The SF State Baseball team enters the 2006 season looking to rebound after a disappointing 2005 campaign. The Gators are counting on some key contributions from several returning players and a talented recruiting class.

“We had a pretty rough season last year record wise so it’s important to take it one day at a time and see what we can do,” said head coach Matt Markovich.

The Gators finished 19-35 overall and 12-25 in the CCAA last season. Although their record doesn’t indicate it the Gators played many of their opponents tight last season, and lost several key conference games by three runs or less. This season the team is hoping to stay competitive and avoid the injury bug.

The Gators return nine players from last year’s team, first baseman Casey Garrison, shortstop Aaron Garcia and left-handed pitcher Nick DeCampli. They will all be counted on to lead the way for the Gators. Garrison, a senior, was named to the All-CCAA second team last year and led the team in hitting with a .355 average and a .510 slugging percentage.

"I just want to contribute to the team in any way that I can," said Garrison. "My role on this team is to drive in runs and be a team leader. But the main thing is winning."

Garcia returns as the anchor in the middle of the infield. He hit .312 and stole eight bases last year on his way to being named an All-CCAA honorable mention. Garrison, Garcia and fellow senior Bryan Supnet should provide the Gators with a solid infield.

The big questions lie in the pitching staff and in the outfield where the Gators are returning just three players. DeCampli, who was injured for most of last season is expected to be healthy and provide some solid innings as the primary left-handed starter. Newcomers Ben Horner and Kyle Phipps will be competing for the other two spots in the starting rotation. Returning senior left-handed pitcher Jason Swick will be the main guy out of the bullpen for the Gators.

“The pitching staff is young but we have a lot guys who can throw strikes,” said pitching coach Conor Bird. “We just need our guys to throw strikes and give the defense a chance to make some plays.”

The Gators will put three new players in the outfield this season. Senior D.J. Stacey and junior’s Jason Dean, from Sacramento City College, and Phillip Girouard, from Canada College, will get the first crack at it.

Conference play will once again test the Gators will. Defending champs UC San Diego returns all nine starters from last year’s team, and both Chico State and Sonoma State are expected to be at the top of the conference once again.

“We have the talent and the depth to be a top team in our conference,” said Markovich. “I wouldn’t call us the top team or a middle of the road team right now, we just need to develop as a team and see where we go from there.”