HONOLULU – University of Hawai'i head baseball coach Mike Trapasso announced the signing of nine players to national letters of intent for the 2013 season.
 
“We were able to fill our needs with the 2013 recruiting class, especially in our pitching,” said Trapasso. “The class is very balanced based on experience and includes several difference makers. This will be the first UH class to compete as members of the Big West Conference, and I want to thank coaches Chad Konishi and Rusty McNamara for their successful recruiting efforts.”
 
The class, made up of six pitchers, consists of four junior college transfers and five high school players. Four players come from the state of California, three from Washington, one from Hawai'i, and another from Australia by way of Texas.
 
2013 UH Baseball Signees With Trapasso Quotes
 
Bryan Burgher, RHP (Bellevue College)
Burgher is beginning his first season at Bellevue (Washington) after going 3-1 with a 1.70 ERA in his senior year at Emerald Ridge HS. He posted 41 strikeouts in 28 innings.
 
“Bryan could be the sleeper of the class. He hasn't played college ball yet and really has a high ceiling.”
 
Matt Cooper, RHP (Bellevue College)
Cooper started 10 games in 2011 at Bellevue College, going 5-2 with a 2.33 ERA. In two seasons at Marysville-Pilchuck HS, he went 11-1 with a 0.64 ERA his senior year.
 
“Matt has great command of three pitches and doesn't walk many batters. He will be an above average pitcher for us.”
 
Andrew Jones, LHP (Grayson County CC)
Jones pitched eight games in 2011 for Grayson County CC (Texas) where he had 25 strikeouts in 29.1 innings, and helped guide his team to the JC World Series. Jones also represented Australia in the 2008 under-19 world championships in Canada.
 
“Andrew comes from a competitive junior college. Being a lefty, he really fills our needs and his above average change up makes him very effective.”
 
Scott Kuzminsky, RHP (Bellevue College)
Kuzminsky had 36 strikeouts in 36.1 innings out of the bullpen for Bellevue College in 2011. He went 7-1 his senior year at Puyallup HS and was named Washington all-state.
 
“I really like Scott's upside. He is lanky and tall and will become a very solid pitcher for us.”
 
John Lopez, RHP (Santiago HS)
Lopez comes in having played almost exclusively in the infield at Santiago HS in California. He will be utilized by the Rainbows as a pitcher.
 
“John just started pitching and has a great arm. He is strong and physical, and has the potential to become something special in a year.”
 
Carlos Martinez, INF/OF (Nogales HS)
Martinez comes to UH after playing in both the infield and outfield for Nogales HS in West Covina, Calif.
 
“Carlos is a very versatile player. He is very high energy and his offense is above average.”
 
Andre Real, 2B (Orange Lutheran HS)
Real batted .365 with a .527 slugging percentage for Orange Lutheran HS (California) in 2011.
 
“I expect Andre to make an immediate impact here and hit over .300 as a freshman. He plays hard and has great instincts.”
 
Nik Stephenson, C/RHP (Sunset HS)
Stephenson played both pitcher and catcher at Sunset HS (California), but will see action at both positions at UH as well. He was ranked in Perfect Game's Top 200.
 
“Nik is an above average defensive catcher who is still growing into his body. As a pitcher he has a 92-94 mph fastball.”
 
Quintin Torres-Costa, LHP (Waiakea HS)
 
Torres-Costa led Waiakea to a big island title in 2011, going 3-0 with a 2.47 ERA on the season. He also led his Hilo club team to the 2011 Senior League World Series title, allowing just three hits in the championship win over Texas.
 
“Quintin is a player we've had our eye on for a few years now. He has an above average breaking ball and his best baseball is yet to come.”




                                                                                               -UH-