Hogan likes blend of players heading into first fall practice

Southeast Missouri State University's baseball team begins fall practice Monday with a roster split almost evenly between returning players and newcomers.

That's quite a bit different from last year, when the Indians entered the fall with a largely rebuilt roster after suffering heavy graduation losses.

"We've got a nice blend of veterans and new players. It's a lot different than last year, when it was mostly new guys," Southeast coach Mark Hogan said.

The Indians will have roughly three weeks of practice, through the end of September. Hogan said this time allotted by the NCAA will give he and his staff a good look at the 17 returning players and 14 first-year squad members.

"We'll do a lot of teaching, kind of like a spring training type thing, and the new guys will have an opportunity learn our system," Hogan said. "We should also have a lot of spirited intrasquad games, watching the guys compete."

While the Indians return a host of starters and key pitchers, there will be a few notable absences among players who were eligible to return.

Mike Fitch, a member of the starting pitching rotation last year, decided to leave the program. Jon Nourie, a key hurler two years ago who missed virtually all of last season with an elbow injury, signed a professional contract with the San Diego Padres last month and was sent to their instructional league.

"Fitch just came to us in the middle of the summer and felt like he wanted to make a change," Hogan said. "Nourie had a real good showing with the Capahas at the national tournament in Wichita and it was a good opportunity for him."

In addition, Eric Hoffman -- who started 37 games a year ago, primarily at designated hitter -- had decided during last season not to use his final year of eligibility because of lingering knee problems.

Also, outfielder Aaron Fangman -- who struggled last year and received limited playing time after a solid freshman season -- left the program.

"You generally lose a few guys every year for various reasons," Hogan said. "We wish them the best."

Loaded with veteransSoutheast welcomes back eight position players who started at least 27 games last year for a squad that went 29-28 to end a string of four consecutive seasons of 30 or more victories. The Indians finished second in the Ohio Valley Conference tournament.

The Indians return their three leading hitters in senior left fielder Eric Horstman (.368), senior shortstop Ernie Bracamonte (.354) and senior center fielder Frankie Montiel (.352).

Also back are senior first baseman Freddy Lopez (.318), sophomore outfielder Brent Lawson (.297), senior outfielder Bryan Kurt (.286), senior catcher Brady Noll (.247) and senior second baseman Bo Jenkins (.246).

In the pitching department, three starters return in junior left-hander Derek Herbig (5-4, 3.72 earned-run average), and senior right-handers Anthony Maupin (8-7, 6.01) and Ryan Forsyth (4-2, 5.89).

Also back is senior right-handed reliever Brad Smith (3-2, 11 saves, 2.48), who set Southeast's single-season and career saves record in just one year.

Adding a lift to the pitching staff could be senior right-hander Bill Clayton, a key member of the rotation two years ago who missed virtually all of last season with a shoulder injury that required two surgeries. His recovery appears to be going well.

"I'm excited for Bill. He's been through so much, but he's a battler," Hogan said. "He's doing some light throwing now but we'll find out more later in the fall."

Other returning players are senior infielder Keith Wollis, sophomore catcher Andres Fernandez and sophomore right-hander Matt Carter. Wollis made seven starts last year, Fernandez hit .316 in 19 at-bats and Carter went 1-1 while making 22 relief appearances.

Also back after redshirting last season is freshman catcher Sean Zollner.

Plenty of newcomersHogan said he expects several of the new players to challenge for starting positions, particularly in the pitching department.

Junior college transfers Jamie McAlister (Jefferson, Mo.) and Andy Johnson (Triton, Ill.), a pair of right-handers, should be contenders for the starting rotation, Hogan said. McAlister is a graduate of Clearwater High School.

Jackson High School graduate Josh Parham (Fort Scott, Kan.) adds a left-hand arm to the bullpen.

Hogan said freshman right-hander Joey Evans (Whitehouse, Texas) could contend for a spot in the starting rotation while two more freshmen hurlers are left-hander Casey Johnson (Eureka High School) and right-hander Mike Taylor (Shawnee High School).

Around the diamond, junior college transfers are infielder Dustin Pritchett (Forest Park, Mo., and a Kennett High School product); infielder Chris Gibson (Pratt, Kan.); catcher Levi Olson (Santa Barbara, Calif.); infielder Jordan Payne (Crowder, Mo.); and catcher Quenten Rouse (Salem, Ore.).

Freshmen recruits around the field are outfielder Devin Brundick (Eureka High School), and infielders Richie Estopare (Vianney High School) and James Clayton (Chatham, Ill.), who is Bill Clayton's younger brother.

"The fall will be a chance for the new guys to make an impression," Hogan said. "We may have several newcomers break through."