Nov. 21, 2002

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TEMPE, Ariz. (www.TheSunDevils.com) - Continuing the strong recruiting tradition of Sun Devil Baseball, Arizona State head coach Pat Murphy has announced the signing of 26 players during the NCAA's early signing period for the 2004 season.

A year after comprising the top recruiting class in the nation, ASU once again made a national statement signing the most players (6) of any Division I school that were rated in Baseball America's Top 100. ASU also received commitments from the six players, including four in the top 30, in TeamOneBaseball.com's Top 100. The class is made up of 18 high school players and eight junior college transfers.

Pulling top high school players from Kansas, New York, New Mexico, Massachusetts, California, Washington, Virginia, Oklahoma and Arizona, 10 different states, including nine from all corners of the state of Arizona, highlight the 26-player class. The class includes Baseball America's top ranked prospects from Washington, Virginia, Kansas and New Mexico.

"It is early to jump up and down about a recruiting class because you never know how the draft will work out, but the coaching staff and everyone associated with Sun Devil baseball is excited about this group of players. We've done a great job of identifying players that live up the to the high expectations, both on the field and off, of Sun Devil Baseball," said ASU head coach Pat Murphy. "Our staff, especially recruiting coordinator Jay Sferra and assistant coach Mike Rooney deserve a lot of credit for going out and getting these players."

The class, which has already been classified as one of the best in the nation by Baseball America and Team One, is comprised of 14 pitchers, seven infielders, two outfielders, one catcher and two utility players.

"This is another banner class for the Sun Devils. It's got a good cross-section of premium pro prospects and players that should be good, solid college players," said Baseball America senior editor and amateur draft guru Allan Simpson. "Obviously, it remains to be seen how the draft will impact everything, but there's enough depth that it should be able to withstand a pretty good hit."

Highlighting ASU's top high school signees are top 100 players Quentin Andes (RHP, Albuquerque, N.M.), Jay Sborz (RHP, Great Falls, Va.), Patrick Bresnehan (RHP, Sherborn, Mass.), Colin Curtis (OF, Sammamish, Wash.), Ryan Smith (RHP, Enumclaw, Wash.), Jim West (RHP, Fort Mohave, Ariz.) and Zech Zincola (3B/RHP, San Bernadino, Calif.).

ASU's eight junior college signees include Daryl Arreola (RHP, Chandler-Gilbert CC), Josh Asanovich (INF, Central Arizona CC), Chris Cook (3B/1B, Mesa CC), Ladd Hall (RHP, Eastern Arizona CC), Ty Marotz (RHP, Mesa CC), Brandon Pinckney (INF, Sacramento City CC), Jason Urquidez (RHP, Central Arizona CC) and Tim Wood (RHP, Pima CC).

2003 Arizona State Recruiting Class Notes:

Class is made up of 14 pitchers, seven infielders, two outfielders, two utility players and one catcher.