UH's few returnees includes top hitter
By Stacy Kaneshiro
Advertiser Staff Writer
There are only 12 returnees from last year's University of Hawai'i baseball team, but at least one of them was the team's batting leader.
Despite a nagging groin injury, senior Brent Cook somehow started in 54 of the team's 56 games last year. He led the Rainbows in six offensive categories: batting (.325), hits (67), runs (40), walks (37), on-base percentage (.432) and stolen bases (17).
Unlike most of the returnees who played in a summer league, Cook stayed home in Alamo, Calif., to recuperate from his injury.
"For the most part right now I feel pretty good," Cook said.
It's a good thing, too. Because of his versatility, Cook might play a variety of roles. Except, he'll be anything but a role player. He projects to bat in one of the top three slots in the batting order. Only his position is up in the air.
"It doesn't matter to me," Cook said. "As long as I can help the team win in any kind of way. That's all I care about. Whether it's DHing or playing somewhere in the infield or outfield, whatever gives our team the best chance to win."
Last year, Cook started the season at third base, but finished the year in center field. As the team's most consistent offensive player, he was tough to keep out of the lineup.
His flexibility and reliability will come in handy this season. He is insurance for freshmen Rocky Russo at third and Isaac Omura at second. Cook also might see action in left field or as a designated hitter. One way or another, his bat is expected to be in the lineup.
"We've improved at all positions," Cook said. "Everyone's out there competing. When it comes down to game time, we're just going to go out and do whatever it takes to win."
One area the Rainbows hoped they improved is starting pitching. If junior college transfer Justin Azze pitches to his potential, he could be this year's ace.
He was the highest draft pick among UH recruits. Montreal picked him in the 10th round. The Expos tried to make a last-ditch offer before he arrived here.
"We were pretty close, but (Montreal) came after me a day before I was headed out here, so my mind was really set on coming out here, experiencing the college life," he said.
Azze, one of 22 new Rainbows, is experiencing the college life all right. The recreational side at least. Growing up in Huntington Beach, Calif., he was raised on ocean sports. So choosing UH over UC Santa Barbara, Long Beach State and Texas A&M wasn't really an issue.
Azze said he has gone snorkeling, surfing and bodyboarding since he arrived here in the fall. He said he has been a certified diver since he was 12, but "I haven't gone diving (here) yet."
Notes: Les Murakami Stadium's outfield fences — the original and new one — have been painted green. They used to be blue.
