Section B · Page 10
The University Daily Kansan
Wednesday. February 9, 2000
The fate of the game often rests on the shoulders of these new pitchers. Last year, the Jayhawk pitching stuff cracked under pressure — the coaches are hoping the same won't happen this year.
Photo by Nick Krug/KANSAN
Hurlers have huge hurdles ahead
By Amanda Kashube sports@kansan.com
Kansas scrippswriter
Baseball teams live and die on the mound — and last year, Kansas died.
But after three years of recruiting and working toward a solid pitching foundation, Jayhawk coaches and players think they may be closer to the change-up they need.
"It's the hardest thing in baseball"
"we are the hardest thing in baseball
— you need pitching," said coach
Bobby Randall. "We're still a little
rusty, but we're not done yet."
He is returning two seniors, two juniors, two sophomores and has gained a fresh crop of freshmen pitchers, all eager for their chances.
He also reviewed the fundamentals with his pitchers last fall to produce a better outcome than last
season, when the pitchers gave up 652 hits, 480 runs and 210 walks in 54 games. Jayhawk pitchers had an average ERA of 8.25 in the Big 12 Conference, five points higher than their opponents' average.
"Last year, we pitched well for four or five innings, but then we stopped," junior Pete Smart said.
All of this so Kansas can have a shot at winning more games.
"You need to pitch well so you can get a good start," Randall said. "We know we have to pitch well. We have more confidence in our ability, depth and experience. It's
taken us three years to get here. We've been working toward a strong foundation."
Philbrick said the pitchers were focusing on correcting personal flaws.
"We can't get down early in our offense, defense or our pitching," he said. "We're capable of playing better."
Last year, only three pitchers earned saves and only one pitcher threw a complete game.
"There is always pressure when you pitch," Nelson said. "You need consistency — we had good players last year, but they didn't play well. We want everyone to pitch well."
Along with returners senior Ryan Schmidt, junior Brandon O'Neal, sophomore Jeff Davis, Philbrick, Smart and Olson, Randall recruite nine new pitchers to add
depth to his team.
"We want this to be a year when everything comes together and establishes a brand of pitching that will be around for years," Randall said. "You can't rebuild in a year, but we're getting our program in shape. We want to develop the skills to be successful."
Included in the new mix are freshmen right handers Jim Caine and Nick Seibert, both from Illinois, and Clav Wheeler, from Missouri.
Caine was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the 10th round out of high school, and Seibert led his high school team to the 2A state championship.
"The freshmen are by far the most competitive freshmen we've had in a long time," Randall said. "All are pushing to be starters or at least have a lot of playing time. It's
Although the newcomers will add talent to the roster, Randall said he still would look to his starters for key performances and strong work ethics.
"I think it's a good measure of a team — how many people come early and how many stay late — and this has probably been the most productive year for us with that so far," he said. "That's what our veterans have done to provide leadership — they come early and they stay late."
"We'll bounce back — we'll do better this year," Philbrick said. "We'll play hard and compete, then leave it on the field."
With a mix of veterans and newcomers, the Jayhawks plan to stay in the game longer.
Captains face difficult task
Continued from page 1B
All juniors and seniors are eligible for captain status, but team members only give three the honor.
The following team members will serve as captains:
Pete Smart
Smart will be one of Kansas' starters on the mound. He started last year in the bullpen, but came out as a starter toward the end, compiling a 3-3 record and a 7.19 ERA.
The 6-foot-7-inch, 195-pound lefty from Omaha, Neb., is the second tallest player to wear a Kansas uniform.
"It's hard to be a captain and not perform close to the best of your ability." he said. "Pitchers control the game. We're the center of attention. As long as the hitters give us one run, it gives the pitchers a chance to win. We want that chance."
Smart, who was named outstanding pitcher last season, threw 51.1 innings and recorded 36 strikeouts last season.
"I want to be a great player on a great team," he said. "I want the next inning I throw to be scoreless." Shane Wedd
After being Kansas' No. 1 catcher for 50 games last season, Wedd, a 6-foot-10inch, 210-pound Lawrence native, will be moved up the baseline to first base and also will be used as a designated hitter.
"It's not that different from catching — I want to be on the team, and I'll do whatever that means," he said.
His weakness is his defensive ability at first base. Wedd said he had been going back to fundamentals by working on ground balls.
"If it's the same game I played as a little kid, but I'm relearning the little things," he said.
Bryan Schmidt
A junior college transfer from Barton County, Schmidt earned a starting spot on the mound. He made 19 appearances, going 24 with a 6.44 ERA in 64.1 innings of work. He tied for third in the team for wins, ranked second in innings pitched and third in strikeouts (46).
"We've got a good bunch of kids on this team," Randall said. "Ryan has improved a lot over the summer. He'll be a strong returner."
Schimdt pitched a career-high 7.1 innings against Kansas State last season when he allowed only two earned runs and struck out five. He will compete for a starting spot on the pitching rotation.
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