Pitcher Giannetti transfers to New Mexico

By Stacy Kaneshiro
Advertiser Staff Writer

Seeking an opportunity for more playing time, right-handed pitcher Chad Giannetti said he has transferred from Hawai'i to New Mexico.

Giannetti, who was supposed to be a senior with the Rainbows for the 2003 season, pitched sparingly last season. He logged 13á innings in nine appearances with a 10.54 earned run average.

"I didn't get many opportunities (to pitch)," Giannetti said for his decision to leave UH.

Giannetti pitched for Santa Maria in a California summer league. He made seven starts, finishing 6-1 with a 1.34 ERA.

"I pretty much got a chance to throw some innings and got comfortable," Giannetti said.

Giannetti is already at New Mexico, where classes started Monday. He said there was no problem in getting his release from UH.

He is the eighth player with eligibility remaining who won't return to UH. At the end of last season, starting third baseman Danny Mocny, sophomore shortstop Cortland Wilson, sophomore outfielder Chad Boudon, freshman first baseman Derek Snell, freshman shortstop Jason Carlson, red-shirt freshman outfielder Craig Johnson and junior catcher Grady Symonds said they did not plan to return. Symonds was later drafted and signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Meanwhile, UH coach Mike Trapasso said he is anticipating all of his recruits to be in school, which starts Monday.

Also, Trapasso has filled the void left when nationally ranked Arkansas canceled UH's season opening series. Instead, UH will play three mid-week games on the road. It will play at San Francisco on March 5 before a series at Fresno State; play Sacramento State on April 30 before a series with Nevada; and at UC Irvine on May 21 before heading to San Jose State.