Colleges

Prospect of the day

By GREG AUMAN
Published May 26, 2006

JEFF MANSHIP, RHP, JR., NOTRE DAME

STATISTICS: Went 9-1 with a 2.65 ERA that ranks third in the Big East while finishing second in the league with 102 strikeouts. He has perhaps the best control in the league, with only 19 walks for a strikeout-to-walk ratio of better than 5-to-1. Earned Big East pitcher of the year honors. Overshadowed by fellow pitcher Jeff Samardzija, who doubles as the top receiver on the football team and is a likely first-round NFL draft pick in 2007.

CLOSER LOOK: Follows in strong Notre Dame pitching tradition, joining the likes of Brad Lidge and Aaron Heilman in the past decade. Missed the 2004 season after reconstructive elbow surgery, and pitched only 222/3 innings last year as he recovered. Notre Dame's staff is deep enough that he could be held today and saved for Saturday's championship game, with senior left-hander Tom Thornton another option for today's game.

PERSONAL: Was a dominating high school pitcher in San Antonio, Texas, with four no-hitters, including a perfect game in which he struck out 19. Brother Matt pitches at Stanford, and his father, John, pitched collegiately at Arizona. ... A little run support doesn't hurt: Notre Dame has scored 10 or more in six of his nine victories this season.

[Last modified May 26, 2006, 00:51:15]