Oregon Baseball Q&A: Assistant Coach Andrew Checketts
GoDucks.com: What have the first eight months of building a Pac-10 baseball program been like?
Andrew Checketts: Busy, challenging and fun. We've spent most of our time on the road trying to find the best baseball players available. We feel like we've done well and are excited about the players we have signed. We still have some needs and are aggressively working on filling those spots. I miss not being on the field and can't wait until our guys show up and we get to start working with them.
GD: Now that the first signing period has passed, is recruiting moving into 2010 and beyond, or are you still looking for quality guys that can come in and help right away?
AC: We are tackling both. We're trying to be very selective. We thought we might end up getting a commitment from a 2009 catcher before a 2008. Our 2008 class still needs another catcher, a power bat and possibly a pitcher, depending on what happens in the draft. We have had some success with the junior class in securing a number of commitments.
GD: As an Oregon native, how happy are you that the University will finally have its baseball team back after a 27-year break?
AC: It's been great! The northwest baseball community is still buzzing. Our coaching staff has been treated very well by the local scouts and coaches. From a selfish standpoint It brought me back home. My parents are still in Portland and my wife and I have been able to see them frequently. My wife and I love Eugene. I have a lot of fond memories of playing American Legion games here in the summer during high school. I think Eugene has a great baseball community.
GD: In one word, what will be the most prominent characteristic of the 2009 Ducks?
AC: Prepared.
GD: Is there any one team or specific series you are looking forward to playing next season?
AC: I should say St. Mary's because they are our first game. I am excited about that game, but our series with OSU is going to be exciting. Should be a lot of fun. It's our Pac-10 opener and it's at home. Should be a packed house with a lot of energy.
GD: Of the current class of incoming recruits, who has been the most pleasant surprise on the diamond so far this spring?
AC: That's difficult to say. We like all the guys we signed and think they will all contribute. Most of our signees have been having successful seasons so far. Ty Morrison from Tigard High School and Alex Keudell from Jesuit High School are having outstanding springs. They were both a little under the radar compared to the other guys we signed and have been catching the professional scouts attention this spring.
GD: Thanks for stopping by coach!
Andrew Checketts: Busy, challenging and fun. We've spent most of our time on the road trying to find the best baseball players available. We feel like we've done well and are excited about the players we have signed. We still have some needs and are aggressively working on filling those spots. I miss not being on the field and can't wait until our guys show up and we get to start working with them.
GD: Now that the first signing period has passed, is recruiting moving into 2010 and beyond, or are you still looking for quality guys that can come in and help right away?
AC: We are tackling both. We're trying to be very selective. We thought we might end up getting a commitment from a 2009 catcher before a 2008. Our 2008 class still needs another catcher, a power bat and possibly a pitcher, depending on what happens in the draft. We have had some success with the junior class in securing a number of commitments.
GD: As an Oregon native, how happy are you that the University will finally have its baseball team back after a 27-year break?
AC: It's been great! The northwest baseball community is still buzzing. Our coaching staff has been treated very well by the local scouts and coaches. From a selfish standpoint It brought me back home. My parents are still in Portland and my wife and I have been able to see them frequently. My wife and I love Eugene. I have a lot of fond memories of playing American Legion games here in the summer during high school. I think Eugene has a great baseball community.
GD: In one word, what will be the most prominent characteristic of the 2009 Ducks?
AC: Prepared.
GD: Is there any one team or specific series you are looking forward to playing next season?
AC: I should say St. Mary's because they are our first game. I am excited about that game, but our series with OSU is going to be exciting. Should be a lot of fun. It's our Pac-10 opener and it's at home. Should be a packed house with a lot of energy.
GD: Of the current class of incoming recruits, who has been the most pleasant surprise on the diamond so far this spring?
AC: That's difficult to say. We like all the guys we signed and think they will all contribute. Most of our signees have been having successful seasons so far. Ty Morrison from Tigard High School and Alex Keudell from Jesuit High School are having outstanding springs. They were both a little under the radar compared to the other guys we signed and have been catching the professional scouts attention this spring.
GD: Thanks for stopping by coach!
