Utah Utes baseball: Utes ready to take to the diamond

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah baseball coach Bill Kinneberg is hoping his team learned a thing or two last season.

And he's not talking about the Utes' improbable Mountain West Conference Tournament title and the NCAA regional victories over Georgia Southern and Gonzaga that followed.

Kinneberg is concerned about the 16 one-run losses his squad suffered in 2009. The setbacks left them with a 28-31 overall record by season's end.

"I hope this team remembers that or learns something from it," Kinneberg said. "So that we can turn that around and win those games this year. I think we're capable of doing that."

With seven returning position players and three starting pitchers back in the fold, there's plenty of reason for optimism up on the hill.

"Are we loaded? That remains to be seen," Kinneberg said. "I really like our new guys that we've added. I like our club right now. Our potential is very good."

The veteran cast in the field includes second baseman Tyler Yagi and catcher/first baseman C.J. Cron. Yagi, who was an outfielder last season, was the MWC Tournament MVP after racking up 10 hits in Utah's title run. Cron, meanwhile, had a stellar campaign and was named a freshman All-American.

"He's going to be a special player. Hopefully he can build on what he did last year," Kinneberg said. "... We expect a lot out of him. He's got a chance to be a tremendous player and a tremendous force in our league."

Other batters to watch include shortstop Michael Beltran, third baseman Nick Kuroczko and designated hitter Devin Walker. Outfielders Cooper Blanc and Rick Cornu also return.

Mark Moorman, a transfer from Cochise College, tops the newcomers and is expected to be the starting first baseman. Lamar transfer Nik Gumeson, a utility man, is also expected to see a lot of action.

The pitching staff is headlined by right-hander Jordan Whatcott. The all-conference performer was drafted by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, but he opted to return for his senior year at Utah instead.

Kinneberg said Whatcott is "probably our No. 1 recruit because we didn't expect him back."

RHP Andrew Wilding, LHP Bryn Card, LHP Stpehen Streich and LHP Tyler Andersen are other notable returnees. Junior college All-American Rick Anton, a lefty, is a bright addition.