Nahigian, who is entering his 10th year as Harvard coach, is looking forward to heading south so he can get a better idea of his squad.

"It's difficult for me to give a genuine analysis right now," Nahigian said. "There is quite a difference between when a team is playing against each other and when it goes up against another team."

The team opens its collegiate season with a twinbill against Toledo University March 26. It will also play Stetson on the 28th, and the University of South Florida on the 31st, with games against the Red Stocking minor leaguers on the rest of the days during the break.

"Last year we didn't play any college teams [on the Florida trip]," sophomore righthander Mike Dorrington said. "The game against Toledo will give us a good idea of how good we really are."

One of the things that everyone will be looking for in Florida is starting pitching. The squad has graduated pitchers Chris Marchok, Kevin Curtin and Jim Cheveney, who helped to anchor the staff last year.

Sophomore Bob Baxter returns to the mound for the Crimson this year. The sophomore lefthander had an outstanding freshman year, posting a 5-1 record and an amazing 0.63 earned-run average. That mark, the second-best ERA in Harvard history, was good enough to earn Baxter first-team All-Ivy and second-team All-EIBL honors.

"Baxter's our stopper," sophomore hurler Vic McGrady said. "No doubt about that."

Sophomore Dorrington and junior Greg Ubert will also start for the Crimson this season. Ubert had a 4.29 ERA in 14 innings last year, while Dorrington posted a 3-0 record. Although each struggled at times last year, the two are expected to help carry the load this year.

The identity of the fourth starter is still unknown. With the Crimson scheduled to play 14 doubleheaders. Nahigian is hoping for a solid hurler to round out the starting quartet.

"You need four starting pitchers to win the Eastern League," Nahigian said.

Fortunately, the 10th-year coach is not shorton arms. Juniors Dan McConaghy and Rick Renninger,sophomores Chip Lippman and McGrady, and freshmenJon Biotti, Zach Hope, John Jakimczyk, Will Mercerand Cody Weston will all be given a chance to earnthe fourth spot.

McGrady, who had a 3-2 record a year ago comingout of the bullpen, will be counted on to put outa few fires this year as well. To throw off thehitters, McGrady is experimenting with his windupand delivery.

"Last year I only threw submarine," McGradysaid. "This year I'll be going overhand andunderhand. It should keep the hitters offbalance."

Batter-up

The Crimson offense looks like it has fewerquestion marks than the pitching staff, butNahigian isn't going to take that for granted.