"I think Carmack and Portman are ready to step up as sophomores like many of the seniors on this team did as sophomores," Walsh said.

Carmack hit .344 in his rookie campaign, appearing in 25 games and starting nine. Portman hit .220 in 50 at-bats.

Huling will provide the glue that the younger two-thirds of the outfield will need. A stellar defender and quiet contributor, Huling hit an unassuming .337 with 57 hits and stole 21 bases while fielding. 986. Huling also showcased a shotgun arm, recording eight outfield assists.

"Huling is on fire," Keck said. "There's just no weak spot in the lineup."

On the bench--for now--is freshman Javy Lopez, who suffered a near-career-ending eye injury while throwing batting practice during fall workouts.

"Javy's overcoming it," Walsh said. "He's not back to where he was, but we're anxious to see him once we get outside. If we can get him back healthy--and that's a big if--he'll be a tremendous asset. It will be a big boost for him and for the ball club."

Fresh Faces

In addition to Crockett and Carter, Walsh will also start freshman Josh San Salvador at designated hitter. Last year's DH-slot was a lefty-righty platoon between Brett Vankoski '98 and senior utility man Todd Harris.

San Salvador is getting talked up in the same exciting way as his classmates.

"He's the kind of guy that you might want to come out to see hit BP," Walsh said. "We're going to stick him right into the lineup in the three-hole. If we're going to be a good ball club, he's going to get his bat into the lineup."

That's good news, since the only glaring hole in an otherwise amazingly well-rounded team is power hitting. Keck and Binkowski--each of whom hit three homers last year--have more long balls than the other 19 returnees put together.

"Honestly, I think you're going to see more power from the freshmen than from us," Keck said. "San Salvador, [sophomore] Graham McKay at DH or first, they're the guys who are going to give us some good pop."

The Crimson also has got freshman infielders Mike Mager and Faiz Shakir on the bench, and both may be groomed for starting jobs next year.

"They're all shortstops by trade," Walsh said. "Mager has good speed, which fits into our system nicely, and Shakir's got a good glove, and he's very quick. He can bunt, run, slash, hit-and-run and he may be a second baseman of the future."

Two upperclassmen--sophomore outfielder Joe Llanes and junior catcher Jeff Bridich--will make the jump from JV.