With his size (6 feet 1 and 180 pounds), power (.717 slugging percentage as high school senior) to all fields and left-handed swing, freshman shortstop Dustin Demeter would have been picked in the major league draft’s fifth round if he had not insisted he wanted to honor his University of Hawaii commitment. But for all his offensive tools, Demeter’s immediate UH assignment is to play steady defense.

Coach Mike Trapasso recalled telling Demeter: “I just want you to make the routine play. That’s all I’m worried about. You’re going to hit. You’ll be fine. Like every freshman, you’ll have your ups and downs. But I don’t want ups and downs on the defensive side.”

Trapasso said the team goal is a collective fielding percentage of .975. The Rainbow Warriors were at .971 last year. Demeter should help because of what Trapasso termed “an easy arm; it’s a free and easy (throw) with great carry.”

Johnny Weeks and Josh Rojas switched positions in a defense-minded tactic. Rojas’ quick first step and strong arm are conducive to the hot corner. “He plays the slow roller well, too,” Trapasso said.

Weeks has made an easy transition to second, a position he played in high school. “I’m feeling at home right there,” said Weeks, who led the ’Bows in hard-contact at-bats last season.

“Unfortunately, he was hitting balls right at guys,” Trapasso said. “He led us with quality at-bats. He doesn’t throw away at-bats.”

First baseman Eric Ramirez has altered his left-hitting stance — and approach — after trying to pull pitches in an attempt to increase his power numbers last year. He led the ’Bows in doubles (12) and RBIs (29), but managed one homer. Ramirez has worked on hitting to left-center.

“Power in (Les Murakami Stadium) is gap power,” Trapasso said. “It’s really about spreading the ball all over the field and driving in runs, being a run producer. He’s really worked on that this year.”

Zack Chan, a freshman, can spell Weeks and Rojas. Jordan LaFave complements Demeter at short. Chan and LaFave are solid defenders.

Kekai Rios was surprisingly productive, hitting .331 last year. But his most important contributions are his skills in receiving, blocking, fielding and handling an NCAA-inexperienced staff. Trapasso has praised Rios’ ability to set targets late without tipping off pitches.

Catcher Chayce Ka‘aua is iffy for the opener because of an ailment. Tyler Murray and Dave Noworyta have played well in intrasquad scrimmages.