Photo by Steven St. JohnTribune

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Rio Rancho High pitcher Anthony Haase throws to the catcher during practice. Haase led the Rams to last year's state title with a scintillating two games in the tournament. This season, with four All-State first- or second-team players graduated from the title team, he'll carry even more pressure while trying to catch the eye of Major League scouts.

Photo by Steven St. JohnTribune

Tribune

Rio Rancho High pitcher Anthony Haase runs the bases at practice. Rio Rancho's 2008 team should have a similar feel to the Rams team that beat Mayfield last May for its first state title.

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RIO RANCHO — So what if Cibola had loaded the bases?

So what if the Cougars had brushed Rio Rancho's starting senior off the mound?

So what if it was the bottom of the final inning?

None of that worried Rams pitcher Anthony Haase, even if the district title was at stake.

He laughed when Rio Rancho coach Ron Murphy handed him the ball in the critical game near the end of last season.

"Coach, what are you worried about?"

When the Rams made their state title run last season Haase was known to be as loose and laid-back as a Hawaiian shirt.

Now a senior, Haase feels more pressure and responsibility as Rio Rancho opens the 2008 season this week at the Clovis Tournament.

It's hard not to wonder if this added weight will tighten up the 6-foot-3, blur-throwing right-hander, who has caught the collective eye of Major League Baseball.

"It feels different because there's nobody older than you to keep you in check," Haase said after a recent practice. "It's a little different to be the guy to keep everybody else in line I think."

That shouldn't be too tall a task. Haase's sparkling junior year r‚sum‚ seems to make him a pitcher worth listening to. He earned two wins at the state tournament, pitching a combined 11 innings in consecutive days, allowing no runs and three hits. Despite missing much of last season with an ankle injury, Haase went into the state tournament with an ERA below 1.0.

Murphy doesn't expect this new role to alter his ace's chilled on-field demeanor. Through the preseason, the coach hasn't seen a sign of it yet.

"He'll always be a loose guy," Murphy said. "It's more of a change off the field."

As long as that's the case, Rio Rancho's 2008 squad should have a similar feel to the Rams team that beat Mayfield last May for its first state title.

Rio Rancho again will lean heavily on pitching and defense.

Murphy doesn't have the luxury of the four-ace staff as he did in 2007, but that hardly means a lack of arms. Rams junior Alex Wehner went 6-1 last season and joins Haase in Rio Rancho's one-two pitching punch.

Lefty Cameron Fafard and right handers Ethan Gill and Robert Rodella should also throw plenty of effective innings.

Defensively, several players return at key positions for the Rams. Catcher Chris Wallis is back. So are middle infielders David Waid (second base) and Gill (shortstop). In the outfield, Haase has experience along with Josh Walker (who will be out late due to basketball) and Micah Martinez.

Said Haase: "Defensively we're pretty solid. A lot guys can play everywhere."

Murphy makes sure of it. Rams players must master at least two positions as they ascend through the program.

Stopping runs is one thing. More question marks appear when the Rams pick up a bat.

"Our key development is going to be at plate," Murphy said. "Like last year's team, we've got to be an all-around hitting team. That's the biggest key to our season."

Haase is certainly aware. When asked, Haase said he hopes to make his biggest improvement in 2008 as a hitter.

There's also a matter of developing a change-up to complement his 93 mile-per-hour fastball and curve.

He also has to impress professional scouts with his attitude.

"Most scouts already know he can pitch," Murphy said. "They know he's a prospect. Now this is what they want to know: What he does after he walks a guy. After an error, does he throw his hat or just go with it? They want to see how he handles himself as a total person."

If the scouts like what they see and Haase is drafted high enough, he will likely sign.

If not he could go to UNM, where he has verbally committed, or a junior college.

Much of his future depends on the upcoming season and how the ever-relaxed Haase handles the increased pressure.

"In Major League Baseball, you're under a microscope," Murphy said. "He'll be under a microscope this year."