Western Nevada College opens its 2011 baseball season with a four-game series starting at 3 p.m. today against South Mountain Community College at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas.
The Wildcats, who compiled a 43-17 record last year, go into the season with 22 players who have never competed for coach D.J. Whittemore. Only seven players from last year's squad have returned.
"This is probably the youngest team (except for the first year of the program) that we have started the season, but not by a whole lot," Whittemore said. "Last year we had 11 returnees, and in 2008 I think it was eight or nine.
"I feel like the players that we have brought in have done a terrific job buying into our program; doing everything we've asked of them."
One player who didn't return was ex-Carson High star Paul Cagle, who hit .214 in 28 at-bats last year. Cagle didn't qualify academically, according to Whittemore.
When asked about strengths of the team, Whittemore didn't look at a particular or players.
"Our biggest strength is our team's work ethic," Whittemore said. "This group of guys really want to be good. They are willing to put time in before practice and after practice."
Whittemore's biggest concern is pitching, as the Wildcats lost all four of their starters. The Wildcats' only returnees are Tim Peterson and Kody Gorden, who combined to log 54.1 innings of work in 2010. Peterson went 4-2 with a 2.51 ERA, while Gorden was 2-0 with a 2.38 ERA. Peterson and Gorden will get starting assignments this weekend.
Here's a position-by-position look at the 2011 Wildcats:
Pitching - Peterson, Gorden, Anthony Consiglio, Chris Garrison, Tony Guerra, Josh Hull, Brandon Jackson, Josh Kimborowicz, Matt Robertson, Fallon's Teryn Smith, Tyler Spencer, Jason Wittwer and Andrew Woeck, who is slated to start the first game of Saturday's double-header. Garrison will start out as the team's closer.
"Andrew was outstanding during the fall," Whittemore said. "I think he'll hold his own quite well this year.
"Chris is a transfer from Oregon. He throws 90 mph and is pretty good. Teryn Smith pitched well in the fall and summer."
Catcher - According to Whittemore, this could be the strength of the team. Pat McMeel (.274, 3 HR, 18 RBI), who is headed to New Mexico State next year, is the starter. He'll be backed up by returnee Sean Dwyer (.383, 2 HR, 13 RBI) and sophomore Beau Day, a transfer from Clackamas Community College.
"McMeel has a lot of experience from last year," Whittemore said. "He has a good arm; a pro arm. He also has great leadership skills.
"Beau is the No. 2 catcher. He'll hit third or fourth. He will be at first base or left field when he's not catching. We need his bat in there. Sean will get some time behind the plate."
First base - Day and Sean Potkay, a transfer from the University of Oregon via Bozeman, Montana.
"Sean is a big hitter and plays quality defense," Whittemore said.
Second base - Returnee Jon Sigado, freshman Chris Woolley and Zach Hendrix, a transfer from Army, will battle for playing time. Sigado hit .269 with four homers and 36 RBIs.
"Jon had a good year at the plate last year," Whittemore said. "Woolley can play short and outfield and he'll bat lead-off. Zach will play some outfield as well as see time at DH."
Shortstop - Woolley, Taylor Smart and Green River College transfer Tanner Nielsen will compete for innings.
"Taylor originally signed with UNLV, but got his release when coach (Tim) Chambers brought his Southern Nevada shortstop with him," Whittemore said. "Tanner is probably the best all-around defensive player I've ever had here at WNC."
Nielsen will probably have to prove himself at the plate to get significant innings.
Third base - Sophomore Kevin Taylor, an all-conference selection, hit .328 with three homers and 41 RBIs last year. Don't expect him to miss too many innings this year. Taylor has accepted an offer to Arizona State, but much will depend on his grades.
Outfield - Connor Eppard, Donald Glover, Brooks Klein, Neil Lawhorn, Bobby Pappin and Sean Rehon are battling for innings.
Klein, the only returner in the group, will start in right field. He hit .268 with five homers and 37 RBIs last year. He's headed to the University of Nevada. Lawhorn, a four-year starter at Bishop Gorman, and Day figure to see the most action in left. Pappin and Eppard, a New Mexico State transfer, will share time in center.
"Glover is a left-handed hitter and one of the fastest on the team," Whittemore said. "We'll use him in a variety of ways."