Here's a little tidbit on ASU's team this year.
It bears remembering that ASU had a school record 15 players drafted by the major leagues after last season with only one of those, Jason Kipnis, opting to return. The losses included first-round picks Brett Wallace and Ike Davis, third-rounder Petey Paramore and sixth-rounder Kiel Roling.
Still this year's Sun Devils went 44-12, just one fewer win than last season, thanks to a pitching staff that is arguably ASU's best since 1975.
Kipnis, Matt Newman and Raoul Torrez are the only position players who returned from 2008.
Carlos Ramirez, Drew Maggi, Riccio Torrez, Kole Calhoun, Zack MacPhee, Jared McDonald, Zach Wilson, Johnny Ruettiger and Abe Ruiz all are in their first season at ASU as are pitchers Josh Spence, Mitchell Lambson and Jordan Swagerty.
"I don't think people realize how much these kids have stepped up," Murphy said. "I don't think they get enough credit. You've got a middle infielder of two guys (Maggi and MacPhee) that have never played college baseball before. Neither were high draft picks. Throw in a brand new catcher (Ramirez).