FAYETTEVILLE — The Arkansas baseball team is in a waiting period while hoping some of its top players return and high school signees make it to campus for next year.
One player the Razorbacks don’t have to worry about is right-hander Barrett Astin of Forrest City, who fulfilled a lifelong dream by signing with the Razorbacks last spring.
Astin will be among the freshman candidates next season for Arkansas, which faces a rebuilding effort after eight of its players were selected in the major league draft. The Razorbacks could also lose a few high school signees. Catcher Justin O’Connor, a first-round draft pick, has already signed with Tampa Bay.
But Astin stood firm with Arkansas after committing to the Razorbacks last July. He’ll start getting used to his new home when he pitches for the East in tonight’s high school All-Star game against the West at Baum Stadium. The first of two games begins at 5 p.m.
Astin, 6-1, 185, was projected as high as a fifth-round draft pick before he let professional scouts know of his strong desire to attend college. He did not get drafted earlier this month, and his focus will be on trying to win a spot in the Arkansas rotation for next spring.
Arkansas needs plenty of help on the mound behind D.J. Baxendale, who is expected to be a starter after leading the Razorbacks with seven saves as a freshman.
Astin was named to the All-Arkansas team after he went 6-3 with a 1.13 ERA as a senior at Forrest City. He has 116 strikeouts in 60 1 /3 innings and completed eight of the nine games he started. As a junior, Astin went 8-2 with a 1.08 ERA and threw three no-hitters and a perfect game against Wynne.
That kind of production has Arkansas Coach Dave Van Horn excited about Astin for next season.
“He has a chance to come in and pitch a lot right away,” Van Horn said. “His mechanics are good, and he’s a strike-thrower who can hit 90-91 [mph]. He’s a good athlete who was one of the top high school pitchers in the state.”
Astin followed the Razorbacks closely this season and stayed up late on consecutive nights while listening to their games in the super regional at Tempe, Ariz. Arizona State beat Arkansas in two 12-inning games after the Razorbacks came within one strike of winning Game 1.
The two defeats ended Arkansas’ season and sent the Sun Devils on to the College World Series.
“Those were a couple of tough defeats, but the Razorbacks played with a lot of heart this season,” Astin said. “They’re losing some good players, but we’ve got some good players coming in. I’ve talked to some other recruits, like Brandon Moore of Van Buren, and we’re going to do our best to help Arkansas have another good year.”
Astin chose Arkansas after receiving interest from LSU, Oklahoma and Ole Miss, among others. He decided on baseball after playing football and basketball for the Mustangs.
Astin was a starting quarterback who played on conference championship teams in baseball, football and basketball at Forrest City. When he wasn’t pitching, Astin played mostly on the infield and hit .506 with six home runs as a senior.
“Barrett has played about everywhere except catcher,” Forrest City Coach Bill Carter said. “He’s a tremendous athlete and a great pitcher on the mound. Arkansas is getting a good one with this kid.”
While Astin is obviously talented, his demeanor has helped him succeed in any sport he plays.
“Barrett doesn’t get rattled,” said Carter, who was Astin’s quarterbacks coach for three years. “If he throws an interception, he’s going to forget about it and come back and make a big play the next time. Same with baseball. If he gives up a home run, he’s going to come right back and get a strikeout on the next batter. He’s not afraid to throw inside. He’s cool, calm, and collected.”
Making the transition from Class 5A Forrest City to Arkansas and the SEC is a big jump, but Astin is confident he can contribute to the Razorbacks as a freshman.
“I’m going up there with the idea of being a starter next season,” Astin said. “Experience is a good thing, but it doesn’t matter how old you are if you have some talent and are willing to work hard. That’s what I plan to do.”Barrett Astin at a glance SCHOOL Forrest City YEAR Senior POSITION Pitcher HEIGHT 6-1 WEIGHT 185 NOTEWORTHY Chose Arkansas over LSU, Oklahoma and Ole Miss. Signed with the Razorbacks last November after committing to the team last July. ... Had eight complete games as a senior for Forrest City (14-15). Had three no-hitters and a perfect game as a junior. ... Played basketball and started at quarterback for three seasons with the Mustangs.
Sports, Pages 15 on 06/22/2010