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Hogs all over the place in series Published: Monday, February 25, 2008 PRINT E-MAIL FAYETTEVILLE — For now, Arkansas freshman Brett Eibner is relieved to not have to answer the question about having to choose between pitching or hitting. “I don’t know. But I’ve been asked that question so many times I can’t tell you the answer,” said Eibner, who on Sunday lived up to his preseason billing as a two-way player. Eibner played three positions in the Razorbacks’ 7-3 victory against Wright State. He started in center field, pitched three solid innings in relief to earn his first collegiate victory, then played the ninth inning in right field. After the game, it was joked to Eibner he needed to be in two places at once when Arkansas assistant coaches Dave Jorn and Todd Butler met with the pitchers and position players simultaneously.
“I talked to coach Jorn after I pitched because he likes to talk to me right away,” said Eibner, who allowed 1 earned run with 4 strikeouts in relief. He got 2 hits with 2 runs scored and 2 walks offensively in the three-game sweep. Eibner, whose pitching and hitting prowess at The Woodlands (Texas ) High School made him one of the top senior prospects in the nation last season, isn’t the only versatile Razorbacks newcomer. During one official scorer’s nightmare inning Sunday, Arkansas Coach Dave Van Horn’s lineup switches had Eibner moving from left field to pitcher, freshman Jacob House shifting from first base to left field, freshman Andy Wilkins from designated hitter to first base and Wayne Hrozek replacing junior center fielder Andrew Darr. Senior Aaron Murphree also started at three different positions in the series — first base, designated hitter and right field. Darr, a junior college transfer, also played first, third and both corner outfield spots during fall intrasquad games, though he’s expected to see most of his playing opportunities in right field. “We’ve got five or six kids who can play either the infield or the outfield,” Van Horn said. “In the past couple years, we really tried to recruit kids who were a little more athletic with good swings, and so far, that [versatility ] is happening.” House, 6-3 185, is tall enough to provide a good target from infielders throwing to first but athletic enough to cover ground in the outfield. He also brought his swing to Baum Stadium in his first start Sunday with an opposite-field two-run double. “I like playing first base and the outfield. But it just seems like there a lot of people that can play a lot of different positions, which can only help us,” House said. “And it makes it nice when there’s a lefty on lefty matchup we can change things up for better defense or get things more offensive.” As for Eibner eventually having to answer when asked about being a pitcher or a hitter, he can abstain without tipping anyone off. “When everyone asks ‘What do you want to do’ ? I have no idea,” Eibner said. “I can’t tell you. Just from today, I don’t [have to worry about it ].” More Stories From: CHRIS COCOLES · Mitchell's talent crosses sports · Keuchel refuses to give in to Cavs · Cavaliers stay loose despite pressure · LSU back in power thanks to long ball Yesterday's Most Popular 1. HOG FUTURES JERRY MITCHELL : Hurricane brings Mitchell to Hogs 2. THE RECRUITING GUY : Purifoy's size fits into UA's plans 3. Iowa prep standout Kelly joins UA track 4. Former Diamond Hog Richards inks contract with Marlins Today's Most E-mailed |
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