Conventional wisdom suggests opposing teams better get in their licks on coach George Horton and the Oregon Ducks.

When Horton surprised everyone by leaving Cal State Fullerton for Oregon, we knew year one would be full of struggles. But now the Ducks hope to take a step forward.

The Ducks had trouble establishing an identity in Horton's first season in the Pac-10. They finished last in conference with a 4-23 record and also compiled a 14-42 overall record.

The Ducks left much to be desired at the plate. They also didn't exactly impress on the mound and are going through fall workouts without ace pitcher Erik Stavert, who signed a pro contract this past summer.

Oregon must improve at the plate and on the mound if it plans to make some noise in 2010.

Horton's time at Oregon eventually will come. The only question is will it be sooner or later?

It's time to take an inside look at the Ducks.

Oregon's five fall keys

1. The Ducks were an absolute non factor in the Pac-10 last season, but there's nothing they can do to go back in time and change how things transpired. Now the Ducks need to move forward and focus on the task at hand for the '10 season. The '09 campaign was the first season since the 1980's and certainly was a learning experience. The Ducks learned how to be a team and program. And most importantly, they learned how to handle adversity. For the long term success of the program, last season may have been a blessing in disguise.

2. Replace ace pitcher Erik Stavert -- The Ducks didn't do much well last season, but the ace pitcher was consistent and one of the Pac-10's best pitchers. He is gone after signing with the Rockies as a seventh-round selection over the summer. Stavert started 14 games last season and compiled a 3.04 ERA in 94 2/3 innings. He also struck out 82 and walked 36 and opponents hit him at a .230 clip. The Ducks don't welcome back a weekend starter that had a solid '09 campaign, so replacing Stavert may be an impossible chore. It'll be interesting to see who the Ducks send to the mound in series openers.

3. Improve the weekend rotation -- The Ducks welcomed back some talented pitchers this fall, including reliever Drew Gagnier, who compiled a 2.70 ERA in 30 innings last season. But in terms of the weekend rotation, the Ducks have much work to do. Tyler Anderson and Madison Boer both are back this fall. Anderson made 15 starts last season and had a 6.26 ERA in 82 innings. Opponents hit him at a .296 clip. Boer, meanwhile, started 10 games last season and had a 6.97 ERA in 62 innings. Teams hit him at a .289 clip. Gagnier started the final series of last season against Arizona, so perhaps Horton plans to move him to the weekend rotation. Anderson and Boer, though, must improve.

4. Make huge strides at the plate -- It doesn't come as a surprise that at least a couple pitchers rose to the occasion last season. But offensively, the Ducks didn't have a single hitter worth raving about. That's amazing to even think about. The Ducks finished last season with a .227 batting average, which ranked 287th nationally in front of Coppin State but after Chicago State. The Ducks welcome back Curt Raulinaitis, Danny Pulfer, KC Serna, Mitch Karraker and Antony Kreitz, among others. Only Raulinaitis finished last season with a batting average better than .258. The Ducks once again won't win many games if they hit at that level in the spring.

5. Get immediate production from newcomers -- The offense struggled last season and may struggle again in the spring, but look for a talented crop of newcomers to provide immediate production. The Ducks are high on second baseman Jack Marder, outfielders Dylan Jones and Andrew Mendenhall, first baseman Stephen Kaupang and middle infielder J.J. Altobelli. Look for those five to earn significant playing time in the field. On the mound, freshman left-handed pitcher Christian Jones is worth watching. He is the top newcomer for the Ducks and has the ability to be a front-line pitcher from day one in the spring. Oregon could surprise some people if the newcomers rise to the occasion.