Lofty expectations for U of L baseball team

The University of Louisville baseball team held media day on Monday at the new and expanded Jim Patterson Stadium. Jody Demling and Michael McCammon were both in attendance and bring you some videos and photos from the day. Check out Cardinal Authority all week for baseball updates as opening day is Friday.

The University of Louisville baseball team opens the season on Friday in Dunedin, Fla., with the highest ranking in school history.

The Cardinals are ranked No. 4 in the country by Baseball America and will play three games in the Big East/Big Ten Challenge this weekend in the Tampa area. The Cardinals will play Indiana, South Florida and Purdue.

On Monday, U of L coach Dan McDonnell and his staff announced the first three starters – Chad Green, Jeff Thompson and Jared Ruxer – and the Cardinals’ met with the local press with the annual media day.

”We want this to be an amazing journey this year,” McDonnell said. “If they are able to enjoy the ride, it could be special. It could be a big spring.

”We are excited and I know these guys want to do something really special this year. We have some high expectations.”

In his seventh season, McDonnell said the Cardinals will take it one day at a time and not get caught up in the rankings. He noted defense was the key.

”Our challenge is our defense,” he said. “If we are going to be great we are going to have to defend.”

Here are some videos and a photo gallery: