More: Fall Workouts Scoop | Coaching Carousel

August 29, 2008

Kendall Rogers
Rivals.com College Baseball Editor

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Dan McDonnell's dream has come true at Louisville.

When McDonnell took the coaching job at Louisville, few thought he would be able to turn the Cardinals into a consistent winner, much less a potential perennial power. That assumption was wrong.

Though the Cards still have much to prove before they're called a national power, they enter fall workouts with several key players back in the fold. The list includes hard-hitting third baseman Chris Dominguez, who turned down the Rockies to return for his senior season.

While Louisville highlights this week's mailbag, we also take an inside look at San Diego's Kyle Blair, the Oregon job opening, Loyola Marymount and the state of baseball in the Northeast.

Northern exposure

After playing inconsistent baseball for some of last season, the Cardinals really came on at the end of the season. Though UL ran into Georgia in the Athens Regional, it still had a successful season considering the players it lost from the Omaha team in 2007.

With several players back in the fold this fall, the Cardinals hope to put together a team capable of returning to the College World Series.

That goal is certainly attainable.

The Cardinals welcome back weekend starters Bob Revesz and Justin Marks. But most important, third baseman Chris Dominguez turned down Colorado this summer and decided to return for his junior campaign.

As with every team, the Cardinals aren't flawless. They do, however, have a talented and experienced offense entering fall workouts.

If the offense equals its production from last season and the pitching staff improves, the Cardinals should be in great shape entering the spring.

San Diego sleeper

San Diego was relieved for a good reason when right-handed pitcher Kyle Blair decided to attend college instead of turning pro.

That decision has already turned out well for both parties.

In his first season with the Toreros, Blair made 12 starts, had an 8-4 record and also had an ERA of 3.86 in 74 2/3 innings of work. He also struck out 99 and walked 34, while opponents hit him at a .221 clip.

With front-line weekend starters Brian Matusz and Josh Romanski going pro this past summer, Blair has an opportunity to become the staff ace.

Saying Blair has a chance to win National Pitcher of the Year honors at this juncture might be a little much, but he certainly has the upside to do so.

San Diego has done an excellent job of developing pitchers this past few seasons, and that'll continue with Blair.

The right choice

We've discussed Loyola Marymount's decision to hire Gill at length in the past, but as a final word I believe it was a good hire.

Though hiring Gill certainly wasn't a huge splash, that's not always a bad thing. Gill has a wealth of experience at the elite level as both a player and coach. He has also learned the ropes from one of the nation's best in Oregon's George Horton.

There are other candidates that would've been intriguing as well, but Gill definitely was a plus hire for the Lions.

As for LMU and its ability to win the WCC title, it certainly can happen.

I had the opportunity this past spring to catch a game at LMU between the Lions and Cal State Fullerton Titans. Tucked away off the interstate, the campus is very attractive and the facility has some charm. As with many WCC schools, LMU also has a great academic reputation.

San Diego and Pepperdine seem to have a hold on the WCC, and both schools continue to attract elite talent. However, as San Francisco has shown in the past, there's room for more title contenders.

Gill may not immediately right the ship, but he will be successful.

Oregon on hold

Jason Gill's departure from Oregon couldn't have come at a worse time.

Though I obviously don't blame Gill for taking a head job that could eventually turn into a coaching gig at a big-time program, it certainly left coach George Horton and the Ducks in a tough position.

The Ducks already have assistant Andrew Checketts, but must now find a coach that's willing to move with the fall semester around the corner. That may be tough to find.

While Oregon's situation may not be optimal, there are plenty reasons why a coach might consider a last-second move to Eugene, Ore. Oregon will have excellent baseball facilities, and the university will pay well. In addition to those perks, it would be a perfect stepping stone for a head job.

With that in mind, there are a few coaches I'd immediately take a look at.

The list includes Fresno State's Matt Curtis, South Florida's Bryant Ward, former Auburn assistant Bill Mosiello and Santa Clara's Chad Baum. These are who we think should get a look, not necessarily who is actually on Oregon's list.

Curtis has proven himself to be a good recruiter at Fresno State, while Ward and Baum have Cal State Fullerton ties with Horton.

Sources have told me that Oregon received an impressive list of applicants, but we'll see what happens in the coming weeks.

Looking Northeast

In terms of programs in the Northeast with great upside, it begins and ends with St. John's.

The Johnnies have an impressive tradition and coach Ed Blankmeyer has done a tremendous job of making the program a consistent tournament contender. The only thing lacking from Blankmeyer's resume is an elite tag placed on his program.

That could change sooner rather than later.

With the new rules in college baseball, St. John's is a program I think eventually will benefit more than others in the region. The Johnnies have tradition and they're strategically placed in New York City. Most important, though, the St. John's administration seems to care about baseball.

In addition to the Johnnies, Rutgers is a program that could eventually become a national power if it better utilizes its resources. Boston College is in the same boat, and is also aided by the fact they're in the ACC.

Then there are programs such as Penn State and Pittsburgh that also have resources. Penn State has one of the nation's best ballparks, while Pitt is a nationally known school with a strategic location in a metro area.

I strongly believe it would be wonderful for college baseball to have a national power in a huge market like New York City. But in the day and age where players are looking to go south, I'm not sure how feasible that is on a long-term basis.

I do, however, think it's great that more schools are using resources.

Kendall Rogers is the college baseball editor for Rivals.com. He can be reached at rogersk@yahoo-inc.com.