The Beast : Great Time Of Year

College football season is obviously the pinnacle of my year. That five-month span through the late summer, fall and early winter; it just rocks.

That said, this time of year has to be a close second. Basketball, of a men’s and women’s nature, both winding down, baseball getting underway, and spring football right around the corner. This really is the true college sports enthusiast’s version of an option-filled buffet.

For Hurricane Nation, things are pretty good right now. Baseball remains undefeated thus far and is looking pretty good (though the bullpen, as expected, needs some work).

Men’s basketball is on the bubble and has a chance to make the NCAA Tournament, which for us as Miami fans, year one in the Jim Larranaga era, is a lot to ask for. Especially as a member of the deep and talented Atlantic Coast Conference.

Katie Meier and her women’s squad remains dominant. Ranked in the top five and headed to The Dance, it’s just a matter of how far they’ll go.

Considering all of the above, Sunday will gigantic regarding Hurricane athletics. An 11:30am first pitch at The Rod, women’s basketball taking on Boston College at 1pm and the men prepping for Florida State at 6pm.

Toss in some downtime between games for a little shopping at allCanes (shameless plug – new baseball and basketball gear in stock!) and a quick pop-in at The Big Cheese for the Kehoe Atkins Special. Honestly, Sunday February 26th could possibly my favorite day of 2012 thus far.

On the diamond, how about UM catcher and newcomer, Peter O’Brien? O’Brien already has a few home runs on the year and has been hitting the ball as expected. He’s also a great kid. Humble, cordial and with a million-dollar smile that he’ll be backing up with a big time payday in a matter of months.

I’ve heard some rumblings that some folks aren’t thrilled with his work behind the plate. I spoke with pitching coach JD Arteaga about it a few weeks back and was told point blank, “Peter is here to hit”.

In due time O’Brien will be just fine behind the plate and I agree with Coach Arteaga – his bat is the most important thing right now. Plus, there’s not much by way of depth in the catching department for this team, so it is what it is.

I am a bit concerned about closer EJ Encinosa and the injury he suffered Wednesday night against Florida Gulf Coast. I’ve been told it might be a groin injury and while that may be a tough one to bounce back from, it’s better than an elbow or knee.

It appears obvious that the bullpen is going to have its share of struggles this year. Guys like Javi Salas and AJ Salcines are going to need to find their spots better than they have been lately. Jim Morris told us emphatically before the season that he was worried about the ‘pen and after a few games, I believe him now.

I’d be much more concerned if this team had lousy starting pitching, but that’s not the case. It’s the complete opposite, exactly. Miami has plenty of time to work out the kinks in the ‘pen and for the defense to work its issues out. I know it’s way too early to say this, but I have a pretty good feeling that I may have to at least peruse the flight schedule to Omaha in June.

On the hardwood, it’s Senior Day for the ladies on Sunday and I ask this fan base to turn out in droves to say ‘thank you’ to Shenise Johnson, Riquina Williams and Sylvia Bullock. Those three truly helped put this team on the map and have played a huge part of making the Lady Canes one of the best squads in the country.

Johnson, Williams and Bullock signed on to play for Coach Meier at a time when the program was coming off an eight-win season and the did so with a burning desire to bring this program to new heights. They did just that.

Get out to the game, Hurricane Nation. This showdown is F-R-E-E and as truly one of the best shows in town.

As for the men, they’ll have their hands full with the Seminoles. Former Canes coach Leonard Hamilton and Florida State will come to The BUC on Sunday evening, ready to go and playing tough defense, so the Canes better be organized offensively. Take care of the basketball and have good shot selection if there’s any shot as closing out Sunday with a ‘W’.

Reggie Johnson is questionable after tweaking his knee against Maryland which hurts. Miami is on the dance bubble right now but a loss Sunday all but ensures another trip to the NIT and no true March Madness, which would be disappointing after some great moments this season.

Lastly, we had a great episode of allCanes Radio on Thursday night and for those who missed it, dig into the archives and give a listen.

We sat down with former UM defensive lineman and current Kansas City Chief, Allen Bailey. We also talked with baseball’s Steven Ewing and women’s basketball player Morgan Stroman. Make sure you give a listen when you have some free time.

I’m sure we’ll get some great spring football preview info coming up this week, so look out for that. Until then please get out to campus on Sunday as it’s going to be a great day.

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