Baseball to open in Texas

Like federal marshals there a few years ago, the Michigan baseball team plans to come out firing when it travels to Waco, Texas, for an opening weekend, three-game series with No. 22 Baylor.

Coach Geoff Zahn enters his fourth season at the helm with what may be his best chance to take Michigan to the NCAA tournament.

The Wolverines compiled a 36-22 record on the way to the Big Ten regular season championship last year. This season, Michigan looks to win 40 games, the so-called magic number needed to earn a berth in the NCAAs.

"We need to focus on the mid-week games the most," said outfielder Jason Alcaraz. "We have a tendency to come off of a big weekend and have a letdown."

Baylor will have an advantage against the Wolverines, having played nine games already. After being swept in its opening three-game series at Arizona, Baylor has rebounded, winning its past six.

WARREN ZINN/Daily The Michigan baseball team returns the bulk of its pitching staff from last season, placing the Wolverines in an enviable position. One season after winning the Big Ten championship, they are setting their sights on a larger goal - the NCAA tournament.

Baylor's Kip Wells is rated the No. 10 major league prospect in the country according to Baseball America, and Michigan will have the dubious pleasure of facing him on one of the three days.

Wells' fastball is his go-to pitch, as it was last year when he struck out 79 batters in 79 1/3 innings. The Wolverines aren't fazed by him, however after practicing on their own fireballer all winter, - J.J. Putz.

"He's good," said outfielder Jason Alcaraz. "But after facing Putz all winter, we're ready."

Baylor's bullpen can also hold the opposition. Jason Jennings, an all-Big 12 selection, returns as the closer for the Bears, after saving 10 games last season.

Two big bats, James Blair and Jeremy Dodson, solidify Baylor's lineup. Blair hit .376 last season with ten home runs. Dodson is a tough out as well, posting a .337 batting average with 15 home runs in 97.

For the Wolverines, senior Derek Besco and junior Bryan Besco will play the majority of games at right field and first base, respectively.

Derek, after hitting .391 in '97, is looking to make his final season his best. But last season will be difficult to top, where he earned First Team all-Big Ten honors.

His best hitting competition could come from his twin brother Bryan, who will play almost every day as well. Bryan brings his .344 batting average from 97, when he edged Derek in round trippers, with 15.

Mick Kalahar will see most of the action behind the plate. Kalahar, a senior, hit only .234 in '97, but brings back the defensive and pitch-calling skills that earned him the starting job.

Bobby Scales will make the transition to second base this season after occupying the designated hitter role in '97. Fighting a nagging injury, Scales will probably start this weekend.

If Scales can't go, freshman Scott Tousa will step in.

Senior captain Brian Kalczynski, after hitting .350 and earning first team all-Big Ten honors last season, will start at shortstop.

Mike Cervenak has a good hold on the hot corner this season, after hitting .342 in the '97 campaign.

Alcaraz and sophomore Rob Bobeda will split time in left field, with Alcaraz having a slight edge. Both hit for high averages in '97.

"Rob had an outstanding freshman year," Harrison said. "He was one of our best all-around players."

Center field will be a platoon of Dan Sanborn and Brian Bush - each hit over .333 last season.

Either way, the Wolverines should be solid in center.

Michigan returns all of its starting pitchers. Brian Steinbach posted a 9-4 mark in last season in 13 starts. Bryan Cranson, the lone left-hander, is coming off of a solid 6-3 season. Also, Putz returns better than ever, adding some velocity to the fastball that helped him to a 5-1 mark in '97.

Closer Tyler Steketee, who tied a Michigan record by saving 10 ballgames last year, is a late-innings fireman. Steketee fanned 42 hitters in 40 2/3 innings in '97, a key statistic for preventing inherited baserunners from crossing the plate.

Robbie Reid and Matt Herr will join the team after they finish their respective seasons on the basketball and hockey teams. Both should see action in middle relief or in the outfield.

"We'll see how long it takes for them to get in baseball shape," Harrison said.

02-19-98