Diamond Hogs young, but talented

Much has been made about the departure of the Razorbacks’ top three pitchers from last season, and not to mention the loss in the lineup of hitters like Danny Hamblin, but Arkansas coach Dave Van Horn might have a really salty group this season.

The Diamond Hogs open the season this weekend with a pitching rotation highlighted by two freshmen. Right-hander James Mahler, whose dad Mick and uncle Rick played in the majors, will start the Friday opener against Wright State followed by Kendall Korbal. Veteran Shaun Seibert will pitch Sunday.

Mahler was selected in the 42nd round of the MLB Draft in 2007 by the Philadelphia Phillies but opted to go to college instead. In fact, six of Arkansas’ freshmen this year turned down the pros to become Razorbacks.

Here’s the list, thanks to the SEC:

Name                                                    Year/Round/Team

Mike Bolsinger (Arkansas), P

2007 (34th/Cleveland Indians)

Ryan Cisterna (Arkansas), C

2007 (46th/Washington Nationals)

Brett Eibner (Arkansas), OF/P

2007 (4th/Houston Astros)

Scott Lyons (Arkansas), INF

2007 (36th/Boston Red Sox)

James Mahler (Arkansas), P

2007 (42nd/Philadelphia Phillies)

Andy Wilkins (Arkansas), INF

2007 (25th/Texas Rangers)

The Razorbacks had their media day today. Van Horn says he has told himself to be patient with the team as they grow, but the young Razorbacks could prove to be very good by the end of the season. He also said his lineup is better than last season’s squad. Gone are the days of swinging for the fences, Van Horn said. Prepare to see some more doubles, singles and base running peppered in with the occasional homer.

If you’d like to see the roster, go here.

We’ll have more on the baseball team later after jotting some more notes.

Filed under: Arkansas Baseball by Brandon Marcello. Posted on: February 18, 2008 at 3:52 pm