THE COLT INTERVIEW - PITCHING COACH STEVE HOFF

Colts pitching coach Steve Hoff knows a little something about the game. The big lefty pitched professionally for six years with the likes of the Padres and Marlins - and now enters his seventh season as Tony Lucca's pitching Coach.

Coach, what have you seen the strengths of this team so far?
Our main strength this year has been our defense. Our hitting has been OK and our pitching has been good - but our one constant in my opinion is our defense. It shows up every game. And isn't just solid - - we have guys who can make spectacular type plays.

Where do you see the team needs to improve?
Well, it would be easy to say hitting - but I think our base running. We stress base running and yet we haven't been that great on the bases this year.

What have been the early season surprises?
The surprises have been our new guys. I never thought Nick Borg was as good a player as he is. He can really play and I tell him all the time he could play shortstop defensively in the big leagues tomorrow. If he keeps hitting, he has a real chance. Brandt Norlander has been good, especially with his command. Anthony Armanino has been nothing short of outstanding to this point. He leads our team in home runs and wins and ERA, and that is pretty cool if you think about it. He is a gamer and I love the way the kid plays.

What players have stood out for you in the early going?
I think Bobby Scott, Pierson Jeremiah and Borg as the position players and Brett Kilburg, Ray Torres, and Norlander for the pitchers. Armanino just does it all.

What opponents have you been impressed with?
I think we have played some very, very good teams but none great. Every school at this level has some kind of deficiency. Whether that be hitting, pitching or defense - - everybody has something. We haven't played a team where I would say they are better or more talented than we are. Our kids are some of the more talented kids in the state - - and I want them to believe that. If other teams and coaches don't believe that, well - thats OK. We can keep flying under the radar. One thing I will say: we never over-hype one of our teams just to back-peddle later when things don't work out.

What is the team chemistry like?
Team chemistry appears to be solid but thats probably something that the players can answer way better than the coaches. These guys spend more time around each other than they're own families so it can be tough at times - but I think right now we are good.