2004 Baseball Bios


Arizona Daily Wildcat
Wednesday, February 4, 2004

Pitchers

Though the entire UA pitching staff is still in question, Kolberg is the frontrunner for the position. He comes in with no Division I experience but posted the best ERA in the fall season at 1.93.





Melancon and Cortez should battle with Meloan for the Sunday starting job. are in their first year in Tucson but will both see playing time. Arizona's relief pitchers are untested as well, leaving the Wildcats with no proven closer.



Jarrett has no D-I experience after transferring this semester from Otero (Colo.) Junior College. Meloan is the only potential starter with any D-I experience. He threw 43 1/3 innings last year with a 4.15 ERA.

Catchers

The Wildcats have a two-headed monster behind the plate. Both return from a year in which they split time and put up comparable stats. Either could start, but the depth will be beneficial.


Infielders

Boyer will most likely serve as the leadoff man for the Wildcats. He was named a Collegiate Baseball freshman All-American last season after setting five UA freshman records.





Hardy has been the Wildcats' starter the last two years, but newcomer Donald could split time with him. Head coach Andy Lopez said he would like to get both players on the field.


Duran has started at second the last two seasons. One of only five seniors on the squad, Duran led the team with 15 home runs last year and finished second with 63 RBI.





Reilly saw the most time a year ago and had a .329 average. Sophomore Jordan Brown might see some time there this season. The opposing pitcher will likely dictate the starter.





Outfielders

Taylor should see substantial playing time. He only appeared in 26 games last season but was productive. Rhinehart will challenge for time in the outfield.


Decater and Crowe put up similar numbers last year. Decater was held out of fall drills with injury problems, but Lopez said he expects the sophomore to be productive this season.


Van Houten returns after winning the Pac-10 batting title a year ago with a .413 average. He is a preseason All-American and should find himself in the middle of the Wildcat lineup all year.