COLUMBUS, Ohio – Midway through the first official full team practice of the 2009 season Monday at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center, Ohio State head baseball coach Bob Todd took time to answer questions from some inquiring minds.

Todd, beginning his 22nd-year as Ohio State head coach, addressed his pitching staff, the veteran experience that this team will have, newcomers who may make an impact and the work the team will be putting in to get prepared for the start of the season, among other things. And he didn’t seem too concerned over the fact that Punxsutawney Phil had seen his shadow earlier in the day, signaling six more weeks of winter. The lack of concern was probably because Ohio State opens its season in less than three weeks and the first 21 games will be played in the state of Florida.

The Buckeyes open their season Feb. 20-22 in St. Petersburg, Fla., at the inaugural BIG EAST-Big Ten Baseball Challenge. Ohio State will take on Notre Dame, Connecticut and Cincinnati in its three “challenge” games.

To hear four minutes of Coach Todd talking about the baseball Buckeyes, click on the audio link above.

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