Garrido Is Eager to Begin Rebuilding Process

Augie Garrido’s second term as Cal State Fullerton’s baseball coach won’t officially begin until Monday, but Garrido plans to begin work today at the school, wading through applications for assistants and organizing his roster.

Though the Titans enjoyed much success last season, winning the Big West Conference, the NCAA Central Regional and advancing to the College World Series, Garrido will have an immediate rebuilding job.

Only three starting position players, third baseman Phil Nevin, first baseman Steve Sisco and catcher Matt Hattabaugh; two regular pitchers, starter James Popoff and reliever Chris Robinson, and designated hitters Frank Charles and David Ayala are returning.

Six underclassmen from the 1990 team signed professional baseball contracts, and four of the 10 players whom former Fullerton Coach Larry Cochell signed last spring won’t play for the Titans.

Todd Blyleven, a former Villa Park High School pitcher and son of Angel right-hander Bert Blyleven, has been released from his letter of intent and will follow Cochell and pitching coach Vern Ruhle to Oklahoma.

Cochell said Golden West College infielder Robb Carabba, who signed with Fullerton but has yet to complete his Associate of Arts degree requirements, will also enroll at Oklahoma, either this fall or winter.

John Ingram, a pitcher from Harbor College, signed with the Philadelphia Phillies and Donnie Harrell, an infielder from Taft College, signed with the Kansas City Royals.

Golden West College pitcher Jason Hutchins and Estancia High pitcher Greg Brannis, who were wavering in their commitments to Fullerton after Cochell and Ruhle left, say they will become Titans.

“I’m really happy about Augie being named coach,” Brannis said. “He’s a great coach who has had incredible success. I’m sure he’ll bring in a great staff, and hopefully that success will continue.”

Art Chute, a first baseman from Glendale College, and Frank Herman, an outfielder from Golden West College, said they will honor their commitments to Fullerton. Mission College outfielder Craig Constantino and Mater Dei outfielder Jim Betzold could not be reached Tuesday.

Garrido’s roster may also be bolstered by several Illinois players, but not necessarily next season. Jason Moler, a former Esperanza High standout who played third base at Illinois, has asked to be released from his scholarship to transfer to Fullerton.

“I want to play for Augie,” Moler said. “He’s the reason I left Southern California in the first place.”

Moler, who just completed his sophomore season, said Illinois catcher Sean Mulligan and pitcher/first baseman Bubba Smith, both Riverside Rubidoux High graduates, likely will transfer.

However, Garrido said Illinois Athletic Director John Mackovic probably wouldn’t grant their releases, meaning that the three would have to sit out a season before they became eligible.

“Illinois’ position is that they’re not going to release people, so those who want to transfer might lose a year of eligibility,” Garrido said. “But that’s a decision the player and his family have to make.”