Are Trojans Up to Speed?

Alberto Concepcion helped USC win its College World Series opener with his bat.

Today against Miami, the Trojans probably will be more in need of the sophomore catcher’s arm.

Concepcion, who hit two home runs against Georgia on Saturday, will be on the spot against a Hurricane team that leads the nation with 219 stolen bases, 69 more than the next-best team.

“Miami’s speed is off the charts,” USC Coach Mike Gillespie said. “We have to keep them from getting to first base. If they get there, they are going to run, run, run.”

Miami shortstop Javy Rodriguez has a nation-best 66 stolen bases. Outfielder Mike Rodriguez has 51 and has been caught only twice, and outfielder Marcus Nettles has 43.

Concepcion has thrown out only 24 of 95 runners attempting to steal, but in the last 17 games, during which USC is 16-1, Concepcion has nailed 10 of 24.

“I’ve been working on everything--my throwing, framing pitches, blocking balls,” Concepcion said. “I know I’ve got to keep working on my arm strength, but it’s getting better.”

Concepcion, 6 feet 1, 210 pounds, was a catcher at El Segundo High who was known primarily for his offense. He tied a national high school record by hitting home runs in six consecutive at-bats, batted .562 with 20 homers as a senior and finished his high school career with a state-record 171 runs batted in.

Concepcion was selected by the San Diego Padres in the second round of the 1999 draft, but opted to become a Trojan. He played first base and designated hitter last season while junior Bo Craig caught, then became the starter this season.

“His improvement has been dramatic,” Gillespie said. “The thing that often gets overlooked is his work handling our pitching staff. He’s done a great job.”

USC senior right-hander Rik Currier (12-2), drafted in the sixth round by the New York Yankees last week, will try to keep the Hurricanes off the basepaths in his fourth World Series start. In 1998, he won against Mississippi State and did not figure in the decision in the Trojans’ championship game victory over Arizona State. Last year, he beat Florida State.

Miami, a 21-13 winner over Tennessee on Saturday, will start left-hander Brian Walker (11-1), a fourth-round pick by the New York Mets--and one of 11 Miami players selected in the draft.

“Our game plan all season has been to steal bases, move guys around and get great pitching, especially from our bullpen,” said designated hitter Danny Matienzo, who hit two homers and drove in six runs against Tennessee. “Our bullpen didn’t really show their stuff [against Tennessee], but they have been clutch all year.”