Berkman, Crosby centerpieces of lineup
In a batting order that returns six players who batted better than .300 last season, Berkman is the most accomplished dangerous hitter. Last year as a sophomore, the switch-hitter set Rice single-season records in home runs, runs-batted-in, total bases and slugging percentage.
He followed that by winning the batting title in the summer Cape Cod League. He has a decent chance of achieving most of the Owls' career hitting records this season.
"He's just a natural, and I mean that in a baseball sense," Graham said. "I can honestly see him winning a major-league batting championship in the future."
But Berkman is just one of many high-quality players that Rice retains from last season. Senior shortstop Joseph Cathey and junior second baseman Jason Richards form a strong, experienced middle-infield combination.
Cathey's story is an impressive one. A walk-on in his freshman year, he batted just twice that season, but was able to work his way into starting at shortstop last year, and, at times, looked like the Owls' most stable player.
Richards will be looked upon to continue his excellent play from the leadoff spot; last year he was able to get on base about half the times he batted.
Senior catcher Tim McLaughlin emerged from reserve status last season to make the all-tournament teams in the SWC tournament and NCAA regional. Since Rice's backup catching situation is shaky, he looks to bear just about all of the burden behind the plate.
Center fielder Bubba Crosby and left fielder Will Ford return after solid freshman seasons and January tryouts for USA Baseball's national team. Crosby replaced Jose Cruz Jr., the best player in school history, but he played well enough so that the Owls and their faithful did not have to spend much time dwelling on the loss.
Despite being hampered by four injuries -- a broken nose, a torn ligament in his right thumb, a strained hamstring and a broken hand -- Crosby was able to achieve all-America honorable mention for freshmen.
Ford has struggled defensively, but he looks like a real talent with the bat; he hits left-handed pitching well for a left-handed batter.
Since they lost Jeff Venghaus and Jacques Landry to the professional ranks, Rice will have new faces at right field and third base. The Owls are excited about speedy freshman Charles Williams, who won the starting job in right field in the fall.
"He's a good player, with good discipline," Graham said. "He's real talented."
Third base is yet undecided; either sophomore Jacob Baker or transfer Ryan Matthews will play there.
In previous years, Rice has shuffled several players at designated hitter, but Graham plans to try senior Matt Lorenz full time this year. Lorenz has seen little playing time during his Owl career, but he has led the team in home runs in each of the last two falls.
The Owls have a capable collection of players for reserve roles, and Graham intends to use his bench more than in the past.
When Crosby's broken hand ended his season, senior Adam Herndon assumed center field for the postseason and played well. Juniors J.J. Savarino and Kevin Joseph, freshman Jake Adams and transfer Jeremy Bates are the infield backups.
The everyday players are the strong point of the team, both offensively and defensively.
"One of the basis for rating us so high is that we return the entire middle of the field: catcher, second base, shortstop and center field," Graham said. "We also have good speed. Ford, Crosby and Williams may be the fastest outfield in college baseball."
Berkman said, "It's really fun to have guys as good as they are. Richards is always on base in front of me. It's really cool to think that probably every guy will hit over .300, and that we will break the team offensive records."
This item appeared in the Features section of the January 31, 1997 issue.
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