Men At Work: UTB-TSC has main goal in place with season opener Friday

First-year University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College coach Bryan Aughney is excited about the potential success of an experienced Scorpions team that looks to improve on a 24-32 record in 2008.

"Our goal from Day 1 has been to win the Red River Athletic Conference South, and from there earn a spot to the NAIA National Tournament opening round," Aughney said. "Baseball is a simple game, you throw, you hit, you catch the ball. And of course, we want to 9have) fun doing it, but winning is a lot more fun than losing."

The Scorpions, who begin a 55-game schedule that includes 36 home games on Friday with a four-game series against Wayland Baptist at Scorpion Field, qualified for the postseason last year for the first time since 2000. Here's a position-by-position look at the team that will have to work hard to get back to the postseason.

Starting Pitchers

Junior Julian Moya headlines a strong group of returning pitchers. Moya, who was named to the All-RRAC second team, was the workhorse, logging 101 innings on the mound, most in the conference. Moya posted an 8-7 record with a 4.17 ERA, eight complete games and two shutouts.

Senior Tony Lerma, the only left-handed pitcher on the staff, was 7-5 in 2008 with a 5.06 ERA and three complete games. His 80 innings pitched ranked third among conference pitchers.

Sophomore Zack Moya (3-5) has one year of experience as a starter, and returning players Evan Hardman (1-3) and Jesus Mendoza (0-6) are expected to compete for positions in the rotation.

The additions of sophomore transfer Danny Gidora, junior transfer Andrew Macias and freshman Jacob Venegas should bolster the starting staff.

"I hope will build Julian (Moya) and Lerma will build on last year's performances," Aughney said. "Zach Moya has had a year to get his feet wet, and I believe he will be fun to watch. The additions of the new guys will add some depth to the rotation and hopefully give us some options as far as starters go."

Relief Pitchers

Returners Kellen Burman (0-2) and Daniel Garcia (4-6 in 2007) will be the experienced players in a group that includes four freshmen - Sam Buchanan, Diego Garcia, Robert Mariscal, and Dennis Ortiz.

Aughney will determine a closer to the staff after he sees his pitchers early in the season.

Catchers

Gilbert Puente broke through the starting lineup as the Scorpions' top catcher midway through the 2008 season as a freshman. He finished strong with a .352 batting average, two homers and 21 RBIs. Puente impressed the conference coaches, earning All-RRAC first-team honors, the only Scorpions player to do so.

Puente will lead the catching corps that includes redshirt freshman Juan Muñoz and freshman Gus Henggeler.

Infielders

The Scorpions have experience at every position. Either Tyler O'Neal (.318), who played first and third base in 2008, or junior transfer Brian Bustos will play first base.

Senior Scott Price (.311) and juniors Walter Blume (.287) and David Pittman (.242) give the Scorpions experience at second base. Blume also has experience at shortstop, but senior transfer Jose Guerra gives the Scorpions additional experience at that position.

Ignacio Celedon (.270) moves from shortstop to third base, and Miguel Garcia gives the Scorpions additional depth there.

Outfielders

The Scorpions return three experienced outfielders, led by All-RRAC second-team selection junior Ryan MacDonald (.358), who was third in the nation with nine triples. Also back are senior Jacob Yousif (.309) and sophomore Jorge Camorlinga, who led the team with a .372 batting average.

Sophomore Robby Mang (.280) and two newcomers - sophomore transfer Matt Warner and freshman Peter Maldonado - will battle for playing time.