Big West programs ahead of the game

There’s not a season that goes by when the Big West doesn’t get stronger.

Just a few campaigns ago, it seemed like it was the Cal State Fullerton and Long Beach State show with a little UC Irvine entering the equation every now and then.

Now it’s Fullerton, Irvine and Long Beach State. Cal Poly and UC Riverside also have earned recognition with a regional appearance the past few seasons.

There also are programs like UC Davis and UC Santa Barbara.

The Aggies made a statement two seasons ago with a regional berth, but endured a rebuilding campaign last season. UCSB, meanwhile, has improved the past few seasons but still is looking for a regional appearance.

Several Big West teams are confident this fall.

That shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone.

Cal Poly

Biggest loss. 2B Adam Buschini

What to watch. Cal Poly has had some bad luck when it comes to reaching an NCAA regional the past few seasons, but things finally changed last season when it earned a berth in the Tempe Regional and compiled an impressive 37-21 record. The Mustangs have similar expectations entering fall workouts. They must replace Adam Buschini, Kyle Smith and Ryan Lee at the plate, but welcome back several key hitters, including Matt Jensen, Ross Brayton and D.J. Gentile. The pitching staff will determine if Poly takes another step forward in the spring. Sure, they welcome back DJ Mauldin, Mason Radeke, Matt Leonard and Mark DeVincenzi. They also may get back Steven Fischback, who missed last season with a medical redshirt. But this also is the same unit that finished last season with a 5.95 ERA. Watch the pitching staff this fall.

Cal State Fullerton

Biggest loss. 1B Jared Clark

What to watch. The Titans returned to the College World Series last season, but fell short of winning a national title. The Titans hope for bigger and better things starting this fall. Replacing key hitters Jared Clark, Josh Fellhauer, Khris Davis and Joe Scott won’t be easy, but they welcome back Joey Siddons, Christian Colon, Gary Brown and Nick Ramirez. The pitching staff isn’t a question mark. The Titans welcome back ace pitcher Daniel Renken in addition to Freshman All-American Noe Ramirez, Tyler Pill, Ryan Ackland and Kyle Mertins. The Titans are expected to have a strong fall and return to Omaha in the spring.

Cal State Northridge

Biggest loss. OF Richard Cates

What to watch. It has been years since the Matadors made a statement. Well, it might be a few more years before that happens. Northridge finished last season with a 24-32 record and may have a tough time getting more offensive production. The Matadors ended last season with a .270 batting average and must find a way to replace leading hitter Richard Cates, who hit .374 last season. On the mound, replacing relievers Brian Slover and P.J. Rousey won’t be easy. But this unit is fine this fall with the return of Ryan Juarez, Jimmy Jolicoeur, Ryan McCarney, Paul Tremlin and Billy Ott. Northridge can make some noise in the spring if the offense vastly improves.

Long Beach State

Biggest loss. P Adam Wilk

What to watch. The Dirtbags improved down the stretch last season but came up short of a regional berth after ending the spring with a 25-29 record. They are in the midst of fall workouts with a new and improved attitude. The Beach finished last season with only a .289 batting average, but welcome back seven key hitters. The offense should be vastly improved this fall. The pitching staff is a question mark. LBSU welcomes back starting pitchers Jake Thompson and Andrew Gagnon, but must find a way to replace leading pitcher Adam Wilk in addition to relievers David Born, Anthony Carrillo, Charlie Ruiz and Dustin Rasco. Long Beach has an opportunity to be a pleasant surprise in the spring if the pitching staff rises to the occasion. Good thing Troy Buckley is back.

Pacific

Biggest loss. UTI Joey Centanni

What to watch. The Tigers have much work to do this fall to compete for a regional spot in the spring. The Tigers finished last season with a dismal 21-32 record and must shore up the pitching staff this fall. That may be hard to do. Pacific lost two-way star Joey Centanni to the draft and only returns key pitchers David Rowse, Hunter Carnevale and Thomas Berolzheimer from a staff that finished the ’09 campaign with a 6.36 ERA. Pacific welcomes back four key hitters and is confident at the plate with J.B. Brown leading the way. But success won’t be had if the pitching staff doesn’t improve.

UC Davis

Biggest loss. 3B Ty Kelly

What to watch. The Aggies were in business two seasons ago and made a huge statement by reaching an NCAA regional. But now that campaign seems like such a distant memory. The Aggies have much work to do this fall to return to a regional. They finished last season with a .268 batting average and only return one hitter – Justin Schafer – that finished last season with a batting average better than .300. The pitching staff is expected to improve this fall. The Aggies welcome back starters Dayne Quist, Tom Briner and Scott Chew. They also return relievers Tim Busbin and Nathan Slater. The Aggies could have a solid squad if the offense finds an identity.

UC Irvine

Biggest loss. SS Ben Orloff

What to watch. It’s business as usual for the Anteaters this fall. Sure, they have the tough chore of replacing offensive contributor and defensive specialist Ben Orloff. But Irvine welcomes back several key cogs. At the plate, the ‘Eaters welcome back Tommy Reyes, Jeff Cusick, Francis Larson, Ronnie Schaeffer and Casey Stevenson, among others. On the mound, though, is where Irvine is the best. The ‘Eaters got great news in the offseason when ace left-hander Danny Bibona decided to return for his senior campaign. UCI also welcomes back starters Christian Bergman and Crosby Slaught in addition to stud reliever Eric Pettis. The ‘Eaters have few concerns this fall.

UC Riverside

Biggest loss. P Paul Bargas

What to watch. The Highlanders had a solid case for a regional berth for much of last season, but stumbled just enough down the stretch to create a lot of doubt. UCR hopes to make last season a distant memory this fall. The offense must cope with the loss of key hitter Car Uhl, but welcomes back six key hitters. Riverside is expected to have a productive and experienced offense entering the spring. The issue could be on the mound. The Highlanders must find a way to replace Joe Kelly, Paul Applebee, Paul Bargas, Ryan Platt and Matt Montgomery. That means Matt Andriese, Dustin Emmons and Matt Larkins have to set the tone for the pitching staff this fall. UCR can be a postseason team in ’10 if the pitching staff rebuilds.

UC Santa Barbara

Biggest loss. P Joe Gardner

What to watch. Making an NCAA regional was the expectation last season, but the Gauchos fell short with a 29-23 record. Now they hope to rebuild this fall and make a strong case in the spring. That could be difficult. The Gauchos must find a way to replace three of their top four hitters in Ryan Cavan, Eric Oliver and Brian Gump. They do return Matt Valaika, who finished last season hitting .343 with six homers and 45 RBIs. Offense definitely is a concern this fall. On the mound, the Gauchos must replace ace pitcher Joe Gardner, but welcome back Mario Hollands, David Meals and Greg Davis. UCSB has a load of work to do to be a regional contender in the spring. But the foundation – especially on the mound – is there.