Friday, March 6, 1998
The University Daily Kansan
Section B·Page 3
Kansas freshman shortstop John Nelson waits for the ball while trying to catch a Creighton runner stealing a base. The runner was called out on the play. Photo by Geoff Krieger/KANSAN
KU first baseman out for season
Kansas looks to bullpen against Illinois-Chicago
By John Blakely Wilson Kansan sportswriter
Kansas baseball (5-6) will conclude its five-game home stand this weekend with three games against Illinois-Chicago after learning starting first baseman Chad King will be out for the season.
King, who slammed five home runs last season in limited action, will redshirt this season because of an injury to his right arm. Randall said he had been counting on run production from the 6-foot-529-pound senior
"He is one of the strongest baseball players I've ever coached," Randall said. "It will help our team next season, but it really hurts to lose that power in our lineup."
First base would have been a deep position for the Jayhawks with King. Without him, the pressure falls on junior Randy Case, who still is recovering from a back injury. Catcher Josh Dimmick played first base last week against Hastings College. He will play several games at that position throughout the season.
"Randy Case's back gets stiff when he plays a lot," Randall said. "He should be able to play more as the season progresses, but we'll rest him at times early."
Catcher Shane Wedd said the Jayhawks were focusing on pregame preparation.
"After losing last Friday at Oklahoma State, we all questioned how ready we were to play," Wedd said. "We saw what it takes to play at that level."
Randall said he had been impressed lately with the team's pitching and Les Walrond and Mark Corson would start the first two games of the series.
"Every guy who has thrown in the last week has looked better than his last appearance," Randall said.
Randall said several players had entrenched themselves as everyday starters: Clint Wyrick in center field,
Andy Juday at second base, John Nelson at shortstop and Josh Dimmick at catcher.
"Those guys will form the heart of our lineup, but we are also waiting for other bats to come alive," Randall said. "I know guys like Cliff Bryson and Brett Kappelman will make key contributions as the season progresses."
Nelson, a true freshman, said he didn't feel pressure to produce as an everyday player for the Jayhawks.
"All the older guys are always encouraging me," Nelson said. "Most of the important skills I've learned here I've learned from veteran players."
Illinois-Chicago has yet to play a game this season but finished 15-25 in 1997. Sophomore infielder Charlie Annerino in the Flames' leading returning player after hitting .302 with 13 RBI last year. Randall said Illinois-Cochise would bring a skillful squad.
"I know they signed of the best talent in Chicago last year, and Chicago is always loaded with players," Randall said. "This won't be a weekend we can just come in and overwhelm them."
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