Dirtbag Baseball, Ready to Go!

Welcome to the 2008 Dirtbag Baseball blog. I will be covering the Long Beach State baseball program as the season progresses hopefully into late June and famed Rosenblatt Stadium in Omaha, but let's not get ahead of ourselves before the first pitch has even been thrown out!

Much will be written about the team in both local papers and the Daily 49er right here on campus, but I will be hoping to provide both additional and alternative news and information about the team. As a former high school player and avid fan my passion for and knowledge of the game is immense. I'll be attending games and following the results so check in before or after contests for reactions, commentary and things to keep an eye on.

The season kicks off tomorrow with an exciting series against the 4th/14th (USA Today/Baseball America) ranked Rice Owls at Blair Field. Long Beach State, looking to bounce back from a disapointing first round exit from last year's regional, returns a great pitching staff that will anchor the team early. With the season condensed by nearly a month by new NCAA regulations it's a great luxury to have.

Long Beach has been selected a preseason top 20 pick, and as high as 13th, by multiple baseball sources after finishing the season unranked last year. Led by Vance Worley and Andrew Liebel on the bump, The Beach looks to make noise on the national scene right off the bat.

Three of the teams most productive hitters return looking to lead the Dirtbags to a Big West title as well. A strong infield is led by reigning first team Big West catcher Travis Howell and shortstop Danny Espinosa. At the hot corner is Brandon Godfrey the top returning hitter who posted a .333 clip for the '07 season. First baseman Shane Peterson looks to challenge Godfrey for the top spot this year after batting .327 last spring.