October 26, 2007

Kendall Rogers
Rivals.com College Baseball Editor

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With the Rice pitching staff in great shape, the Owls have turned their attention to the offense this fall.

After experiencing a tale of two seasons in 2007, the Owls hope to establish more consistency. It would certainly help longtime coach Wayne Graham sleep at night.

Despite the departures of several key players, coach Wayne Graham and the Owls are surprisingly confident.

"We're using the same method we used in 1995 and 2003. We're trying to put together an offensive lineup that can have success against any pitching," Graham said. "Not many teams can do that, so we're aiming for consistency throughout the lineup. We want nine good hitters."

The Owls no longer have the services of two-way star Joe Savery and shortstop Brian Friday. However, they do welcome back utility player Aaron Luna and veteran outfielder Jordan Dodson, among others.

Luna can play in the outfield or second base. But for now, the Owls aren't sure what his status will be in the spring.

They're taking a wait-and-see approach.

"Much like last season, we're probably going to move people around, so we can utilize them in the best way possible," he said. "I anticipate Luna playing left field a lot, but also see him playing second."

Though not certain he will be the full-time second baseman, the Owls have been pleased with the development of junior Jess Buenger.

Buenger hit .306 with seven homers and 47 RBIs last season. He also did a nice job in the field.

"Buenger has turned out to be a great player," he said. "He matured a lot when he realized he could become a starter. He has been one of our best players so far this fall."

With the second base position starting to take shape, the rest of the infield has shown stability.

Sophomore third baseman Diego Seastrunk has thoroughly impressed the coaching staff, while J.P. Padron has the inside track at first base. Veteran Adam Zornes is holding down the fort behind the plate.

"Padron had a tremendous summer and has found himself," he said. "He is hitting the ball hard this fall and is probably our leader at first base."

Redshirt sophomore Jimmy Comerota could be Rice's wild card.

Comerota hit .294 in a limited number of at bats last season. But as the fall progresses, his role is expected to increase.

"Jimmy is a gamer and is having a sensational fall," he said. "He has increased his speed and is running a 6.8, 60. He and Padron really give us the security we need in the infield."

The Owls are also excited about newcomers Rick Hague and Chad Mozingo. Both highly touted recruits, the dynamic duo are expected to contribute immediately.

Given the Owls' depth and experience in the field, Hague and Mozingo's surges are impressive.

"Hague and Mozingo and are just players, plain and simple," he said. "There's no question they will have significant roles as freshmen. Hague has been pretty good, while Mozingo is leading the team in hitting."

With a strong collection of veterans and talented freshmen, the Owls are unlike many teams in college baseball. They have few question marks.

Admittedly optimistic, Graham believes his team is in great shape.

"I think we have a lot of experience and some talented young players," he said. "I'm thinking we're going to have a very good offense in addition to impressive team speed."

If the pitching staff continues its consistent ways and the offense continues to come together, the Owls are in business.

In the meantime, Graham is just having fun watching his team.

"It's just fun to watch these guys evolve," he said. "Despite some of the location problems we've had with where we're practicing, this has already been an incredibly fun fall."

Kendall Rogers is the college baseball editor for Rivals.com. He can be reached at kendall@rivals.com.