After a disappointing 2007 season, the 2008 baseball season is a time for optimism for Mobile fans. That season opens Friday and Saturday with a 3-game series versus GCAC foe Loyola. Friday's game is at 2:00, while the Saturday double-header starts at noon.

"This is an exciting team with all the local kids that will be playing together," Head Coach Mike Jacobs said. "Many of them played against each other in high school and together on the RawDogs. I'm a big believer in team chemistry, and so far I've seen a lot of that from the guys."

Another reason for optimism is the amount of depth the team has, which has not always been the case.

"We've got a lot of depth at a lot of places, and it will create competition and push our players," Jacobs said. "In years past, guys knew they would play no matter what; this year, they'll play hard every day."

One of the positions on the team with that depth is the pitching staff, which features 8 full-time pitchers and 3 two-way players.

Pitching is always key…..

The Rams have four players competing for the three weekend starting roles: Scott Mitchell, Jesse Luker, Kit Powell and Justin Bracewell.

Luker is entering his fourth year with Mobile and the coaching staff is looking for big things from him. Bracewell was the Ram's "go-to guy" out of the bullpen last year, but will start, either on the weekends or mid-week this season.

The two new players in the mix have the coaches excited. Powell is a senior transfer from West Florida, whom Jacobs "expects to be pitching on the weekends," and Mitchell offers " a lot of potential to be one of the weekend starters."

With Bracewell transitioning to a starter's role, the closer spot will probably come down to three newcomers.

Matt Brown, Nelson Curry and Stephen Stork will all be in the mix. Brown is the only full-time pitcher out of the three, but he missed time in the fall.

"Curry throws above 90 and seems to be the kind of guy that has the personality to handle the closer spot," Jacobs said. "Stork's main job is at shortstop, but he could close if we need him to."

Zack Mann is the lone lefty outside of Luker, and was one of the toughest pitchers to hit during the fall. Ira Turner, Travis Jones and Derek Bourgeios will all help log innings this year.

That pitching staff should also be aided by an improved group of infielders.

Infield offers nice blend....

"Our infield was a big weakness last year," Jacobs said. "This year should be improved with some key returnees and talented incoming players."

First base will be manned by Daniel Harper and Kevin Orso. Harper had one of the best fall sessions of anyone and swung the bat really well, while JUCO All-American Orso brings a lot of power to the position.

Jared Baria will anchor second base after hitting .500 in the fall and playing the same position at Mobile each of the past two seasons. Brad Sheffield will provide depth at the spot.

Stork and Bourgeios will play shortstop for Mobile, with Stork getting the majority of the reps. "We are excited about having him out there," Jacobs said.

Third base will get a boost with T.J. Esfeller returning from an injury after being one of the Rams' best defensive performers in 2006, while David Cramblitt will get some playing time and likely be one of Mobile's best hitters for average.

Outfield should be strong…..

"We have two returning players in the outfield and the combination of offense and defense should be one of our strengths," Jacobs said. "Carlos Romero gets the best jump on the ball I've ever seen, while Daine Solomon has good speed and gets great jumps as well."

Left field will see newcomers Curry and Orso splitting time, and both players have good arms. "Our outfield arms should keep people from scoring this year," Jacobs said.
John Wood and Dustin Pruitt will provide solid depth in the outfield.

Brett Barber played in the outfield in 2007, but will be the Rams' designated hitter after earning All-Region honors in 2007 thanks to his hitting prowess.

Backstop depth….

Continuing the depth theme, Jacobs said the depth of quality catchers is the best the team has had in awhile, and all possess great arms.

Cliff Downey, Matthew Sparks and Eric Bird will see time behind the plate and all did a good job of working with the Rams' pitchers in the fall.

It is good that the Rams have a lot of depth and talent, as the 2008 schedule starts off with a bang and stays difficult throughout.

Rough slate of games….

"It's a tough schedule with Auburn-Montgomery, Tennessee-Wesleyan, LSU-Shreveport, and Belhaven all in the preseason NAIA Top-30," Jacobs said. "And, teams like Faulkner and William Carey have the talent to end up ranked."

But, the difficult schedule can also be a benefit as it requires the team to bring its "A-game" every day and gets the team ready for Gulf Coast Athletic Conference action. The Rams will know exactly what it will take to win the conference early on, as Loyola comes to town for the opening series of the season on February 1.

Tough schedule or easy schedule, depth or no depth; the key to the season is pretty basic, according to Jacobs

"Stay focused and play with a passion, play like you want to be out there. Do that and we can be very successful,” Jacobs said.