Diamond Ducks set for year two
Picked again to finish dead last in the Pac-10, the Oregon baseball team is ready to wash away the losing memories from the program's return to the diamond in 2009.
After a 28-year hiatus, Oregon baseball returned to a spanking new stadium, PK Park.
Now with permanent bleachers and a true "dugout" for the players, the Ducks hope to grow up in year number two back on the diamond.
Oregon finished the 2009 campaign with 13 straight losses (14-42 overall, 4-23 Pac-10).
After bringing up the rear in just about every offensive category in the Pac-10 (.227 team average), the Ducks are again going to bank on their starting rotation.
Staff ace Erik Stavert is gone but the Ducks have a solid core of starters led by sophomore's Tyler Anderson, Scott McGough and redshirt senior Justin LaTempa.
Redshirt junior Drew Gagnier passed on playing in the minor leagues, he will again be the Ducks' closer.
Catching for the Ducks will be senior Eddie Rodriguez and junior Mitch Karraker.
Last season's batting average leader, Curtis Raulinaitis (.291) returns to roam the outfield for his senior season.
Oregon opens up the 2010 season February 19 at Cal State Fullerton. Head Coach George Horton led the Titans to the 2004 National Championship.
Just like last year, Horton does not want to put a number on an exact amount of wins and losses, but he says anything short of a trip to Omaha is failure for the Ducks.
Oregon's first home game is scheduled for March 2 against the Washington Huskies.
