As for Herrmann, who’s coming off a solid off-season playing for the Berkshire Dukes of the New England Collegiate League, resident host Minnesota awaits. This past summer with the Dukes, Herrmann posted a 2.49 ERA in five starts, going 3-1 on 47 total innings while striking out 36.

“When we first saw him, he was real raw,” Walsh said. “But we saw that arm strength, his size, and his work ethic. Man, you shake hands with that kid and it’s like shaking hands with a shovel. He’s worked real hard.”

CENTRAL TENDENCY

In addition to Haviland, Harvard looks to feature at least two more freshmen from the get-go. Walsh is retooling a Crimson which misses starters Hendricks and centerfielder Bryan Hale ’04.

Steffan Wilson, out of State College, Penn., will likely see action at second base while hitting in the middle of the lineup, something that’s unusual for a kid yet to play a minute of college ball.

Walsh will also try converting speedy Matt Vance, of Solana Beach, Calif., to an outfield slot, perhaps the one just vacated by the acrobatic Hale. As of now, it’s looking like either he or junior rightfielder Lance Salsgiver will be patrolling centerfield.

“[Vance] came in here as an infielder. We have been, as best we can, trying to work him a little bit in the outfield,” Walsh said. “We’ve got a lot of depth in the infield this year. With his speed and his athleticism, we’re thinking of converting him just to get his bat in the lineup.”

Freshman Max Warren may also get a chance in the outfield as well.

“[Warren’s] got great speed,” Walsh said. “Eventually, I can see him given a chance during the season. [You’ll be] saying, ‘Where was this kid all year?’”

By way of veterans, Harvard does return its slugging captain, catcher Sky Mann, as well as Ivy home run king and Boston Red Sox-draftee, junior shortstop Zak Farkes.

“I’m glad they’re on our side and we don’t have to face them, that’s for sure,” Walsh said.

But Walsh is also looking forward to the resurgence of junior infielder Josh Klimkiewicz, who has lost weight, regained quickness, and looks to be well-recovered from injury last year.

“Klim has come in, he dropped about 20 pounds,” Walsh said. “When we recruited Klim, I really thought he was going to be a middle-of-the-lineup guy for us…They’ll know how to pronounce his name before the season’s over, I can tell you that much.”

NO. 28

Still looming large in the minds of all associated with Harvard baseball is the progress of pitcher Wes Cosgriff, who was diagnosed with testicular cancer after Thanksgiving. A 6’7” lefthander, Cosgriff has just finished chemotherapy to fight the cancer’s spread, and currently awaits a critical surgery within the coming month.