October 1, 2007

Corvallis, OR (CSTV U-WIRE) -- They may only be fall practices and intersquad scrimmages, but a lot of talent can be seen on the OSU baseball team from returning players and a large group of newcomers.

After winning their first national title, the Beavers lost a large group of pitchers and position players to the professional ranks. It may have been thought that Oregon State was in for a rebuilding season as it reconstructed its pitching staff and filled in vital positions around the field. So much for a rebuilding year, as they won their way to a second straight title.

The draft came around again and snatched up a few important OSU ballplayers as a few others were lost to graduation. Another possible rebuilding year could be assumed to take place entering this fall, but Beaver head coach Pat Casey and his staff have made sure that this was more of a restocking year.

The Beaver coaching staff out-recruited most of the nation, being dubbed the third-best recruiting class in the nation. It's an impressive accomplishment considering the Beavers lost some very strong recruits to the MLB Draft. Gone to the professional ranks was pitching prospect Tim Alderson, who in his absence may have played a role in the Beavers landing another top pitching prospect.

"It's very impressive for our staff to have the third-best recruiting class in the nation," Casey said. "We are trying to back up this class with the one we are recruiting now. We are very excited about the class we have now, the one we are recruiting and the guys we already had."

Losing a third of the starting rotation with the departure of Joe Paterson, a handful of relief pitchers and closer Eddie Kunz created a pitching focused recruitment plan for the OSU staff. Through scrimmages, the Beavers pitching staff appears to look strong once again.

Freshman Tanner Robles is a big lefty from Utah with a good strong fastball. From Idaho is another big lefty in Joshua Osich. The freshman threw against Beaver starter Mike Stutes in Friday's scrimmage and was fairly successful against a group of Beavers that were in the starting lineup last season.

While choosing the minor leagues, Alderson helped Oregon State land pitcher Kevin Rhoderick. A prep teammate of Alderson's, Rhoderick was committed to Georgia but was let out of his commitment when Bulldog closer Joshua Fields turned down pro ball.

"We have a bunch of guys who had the opportunity to play professionally that have decided to come to school here," Casey said. "Greg Peavey, Rhoderick, Osich and Robles have a big window. We really want to take that talent and turn it into a competitiveness to win. I have been impressed with how much they want to be a part of what we are doing. Their work ethic has been outstanding."

The pitching staff that returns Stutes and Jorge Reyes also gets a pick-me-up from guys that did not get much time last season and other new players. Losing only catcher Mitch Canham and shortstop Darwin Barney, the Beaver infield only needs a little replacement around the diamond.

"Our hitters look a lot better at the plate right now than they did at this time last year," Stutes said. "Our pitching staff is going to be just fine with a lot of good arms coming in as freshmen. If we keep swinging how we are now we should be fine."

Battles all around the diamond will be in full effect as some positions are up for grabs. It is still up in the air whether second baseman Joey Wong will stay at second or move over to shortstop. Sophomore Ryan Ortiz and senior Erik Ammon are early favorites behind the dish to replace Canham.

"It's going to be interesting to see who plays where," Casey said. "Obviously, second base is a place you would like to keep Joey Wong if you could but he probably will move over and play shortstop. There are a lot of candidates at second, Garrett Nash and John Tommasini are playing well, and Brett (Casey) can play there."

A big addition to the Beavers looks to be even more team speed. Senior outfielder Daniel Robertson has been swinging a hot bat all fall since joining Oregon State and has stretched singles to doubles in scrimmage with his quickness. Switching-hitting Nash was rated one of the fastest high school players in the nation last season and should contend for a spot at either shortstop or second base.

After two straight national titles, OSU is able to stretch its recruiting reach beyond the West Coast, however, the Beaver coaching staff has kept an eye on the Northwest. The state of Oregon is responsible for 21 of the 50 players on the fall roster. The rest of the roster breaks down with players from Washington (12), California (four) and Arizona (three). Idaho, Nevada, Utah and British Columbia have brought OSU two players apiece while the roster includes one Alaskan and a freshman pitcher out of Massachusetts.

The scrimmages have allowed fans an inside look at this year's team and has also given some of the new players a chance to see what Beaver fans are all about.

"This is awesome, it's a great feeling," Osich said. "I can't even believe that there are people out here for these scrimmages. It is really nice."

(C) 2007 OSU Daily Barometer via CSTV U-WIRE