August 15, 2007

Winthrop hurler transferring to ASU

Jeff Metcalfe
The Arizona Republic

Pitcher Jason Franzblau is transferring to Arizona State, choosing the Sun Devils over Vanderbilt and Nebraska.

The right-hander from Louisville pitched for two seasons for Winthrop in Rock Hill, S.C. He was 8-4 this year with a 3.13 ERA and had 90 strikeouts in 112 innings. As a freshman, Franzblau was 4-1 with a 3.30 ERA. His sister also is attends ASU.

Franzblau is expected to be a starting contender along with seniors Josh Satow and Derik Olvey, sophomore Mike Leake and freshman Seth Blair. Olvey is a transfer from Louisiana State who redshirted this season.

ASU was not expected to lose any more recruits to last-minute pro signings on Wednesday. New players include Blair, infielder Jake Elmore, Marcel Champagnie and Mike Murphy, outfielders Jason Kipnis, Matt Newman and Tillman Pugh and pitcher Devin Fuller. Kipnis is a transfer from Kentucky.

ASU returning right fielder Ike Davis has decided to have left wrist surgery on Aug. 22 to remove a bone spur. He is expected out for 3-4 weeks.

The Sun Devils' fall practice is Sept. 15-Oct. 29.

ASU will open its 2008 season will a home tournament against two-time defending national champion Oregon State, Vanderbilt and Miami (Ohio). Other non-conference teams expected on a schedule still to be finalized include Arkansas, Cal State Fullerton, Wichita State, Michigan and UC Irvine.