Feb. 12, 2003

ABILENE, Texas - Any time you can pitch and play defense, you have a chance in baseball.

The 2003 version of the Hardin-Simmons baseball promises to do both things better than they did a year ago. A year ago the Cowboys were among the worst fielding teams in the nation with a .934 fielding percentage and the pitcher's earned run average was a way below average 5.98.

"We have a chance to be good, because we WILL play better defense and we have a pitching staff that may be as deep as any I have had at Hardin-Simmons," said HSU's seventh-year head coach Steve Coleman.

"We stated out last year early in the year not fielding the ball very well," said Coleman. "That put our pitchers on the hot seat, trying to make the perfect pitch way to often. We will be better this year in the infield."

An improved defense for the Cowboys is a positive, but the strength of the team will be in the middle of the lineup. With All-ASC performers second-baseman John Schlaffer (.368, 5 HR, 28 RBI) and designated hitter Michael Popino (.421 5 HR, 43 RBI) back in the middle the Cowboys will score runs. Junior centerfielder Brandon Beene (.576 on-base percentage) is the ultimate leadoff hitter. He was on base 20 of the last 21 times he came to bat last season.

The Cowboys will have more power than a year ago. Elliot Strader (10 RBI in 47 at-bats) will play right field every day and Ryan Devere (4 HR in 75 at-bats) will be in left. They will be joined by first baseman Andy Harrington, a transfer from Texas A&M, who will add a left-handed bat in the lineup. All three are deep-ball threats.

"We will be a different team, because we don't have the team speed we have had the last few years. We will look to hit more gaps and take a few out of the yard," Coleman said.

Chuy Rodriguez (.370, 21 extra-base hits) will hold down the third base job, when he is not on the mound. He is a good doubles hitter with occasional long-ball power. He handles the bat well and will be in the two hole of the lineup.

Seth Gandy and Brady Coke will split time behind the dish. Transfer Ryan Donnelly will handle the shortstop position.

Others expected to see plenty of action are outfielder Josh Anderlohr, Ryan Whitworth who can play second, third and shortstop, Matt Tomlinson at shortstop and speedy outfielder Jeff Wisner.

The pitching staff will take on a different look than a year ago as well. Junior Kyle Tabor (4-5, 6.24, 44Ks) will be back in the rotation. He is a crafty lefthander that has a superb changeup. Rodriguez (0-2, 2.70, 3 saves), a hard thrower, will go from the closer role to starter. Craig Foreman, a transfer from McMurry, will also be in the mix. He also is another arm that can bring an above average fastball.

Junior Jonathan Emens (0-2, 4.78), sophomore Tyler Mayo (3-0, 2.75) and lefty T.J. Reed will be counted to play versatile roles for the Cowboys. All will see some starts and be counted on as relievers during the weekend. One of the three may be used as the closer.

Matt Hinds and lefty Blake Wallace and senior righthander Eric Alvarez (1-1, 6.23) will all be counted on for bullpen innings.

"We have the makings of a staff that will be able to compete at our level," said Coleman.

"There are about five teams in our league that can make the tournament. It will be a fun conference race. Last year Concordia came out of the pack and advanced all the way to the World Series. We were in all three games with them last year and really had a chance to win all three. So that gives everyone in our league reason to be optimistic. Our non-league schedule will test us and prepare us for the conference season."