I have tried a few common formats for e-mail addresses and have come up empty. feel free to pass my e-mail address on to Mike so I can get back in touch.