NSAN
2009
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
TUESDAY, APRIL 21, 2009
SPORTS
3B
BASEBALL
KANSAS VS. BAKER
6 p.m.
Hoglund Ballpark
KANSAS
(25-14)
PITCHING
Sophomore third baseman Tony Thompson has been the
Thompson
notes written in the Big 12.
He leads the conference with 50 RBIs and is second with 12 home runs. It doesn't hurt that he batting .384, his emer.
gence has given the Jayhawks a fighting chance all season, but it won't be needed against Baker. Expect to see Thompson get the day off as coach Ritch Price will try to get his bench players in.
OFFENSE
The pitching definitely took a step back over the weekend, with junior starter Shaefer Hall and
sophnomore starter t.J. Walz getting roughed up. But expect junior transfer pitcher Cameron Selik to get his first start April 12.
start since April
Selik
7th. Selik had undisclosed arm troubles and Price shut him down to get some rest.
MOMENTUM
Kansas took a spill in Lubbock, Texas, over the weekend, losing two out of three games. Price described the 15-6 victory on Sunday however, as saving the season. That being said, Baker won't pose much of a problem at all as Kansas takes to give its bench players some innings, resting the starters for Wednesday's border showdown.
Josh Bowe
BAKER (16-27) PITCHING
Baker is a powerful team through the first seven innings.
games, they've yet to score in the eighth or ninth inning. Sophomore catcher Brandon Truitt leads the Wildcat at-
average, and is second with four home runs. He's also the only Baker player with an OPS over 1.000.
★★☆☆☆
OFFENSE
The Wildcats may throw staff ace Vidal Nuno, whose 2.96 ERA
by a full point and a half. It won't likely make a difference, though, as Nuno's numbers have been posted against NAIA
Nuno
competition that can't match the level the Jayhawks play at. With a staff ERA of more than seven and a batting average against of more than .300, expect the Wildcats to get hit early and often.
★☆☆☆
MOMENTUM
The Wildcats come in on a run opposite what the Jayhawks faced last Tuesday. Then, Kansas traveled to face the Creighton Bluejays, who were riding an 11-2 hot streak entering the game. This week, the Jayhawks stay home and face a team slumping into the Tuesday night game at 2-11.
Tim Dwyer
FAMILY (CONTINUED FROM 1B)
pass along to me from his experiences, that pretty much no one else could," Brunansky said.
One might think that because Afenir's tie to the MLB is his uncle, not his father, that he might not have had same kind of mentoring as the others. But that's far from the truth.
"We're a pretty tight-knit family," Afenir said. "He has the experience of being there, so having that kind of trust that whatever he says got him somewhere special anything he says I pretty much trust."
--ethic involved," Price said. "You understand how hard you have to work in the weight room. You have to understand that you have to go hit on your own in your own individual preparation time."
Looking back on previous rosters, it's become apparent that there always seems to be a couple of players on the team who have the same kind of relationship to the major leagues that Brunansky, Bochy, and Afenir have.
"I'm a big believer that if you grow up within a baseball family, you understand how to play the game within the game," Price said. "We try to find kids that are from coaching families and aren't afraid to compete in this conference."
Price said connections with former players and their dads bring quite a few of those players to to Kansas.
Is it a coincidence, or does coach Ritch Price look for this in his recruiting?
Most of the time, players from baseball families have a lot of the qualities that Price is looking for. He credits much of that to immersion in the sport.
"If you grow up in a baseball family, you understand the work
"I think it's contagious," Price said. "When other players see those kids working like that, they kind of fall in line and take the same routes to try to chase their dream of being a professional baseball player."
Price said he also appreciates the way they coexist with the rest of the players in the locker room and the effect that they have on team chemistry.
Brunansky said although it never specifically came up during his recruitment, he admires the effort Price puts into getting these kinds of players on the team.
"I don't think he looks for people with this background, but he finds it as an advantage to his program if he does get them," Brunansky said. "Since our dads are so connected with baseball, we have a bit of
"I don't think
advantage mentally when we come to play, so we know what's expected of us at this level before we even come here."
Afenir said. "He just knows that if you come from a good baseball family, chances are you're going to be a pretty good ballplayer."
Afenir shared similar reasons for why players who grow up with baseball in their family turn out so successful. He wouldn't go as far as to saying it is the be-all, end-all reason, but that it certainly helps.
--felt any extra pressure to play professionally. Brunansky started out the season as a reserve outfielder.
"I don't think it's so much as it is why it got us to where we're at,"
Being so close to the professional game, it would be easy to assume Brunansky, Bochy, and Afenir feel the burden of living up to their pedigrees. However, they said they didn't feel any pressure, and Brunansky keeps in close contact with his father.
"It's never been, 'you need to be him', or anything like that." Afenir said. "It always had been just what we like to do."
Brunansky said he stayed in constant contact with his father since he arrived at Kansas, and he never
"He's very proud of the progress I've made and he continues to support me," Brunansky said. "We always talk pretty much every night about what happens
Even if they don't feel the pressure to go pro, they still have a lot to contribute to Kansas' success this season.
Brunansky, in 90 at bats, has hit for a .278 average, he has flashed the leather in centerfield, routinely making running and diving catches.
Afenir is third on the team with
Bochy struggled early in the season, but solidified himself as a reliable reliever in the Kansas bullpen, although with a 6.33 ERA.
a .357 average and second in home runs and RBIs.
we read the bullpen and is fourth overall, with 33 strike-outs.
Kansas has solidified itself as a quality team that has surpassed expectations, sitting with a 25-14 record
"Most kids don't get to be with their dad at work. I got to be with him everywhere he went."
overall, 8-7 in the Big 12, heading into tonight's game against Baker (16-27).
--see Brett's games, but they remain in constant contact.
BRETT BOCHY Junior pitcher
Brett and his family lived in San Diego, where his father managed the Padres, and it was quite an experience. Bochy spent as much time with his dad as possible, even on the road over the many baseball summers.
"It's been a fun ride, growing up and being able to be around him all the time." Bochy said. "It's definitely had its perks and it's played a big part to where I've gotten today."
Those perks included being able to travel across America, visiting major league parks and players, with Bruce just doing his job. It sounds like every Little Leaguer's dream, but for Brett, it was his life.
"Most kids don't get to be with their dad at work." Brett said with a smile. "I got to be with him everywhere he went most of the time when I was younger."
Like any college student, the distance between Brett and his father has taken its toll. With Bruce's job working him around the clock, even in the off-season, it's tough for him to travel to Lawrence and
"It's a little tougher being away from him a lot more; he doesn't get a chance to come out here and watch the games," Brett said. "I still get a chance to talk to him on a nightly basis."
--announcement?
After all the years that Tom Brunanis poured into the Twins organization, and that summer in 2007, the Twins would have to be Jason's favorite team, right? "I've got to go with the Red Sox," Jason said with a chuckle.
In Jason's defense, his father played with the Boston Red Sox towards the back end of his career. But don't think Tom Brunansky doesn't wish his son could change allegiances.
"My dad still likes the Twins' organization the most," Brunansky said. "How he considers playing the game the right way."
RECRUITING (CONTINUED FROM 18'
If his son lason can play the game the right way with Kansas, Tom Brunansky might be able to swap major league games with his son sooner rather than later.
- Edited by Melissa Johnson
"I couldn't Carl said to Zagsblog. "I'm so ready for it to be over with."
"I couldn't tell you,man,"
Whenever it does end, it will conclude one of the most topsy-turvy recruiting situations in recent memory
Xavier wa of intent
for Kansas coach Bill Self and the Jayhawks. Xavier was Self's top priority from the beginning.
The Henrys have filed an appeal to the NCAA to let C.J. play immediately. There's no timetable for when that ruling could be released.
But he chose Memphis live on ESPN in November because he wanted an opportunity to play with C.J., who was a walk-on freshman for the Tigers, and for Caliari.
When Calipari left for Kentucky last month, however,
let out of his letter and reopened his recruitment. He said he wanted to play for Kansas, but that Kentucky would also be considered.
Adding more intrigue is the fact that C.J. originally committed to Kansas out of high school. C.J. chose Kansas in 2005 -
part of the same class as Brandon Rush, Mario Chalmers and Julian Wright — before being drafted by the New York Yankees in the MLB Entry Draft.
C. J. played minor league baseball for three years before walking on at Memphis last season. He didn't appear in any games because of an injury, but would still have to sit out next
year because of NCAA rutes should he choose to transfer.
The Henrys have filed an appeal to the NCAA to let C.J. play immediately. There's no timetable for when that ruling could be released.
Also hanging in the balance is Lance Stephenson, Rivals' No. 9 recruit in the nation. Stephenson is choosing between Kansas, Maryland and Saint John's.
— Edited by Susan Melgren
If Kansas gets Henry, Stephenson is likely to pick between Maryland and Saint Johns. Not only do Stephenson and Henry play the same position, but Kansas would also be out of scholarships to award if Henry commits.
MONTEMAYOR (CONTINUED FROM 1B)
"staying." If the University's new chancellor isn't as big a sports fan as the outgoing Robert Hemenway, this wouldn't be an unthinkable scenario.
No small man, Perkins is worth his weight in cash. Since arriving in June 2003, Perkins has presided over an $8 million increase in donations to the Williams Education Fund, $63 million (non-state dollars) in renovations to and construction of athletics facilities, the second time in Division I history that a school had a BCS bowl winner and a national championship basketball team in one year. He also was named Time Magazine's sports executive of the year. He was the only college official on Time's list.
Also last Thursday, The Kansan published an editorial that made a few hits and misses when
There will likely never be a consensus regarding the role of collegiate athletics. There will be those biased toward athletics and apathetic toward talking politics as well as those jealous of athletics' financial clout, unaware of its contributions to a college when successful.
A balanced perspective will find that Perkins deserves a bonus if he stays but also that we deserve to read that his bonus requires him to indeed stay. As it stands, the bonus is little more than a parting gift from Hemenway.
discussing a gap between athletics and academics and, like many arguments, referred to the latest planned construction activities and lack of similar plans around the rest of campus.
SOFTBALL (CONTINUED FROM 1B)
Edited by Casey Miles
seed may give Kansas hope to bring home the Big 12 postseason title, a leaf that hasn't been accomplished since 2006. Luckily for the Jayhawks, they'll have the next three games to build momentum.
Kansas arrived in Tulsa last night eager to play Tuesday's doubleheader, seeking to shake off being swept by No. 24 Texas over the weekend.
"We need to focus on the fundamentals and play our game," senior outfielder Dougie McCaulley said Monday. "We've got to build momentum before this last stretch. As a team, we can't beat ourselves like we did against Texas."
Beating Tulsa would provide a
much needed confidence boost and a solid start to the nonconference three-game stretch. The Golden Hurricane (28-14, 10-4) is second in the Conference USA, seven games behind East Carolina. Pending a monumental collapse by East Carolina, it looks like Tulsa is jockeying, too.
Riding a five-game winning streak, Tulsa has been executing in all three facets of the game. The Golden Hurricane offense is led by corner outfielders Lauren Lindsay and Brooke Smart, who hit .378 and .375 respectively. The team has a batting average of .290. Jackie Lawrence (12-4) leads the pitching staff in wins and innings
pleting 96.5 percent of its defensive plays.
pitched while maintaining a stellar 1.55 ERA. Behind her, the Golden Hurricane defense has committed only 36 errors, successfully com-
So far this season, Tulsa is 2-4 against the Big 12. Highlights include a split with Texas A&M and a victory over Oklahoma State.
"We've got to build momentum before the last stretch. As a team, we can't beat ourselves."
day and are fully capable of making a strong push, not only in the last 11 games but in the conference tournament as well.
DOUGIE MCCAULLEY Senior outfielder
Though inconsistent, the Jayhawks have proven that they can beat any team on any given
"When we've won we've focused on the details, made key plays and had timely hitting," senior right fielder Stevie Crisosto said. "When we've lost we haven't had that. That's a big difference for us."
Kansas will need two quality starts
outs and an ERA of 2.71 in 25 appearances. Vertelka (6-8), who has appeared 26 times, has a 3.10 ERA.
from pitchers Val George and Sarah Vertelka. George (9-12) leads the team with 141 strike-
McCauley and third baseman Val Chapple lead the Jayhawk hitters. Chapple has a .319 batting average, 20 RBIs and has scored 20 runs; McCauley bats .310 and has scored 25 runs. Liz Kocon and Allie Clark both have team-high 22 RBIs. Clark also leads the team in home runs with five. As of late, that timely hitting has come from the bat of catcher Elle Pottof.
Edited by Susan Melgren
NATIONAL LEAGUE St. Louis picks up relief pitcher to bolster its pen
ST. LOUIS — The St. Louis Cardinals got help for a needy bullpen on Monday, acquiring right-hander Blaine Boyer from the Atlanta Braves for minor league outfielder Barton.
General manager John Mozeilak said the Cardinals would go with 13 pitchers for at least the next few days, and would demote a position player before beginning a three-game series against the Mets on Tuesday. St. Louis relievers have averaged more than four innings the first 13 games.
"I don't look at it as a Band-Aid at all." Mozeliak said. "We're looking to add depth to an area that needed it."
Mozeliak said he wasn't sure
how long the Cardinals would need an extra pitcher, which will leave them with only four bench players. The most likely cut is rookie third baseman David Freese, batting .158 in 19 at-bats while losing time to Brian Barden and Joe Thurston.
AMERICAN LEAGUE Yankees see first rained-out game at new stadium
REGISTER at our new stadium NEW YORK — It didn't take long for another first at the new Yankee Stadium: the first rainout.
Afternoon showers and a forecast for more rain in the evening caused the Yankees to call Monday night's game against the Oakland Athletics.
No makeup date was announced, but in addition to the remainder of this week's series on Tuesday night and Wednesday afternoon, the As return for another three-game set from July 24-26. With both teams off July 23, it could be made up then or as part of a day-night doubleheader later in the series.
New York's Andy Pettitte and Oakland's Dana Eveland, who had been set back to start the opener, were pushed back to Tuesday. The A's said Brett Anderson would start Wednesday.
Yankees manager Joe Girardi bypassed Chien-Ming Wang for his next turn following three terrible outings. CC Sabathia is to start Wednesday's series finale against Oakland, and Joba Chamberlain, A.J. Burnett and Andy Pettite were scheduled to start this weekend in the Yankees' first trip of the year to Fenway Park.
Associated Press
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