Kansas Jayhawks: Baseball Team to Open at No. 2 LSU
By Mike Norris
Infielders
Price said the goal this year is to make his players better each week.
The good news for him, especially when it comes to hitting, is he has some talent ready to go.
Last season it was the pitching staff that held the experience and carried a team that at times struggled to score runs. That shouldn’t be the case this season.
As Price said, the experience on this team has taken a complete 180, and now a young pitching staff will be looking for leaders out of their position players.
Michael Tinsley, a sophomore catcher from Menlo Beach, Calif., could be one of those guys. Price said he has one of the “best arms in college baseball,” and will get to show that as the starter after backing up Ka’iana Eldridge last year.
“It starts behind the plate. He will be our number one guy,” Price said. “He is as good an offensive player I’ve seen since I’ve been at Kansas.”
Tinsley showed what he could do in limited action as a freshman, batting .361 in 61 at bats, and racking up 13 RBI. He also only struck out once every 8.7 at bats, while the team average was 6.2.
“He’s as good as any offensive player I’ve seen since I’ve been at Kansas.” — Jayhawk Head Coach Ritch Price on catcher Michael Tinsley
Colby Wright is another infielder Price expects big things from in 2015.
The junior, who had off-season elbow surgery, racked up quite an impressive array of awards last year as a sophomore.
After hitting .314 with a homer, 11 doubles and 21 RBI, Wright was named to the All-Big 12 Second Team and Academic All-Big 12 Second Team. He also earned the Tom Hedrick KU Most Improved Player award.
“He is one of the most physical players in the country,” Price said. “He can be a top-10 round draft pick.”
At 5-foot-6, infielder Justin Protacio isn’t going to intimidate a lot of pitchers, but Price said make no mistake, he is “one of the best players in the league.”
In 2014, the Pearl City, HI native hit .280, was second on the team with 66 hits, and led the team with 44 walks.
Price said senior utility player Blair Beck will be a captain on the squad.
Beck was 28-for-57 (.491) in the fall league season, which led the team. He also tied for the team lead with two home runs, while knocking in nine.
RETURNERS — 2014 stats
Blair Beck (Util., 6-0, 185 lbs., Sr.) — .250 AVG, 0 HR, 15 RBI
Tommy Mirabelli (INF, 5-7, 155 lbs., Jr.) — .167 AVG, 0 HR, 12 RBI
Justin Protacio (INF, 5-6, 170 lbs., Sr.) — .280 AVG, 0 HR, 16 RBI
Ryan Pidhaichuk (INF, 6-1, 215 lbs., Jr.) — .211 AVG, 1 HR, 12 RBI
Colby Wright (INF, 6-1, 200 lbs., Jr.) — .314 AVG, 1 HR, 21 RBI
Jacob Boylan (INF, 6-1, 195 lbs., Jr.) — .233 AVG, 0 HR, 8 RBI
Marcus Wheeler (INF, 6-0, 220 lbs., R-So.) — Did not play in 2014 (Redshirt)
Michael Tinsley (C, 6-0, 190 lbs., So.) — .361 AVG, 0 HR, 13 RBI
John Remick (C, 6-2, 190 lbs., So.) — .000 AVG, 0 HR, 0 RBI (three plate appearances)
FRESHMEN
Owen Taylor (INF, 6-3, 205 lbs.) — Hit .483 with 13 RBI as a senior at Grand Junction (Col.) High School
Matt McLaughlin (INF, 6-1, 180 lbs.) — No. 12 prep short stop in the state of California*
TJ Martin (C, 6-0, 210 lbs.) — No. 2 catcher and No. 6 overall player from the state of Kansas*
Tanner Gragg (C, 6-1, 195 lbs.) — No 1. catcher and No. 2 overall player from the state of Kansas*
*Rated by Perfect Game
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