Avoiding injuries key to Rebels' quest for WAC championship

Rod Soesbe has reason to be optimistic heading into his third season as the UNLV head baseball coach. But he isn't making any lofty predictions as the Rebels open their season this afternoon with a weekend series against UC Santa Barbara at Wilson Stadium.

Although he has all the ingredients -- talent, depth and experience -- to make a run at the Western Athletic Conference title, Soesbe knows all too well how the best of seasons can be sidetracked by a few key injuries.

Last season, the Rebels jumped out to a 21-8 start before injuries at shortstop and in the starting pitching staff limited UNLV's effectiveness. The Rebels ended the season by losing 16 of their final 26 games and missed qualifying for the WAC Tournament on the final day of the season.

"We've got the experience that we haven't had for a while and I think (our depth) is going to make our ballclub stronger with the competition for spots in the infield and the outfield as well as pitching," Soesbe said.

"If we can keep everybody healthy, we have reason to be excited."

Although the Rebels lost their most productive offensive weapon, Kevin Eberwein, to the draft last summer, Soesbe said he believes his offense will remain potent with the return of preseason All-American outfielder Ryan Ludwick, catcher Ryan Hamill, first baseman/designated hitter Tony DeMarco and the addition of juco transfer Brian Hertel.

Ludwick, who hit .352 with 14 home runs and a team-leading 57 RBIs as a sophomore, anchors an outfield that features juco transfer Denny Seybert in center and returnees Chris Adolph and Jesse Pryor in left.

DeMarco, who hit .422 as a sophomore, will alternate with junior transfer Brian Hertel at first base and designated hitter; newcomer Matt Stoner will be at second base; Eliott Sarabia returns at shortstop; Clay Belding, Chris Gillette and Nate Kaup will battle for the starting third base job; and Hamill, Brad Beasley and transfer Harold Betts should all see playing time behind the plate.

Soesbe said the team's pitching depth should help carry the Rebels through one of the toughest schedules in the program's history.

Junior right-hander Bryan Gidge is healthy after battling arm problems last year and is the Rebels' No. 1 starter. Left-handed freshman Ryan Olson has emerged as a solid No. 2 starter and returnee Andy McCulloch won a heated battle for the third starting spot.

Bill Scheffels, a right-handed senior, will be back in the setup role and Jimmy Smith will be the Rebels' closer. Smith had a team-leading eight saves and 4.83 ERA in 27 appearances a year ago.

Other returning pitchers upon whom Soesbe is expecting to rely include left-handers Billy Barker and Mike Lopez and right-hander Toby Harris.

"I really feel our pitching is going to be a lot better -- if we can keep everyone healthy," Soesbe said. "We've got the experience that we haven't had for a while -- most of these guys are going to be juniors and seniors now and that can only help."

The Rebels will need all the help they can get with a tough non-conference schedule that includes traditional powers Arizona, Pepperdine and Cal State Fullerton and an equally demanding WAC schedule.

"We've got to go to Hawaii, Fresno State, Rice and Utah," Soesbe said. "Those are tough places to play and those are going to be the teams to beat (in the conference).

"It's an awful tough schedule ... there are no lightweights on the schedule at all."

After opening the season this weekend with a three-game series against Santa Barbara, the Rebels go on the road next week for a pair of two-game series at Arizona and Pepperdine before returning to Wilson Stadium on Feb. 16 for an extended 17-game home stand.

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