Crimson Colored Quest for Omaha

February 15, 2016 | Baseball

By: Brendan Flynn

2016 Oklahoma Sooners Baseball

Complete Schedule

Tickets

Preseason Coverage

Twitter

Big 12 Coaches Poll
Team (1st)	2015 W-L
1. TCU (3)	51-15 (18-5)
2. Oklahoma State (3)	38-20 (14-8)
3. Texas (3)	30-27 (11-13)
4. Oklahoma	34-27 (13-11)
5. Texas Tech	31-24 (13-11)
6. West Virginia	27-27 (9-13)
T-7. Kansas	23-32 (8-15)
T-7. Kansas State	27-30 (10-14)
9. Baylor	23-32 (9-15)

Peaking at No. 21 in the national preseason polls, Oklahoma baseball earned No. 4 in the Big 12 Coaches' Preseason Poll as the Sooners enter their third season under head coach Pete Hughes. Seeking a return to the NCAA Regionals, OU features a small, but extremely talented, crop of returning starters in the rotation and the lineup. Coming off the loss of 11 players, the most in the country, selected in the 2015 MLB Draft, the Sooners reloaded with 21 newcomers; ranking as the No. 10 incoming class in the nation.

Across a 55-game schedule, geared toward the RPI, Oklahoma plays 25 games at home and 30 away from L. Dale Mitchell Park. The 30 games on the road, which includes the Bedlam Series hosted by Oklahoma State and a game at Dodger Stadium against Mississippi State, is the most for the Sooners since 1999 when they played 32 games away from home. The last three times that Oklahoma went on the road 28 times or more in a season, the Sooners hosted a regional in Norman in 2006, 2009 and 2010. The slate features 12 games against last season's RPI top-50 as well as 19 against teams that reached the NCAA Tournament.

“Our goal as a team is to be tough, be competitive and to put the team first,” opened Hughes. “It's simple. I'm going to be tough, competitive and a great teammate. If you do that, you have success. I think we have that at the core of our team. It's a different group of guys from last year and they're going to have to be because that's a tough schedule.

“The schedule was designed to be difficult. It was catered to the RPI system, which controls, for the most part, who gets in the national tournament. Now that we've controlled that, we have to play well and win on the road. You have to be tough to do that. That's our challenge.”

The returning experience for Oklahoma is at the top of its rotation and up the middle. Junior right-handers Alec Hansen (Loveland, Colo.) and Jake Elliott (Coppell, Texas) bring back 30 starts on the hill from a year ago as each earned All-Big 12 Honorable Mention in their sophomore campaigns. Junior Sheldon Neuse (Fort Worth, Texas) anchors the middle of the OU lineup from the shortstop position once again. He and Hansen are preseason All-Americans and joined by Elliott on numerous draft boards as top-100 prospects. In the outfield, senior Hunter Haley (Nacogdoches, Texas) brings a wealth of experience as one of the league's top power-speed threats.

For the second time in three years, the Sooner pitching staff looks to replace nearly 60% of its innings on the mound. Hansen and Elliott are staples in the rotation and form one of the fiercest one-two punches in any rotation in the country. The development of an overhauled bullpen will be one of Hughes' and pitching coach Jamie Pinzino's priorities along with finding a third starter on the weekend.

Standing at 6'7 and possessing a fastball that regularly reaches the upper-90s, Hansen is near the top of every draft board in the country this season. Expectations are high for this top of the rotation talent.

“Alec Hansen will pitch at the top of our rotation,” stated Hughes. “We expect a lot from Alec. He's certainly talented. We're really hoping for him to have a successful year and to continue his growth as a pitcher. His fastball command has gotten better to both sides of the plate and he has developed feel for a change to go along with his breaking ball.”

A cut-fastball proved effective a year ago and now the addition of a devastating breaking ball positions Hansen to be a dominant presence in the Big 12. Last season, he went 5-6 with a 3.95 earned run average and 94 strikeouts across 82 innings and 15 starts.

No.	Name	Year	B/T	Hometown/School
12	Keaton Hernandez	Sr.	R/R	Palm Springs, Calif./Northeast Oklahoma
15	Kyle Tyler	Fr.	R/R	Oklahoma City, Okla./Westmoore
21	Alex Daniele	Jr.	R/R	Scotch Plains, N.J./Cisco College
23	Dylan Grove	Fr.	R/R	Oklahoma City, Okla./Moore
25	JB Olson	Jr.	R/R	Shady Shores, Texas/Seward College
27	Jake Irvin	Fr.	R/R	Bloomington, Minn./Jefferson
28	Shawn Hunter	Sr.	L/L	Fort Supply, Okla./NOC-Enid
31	Kenny Saenz	So.	L/L	Corpus Christi, Texas/Moody
32	Joey Zurawik	Jr.	R/R	Bixby, Okla./Eastern Oklahoma State
33	Jake Elliott	Jr.	R/R	Coppell, Texas/Coppell
35	Alec Hansen	Jr.	R/R	Loveland, Colo./Loveland
36	Austin Kerns	Jr.	L/L	Owasso, Okla./Eastern Oklahoma State
38	Austin Hansen	Fr.	R/R	Lenexa, Kan./Olathe Northwest
40	Connor Berry	Fr.	R/R	Sugar Land, Texas/Kempner

Elliott owned the Sunday role as a freshman before starting all 15 Fridays as a sophomore in 2015. At 6'7, he possesses great command with a low-90s fastball and a superior changeup as his out pitch. Elliott became the Sooners' first right-hander to start opening day since 2011 with a win over Notre Dame. For the season, he went 4-6 with a 3.06 ERA and 80 strikeouts in 88.1 innings. A mainstay and trustworthy presence on the mound, Elliott has totaled 26 starts in the last two seasons.

Four newcomers emerged out of fall ball as candidates to fill out the remaining rotation spots, including a weekend role as well as an opportunity to start in the midweek. Junior Austin Kerns (Owasso, Okla.), a 6'2 lefty, looks to fit into the weekend rotation or be utilized out of the bullpen multiple games per week. A one-time junior college All-America Honorable Mention and Region II Player of the Year, he started his collegiate career at Eastern Oklahoma State.

Three freshman righties make up the rest of the crop battling for a rotation spot. Connor Berry (Sugar Land, Texas), a quick-armed 6'0 hurler, possesses one of the best breaking balls on the staff. He could fit in as a starter or in the back-end of the OU bullpen. At 6'5, Jake Irvin (Bloomington, Minn.) has the build of a future, frontline starter. A 37^th round pick of the Minnesota Twins in high school, he has showed great development and growth in the preseason as well as an advanced feel for spin. Kyle Tyler (Oklahoma City), a 6'0 local product, could start or pitch multiple innings out of the bullpen. He was the 2015 Oklahoma Gatorade Player of the Year and a Louisville Slugger All-American.

The first pitcher Hughes and Pinzino will look to out of the bullpen is senior Keaton Hernandez (Palm Springs, Calif.). A 6'0 right-hander, he represents 64% of the returning bullpen innings for the Sooner staff this season. Hernandez features a four-pitch mix and is a tough competitor on the mound, while also being one of the team's leaders in the clubhouse.

Right-handed junior college transfers Alex Daniele (Jackson, N.J.) and JB Olson (Shady Shores, Texas) aim to add value to the bullpen. Daniele, a 6'5 transfer from Cisco College, began his collegiate career at Division I NJIT. He looks to factor in to the back-end of the bullpen, while also earning an opportunity to compete for starts. Olson, a 6'2 transfer from Seward College, he possesses superior control of all his pitched and recently converted to a side arm slot to provide valuable relief innings.

Out of the bullpen, Hughes and Pinzino will count on lefties Shawn Hunter (Fort Supply, Okla.) and Kenny Saenz (Corpus Christi, Texas). Hunter, a 5'11 senior, is an experienced arm with a plus-breaking ball that figures to be used in a specialist role. He made 10 relief appearances in 2015 and struck out eight in 7.2 innings. Saenz, a 5'8 sophomore, is a valuable option in multiple situations on the mound with a wide variety of pitches to choose from. He pitched four innings of scoreless relief in four outings as a rookie.

Rounding out the relief options from the right side are Dylan Grove (Oklahoma City), Austin Hansen (Lenexa, Kan.) and Joey Zurawik (Bixby, Okla.). Grove, a 6'2 freshman, possesses quality fastball command with good secondary stuff, while fellow freshman Hansen, standing 6'0, brings a quick arm, solid breaking ball and the ability to pitch multiple innings. Zurawik, a 5'10 junior, has made stops at Texas Tech and Eastern Oklahoma State in his career. He is coming off of Tommy John surgery, but ahead of schedule and aiming for a return to the mound by Big 12 play.

Oklahoma lost the only two players that played behind the plate from a season ago to the 2015 MLB Draft. Three newcomers and one returning redshirt makeup the catching corps for 2016. Junior Renae Martinez (San Pedro, Calif.) brings the most experience to the table, including a trip to Omaha with UC Irvine as a freshman in 2014. He comes to OU from El Camino College-Compton with a high level of maturity for a leadership position. Martinez is a dependable defender and can flash power at the plate.

No.	Name	Year	B/T	Hometown/School
6	Chandler Wagoner	RFr.	R/R	Temecula, Calif./Great Oaks
9	Domenic DeRenzo	Fr.	R/R	Pittsburgh, Pa./Pittsburgh Central Catholic
39	Hunter Southerland	Fr.	R/R	Oklahoma City, Okla./Westmoore
41	Renae Martinez	Jr.	R/R	San Pedro, Calif./El Camino College

Redshirt-freshman Chandler Wagoner (Temecula, Calif.) served as a back-up catcher in 2015 and travelled with the team, but did not see any action. The coaching staff regards Wagoner as one of the team's most improved players over the last year following a successful summer in the California Collegiate League.

Two freshmen join the ranks of catcher as well. Domenic DeRenzo (Pittsburgh, Pa.) was selected in the 40^th round of the 2015 MLB Draft and is a talented hitter with a unique speed and power combination at the catcher position. Hunter Southerland (Oklahoma City) earned All-State a year ago. He has shown a great ability to get on base with flashes of power and will also compete for time in the outfield.

Neuse followed his Big 12 Rookie of the Year campaign from 2014 up with an All-Big 12 First Team nod in 2015. A middle of the order hitter throughout his career, he hit .275 with 43 RBI as a sophomore. Following the season he honed his skills in the Cape Cod Baseball League with the Harwich Mariners.

“Sheldon will once again be our shortstop,” commented Hughes on the two-year starter. “His duties will definitely be expanded on the mound in the back-end of the game. I'd look for him to be our closer this year.”

Two years ago, Austin O'Brien (Owasso, Okla.) was an All-Big 12 Rookie Team honoree. This year, the junior first baseman looks to return to form following offseason shoulder surgery. He battled through injury in 2015 and hit just .211 with three home runs and 11 RBI in 38 starts. O'Brien will once again look for starts at first or as a right-handed option at designated hitter.

“Austin is trying to get back to his normal, healthy form,” Hughes said. “If he can do that, he'll compete right away for a starting spot. We definitely need his power back into our lineup.”

No.	Name	Year	B/T	Hometown/School
3	Cade Harris	Fr.	L/R	Leona, Texas/Centerville
5	Kyle Mendenhall	So.	R/R	Carlsbad, Calif./Carldbad
11	Thomas Hughes	Fr.	R/R	Norman, Okla./Norman North
13	Ryan Madden	Fr.	S/R	Westminster, Colo./Fairview
18	Chris Andritsos	Fr.	R/R	The Woodlands, Texas/The Woodlands
22	Sheldon Neuse	Jr.	R/R	Fort Worth, Texas/Keller Fossil Ridge
29	Quin Walbergh	So.	R/R	Edmond, Okla./Edmond Santa Fe
42	Jack Flansburg	Jr.	L/R	Orange, Calif./Cypress College
44	Austin O'Brien	Jr.	R/R	Owasso, Okla./Owasso

Sophomores Kyle Mendenhall (Carlsbad, Calif.) and Quin Walbergh (Edmond, Okla.) each bring a reliable glove and a season of experience to the Sooner infield. Mendenhall hit .230 overall and .357 in 14 Big 12 starts as the OU second baseman late in his rookie season on his way to All-Big 12 Honorable Mention. He is a plus-defender with an improved offensive skillset. Walbergh saw playing time early in 2015 with eight starts at third base. He hit .200 with 14 runs, thanks in large part to his ability to run off the bench. Following a successful summer in the California Collegiate League, Walbergh has made great strides offensively and figures to factor in to the OU lineup with more frequency.

Entering the mix at first and DH are freshmen Chris Andritsos (The Woodlands, Texas) and Ryan Madden (Westminster, Colo.). Each earned All-American in high school, while Madden was selected in the 35^th round of the MLB Draft by the Colorado Rockies. Both are considered two-way talents with the ability to have an impact on the mound. Andritsos, who will get an opportunity with his bat before his arm, looks to provide everyday lineup help from the right side of the plate. Madden, a switch-hitter, is a plus-defender on the infield and a deceptive pitcher on the mound.

Hughes will have a lot of options on the infield with the addition of three versatile utility infielders. Junior Jack Flansburg (Orange, Calif.) is a transfer from Cypress College and an on-base machine from the left side with terrific plate patience and a mature offensive approach. He can play all four infield positions, which will give him an opportunity to win an everyday spot in the lineup. Freshman Cade Harris (Leona, Texas) will provide added depth on the infield and compete for at-bats as a right-hander off the bench. Fellow freshman Thomas Hughes (Norman, Okla.) is a dependable defensive option up the middle or at third. Offensively, he brings an advanced plate presence with an ability to put balls in play. Hughes, a 5'10 righty, could also factor in to the OU bullpen.

Haley, a left-handed hitter, is the last remaining link to the Sooners' 2013 Big 12 Championship. Starting better than 40 games in each of his three seasons, he is a career .266 hitter with 12 home runs, 75 RBI and 27 stolen bases. In 2015, he battled hamstring issues and hit just .230 with four home runs, 21 RBI and seven steals. Following his sophomore season, Haley was named All-Big 12 Honorable Mention and the No. 2 prospect of the Texas Collegiate League by Baseball America.

“Deep programs always have options and can weather the storm when dealing with injuries,” Hughes noted about his team's outfield. “I think we're in that situation right now where we have nine options in our outfield. It's crowded, but it makes for a super-competitive environment every day. It gives us depth and security vs. a guy that is in a slump or hurt. I also think it gives us balance having quality against both right- and left-handed pitching.”

No.	Name	Year	B/T	Hometown/School
1	Steele Walker	Fr.	L/L	Prosper, Texas/Prosper
2	Blake Brewster	Fr.	L/L	Moore, Okla./Moore
4	Hunter Haley	Sr.	L/R	Nacogdoches, Texas/Central Heights
7	Alex Wise	Sr.	S/R	Neosho, Texas/Northeastern Oklahoma
8	Cameron Frazier	So.	R/R	Boulder, Colo./Fairview
20	Reggie Wright	Jr.	R/R	Choctaw, Okla./Eastern Oklahoma State
24	Cody Thomas	Jr.	L/R	Colleyville, Texas/Heritage
30	Ben Hollas	Jr.	L/L	Longview, Texas/Hill College

Aside from Haley, the outfield will have a very different look to it as Haley made up a trio of Sooners that started a total of 86 games together from left to right the past two seasons. Senior Alex Wise (Neosho, Mo.) burst on to the scene early last season before suffering a broken hand and was later hampered by further injuries, which led to him hitting .259 with 12 runs and 10 RBI in 14 starts. Now healthy, he hopes to showcase his abilities, including the best outfield-arm on the team, at all three outfield spots, while hitting near the top of the Sooner order.

Juniors Ben Hollas (Longview, Texas) and Reggie Wright (Choctaw, Okla.) arrive in Norman for their first season and hope to make an impact right away. Hollas bats from the left side of the plate and is a strong candidate to start in center field. He has base-stealing speed and an advanced offensive approach. Wright compliments Hollas as a right-handed option. A valuable power bat off the bench, he could also see time starting at DH or a corner outfield position.

Steele Walker (Prosper, Texas) is a mature hitter for a freshman by the accounts of Hughes and assistant coach Mike Anderson. Walker, who bats from the left side, has the ability to hit against both righties and lefties and will compete immediately for a starting job. Fellow freshman Blake Brewster (Moore, Okla.) is another lefty and impressive offensive talent looking for playing time in a deep outfield. He adds depth and a big bat off the bench.

Looking for an expanded role in the outfield and off the bench is sophomore Cameron Frazier (Boulder, Colo.). Frazier appeared in 24 games off the bench a year ago, primarily as a pinch-runner. He has made vast improvements in his offensive game and outfield work over the last year. Junior Cody Thomas (Colleyville, Texas) returns to the team after a season off to focus on football. A left-handed hitter and OU quarterback, he earned one start and 12 at-bats as a freshman in 2014. He brings a wealth of competitive experience and power potential, while competing for a spot.