Some of those things have to do with injuries Almost half the players are recovering from some sort of ailment, and not only hasn't the squad played a game. It hasn't even practiced outdoors.

The schedule works to Harvard's advantage this year. The Crimson will make just two EIBI road trips, one of them to nearby Yale and Brown last season the Crimson bussed as far as Navy (Annapolis, Md.) and Cornell (Ithaca, N.Y.).

But the bottom line is that this year's squad is less experienced and less talented than its predecessor. "All we had to do last year is make up the line-up cards." Nahigian says "This year we've got to coach."

* * *

The team hasn't played a game yet, and almost everything is subject to change. As Lyman says, "There's no spots sewn up right now. Coach Nahigian is very flexible."

However, the team has been practicing for a month. Here's what to expect:

Pitching: Righthander Charlie Marchese (7-1, 3.21 ERA) and southpaw Jeff Musselman (4-1, 3.85 ERA) will fill two of four starting sports. Marchese led the squad in strikeouts (58), led starters in ERA and tied for the team lead in complete games (five) while earning all-league honors last year Musselman's season was hampered by a muscle pull in his shoulder. It hasn't hurt him thus far this year.

They should have outstanding years," says Nahigian. "There's no question they're the best [pair of] pitchers in the league," says catcher Mickey Maspons.

Listed at 6-ft, 175 pounds, Musselman gets a lot of speed on the ball. His fastball tails away from a righthander, and he's got an incredible slider. Marchese also has a fastball and a slider, and he's good at changing speeds.

Sophomore righthander Doug Sutton (1-0, 1-5 ERA) couldn't contribute much last year because of a sore arm. It has improved considerably. He pitched 11 2/3 fine innings last year. He's throwing hard, and if he can keep his arm healthy he could take a starting job. Sophomore rightly Cocil Cox returns after a year off. No one throws the ball harder, but his arm's a bit sore and he needs more control.

Four freshmen could also win a spot in the rotation. Lufty Chris Marchak places the ball well and has a smooth motion. Rightly, Mike Press has a strong fastball. Presz will be working relief in Florida, but Nahigian says it isn't necessarily permanent. Lefty Jim Chenevey has a knuckle curve that sinks faster than the Titanic. Righty George Serbara is also in the hunt.

In general, the oldtimers are impressed with the freshman crop. "The freshmen have really surprised me," says Maspons.

But are they good enough to step in and pitch right away? Marchese and Musselman did when they were freshmen.

"The freshman pitchers impressed me more than Jeff and Charlie did when they were freshmen," Vierra says. "If they can progress like Jeff and Charlie did, we'll be in great shape."

Catching: Junior Mickey Maspons (.319) and freshmen Jim DePale are both looking for playing time, and neither is likely to be disappointed. Maspons didn't catch much last year, because Nahigian was concerned about his arm. Maspons says he's fully recovered from the shoulder injury that plagued him freshman year.