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Catching On: Jacob Felts Feeling it for Horns

Updated: Wednesday, May 16 2012, 11:11 PM CDT
For Texas this year, the pitcher's mound has been more like a merry-go-round.  Seven different UT pitchers have started multiple games this season.  When he makes his second start of the year this weekend, converted closer Corey Knebel will make it eight.

However, just 60 feet, six inches away from the mound: it's the furthest thing from a revolving door.  In fact, it might as well be a brick wall.

The Horns have played 426 1/3 innings of defense this season and sophomore catcher Jacob Felts has been behind the plate for all but four of them.

"He's the best catcher I've ever been around in my life," says Texas outfielder Mark Payton.

"You want him back there for every reason," says Longhorns head baseball coach Augie Garrido.  "He not only handles the pitching staff very well but he throws out runners."

"I want to be out there for my teammates," says Felts.  "I want to be a leader on the field. I want to help these guys get back to the college world series."

Felts' stellar defense keeps him on the field, but his bat has moved him up in the line-up.  The Orangefield, TX native was hitting .208 on March 28.  He enters this weekend's Baylor series with an average of .298.  That's a 90 point spike in a little more than seven weeks.

"I was kinda thinking a little too much at the plate," says Felts.  "Then I found something to take my mind off of guessing pitches."

"His offense has caught up with his defense," says Garrido.  "He is having a very positive affect on our progress."Catching On: Jacob Felts Feeling it for Horns