The preparation is over. It's time to get down to business.
Nevada, coming off a 26-27 season in 2005 under veteran coach Gary Powers, opens the 2006 season with a three-game series starting today (2 p.m.) at Cal-State Northridge.
And, Powers really doesn't know what to expect out of his inexperienced squad. He said he hasn't learned anything yet in the last three weeks.
"We haven't played any games yet," Powers said. "I'm excited to see how they respond to competition. They have really been working hard in practice trying to do the things we want. Until they get into games, I don't know how they'll react."
"I can't wait," Nevada pitcher Ryan Rodriguez said. "This year we got to practice on our own field. The guys are excited. I don't thing it (chemistry) will take that long. We already hang out a lot together off the field."
This is, at least from the positon-player point of view, a virtually new Wolf Pack team. Professional baseball and graduation took away six offensive starters, including Ben Mummy, Jacob Butler and Brett Hayes.
The only returning starters are third baseman Matt Bowman of Dayton, who played left field last year, catcher Bake Krukow and right fielder Shawn Scobee. Second baseman David Ciarlo, designated hitter Terry Walsh and centerfielder Drew Johnson saw limited action a year ago.
There obviously are some question marks in terms of power production, but Powers said the potential is there.
"Initially, we might have to find ways to score," Powers said. "I think we have the potential to have the same kind of offense, but it will take some time.
"Some of our guys are just as strong as guys we lost. They just lack the experience at this level."
Powers said that guys like Bryan Joynt, Garrett Carson and Any Matthews are strong physically.
Another reason why runs might be less, at least at home, is that Peccole Park has changed. The fences are now 15 and 16-foot higher compared to about from a year ago. The new synthetic surface will yield truer hops and might be slower, according to Powers.
"We don't have Hayes, Mummy and Butler here, but I think we will hit for a high average," Bowman said. "Not that many of us hit the ball out of the yard except for Scobee (18 homers, 39 RBI).
"The last couple of scrimmages we've looked good. (Bryan) Joynt swings the bat well, and (Dan) Eastham looks good. I was talking to the older guys, and they were all kind of surprised at how good we were looking."
Shortstop Leo Radkowsky, who had double-digit home run figures in a wood bat league last spring, also figures to put up some decent numbers.
"He'll probably give us much more offense than Robert (Marcial) did," Powers said. "I want him to be solid defensively. I want him to make plays that he's capable of making. He's an adequate shortstop. He might not have the range of Robert, but he can still make plays Robert did last year."
The fact that Nevada has most of its pitching staff back, plus freshman Steve Masten and reliever Owen Brolsma of Carson High, who missed last year after having Tommy John surgery, is a real plus.
Tim Schoeninger starts today followed by Rodriguez and either Travis Sutton or Masten, the left-handed phenom from Spanish Springs, who led the Cougars to the 4A regional championship.
Even if Masten doesn't become a weekend starter, look for him to start his share of mid-week games for the Pack.
"It's good to have a lefty out there," Rodriguez said. "He just has to pitch his own game and do the things he can; not try to do too much.
"We have more depth. This group has already been through a lot. If one of the starters goes down with an injury or has problems, we'll have somebody to pick him up."
Powers said that Sutton, who was bothered by arm problems last year, will be used several different ways. Sophomore Steve Taylor also will get some looks as a starter.
Contact Darrell Moody at dmoody@nevadaappeal.com, or by calling (775) 881-1281
NEVADA (0-0) at CAL-STATE NORTHRIDGE (1-2)
When: Friday through Sunday
Where: Matador Field
Game times: Friday 2 p.m., Saturday 1 p.m. and Sunday at noon
Nevada starters: C Bake Krukow, 1B Daniel Eastham, 2B David Ciarlo, SS Leo Radkowsky, 3B Matt Bowman, OF Drew Johnson, Shawn Scobee, Bryan Joynt, P Tim Schoeninger (Friday), Ryan Rodriguez (Sat.) and Travis Sutton or Steve Masten (Sun.)