THREE UP, THREE DOWN: Expectations Sky-High as UK Baseball Enters 2018

Star-Studded Weekend Rotation: It's rare that a college program returns as much talent on the mound as Kentucky will this season. The Wildcats have their entire weekend rotation intact as right-handers Sean Hjelle and Justin Lewis will join lefty Zack Thompson to form one of the most dominant starting trios in the country. "When you look at the amount of innings that we have back, it's a really talented, deep staff, right?" Mingione said during UK media day, citing not only the main rotation but six to seven other strong arms in the Cats' arsenal. "And when you look at the teams that have competed for national championships, that's what they're throwing. They're throwing seven to ten guys, and those are the guys that are chewing up the bulk of the innings... So obviously that has got us excited." Hjelle is the reigning SEC Pitcher of the Year, the only UK player to ever earn that honor. The 6-foot-11 junior from Minnesota went 11-4 with a 3.89 ERA and 102 strikeouts in 108.2 innings pitched. Lewis (6-4, 3.56) and Thompson (8-3, 3.45) also had moments of brilliance in 2017. Lewis returned to Lexington despite being selected by the Tampa Bay Rays in the 11th round of the MLB Draft in June. Many believe he could be taken in the first five rounds if he builds on his sophomore campaign, something Mingione believes will happen due to Lewis developing his slider during the summer and fall. Thompson, who is rated the No. 1 MLB prospect from the SEC for 2019, fanned 96 batters in only 75.2 innings of work as a freshman.

Omaha or Bust: Kentucky came two games away from reaching its first College World Series in 2017. That wasn't something many thought was possible entering the season. Now the Wildcats sense their time has arrived. Mingione says he frequently gives all the returning players an opportunity to stand in front of the team and talk about anything that's on their hearts and minds. "But about every guy talks about Omaha now, and a year ago, maybe not so much the case. We've got players printing out pictures and showing what the stadium looks like, and guys got pictures in their lockers. They believe, and they know now."

Season Tickets Sold Out: The 2018 season will be the swan song for Cliff Hagan Stadium as the Cats move into a new, $49-million ballpark off Alumni Drive next year. Kentucky hopes to send 50-year-old CHS out in style, and fans appear to be all-in, scooping up all available season tickets for the first time in program history. The home opener is Feb. 21 against Xavier, and UK will play 21 games in Lexington against preseason Top 25 teams. "My last plea is to the Big Blue Nation," Mingione said. "We need you there because it will be a home-field advantage, and yes, we will be playing 'Sweet Caroline' every eighth inning, so please sing along.'" The Neil Diamond classic song became something of a rally cry for BBN last season as the Cats rode the late-inning energy at CHS to their first-ever regional championship.

Who's Gonna Fill Their Shoes? Although UK has its highest preseason ranking in program history, most of the optimism surrounds the deep and talented pitching staff. The Cats have many spots to fill in the everyday lineup, including the entire infield and two outfielders. "Sixty-nine percent of all our starts," Mingione said. "... But I promise we'll still be good offensively." Kentucky's biggest challenge will be replacing the production of first baseman Evan White, who was drafted last summer by the Seattle Mariners after hitting .373 with 24 doubles, 10 home runs and 41 RBI for the Cats last season, and the 15 homers clubbed by second baseman Riley Mahan. UK will still have star power, however, with the return of preseason All-American outfielder Tristan Pompey, who hit .361 with 18 doubles, 10 home runs and 45 RBI as a sophomore. Senior utility man Luke Becker (.287-7-46), senior catcher Kole Cottam (.319-7-44) and slimmed-down sophomore first baseman/designated hitter T.J. Collett, the No. 33 MLB prospect for 2019 according to D1 Baseball, bring additional punch to the lineup. "We have some really good players," Mingione said.

Defense A Major Focus Entering 2018: A year ago at this time, Mingione told the media that, if the Cats could improve by half a run offensively and half a run defensively, they had a chance to be a special team. Kentucky met the goal at the plate but did not quite reach it in the field. As a result, the UK boss has challenged his team to shave 16 errors from its average over the last five years. The Cats committed 67 in 66 games last season. If they had committed 51, it would have ranked second in the SEC behind only Mississippi State with 49. National champion Florida and runner-up LSU each finished with 53, stressing the importance of elite glovework. The ever-important shortstop position could be a major upgrade for the Cats this season with the addition of Trey Dawson. "He's as good a defender as I've coached," Mingione said. "He came to us from Chipola Junior College, where they won a National Championship. He won the Gold Glove there."

Promising Newcomer's Debut To Be Delayed: One of the most highly touted additions to the UK program this season is junior college pitcher Zach Haake (pronounced "Hockey"). The hard-throwing right-hander from Illinois is a Top 100 MLB Draft prospect by both Baseball America and D1 Baseball. Unfortunately, the Cats will have to wait a bit longer to see his mid-90s fastball in action as Haake suffered a non-baseball injury. "We're excited about him, except he was at class a couple weeks ago, he was walking out of class, slips down the stairs and breaks some bones in his left hand," Mingione said. "... He's probably a couple weeks away, but he'll be back and ready to go. It is his non-throwing hand, so that's good." Haake was 8-1 with a 2.52 ERA and 91 strikeouts in 78.2 innings pitched last season at John A. Logan College.