Baylor baseball just as young as Kansas

Friday, April 13, 2007

The Jayhawks know a thing or two about playing in the Big 12 Conference with a young team.

Every weekend Kansas has no more than two seniors in its starting lineup, compared to as many as four underclassmen. Its weekend rotation consists of two sophomores and a junior, not mentioning that a sophomore serves as the team’s closer.

KANSAN FILE PHOTO

However, Kansas won’t receive any sympathy this weekend from Baylor.

When healthy, the Bears feature three freshmen and three sophomores in their starting lineup, dwarfing the three seniors who round out the lineup. As a result, the Bears have depended on their freshmen, including outfielder Aaron Miller, who has emerged as a team leader.

“Most schools don’t get to go through something like this with so many freshmen starting,” Miller said. “It’s gelled really well. The seniors, the upperclassmen, have accepted us really well. We’re all pulling toward that common goal of coming out and winning some games.”

Given their youth, winning hasn’t come easy for the Bears this season. Halfway through the conference schedule, Baylor (19-16, 4-8) is tied with Kansas (18-20, 4-8) for last place in the Big 12. But with freshmen like Miller, things are improving in Waco.

As one of only two players who have started every game for the Bears, Miller is first or second on the team in almost every major offensive category. He leads Baylor with 32 RBI, a .428 on-base percentage and 20 walks. He is second in batting average, hits, triples, total bases and slugging percentage.

“Aaron continues to get better at the plate and in the field,” Baylor coach Steve Smith said. “He has done a remarkable job hitting in the middle of the order, especially for a freshman.”

pullquote

Our guys are playing hard and learning with each time out. Injuries are our latest hurdle to climb.

-Baylor coach Steve Smith

Coming from a player who was drafted in the 11th round of the 2006 MLB Draft and ranked the No. 3 freshman in the nation by Baseball America, though, these numbers aren’t surprising. In fact, the greater the pressure, the more Miller expects from himself.

“There’s always pressure,” Miller said. “But growing up, I’ve always been one of those players who’ve been looked at, not to carry a team, but to be a proven provider for a team. I don’t know what it feels like not to have that pressure.”

Following Miller’s lead, other freshmen are stepping up.

Second baseman Raynor Campbell has become a regular starter for the Bears and is tied with Miller for the second best average on the team. Dustin Dickerson has played first base and designated hitter for Baylor and, despite a .250 average, has scored 17 runs this season.

In Baylor’s weekend rotation, right-hander Kendal Volz (4-1) has assumed the Sunday starter role and is the only weekend starter for the Bears with a winning record. He clinched the Oklahoma series last weekend, allowing an unearned run in seven innings while striking out seven.

“Our guys are playing hard and learning with each time out,” Smith said. “Injuries are our latest hurdle to climb.”

The Bears’ best hitter, sophomore shortstop Beamer Weems has missed the team’s last four games because of a hamstring injury and Campbell has been in and out of the lineup with a similar injury. Miller has played through a groin injury all season.

Still, the Bears aren’t feeling sorry for themselves. With No. 6 Texas, No. 15 Oklahoma State and No. 23 Oklahoma out of the way, Baylor is primed to climb the Big 12 standings.

And just as he’s become a team leader at the plate, Miller is leading by example in the clubhouse.

“That’s baseball. You’re always going to have little nagging injuries,” Miller said. “It’s frustrating for everybody, but I think we’re over the hump now.”

Kansan senior sportswriter Shawn Shroyer can be contacted at sshroyer@kansan.com.

— Edited by Will McCullough

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