There will be pitching in 2010 for Oklahoma Baptist.

 

With 14 pitchers on the roster, the Bison are deeper in numbers than many Major League staffs, creating a healthy competition and, hopefully, an embarrassment of riches.

 

"We're excited about our pitching staff. We have a lot of numbers. After last season, we thought we had to get better. Our quality and our quantity are both good," said OBU coach Bobby Cox.

 

That said, none of the Bison pitchers have secured a job. The fall semester was marred by bad weather, leaving the Bison with about 14 question marks.

 

"We're going into Spring with all jobs still open," Cox said. "The fall was so poor weather-wise and we weren't able to get out much. Robo (Brent Robison, 9-2 last season) and Tyler Duran (9-4) are coming off pretty good junior seasons. All of the new guys threw really well at one time or another. There truly will be a good deal of competition to earn a job."

 

Arizona State import Kyle Brule seems like a favorite to be this year's closer, but he'll have to earn that spot over Jesse Orozco. Starter candidates include Robison, Duran and newcomers Blake Gallacher, Joey Green, Richie Morowski and Ryan Plum.

 

Kili Vierra, Tanner Streeter, Chase Jestice, Angelo Cordova, Steven Blanchette and Mike Giaramita are probably starting the season in the bullpen, but could work into more specific roles.

 

Handling that staff will be returning catcher Victor Manzano. Manzano caught 53 games last season and will help this season from Bam Davis, who missed nearly the entire season with an injury in 2009. Manzano hit a respectable .331 last year and is regarded as the strong defensive catcher. But if Davis returns to form at the plate, he will be difficult to keep out of the lineup.

 

The big void left by the 2009 graduation is at first base where All-American Josh Collazo dominated for two years.

 

"That's a big hole to fill," Cox said. "We might not be able to replace Josh. That's 150 RBI. We kind of got spoiled there."

 

Anthony Lopez will try to make a name for himself there. The lefty has good power and had a good fall season, Cox said. Anthony Ramirez (.357 in 18 games) gives the Bison a right-handed option at first.

 

Arin Fowble (.391) returns at second base. "He's really effective and he had a good summer in the wood bat league," Cox said.

 

Billy Jarka moved over to third base during the 2009 season and will start the 2010 campaign there.

 

"He plays the position well and he's a little better now after a year of experience," said Cox.

 

"He's got as good of range as any third baseman we've had," added assistant coach Chris Klimas.

 

Jonathan Gelpi will get the nod at shortstop this season, transferring from Ranger Junior College.

 

"He's a top-end defensive shortstop," Klimas said.

 

Shea Brown and Jake Kiebke give the Bison reliable infield gloves as utility players.

 

The outfield lost out on the injured Michael Sliger, but has a lot of depth with Sean Iago, Jonathan Carnes, Justin Trejo, Austin Berg and newcomer Reece Alnas.

 

"It all starts in centerfield with Sean Iago," Cox said. "He is as good a centerfielder as we've had here in two or three years."

 

Alnas, who also is a strong centerfielder, will get the start in left field.

 

"Reece has center field tools, but we'll start him in left," Cox said. "He brings added speed to the lineup."

 

"Both of those guys have the ability to hit leadoff," Klimas said.

 

Jonathan Carnes (.341) is waiting in the wings and may also share time at designated hitter with Davis.

 

Trejo (.351) has right field responsibilities and could also split time there with Carnes.

 

"Trejo had some really big hits," Cox said. "When Carnes gets it going, he's a very good hitter."

 

Austin Berg (.280) is available as well.

 

The Bison compete in the Sooner Athletic Conference and hope to secure one of the coveting six postseason positions.

 

"From what I can tell, everyone in the conference has improved," Cox said. "If you make it to that top six, you're going to have a pretty good club."