The Barometer Online

Issue date: 2/7/07 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Peter Strong Mike Stutes, a junior right-hander, is expected to fill a big void on the mound this spring for the Beavers.

According to the OSU baseball team, it's not a rebuilding year for the Beavers. Instead, the defending national champs have reloaded.

After a four-game sweep against Hawaii-Hilo, the No. 15 Beavers are set for a strong follow-up to their national title run a season ago. In addition to the national championship, Oregon State heads into the 2007 season as two-time defending Pac-10 champions.

"It brought a lot of confidence to the team and really helped us a lot," pitcher Eddie Kunz said. "A lot of guys came out and shined, and a lot of the pitchers went out and shoved it up their butts like we needed to."

With great success comes the loss of key players from the national title run. The Beaver infield was picked dry by the Major League draft, leaving shortstop Darwin Barney as the sole returning starter on the infield.

"It's good and bad," Barney said. "That team last year was special, and you're never going to forget it. This year I like what I see. I like our team chemistry, and I like how we are all coming together. Hopefully I can help those guys out there as much as I can."

Barney will be joined in non-conference games with a carousel of infielders at first, second and third. Transfer Jordan Lennerton figures to see time at first base after hitting .426 against Hilo. The rest of the infield is up in the air, as transfers Jason Ogata and Drew George will compete with freshman Joey Wong in addition to returning Beavers for the other spots on the infield.

Major League teams also snagged two starting pitchers and Beaver closer Kevin Gunderson, bringing urgency to reform the OSU pitching staff. Waiting in the wings were many capable arms, ready to replace last year's losses, as Mike Stutes made his way from Sunday starter to Friday starter. Daniel Turpen's gutsy performance in the College World Series helped him move from being the team's spot-starter into the weekend rotation.

"It is something I've always worked for," Stutes said. "It's been a goal of mine, and it is nice to realize a goal. It just means I have more responsibility on the pitching staff, so I'm looking forward to it."

Continued...

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