Even after watching the players of the past whip those of the future in last Saturday's alumni exhibition, the University of Hawaii head baseball coach opted to view the dugout as half full, instead of half empty.

"We just aren't game-ready," Murakami said. "We haven't had enough time to get comfortable on the field. But we'll be OK once we play some games."

Unfortunately for Murakami, the Rainbows may not be prepared for the games they'll be asked to play. They begin their murderous schedule with No. 4-ranked Miami of Florida Thursday night at Rainbow Stadium.

If not for some late-inning dramatics by Louisiana State University at the 1996 College World Series, Miami would be the defending national champion.

Instead, the Hurricanes are on a redemption mission, and can't think of a better way to start their return trip to Omaha, Neb., than by sweeping the colors out of the Rainbows.

It won't happen, you say. Well, before you start figuring the odds, take a long look at Murakami's 1997 lineup card.

Despite having one of his better outfields in several years with Neal Honma in left, Darren Blakely in center and Greg Milichap in right, the infield and pitching aren't nearly as fetching.

Murakami only has two proven starters in seniors Andrew McNally and Robby Robinson. Both will be counted on heavily to handle the pitching load this season.

McNally returns after a year in Australia with that country's Olympic team, while Robinson is the top returning pitcher off last year's squad with a 4-8 record and 6.08 ERA.

After that, the pickings get very slim. Murakami may be forced to pitch by committee, especially in a four-game series like the opener set with Miami.

His only real candidates are freshmen Dusty Bergman and Jamie Aloy, who also will be the starting first baseman.

The middle relief will fall on the shoulders of Daven Hermosura (1-2, 4.76), who is still fighting academic eligibility problems, and junior Kamuela Binkie (1-0, 6.18).

The closer is lefty Troy Yoshimasu (2-0, 5.53). Murakami is still trying to make a pitcher out of Jay Spurgeon (0-2, 8.04), but that is proving difficult.

To cloud matters further, he recently lost freshmen Sean Harvey and Randall Benge to arm problems.

"We might get Harvey back in February or March," Murakami said. "He already has had shoulder surgery. He hurt his arm in summer baseball.

"So did Benge. He hasn't had surgery yet, but his shoulder is hurting, so I'm not sure what we're going to do. We only have eight pitchers, but I think we have enough quality to be competitive."

The infield is almost as unsteady.

Unproven Sean Murphy and ill-fitting Robert Medeiros are the top two at the hot corner. Medeiros was asked to play third base last year, but is better suited for the outfield.

Because Murakami has no room for him out there, the veteran coach needs the versatile Medeiros to spell Murphy at third and Lars Hansen at catcher whenever the Big Island senior can.

"I played some catcher in high school," the all-around athlete said.

"But I had a hard time this fall handling some of the pitchers in the bullpen. If the team needs me back there, then that's where I will play."

Medeiros' bat definitely needs to figure into the Rainbows' plans. Last year, he finished second to Honma in hitting with a .338 average. He also led the team in RBIs with 46.

Replacing the double-play combination of Jaime Ahu at shortstop and Jody Napuunoa at second will prove difficult as well. Key Voshell, who backed up Napuunoa at second, was forced to slide over to short after an incoming recruit opted to play professional baseball.

Senior transfer Daren Masanda, who played three years at Arkansas, will start at second. Aloy is penciled in at first. The Maui freshman rounds out an inexperienced infield.

"But I think those players will be fine once they get some game experience," Murakami said. "We are strong in the outfield defensively with our speed. They can cover some ground. The infield isn't as proven, but we'll be fine by the time we begin league play."

With the loss of Kenn Wakakuwa to grades, Hansen will have to step in and play full time at catcher. Murakami said he has vastly improved his defensive skills, something the Rainbows need after last year. Teams successfully stole 63 bases in 81 attempts.

The Rainbows finished 29-26 overall, and 12-18 in Western Athletic Conference play.

"We'll be a better team than we were last year," Murakami said. "Our nonconference schedule is tough, but that's the way I like it. I think it's the best way to prepare for the WAC."