Posted on: Sunday, January 13, 2002

BASEBALL
UH pitchers will try to 'force contact'

By Stacy Kaneshiro
Advertiser Staff Writer

Hawai'i coach Mike Trapasso offers advice to freshman pitcher Ricky Bauer at UH's first practice at Les Murakami Stadium. Cory Lum • The Honolulu Advertiser

Fielding and "force contact" are the emphasis of new University of Hawai'i baseball coach Mike Trapasso, who is preparing the Rainbows for their season opener against No. 6 Florida State in 17 days. Full-team workouts began yesterday at Les Murakami Stadium.

Trapasso said the starting lineup will be based on defense.

"Our identity has to be as a defensive team," Trapasso said. "We will win or lose with our defense."

As for "force contact," that is a phrase his pitchers will constantly hear. It is Trapasso's message to them to throw strikes and force the batter to put the ball in play, preferably within the first three pitches. He has what he calls his "three-pitch rule," where two of the first three pitches thrown must be for strikes. Emphasis is not on striking out the batter, but letting the defense do its job.

"They have to be able to locate their fastball and throw the off-speed pitch for strikes," Trapasso said. "We want to force contact."

Trapasso said most of the positions are still up for grabs and some spots might not be settled until after the first 10 to 12 games. But senior Gregg Omori, the Western Athletic Conference's doubles leader (25) and runner-up in RBIs (61) and total bases (142) is about the only sure thing now. He will play first base and bat third, Trapasso said. Omori, fourth in the WAC with a .367 batting average, was primarily a DH. Elbow problems limited his time on defense, where he has played second and first base. Trapasso said Omori has been throwing well, especially the first-to-shortstop relay.

Another returnee, junior Brian Bock, has the lead at catcher over JC transfer Grady Symonds. Travis Mitsuda, a 2001 Iolani graduate, is primarily the bullpen catcher.

Scooter Martines, a senior who missed all of last year because shoulder problems, is healthy. Trapasso calls him "an offensive threat and run-producer" who will see time either in left field or as a designated hitter.

The starting rotation is still in question. Trapasso is looking at converting closer Bryan Lee into a starter, which he was as an all-state selection at Mid-Pacific Institute.

Trapasso is considering using right-hander Sean Yamashita as a swing pitcher, or one that could spot start or be used in long relief. The senior has been primarily a starter in his UH career.

"He has dominant breaking ball," Trapasso said.

Trapasso also is high on freshman right-hander Ricky Bauer, an all-state pick from MPI.

"He just needs more innings to improve," Trapasso said.

But still questionable is JC transfer Chris George, a 6-2, 190-pound right-hander. He is working on one more course needed to attain his associate's degree necessary to transfer to UH. George would likely fit the ace role in UH's rotation, Trapasso said. George has until Jan. 28 to enroll; classes at UH begin tomorrow.

Fundamentals aren't Trapasso's only focus. So is appearance.

Players must be clean-shaven, but a neatly kept mustache is acceptable. Ear rings are to left in the locker room. Caps must be on forward, "except if you're a catcher, of course," Trapasso said.

"It's a privilege to be out here," Trapasso said. "This is a special place. It's 31 years of blood, sweat and tears by Coach Les, so (the program) has to be treated with respect."

Note: The stadium's new scoreboard has arrived and installation is expected to start this week, Trapasso said.