ORLANDO, Fla. – The UCF Baseball team held media day Tuesday as they amp of for Opening Knight against Siena, and it is clear there is a different attitude around the organization this year.
Everything matters.
Head Coach Terry Rooney believes that last spring the Knights were only a game away from the NCAA tournament, a sentiment that is still sore for a roster returning the bulk of its players. The slogan has been drilled into every player, a shot of the selection decision posted on each locker.
“Every pitch matters. Every day matters, every practice matters, every game matters, and I do feel like last year we were one game away from a regional,” Rooney said.
There are no misconceptions about the journey to Omaha, a trip that begins with attention to the small details.
It is in stark contrast to this time last year, when over twenty first-time UCF players joined the team, building a solid chemistry as the year went on. With the same core of returning starters, the veteran leaders are able to push each other further than ever before with the knowledge of how difficult making the post-season is – and that they have the talent to follow through.
Experience has garnered national respect, visible by the No. 22 preseason ranking bestowed upon them by Baseball America.
“We’re excited about being in the top 25 in the country in Baseball America’s poll, so we’re excited to begin the year ranked in there. Doesn’t mean anything, a simple fact is it shows the recognition of what we have in 35 players and they deserve it,” said Rooney.
Zach Rodgers will play the role of primetime pitcher to start the season, taking the torch from recently drafted Eric Skoglund – the backbone of UCF’s rotation.
“Regarding replacing Eric Skoglund, I don’t know if you can replace Skoglund. That’s a credit to him and what he did. We’ve got a lot of great pitchers though, that as a group can step up and do great things,” Rooney said.
Rodgers was 7-1 last year with a 1.36 ERA while handling both starting and clutch relief roles. He is no stranger to the spotlight, but rather embraces the chance as face of the rotation.
“It’s definitely an opportunity for me to go out and play my best, put this team in a winning position on Friday night. But there’s a lot that goes into it. The team’s been working hard, everybody out there is working hard, I’ve got eight more guys behind me,” Rodgers said.
His work ethic hasn’t gone unnoticed by Coach Rooney, who has complete faith in the versatile pitcher.
“He’s earned it. He did a lot of different things for us last year, and although he’s starting on Friday night for us this year there’s a certainly a possibility he could do the same thing as the year continues to evolve,” said Rooney.
The weekend will be rounded out by Robby Howell on Saturday and newcomer Cre Finrock on Sunday. Finfrock joins UCF after declining to act on the Brewers drafting him straight out of high school, an addition that Rooney believes will be huge in solidifying the rotation.
“Cre Finfrock, listen, he’s lived up to what we all thought he would be. He’s a draft pick out of high school, coming in here, in my opinion, he’s one of the top right handed pitchers in the country,” Rooney said.
There is no doubt this is a talent laden team, drawing comparisons all around to the 2012 squad that made the NCAA tournament. Chemistry and optimism both course through the program with good reason, but nobody has lost sight of the bottom line.
Everything matters. Every series, every game, every pitch. UCF will open the season Friday night at 6:30 p.m. at home against Siena.
