Fresh off of the most successful year in school history, Kansas State baseball coach Brad Hill and his squad are set to build upon all that they accomplished in 2009.
It was certainly a remarkable year for the program, and while the Wildcats enjoy discussing the run they made into an NCAA Regional appearance last season, Hill and his team have set its focus on the new year.
"I think we are all just ready to get on a plane and go somewhere and be outside and play," said Hill, the 2009 Big 12 Coach of the Year. "I know we are excited about it."
And that journey begins Friday as the Cats open the season against Delaware in the Citadel Memorial Challenge in Charleston, S.C. First pitch is scheduled for 11 a.m. with senior right-hander Ryan Daniel taking the mound for the Wildcats, who were 43-18-1 last season.
The game is part of a 12-game road trip to open the season for the Wildcats, who enter the season ranked 34th in the NCBWA preseason poll. It marks the first time in the program's history that they have opened the season ranked in a preseason poll.
The lengthy road trip will provide the Wildcats an opportunity to answer several of the questions that surround the squad.
Pitching Rotation
The largest void the Wildcats will be faced with filling this year will be in the starting rotation, as they lose the services of A.J. Morris. The righty racked up a 14-1 record last year en route to earning Big 12 Pitcher of the Year honors in 2009.
Furthermore, the Wildcats lost weekend starters Lance Hoge and Todd Vogel. With the three pitchers gone, the Wildcats will look to fill each of the weekend starting roles.
The competitors for the starting rotation include senior Ryan Daniel, as well as a group of sophomores that include Evan Marshall, Kyle Hunter and Justin Lindsey.
"Honestly, it never changes," Hill said. "Every year you are trying to see who is going to be able to go out there and perform."
Daniel recorded more than 50 innings in 17 appearances last season for a 4-1 record and a 4.44 ERA.
Both Marshall and Hunter received two starts last season.
Bullpen
The Wildcats will benefit from a great deal of depth in their bullpen in 2010. Junior left-hander Thomas Rooke and sophomore James Allen will anchor the group. Rooke, who notched a 5-2 record and a 4.33 ERA in 54 innings of work last year, will serve as the Wildcats main reliever out of the bullpen. Meanwhile, Allen, a freshman All-American, will take on the closing duties.
Following his first start of his career in the Wildcats' final game last season — a 13-4 loss to Rice — Rooke was considered for a starting role in 2010. However, during offseason workouts, it was clear the team would benefit more from his duties in the bullpen.
"Right now we have depth in the starting role and they don't really need me to step in there," Rooke said. "Having me in the bullpen gives us more depth than what we would have had before. Going back there is what I am comfortable doing, I would be fine with starting, but I have two years of experience doing this so it's probably the best thing for me now."
The Wildcats also return sophomores Keyvon Bahramzadeh and Matt Applegate to the bullpen from last season. The two combined for 63 innings of work last season.
Infield
The Wildcats lost first baseman Justin Bloxom and shortstop Drew Biery from last season's starting infield, and took another hit this offseason when third baseman Jason King underwent Tommy John surgery following a summer injury.
According to Hill, it is possible that King could return as early as March, but if his recovery is delayed, he would apply a medical redshirt.
"If he is able to come back in middle to late March, then obviously he will be a key ingredient to our team." Hill said.
Meanwhile, Adam Muenster will take over the services at third base, while Carter Jurica will move from second base to shortstop. Jurica hit .353 last season with 15 doubles and four home runs. He will also add speed on the basepaths, as he stole 24 bases in 2009 and currently ranks seventh nationally among active players with 52 career stolen bases.
Redshirt senior Daniel Dellasaga will receive his first opportunity as starting catcher Rob Vaughn is now in the professional ranks in the Chicago White Sox organization.
Kent Urban and Jake Brown will serve as the newcomers in the infield at first base and second base, respectively.
Outfield
Much like the starting rotation, the Wildcat outfield will be a work in progress under the supervision of sophomore returner Nick Martini.
Martini, a Louisville Slugger Freshman All-American who hit .336 last season, will be making the move from left field to center and will be the only outfielder with any significant experience.
"Our depth is really down." Hill said. "We only have four outfielders right now. It's going to be an interesting challenge."
Martini will be assisted by redshirt freshman Nick Cocking in left field and sophomore Mike Kindel in right field. Kindel hit .250 in 28 plate appearances last season, mostly as a pinch hitter.
The Wildcats return home from the 12-game road trip on March 12 when they begin a three-game series with Kent State.
Photo- Manhattan Mercury File
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