LAS VEGAS, N.M. – The 2014 edition of the New Mexico Highlands baseball team lost a lot of firepower from last seasons' 29-24 squad. The Cowboys only return two-of-six players that appeared on the 2013 All-Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Team, but 17th-year head coach
Steve Jones does not shy away from expecting great things this season.
The Cowboys begin the season 10th in the preseason South Central Region poll and are picked third in the eight-team RMAC.
"Overall, I expect us to challenge for an RMAC Championship," Jones said,
Despite the expectations, Jones does reiterate that "We will have to stay patient in the early part of the season. Players will need to figure out their roles and adjust to the RMAC travel, weather and four-game weekends."
According to Jones, the biggest question mark in terms of who fill what role is in the pitching staff – particularly the bullpen. So far this season, juniors
Cody Brown,
Zach Settles and
Erick McRae as well as seniors
Daniel Clark and
Greg Hansen look to hold down the Highlands starting rotation. Sophomore
Anthony Badalucco, juniors
Eric Martinez and
Blake Harrison with seniors
Braulio Hernandez and
Ben Ruff looks to anchor the bullpen.
"Our pitching depth is good as we are still looking for a "Friday night" guy and a true closer. Our plan in the bullpen is to close with Hernandez but we are undecided on roles for different pitchers at this time. As the season progresses, we will better be able to determine their roles.
"We have a good combination of experience with the addition of junior college transfers and one freshman that should provide depth and a solid performance," Jones explained.
Behind every great pitcher is a great catcher. Highlands looks to go with a three-man platoon behind the plate in juniors
EJ Stanton and
Morgan McCasland with senior
Cole Davis.
"I feel good about our depth and experience as all three can catch and throw and provide adequate offense," Jones explained.
The Cowboys will feature a solid middle infield with plenty of experience with a trio of seniors:
Tyler Hayes,
Jonathan Stavinoha and
Ben Ruff. Hayes was named All-Conference last season, leading the team in batting average (.410) while also contributing 34 hits, 23 runs and 13 RBI's.
Corner infielders include junior
Joe Cervantes and seniors
Javier Ledford and
Justin Rodriguez. Rodriguez and Ledford saw time last season.
The outfield will feature juniors
Tucker Young, Matthew Chavez,
Andrew Ratterman and
Colby Wilmer with seniors
Jordan Goliat and
Jarred Middleton. Middleton and Goliat are returning starters from last season. Goliat was named First Team Daktronics All-Region Honorable Mention All-South Central Region in 2013, finishing second on the team .375 average with a team-leading 57 hits, 45 runs and 29 RBI's.
Middleton had a .333 average with 44 hits, 28 RBI's and 24 runs scored.
"In the outfield, we have good depth and speed with a good combination of right and left-handed hitting," Jones stated.
Offensively, Jones feels this team is a work in progress.
"We are capable of scoring runs with decent speed and some guys that should put up some power numbers. I do think that our offense will strengthen throughout the year."
The 2014 schedule will feature 10 non-conference games against three different opponents, followed by the always tough conference play. As an added bit of intrigue, the 2014 RMAC Tournament will only feature the top four teams, not the top six like years past.
"Our non-conference schedule features Lubbock Christian, who is two years removed from the NAIA National Championships and is a strong opponent," Jones explained. "Eastern New Mexico is on the rise and should be a factor in the regional race. West Texas A&M has been in the regional mix the last 3-4 years.
Added Jones, "In conference, we expect everyone to be vastly improved with perennial powers Colorado Mesa and CSU-Pueblo leading the charge as they were in the NCAA Tournament last season."
The 2014 edition of the New Mexico Highlands baseball team begins play Sunday (Feb. 9) with a double-header beginning at 11 a.m., at Brandt Fields in Las Vegas, N.M.
