CBD Interview with Sacramento State’s Reggie Christiansen

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College Baseball Daily kicks off our series of previews across the country today with Sacramento State head coach Reggie Christiansen who led the Hornets to the 2014 NCAA Tournament including a victory over Arizona State.

1. Sacramento State is coming off one of the best season’s in school history with a 40-24 campaign while going 21-6 in the WAC. What are your expectations for the 2015 season?

I really don’t like to use the word “expectations”. It is a new year with a lot of new faces on the position player side of things. I do think that our pitching staff is as talented as we have ever had in my 7 years and we are better defensively than we were a year ago. If we stay healthy I believe we have a chance to make another run as we did last year.”

2. The Hornets return their entire weekend starting pitching rotation with Brennan Leitao, Sam Long, and Justin Dillon. Do you see any of the underclassmen knocking them out of a weekend starter’s role?

Don’t forgot about Ty Nichols, 5th year senior bouncing back from an injury that shortened his season last year. He shutout Texas A&M 1-0 in College Station last year. The addition of transfer Jake Stassi from Long Beach State gives us 5 legitimate starters. Our bullpen is solid with JR. Sutter Mcloughlin and several talented pieces to get him the ball in the 9th.

3. Have any of the incoming freshmen impressed you during Fall workouts? Do you expect any of them to break into the starting lineup/rotation this spring?

We will play 3 freshman everyday to begin the year. Fr. Devin Lehman impressed and will play 3B and hit 2nd or 3rd. Fr. Vinnie Esposito will start at 1B and Fr. Bronson Grubbs will play CF. I expect FR PJ Floyd to make an impact at some point during the season as well.

4. One of the stories in College Baseball over the last few years has been the decrease in offense. How do you feel with the new ball going into play during the 2015 campaign?

It will be interesting to see how the ball changes the game. We didn’t see a dramatic difference with the new ball this fall.

5. What coach or player has been the greatest influence on your coaching philosophy?

Ritch Price at the University of Kansas is my mentor. In my opinion he is the best there is in college baseball. He treats every player on the roster first class and is as positive and energetic as anyone in the game. I would trust my son’s to play for him, he coaches for all the right reasons.