Jan. 24, 2003
CORAL GABLES, Fla.- The Miami baseball team held its annual media dayThursday afternoon, as the 2003 Hurricanes and Head Coach Jim Morrisaddressed the upcoming season.
UM returns three everyday players from last year’s team, along with starting pitcher Dan Touchet and closer George Huguet.
“First of all the game starts with pitching,” Morris said. “You have topitch well to win big games. You have to pitch to go to Omaha and win. Wehave to establish our starting rotation. We only have one returning starterin Dan Touchet, so the two, three and four spots in the rotation are open.We have to have consistency in our bullpen, particularly late with GeorgeHuguet, and whoever else is down there with him.”
Jim Burt returns to lead the Canes’ offense after hitting .322 last seasonwith nine home runs and 48 RBI. He spent most of last season starting inleft field but is slated to be the Hurricanes starting first baseman in2003. Twins Danny and Paco Figueroa return to anchor the Miami defense incenter field and shortstop. Both hit .300 at the plate last season andshould be a spark at the top of the UM lineup.
Miami will open the season with the Alumni Game on Saturday, Feb. 1, at 7p.m. at Mark Light Field. The Canes will then open the regular season onWednesday, Feb. 5, at 7 p.m. with a home game against FIU.
For more information on University of Miami athletics log on to its websitewww.hurricanesports.com, the official sitefor all Hurricane news, tickets, and apparel. For Hurricane ticketinformation call 1-800-GO CANES.