During my few short weeks as the SF State baseball beat writer, where I've been covering most games online, I've heard some inspiring words of encouragement. Mainly, "Oh really? That sucks," or the classic, "Dang, what'd you do to piss your editor off that you got stuck with that?"

(Little do these people know, I'm a lifelong San Francisco Giants fan, so I've toiled in mediocrity and developed tough skin over the years.)

After being properly motivated by my fellow staff, I was prepared to see the Gators get slaughtered in their first outings of the season. Instead, SF State emerged from their first six games with a 4-2 record, eclipsing their 1-5 start last year and giving me reason to believe that the program is, in fact, improving.

The Gators' performance during that six-game stretch made it apparent that this year's baseball team is head and shoulders above where they were at this time last year. The team's improved record and roster has given me new hope that the 2009 version of SF State baseball will not only be bearable, but often times enjoyable to watch.

Here are my top reasons why Gator baseball will make you forget about last year's abysmal 2008 campaign:

1: Improved pitching. The Gators' pitching was their Achilles' heel last season. This year, it's one of their strengths. Jeff Henning and Eric Keithley have been the aces of the pitching staff so far, giving up only one run apiece in their first starts. The Gators' pitching should be able to keep them in games this season, but the real question is whether or not SF State's offense can keep pace.

2: Sean Proni. Speaking of offense, the junior infielder is scorching the ball, leading his team with a .542 average to go along with 8 RBIs. Both in college and professional baseball, batters are typically a few steps behind pitchers early in the season, but as the weather warms up, so do most hitters. Proni is bucking that trend and carrying the bulk of the offensive load while the rest of the offense hopefully catches up.

3: They have an easier schedule this season. SF State has played Academy of Art University once already this season, and will play them three more times in the coming weeks. The Urban Knights are in their first year as a baseball program, which gives the Gators a huge advantage in the experience department when they play. Besides, it can't hurt to play an art school four times a year, right?

4: Head coach Tony Dress. He oozes confidence, and more times than not, it manages to transmit to his players. In his previous coaching stint at Los Medanos College, Dress led the team to a 28-16 record in 2006, and the Mustangs hosted their first playoff game in 16 years. Dress's resume in team building and ability to turn programs around is enough evidence to believe he will do the same for SF State.

5: Last year's record. I'm not trying to be malicious or conjure up old demons, but most people who follow the team know that last season was a... learning experience. Fortunately for the program, the Gators are taking what they've learned and are on pace to greatly improve over last year's record of 8-46-1, already securing half of last year's wins through their first six games. The team would have to hit the mother load of rough patches to mess this one up.

Well, there you have it. My top reasons why SF State baseball will be better this season. Now let's hope I didn't jinx them.