FEATURE 9
Brett Lisher
343,19 RBI,
6 BB
After playing in only 20 games last season, the former walk-on has been a pleasant surprise emerging as one of Kansas' most improved hitters. In addition to his smooth, line-drive producing swing, Lisher has anchored the Jayhawks infield from first base with only one error on the season.
James Stanfield .279,11 RBI 14 BB
Stanfield has emerged as Kansas' most well rounded option at catcher. In his first year at the position, Stanfield has displayed a strong arm (5-of-14 throwing out runners) and also has improved blocking pitches in the dirt. Stanfield is also a threat at the plate, with a great batting eye and a knack for working deep into the count.
mmyaters
864,4 HR RBI,19 BB
Chaperson went down in knee injury, Waters into the cleanup spot led the power void for Kan's teammates and coaches in the preseason about much Waters had improved this sophomore year — and has lived up to the hype far.
The top backup behind Stanfield at catcher, Manship also sees a good deal of time at designated hitter in Kansas' lineup because of his steady bat. After only appearing in a handful of games as a freshman, Manship has already smashed his offensive numbers from a year ago.
The ace of Kansas's staff has not been up to snuff in his last three outings, allowing six or more earned runs in each start. But Walz boasts a great array of pitches, including one of the sharpest breaking balls in the Big 12. As Friday's starter, Walz will need to get back to his usual dominant form as he'll be matched up against the opposition's best arm on a weekly basis.
4-2, 6.00 ERA,
39 IP, 35 K
Walz
After transferring to Kansas from South Mountain Community College in Arizona, Macias struggled initially transitioning to using aluminum bats after playing in a wood bat league in junior college. But the always sure-handed infielder has been on a tear of late, currently riding a sevengame hitting streak.
Brandon Macias
.260, 12 RBI,
4 BB
Brett Bochy
2-0, 0.83 ERA,
4 SV, 21.2 IP, 33 K
A pitching staff is only as good as its closer — and Bochy is one of the best around. The junior hurler features an overwhelming fastball that has been almost unhintled this season. He's currently holding opposing hitters to an astoundingly low .099 batting average.
SAN
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
THE WAVE MARCH 31,2010