Some would say that's a good thing, considering the Rainbows finished a mediocre 29-26 last year. But starting over might not be the optimum situation in a four-game series with a traditional powerhouse like the Hurricanes.
Ducking a quality opponent has never been Murakami's style. In his mind, to be the best you have to play the best. Well, Hawaii's young team is definitely facing one of the better college programs in the country.
How well the Rainbows do will depend on several factors, but keeping their cool in pressure situations might be the biggest challenge of all.
"It will be a good test for our young ballclub," senior Robert Medeiros said. "We have a lot of new people out there at third, short, second, first and catcher.
"The thing is these young guys need to control their emotions and try to play within themselves. I know the young guys are excited to get out there and play a team like Miami.
"But emotions can control the game, especially in a tight situation. We will learn a lot from this ballclub, too, by gaining experience against one of the best college baseball programs around."
Lesson one will occur tonight when the Rainbows face talented Miami left-hander J.D. Arteaga. The senior finished 12-1 in 1996 with 96 strikeouts and a 3.83 ERA.
He has 32 career victories, just 10 shy of the all-time Miami record set by Neal Heaton from 1979-81. If that's not tough enough, wait until No. 2 hurler Robbie Morrison takes the hill tomorrow.
As a freshman, he finished second in the nation in saves with 14. Morrison also had a stellar ERA of 1.68 and 88 strikeouts in only 59 innings pitched.
"No question, this is a quality baseball team," Murakami said. "I know they say they've lost a lot from last year, but they still have some good players out there."
That they do.
Chief among them is third baseman Pat Burrell. Not only was he a consensus first-team All-American, but was the freshman of the year as well.
He hit an astonishing .486 last year with 23 homers and 64 RBIs. His slugging percentage of .948 not only led the nation, but was the best in Miami history as well.
"I believe he's the best hitter in college baseball," Miami head coach Jim Morris said. "Not only is he talented, but he is a very hard worker. He leads by example."
Miami also has a talented first baseman in Rick Saggese. He was a freshman All-American in the eyes of Baseball America, thanks in part to a .339 batting average with 14 homers and 51 RBIs.
Senior Ryan Grimmett anchors the Hurricanes in center field. He batted .306 last year with three homers, 24 RBIs and 27 stolen bases.
Hawaii counters with a solid outfield of its own. Center fielder Darren Blakely is the only starter in the same position as a year ago.
Outfield mates Neal Honma and Greg Millichap swapped positions in the off-season. Millichap goes to right with Honma moving to left.
Honma was Hawaii's leading hitter last year with a .359 average. The highlight of his season was hitting for the cycle against Cal State-Sacramento on April 6. His slugging percentage of .487 also was tops on the team.
The UH infield is dotted with several new faces, including freshmen Sean Murphy at third base and Jamie Aloy at first. Senior transfer Daren Masanda will start at second with Key Voshell and Michael Dart sharing duties at shortstop.
Medeiros also will play third when he's not behind the plate. Murakami opted to start him at catcher tonight because of his experience over Lars Hansen.
When Hansen is behind the plate, then Medeiros will move to third. He also can play first and all the positions in the outfield.
Senior Andrew McNally will be the starting pitcher. He returned to Hawaii after a year with the Australian Olympic team. He's ready for tonight's challenge.
"I'm used to playing teams like Miami after pitching in the Olympics," McNally said. "I think we have all the makings of being a good club once we play a few games. I'm looking forward to the new season."
Who: Hawaii vs. Miami.