ASU junior Jordan Aboites throws home during practice at the Phoenix Municipal Stadium on Jan. 28, 2015. (Daniel Kwon/ The State Press)Among the many changes for the ASU baseball team this season is a key position change in the infield — junior Jordan Aboites, last year’s starting shortstop, will start at second base this season.
In addition, Aboites will resume his normal backup duties as a reliever but will be relegated to pitching in the later innings of the game.
“The change was made so I don’t have to make many long throws in the infield, and I can save my arm,” he said. “The pitching is going well, and I will be moving to reliever from the infield, meaning I will need to warm up when we’re hitting or try to stay warm at second base.”
While he cited a few differences between the two infield positions, he said the transition to playing second base has been smooth thus far.
“I’ve played both growing up, and if you can play shortstop, you can play any infield position for the most part,” he said. “The only differences are turning to second base for a double play and not having to be as aggressive going for the ball — I can wait back a bit and let it come to me.”
Video by Stefan Modrich | Sports Reporter
ASU baseball will start the season with two series against Oklahoma State and TCU, two preseason-ranked top 10 teams.
Although ASU will be facing stiff competition, Aboites said the team is confident and ready to prove itself against two of the country’s top teams.
“We know we’re getting a tough challenge to start the season and we’re going to get to see what we’re made of,” he said. “We feel like they are scared to play us, not the other way around.”
From playful banter to coining nicknames for one another, the team’s strong chemistry is quite palpable and is one of its biggest strengths moving forward.
“Most of us in the starting lineup are juniors and have been together for about three years now, in addition to a lot of us being roommates too,” Aboites said. “The freshmen have come in, and we’ve welcomed them with open arms, excluding no one, and I think that will definitely show and be an advantage to us.”
Martinez mulls major Muni move
Although the team had to leave its longtime home at Packard Stadium, sophomore starting pitcher Seth Martinez is enjoying ASU’s move to Phoenix Municipal Stadium.
“The facilities are 10 times better,” he said. “At first, I was worried about moving from Packard and all its history, but this field is great — it plays big, which is good for pitchers.”
Last year, the right-hander went 5-0 in seven starts and 12 appearances. His five wins were the second most on the team.
Although he is unsure of his role this season, he said he is willing to do what most benefits the team.
“I’m just trying to keep improving every practice,” Martinez said. “I’m not worried about my role so much. I’ll do whatever they ask of me.”
Coming off a summer where his team won the West Coast League Championship, Martinez is ready for the fresh changes to ASU baseball, including the new recruiting class.
“The new freshmen have great work ethic and respect everyone,” he said. “We’re just looking for the big picture and taking it one day at a time.”
The Sun Devils will start the season Feb. 7 with an Alumni Game before playing the first of three games against Oklahoma State on Feb. 13.
Reach the reporter at Justin.Toscano@asu.edu or on Twitter @justintoscano3
Like State Press Sports on Facebook or follow @statepresssport on Twitter
