Louisville Cardinals Final '07 Rank: 7 47-24

The Cardinals (47-24, 19-8 BIG EAST) shocked the country when they reached the College World Series last season. But don't worry, that appearance wasn't a fluke. Though the Cardinals must replace several key offensive players, they enter fall workouts with weekend starters Justin Marks and Zack Pitts leading the charge. Chris Dominguez hopes to solidify the offense, while transfer Andrew Clark should help immediately.

Few magic eight-balls outside of Kentucky forecasted the season Louisville had in 2007. Even the most optimistic in the Bluegrass State replied with an “Outlook not so good” when questioned if the Cardinals would be playing in Rosenblatt. Yet U of L finished with a school-record 47 wins, shattering the previous mark of 39 set in 2002 and won a game in their first CWS appearance. They proved themselves worthy of an at large bid after finishing third in the competitive BIG EAST, setting up themselves and the conference for increased future credibility and esteem.

A major reason for the Cardinals success was head coach Dan McDonnell, who in his first season at the helm, guided the Redbirds to their first College World Series. He was the named National Coach of the Year by Rivals.com after becoming the first head coach since 1980 to lead his team to Omaha in his first season. McDonnell also reached Omaha as a player, competing in the 1990 CWS as a part of the upstart Citadel Bulldogs team which ousted Cal State Fullerton in an extra inning classic before being eliminated themselves.
For Louisville to replicate last year’s success, it will require the quick development of a cache of young talent. The ’07 ballclub consisted of a number of senior players who took advantage of their time in Louisville and were able to translate experience into wins. Gone to graduation and the draft is the starting middle infield as well as the entire outfield. While all five will be missed, of significant mention is centerfielder and offensive catalyst Boomer Whiting (.368, 1, 27). Whiting lead the nation in stolen bases with 73, and also finished in the national rankings in runs per game (1.13) and sacrifice hits per game (.21). However two key components of head coach Dan McDonnell’s starting nine will return. The Cards’ powerful third baseman, 6’4”, 240 pound, Chris Dominguez was one of the main reasons the Cardinals advanced to Omaha. The then-freshman slugger had four home runs and 11 RBIs in regional play and added another homer in the super regionals, and blasted three more in Omaha. He will have to work on making more consistent contact however, as he led the nation with 88 strikeouts. Another offensive weapon returning to Jim Patterson Stadium will be catcher Derrick Alfonso. Alfonso was named to the All-BIG EAST Second Team after batting a nifty .274 behind the plate with 17 extra base hits. However Alfonso’s greatest contribution to the club will be handling their enviable arsenal of pitching arms.

Senior Zack Pitts, the 2007 BIG EAST Pitcher of the Year will return to the mound for the ‘Ville, as will sophomore Justin Marks, the reigning BIG EAST Freshman of the Year giving Louisville one of them most daunting pitching duos in the country. Pitts had spectacular stuff all season, going 10-3 with a 2.51 ERA and 91 Ks with only 24 walks. Marks was equally as impressive, going 9-2 with a 2.66 ERA and 87 strikeouts in 104.2 innings while allowing only 71 hits. Furthermore the bulk of the rest of the staff will also be returning in ’08, which is bad news for their opponents. Cardinal pitchers combined for a 3.14 ERA to rank fifth in the nation and also placed in the top 50 in nine other major team categories in 2007.

The Cardinals’ first appearance in Omaha was the culmination of quality veteran leadership, remarkable pitching and inspired coaching. The loss of the majority of their starting nine means a number of young players step up quickly and the pitchers will have to win a lot of close games if Louisville wishes to duplicate last seasons’ success.