Oklahoma State University Athletics
Oklahoma State Baseball Media Day Quotes
February 14, 2008 | Cowboy Baseball
Coach Frank Anderson and four members of the 2008 Oklahoma State baseball team met with the media Wednesday to preview the upcoming season, and the following are selected quotes from the event.
Head coach Frank Anderson
On the maturation of his young players
“The freshmen from last year are a year older and more mature. They've handled themselves better in school and around the baseball part of it. Just being a year older, it's amazing how well they handle themselves all around.”
On pitcher Matt Gardner
“(He's progressed) quite a bit because he had some major surgery in the offseason. He has made a lot of progress. He didn't pitch a whole lot in the fall other than just playing catch and now he's come back and he's been a great leader for us as he was before. He is going to be a huge part of our success.”
On the transition of the newcomers
“Sometimes those new faces are better than old faces. I think this group, although they will have some growing pains, will have a chance to be pretty good. We've got good athletes.
It's going to be tough to replace the outfield we had. That was probably the best defensive outfield that I have been a part of. It's going to take some time. I'm not so much worried about the offensive side as I am the defensive side. We are going to have some balls dropped that we were used to having caught out there."
Junior shortstop Jordy Mercer
On being a preseason All-American
“It's a great honor. It really is. But that stuff doesn't mean anything really. We're trying to get ready for the season and all that preseason stuff doesn't mean a thing. You want what's best for your team. That's what I want.”
On the Cowboys' schedule
“One thing is that it helps us out in the R.P.I. and strength of schedule. Our strength of schedule is really good this year. We play a lot of tough teams. It's going to be fun. It's going to be exciting.”
On playing for Team USA over the summer
“It was great — all the traveling and playing ball all the time and playing with the best college players in the nation was unbelievable. And going to other countries to play for your country was a great experience.”
Senior pitcher Matt Gardner
On the OSU pitching staff
“We are going to be asked to do many different roles in a short amount of time. We're gonna play five or six games a week. Hopefully, I will be able to throw well and help the team out.”
On having success this season
“I think a lot of our young guys got beat up last year. It was a new deal coming from high school to college. They are very talented, and hopefully a year under their belt will help them. We need the veterans to carry us early and let the younger guys get their feet underneath them again.”
Senior first baseman Rebel Ridling
On the team
“We've just got to develop our confidence. Last year, the guys had some pretty good stuff. We obviously had some great talent. This year, they have more confidence after summer ball and training. They know what to expect and what to do. We all have a little more composure.”
On goals and expectations
“You have to take it one game at time. Our goals are to come out, play hard and do things right and see where we go from there.”
Senior pitcher Robbie Weinhardt
On the team's goals
“The number one goal is Omaha (College World Series). The Big 12 Tournament championship is something we look at every year. It is somewhere that everyone on this team wants to be. And then to hopefully get a trip to Omaha. We were so close last year. We were only one game away. My lifetime goal is going to Omaha. That is something I have always wanted to do.”
On the newcomers
“They're strong. We're young, but I don't think that should be a problem at all. Once they get their feet wet in the first couple weeks, I think we are going to be a great team.”
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