Andy Lopez prepares for his 10th season at Arizona.
Tucson Citizen photo

We interrupt the basketball euphoria and football intrigue to remind the Wildcat Universe that Arizona Baseball throws the first pitch of the 2011 season tonight at Kindall Field/Sancet Stadium.

The BatCats take on North Dakota State at 6 p.m. Friday, 1 p.m. Saturday and 12 noon on Sunday.

At first glance this looks like a “year away” team. Arizona returns six hitters who started at least 50 games last year but four of them are sophomores. Two of the three opening-weekend starting pitchers are second-year players, as are most of the arms in the bullpen.

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Kyle Fogg and the Cats are reaching for the title.
Photo by David Kadlubowski/The Arizona Republic

The Arizona Wildcats have some big basketball games this week.

How big?

If the UA wins its final four home games (to complete an undefeated season at McKale) I don’t see the Cats doing any worse than a tie for the Pac-10 championship.

That big.

If you think playing for a conference crown at home is cool, TWIT-Pac is the place to be.

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ASU fans describe their art skills.
Photo by David Kadlubowski/The Arizona Republic

For the Pac-10 championship, one win down, four to go.

For the Arizona/ASU rivalry, one win down, googolplex to go.

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Not even Sheriff Lute owned the Territory like this.
Photo by Val Cañez/Tucson Citizen

Some fans want their biggest rival to be really good so there can be more at stake when the teams play. They want both teams to be playing for conference championships, high tournament seeds and elite bowl games.

Not me.

I want one-sided dominance in the rivalry. The game means something every time, in and of itself. So when ASU is down, I want them way down. I want my guys to be the best and their guys to be the worst.

In other words, what we have right now.

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MoMo Jones looks for some pants to beat.
Photo by Chris Morrison-US PRESSWIRE

We have to wait until Sunday to see how the Arizona Wildcats do against Arizona State in the UA’s first game under the new world order.

Until then, make yourself comfortable and spend the week joining TWIT-Pac in rooting against all Bruins and Huskies.

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