KEEP AN EYE ON
UC Irvine is readying for what should be an interesting season. The Anteaters parted ways with previous assistant coach Bob Macaluso, and now have one of the youngest and most intriguing staffs after moving former Anteater great Danny Bibona from a volunteer role to full-time status. Bibona, of course, joins another Eaters legend in former SS Ben Orloff. The trio of Orloff, Bibona and Mike Gillespie will have their work cut out this spring. Gone from last years club are several key cogs, including All-American RHP Andrew Morales and hard-hitting infielders Taylor Sparks and Connor Spencer. So, how do the Anteaters fare from an offensive standpoint this spring? It could be slim pickings at times. Sophomore OF A.J. Alcantara (.323/0/9) played very well at times toward the end of last season and should have a good campaign, while senior Kris Paulino has power potential and should settle into a more productive role. The Eaters also like DH Jonathan Munoz, who has a good approach at the plate, while newcomers Mitchell Holland and talented freshman Keston Hiura are worth watching. Holland hit .321 at Saddleback (Calif.) CC last season, and showed an advanced approach during fall workouts, while Hiura has the coaching staff excited with his power potential and overall skill set.
On the mound, the Anteaters dont have a deep stable of guys who will blow you away with fastballs, but who needs that anyway, right? LHPs Elliot Surrey and Evan Manarino spearhead the weekend rotation. Both lefties have good fastball command, with Surrey flashing a good changeup and Manarino possessing a good, consistent slider and curveball combination. Transfer RHP Matt Esparza is the power arm to watch. Esparza has traveled an interesting path to get to UC Irvine, and has the potential to be very good. Esparza had a strong summer and will get into the low 90s with his fastball, along with a good curveball. Last but certainly not least, the Anteaters welcome back closer Sam Moore, who was one of the nations most consistent bulldogs at the back end last year with a 1.85 ERA in 43 2/3 innings, along with a nation-leading 23 saves. Irvine has a lot of potential if the offensive pieces are put together.
