Tuesday, January 29, 2002

2002 SEASON PREVIEW

KEN IGE / KIGE@STARBULLETIN.COM UH baseball head coach Mike Trapasso after winning the alumni game.

New Era

Mike Trapasso takes over
the helm, filling the coaching
spot held for more than 30
years by Les Murakami

Depth chart
Roster
Opening days gone by

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By Al Chase
achase@starbulletin.com

HAWAII baseball coach Mike Trapasso wants position players who can play defense and pitchers who can throw strikes in the bottom half of the strike zone.

If a Rainbow can perform either one of those skills as required by his position, he has a good chance to play.

"This is the way it is going into the season. Lineups and rotations take care of themselves. The kids dictate the lineup by how they are doing," Trapasso said.

"Our pitchers can't afford to walk anyone. There is no defense for a walk. They have to have an undying desire to keep the ball down, trying to force a ground ball with every fiber in their body."

The starting rotation is still up in the air. Junior right-hander Bryan Lee has been converted from a closer to a starter and most likely will pitch the opener against No. 2 Florida State tomorrow.

Freshman right-hander Ricky Bauer is in the rotation along with senior right-hander Sean Yamashita, although Yamashita is expected to take on another role after the FSU series. Chris George, a right-hander from Cypress Junior College, arrived Saturday and could join the rotation since most series are three games.

"I would like to use Yamashita as a trouble shooter in different kinds of situations. He has the ability to settle a game," said Trapasso. "Lee had a very good fall. Bauer will take some lumps as a freshman, but he has everything to be special in the future."

ILLUSTRATION BY DAVE SWANN / DSWANN@STARBULLETIN.COM Clockwise from the top left, outfielder Derek Honma, pitchers Ricky Bauer and Sean Yamashita, and infielder Brent Cook.

Freshman right-hander Jason Piepmeier also has been impressive, but, like Bauer, needs innings.

Closing will be by committee until someone steps up and claims the job. Trapasso has 15 pitchers on the roster and a number of them will be situation pitchers who can get a specific job done.

Junior right-hander Chad Giannetti, Davin Morita, a junior right-hander who transferred from Gonzaga, senior left-handers Ryan Yamamoto, Matt Le Ducq and Aaron Pribble and sophomore right-hander Will Quaglieri all fall into that category at this point.

"We have a lot of guys who are similar. In the first 10 games, we'll make moves because we want to see guys in competitive situations that we wouldn't make later in the year. But, we won't make moves if it would cost a ball game," said Trapasso.

Brian Bock is the catcher. Trapasso says the junior from Bakersfield, Calif., has proven himself to be a very good college catcher, framing pitches well and blocking balls in the dirt.

Junior college transfer Grady Symonds and freshman Travis Mitsuda provide depth behind the plate.

"Our catchers call the game. It lets the pitcher and catcher get into the flow of the game and do things themselves," said Trapasso. "I like them to have that freedom. It's better for their development."

There are a number of options for the infield positions, but not at first base.

"As long as he's breathing, Gregg Omori is our first baseman," Trapasso said. "He's the No. 3 hitter, leads by example, hits the ball to all fields and is very solid defensively."

Second base has come down to freshman Daniel Mocny and senior Lane Nogawa. Mocny is a converted third baseman and the key for him is turning the double play. Brent Cook, a transfer from California, is slotted for third base, but he can also play second.

"Mocny plays hard, runs, hits well and has improved so much defensively. From an offensive standpoint, we may need to get him in the lineup," Trapasso said.

Sophomore Cortland Wilson returns at shortstop and has to play consistent defense to hold the job.

"Cortland is really locked in on offense, but our identity as a ball club is defense. He just has to make the routine plays," said Trapasso.

Waiting in the wings are JC transfer Julian Russell, presently recovering from a pulled hamstring, and freshman Jason Carlson.

Junior Art Guillen will patrol center field. He plays shallow, gets a great jump on balls and will be a key for the Rainbows as the lead-off hitter.

"Art has to get on base and make things happen. Then Cook can do what he does best and hit the ball to right. I want runners on first and third in the first inning with Omori coming up," Trapasso said.

Sophomore Chad Boudon or senior Derek Honma will be in left field, with sophomore Tim Montgomery or junior Kevin Gilbride in right.

"Boudon can be a run producer, but only if he hits to all fields. When he tries to hit home runs, he's easy to pitch to. It's the same with Montgomery, but both are starting to hit to the center of the field," said Trapasso.

"Honma has good speed and instincts. He swings the bat well but will have to hit the cut-off man. Gilbride is a guy you root for. He is competitive, athletic and just needs to play baseball. He has improved immensely from the fall to the spring.

So what kind of year is in store for Rainbow baseball fans?

"For us to be successful and have a good year, we're going to have to overachieve a little bit. We need two or three guys to have passion every day on every pitch. They will raise the level of everyone else."

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2002 UH depth chart

First Basemen Gregg Omori Derek Snell Second Basemen Lane Nogawa Danny Mocny Shortstops Cortland Wilson Julian Russell Jason Carlson Third Basemen Brent Cook Schafer Magna Left Fielders Derek Honma Chad Boudon Center Fielders Art Guillen Craig Johnson Right Fielders Tim Montgomery Kevin Gilbride

Pitchers (right) Ricky Bauer Jean-Paul Gauthier Chad Giannetti Chris George Ian Jones Bryan Lee Davin Morita Jason Piepmeier William Quaglieri Jeffrey Rhode Sean Yamashita Pitchers (left) Matt Le Ducq Aaron Pribble Daniel Vitro Ryan Yamamoto Catchers Brian Bock Grady Symonds Travis Mitsuda Designated Hitters Scooter Martines

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UH roster

No	Name	Pos.	B/T	Ht	Wt	Yr	Hometown
1	Danny Mocny	IF	R/R	5-10	175	Fr.	Santa Rosa, CA
2	Lane Nogawa	IF	R/R	5-8	156	Sr.	Honolulu
3	Tim Montgomery	OF	R/R	6-2	205	So.	Sammamish, WA
4	Julian Russell	IF	R/R	5-11	180	Jr.	Quincy, CA
5	Ryan Yamamoto	P	R/L	5-9	170	Sr.	Kaneohe
6	Jason Carlson	IF	R/R	5-11	175	Fr.	Lompoc, CA
7	Arthur Guillen	OF	L/L	5-9	150	Jr.	Porterville, CA
8	Grady Symonds	C	R/R	6-2	185	Jr.	Buffalo Grove, IL
9	Brent Cook	IF	R/R	5-10	180	Jr.	Alamo, CA
10	Schafer Magana	IF	R/R	6-0	170	So.	Taylorsville, UT
14	Craig Johnson	OF/1B	R/R	6-1	175	Fr.	Porterville, CA
15	Chris George	P	R/R	6-2	190	Jr.	Santa Cruz, CA
18	William Quaglieri	P	R/R	6-2	205	So.	Reno, NV
19	Kevin Gilbride	OF	L/L	6-3	210	Jr.	Jacksonville, FL
20	Chad Boubon	OF	R/R	6-3	210	So.	Seattle, WA
21	Ian Jones	P	R/R	5-9	171	Sr.	Henderson, NV
22	Derek Honma	OF	S/R	5-10	184	Sr.	Pearl City
23	Derek Snell	IF	R/R	6-2	190	Fr.	Puyallup, WA
24	Sean Yamashita	P	R/R	5-8	165	Sr.	Waipahu
25	Ricky Bauer	P	R/R	6-2	165	Fr.	Kaneohe
27	Daniel Vitro	P	L/L	6-1	175	So.	Kaneohe
28	Gregg Omori	1B	R/R	5-11	185	Sr.	Kaneohe
29	Bryan Lee	P	R/R	6-1	190	Jr.	Aiea
30	Davin Morita	P	R/R	5-10	178	Jr.	Wailuku
31	Chad Giannetti	P	R/R	6-2	195	Jr.	Honolulu
32	Jason Piepmeier	P	R/R	5-11	170	Fr.	San Carlos, CA
33	Cortland Wilson	SS	R/R	5-10	180	So.	Sandy, UT
34	Jean-Paul Gauthier	P	R/R	6-1	210	Sr.	Coronado, CA
36	Matt Le Ducq	P	L/L	6-1	200	Sr.	Santa Rosa, Calif.
39	Travis Mitsuda	C	R/R	5-9	195	Fr.	Waipahu
40	Aaron Pribble	P	L/L	6-5	223	Sr.	Fairfax, Calif.
44	Scooter Martinez	OF	R/R	5-10	215	Sr.	Honolulu
48	Jefferey Rhode	P	L/R	6-6	230	Fr.	Eugene, OR
70	Brian Bock	C	R/R	6-0	193	Jr.	Bakersfield, Calif.

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Opening day highlights

The Rainbows started off their first six collegiate seasons with wins, and hope to start the Trapasso era the same way

1975

Hawaii 6, Brigham Young 4: The Hawaii Rainbows begin their first all-collegiate schedule in a new, on-campus stadium by sweeping a doubleheader from Brigham Young. In the opener, Shelly Dramin is 3-for-5 and Ed Gilliam's two-run double in the sixth inning snaps a 2-2 deadlock. Ben Flores is the winning pitcher.

1976

Hawaii 5, Iowa State 3: The Rainbows are held to three hits, but take advantage of six Iowa State errors. Royden Kotake has two of the hits while Gene Ober gets the other. Ben Flores wins his second consecutive opener and Gene Smith picks up the save.

1977

Hawaii 7, Vanderbilt 5: Freshman left-hander Derek Tatsuno makes his Hawaii debut with a 10-strikeout, no-walk performance. Paul Mize is 3-for-3. Vern Ramie's three-run double highlights a six-run fifth inning that propels the 'Bows to victory.

1978

Hawaii 5, Oklahoma 3: Freshman Thad Reece has a two-run single in the fourth, then hits his only career home run at home, a solo shot in the sixth inning. The winning pitcher is Rich Olsen.

1979

Hawaii 2, Oregon State 1: Vern Ramie's sacrifice fly scores the game-winning run in the sixth inning. Curt Watanabe is 3-for-3 and left-hander Mark Olmos strikes out 13 Beavers.

1980

Hawaii 10, Hawaii-Hilo 3: Mark Olmos becomes the second UH pitcher to register two opening-game victories as the Rainbows score seven runs in the first inning and three more in the second. Les Kakazu is 3-for-5, Howard Dashefsky is 2-for-2 and Jay Erdahl has two RBIs.

1981

California 10, Hawaii 9: Hawaii suffers its first season-opening game loss and Chuck Crim's winning streak (15-0 the previous year as a freshman) ends. California's Mitch Hawley stops the 'Bows on two hits over the final 2 2/3 innings. Collin Tanabe has a homer and three RBIs for the Rainbows.

1982

Hawaii 10, Southern Cal 7: Left-hander Bryan Duquette's six strikeouts in four innings of relief helps UH overcome Southern Cal. Les Kakazu's two-run single in the sixth breaks a 6-6 tie and Mario Monico's two-run triple in the seventh gives the 'Bows breathing room.

1983

Hawaii 11, Hawaii Pacific 4: Glenn Braggs, Peter Ho and Terry Derby each have two hits while Mario Monico goes 3-for-4 in the first-ever meeting with Hawaii Pacific College. David Smith is the winning pitcher.

1984

Southern Cal 5, Hawaii 3: Fans are kept outside until a half-hour before game time as construction workers finish bolting down the seats in the new, 3,412-seat stadium. Southern Cal's Mark McGwire is 3-for-4 with two doubles and two RBI. Todd Crosby and Greg Vasquez pair hits for UH.

1985

Hawaii 9, UCLA 7: Hawaii's five-run rally in the eighth inning overcomes a 7-4 UCLA lead. Kelsey Isa, Dan Nyssen, Jason Espiritu, Markus Owens and Todd Crosby knock in the runs. The win goes to reliever Chuck Kane.

1986

Hawaii 6, Arizona State 5: Hawaii hands Arizona State its first loss of the season after six wins. Jeff Vierra saves the victory for brother Joey by striking out the last two Sun Devils in the ninth inning, halting a three-run rally.

1987

Southern Cal 8, Hawaii 4: The Rainbows are limited to four hits by three Southern Cal pitchers. The Trojans connect for five extra-base hits.

1988

Hawaii 9, San Jose State 2: Hawaii manages just six hits but takes advantage of 11 walks by San Jose State pitchers. A seven-run second inning makes it easy for UH and starting pitcher Norman Holt.

1989

Hawaii 11, Nevada-Las Vegas 0: Clinton Kelson, one of three freshman who form the starting rotation, pitches UH's first opening-game shutout. John Matias and Todd Takayoshi hit home runs. Matias has three RBIs.

1990

UCLA 3, Hawaii 2: Brady Perriera pitches shutout ball for seven innings but Hawaii's 2-0 lead disappears in the top of the eighth. UCLA combines a walk, two of its three hits and a throwing error by shortstop Randy Vollmer for three runs.

1991

Washington 8, Hawaii 5: Todd Takayoshi and Jon Viela each bang out a pair of hits and Tim Albert has two RBIs. However, the Huskies rally for a run in the eighth inning to break a 5-5 tie, then score two insurance runs in the ninth.

1992

Hawaii 7, Arizona 6: Harold Cabbab's one-out, two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth inning with Erik Evans on base lifts the 'Bows to victory. Chris Dugger goes 3-for-4 with 3 RBIs and Craig Tucker earns the win in relief.

1993

Hawaii 9, Arizona State 4: Matt Apana escapes a bases-loaded, no-out situation in the top of the sixth inning and Sy Farinas singles in two runs in the bottom of the inning to break a 3-3 tie. Franz Yuen is 3-for-4 with 3 RBIs, including two in the eighth with a double as UH stops the 13th-ranked Sun Devils.1994

Hawaii 9, California 8: Reliever Andrew McNally's strike to catcher Tyler Cheff nailed California's Gavin Brown attempt-ing to steal home in the top of the ninth to preserve the win for Mitchell Miyoshi. Shawn Rogers knocked in three runs with three hits including a two-run homer.

1995

UCLA 5, Hawaii 1: Freshman Troy Glaus' three-run homer highlighted a five-run, fifth inning for the Bruins. Four UCLA pitchers limit the 'Bows to six hits. Neal Honma scored UH's only run on a throwing error in the first inning.

1996

Hawaii 7, Washington State 2: Mark Johnson, a preseason All-American, pitched seven innings, walked just one and fanned 11 to lead the 'Bows. Robert Medeiros and Jamie Aloy each had three RBIs.

1997

Hawaii 3, Miami 2: Robert Medeiros scored the wining run in the bottom of the 10th inning on Key Voshell's fielder's choice grounder to shortstop. UH scored twice in the second on RBI singles by Sean Murphy and Jamie Aloy. Troy Yoshimasu got the win in relief of Andrew McNally who pitched five-hit ball over the first eight innings.

1998

Hawaii 11, San Francisco 5: The Rainbows break a 5-5 tie in the seventh inning. David Perreira singled home Jamie Aloy with the go-ahead run and later scored on a sacrifice fly by Michael Dartt. Lars Hansen tripled home two runs in the four-run eighth. Ian Jones earned the win with two innings of one-hit relief.

1999

Hawaii 3, UCLA 0: Jamie Aloy pitches five-hit ball for seven innings and Ian Jones and Rich Snider complete the shutout of the 16th-ranked Bruins. Lars Hansen's bloop single to right scored Matt Wheeler with the run the 'Bows needed in the fourth inning.

2000

Florida 12, Hawaii 6: The Gators pounded out 16 hits off five UH pitches and scored in each of the first six innings for the easy victory. Danny Kimura was 3-for-5, all doubles, with three RBIs for the Rainbows.

2001

Hawaii 8, Sacramento State 7: A two-out single by freshman Tim Montgomery, a stolen base and freshman Cortland Wilson's RBI single to left brought in the winning run in the bottom of the 11th inning. Aaron Pribble was the winning pitcher.

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UH Athletics