Nice Article

[amac531]

Nice article about our boys.

January 30, 2006

Kendall Rogers

RosenblattReport.com Publisher

Despite being nestled in the Big 12's backyard, Oral Roberts has quietly assembled one of college baseball's most consistent programs. It is a testament to a program that is dedicated to winning, but even more so to a coach that scurries the nation searching for top notch recruits. The Eagles may not have the respect of everyone in college baseball, but it is something that is likely to change sooner rather than later.

Since taking the head job two years ago, Oral Roberts skipper Rob Walton has pieced together two-consecutive 40-win seasons. The Eagles reached their highest mark in 2004, winning 50 games for the first time in 20 seasons.

Like those teams, the '06 Eagles will be built on pitching and defense.

ORU Media Relations

Coach Rob Walton and the Eagles hope to achieve another 40-win season.

"I think our bullpen has to be successful in order for us to win consistently this spring," ORU Head Coach Rob Walton said. "The loss of Bigley certainly hurts, but I think our staff as a whole has really improved with hopes of setting the tone early and often this spring."

While the Eagles return weekend starters Nick Jones and Taylor McIntyre, they must find a way to replace All-American hurler Dennis Bigley.

Bigley established himself as one of college baseball's premiere players during his tenure at Oral Roberts, and the numbers don't lie. In 2005, Bigley recorded 11 wins and had an ERA of 1.81 in 109.1 innings pitched.

His departure means a greater role for Jones and McIntyre.

"We're going to rely a lot on the senior leadership of Nick and Taylor this spring," Walton said. "The pen is a question mark because of inexperience, but the weekend rotation is one that we feel can be dominant again."

Jones is coming off a season in which he went 8-2 with a 2.30 ERA, while McIntyre returns after leading the team in strikeouts last season.

Newcomer Sean Jarrett will round out the weekend rotation for the Eagles.

"Sean came to us via the University of Arizona, and he's a guy that we really like," Walton said. "He throws in the low-90's and has very good command of his pitches, so we're excited to see him pitch this spring."

Though the weekend rotation presents some stability, the bullpen is anything but that as several players vie for specific roles.

Junior right-hander Daniel Greenwalt returns after recording five wins and three saves last season, while fellow right-hander Chris Ashman is back in business after off-season surgery sidelined him for all of last season.

The Eagles will also rely on several newcomers to provide a powerful punch this spring, and the list of candidates includes Chance Chapman, Erik Crichton and semester transfer Marco Gonzalez.

"Chance was a JC ace last season, so he knows what it takes to succeed at the collegiate level," Walton said. "Crichton is very physical and throws 88-92, while Gonzalez is a guy that we added at semester break. He will likely be our closer."

As the Eagles put the finishing touches on the pitching staff, they recognize that tradition needs to be upheld this season.

The Eagles finished '05 with a 2.96 ERA and '04 with a 3.00 ERA.

"I think this could be a special year for our staff and the overall team," Walton said. "I really like the guys we have on this team and we are ready to get the season started."

Oral Roberts opens the season on Friday, February 10th, as they play host to Missouri Southern for a three-game set.

Talk about it in: Inside the Dugout