Strengths

Depth and five returning players with all-conference recognition are seen as the strengths of the Linn-Mar program, according to Coach Chad Lechner.

“We have a lot of kids who have played a lot of baseball at pretty high levels," Lechner said.

The Lions' outfield of Aaron Hunter, Jordan Stroschein and Michael Redmond all received recognition at one level or another from the Mississippi Valley Conference last season. Shortstop Ben Larison and infielder/pitcher Jake Stolley were the other two receiving conference recognition.

Challenges

Numbers are usually not a problem, but shuffling through the numbers to find the right combinations for success is definitely a challenge.  Getting that settled will take time, and there is not a lot of that from May 1 to opening game. The pitching staff graduated a lot of innings from last season, and inexperienced pitching is always a challenge in the Valley.

Lost to graduation

Ben Tallman (.338, 3 homers, 15 RBIs) will be missed in the lineup, as will steady infielder Jordan Atwater. Also gone from last year’s lineup is the pitching experience of Atwater, Pat Winnike and Jordan Nelson, who collectively accounted for half of the 14 wins Linn-Mar had in 2010.

Proven players

Larison returns with a healthy .383 average and team-leading 31 RBIs and 44 runs. Stroschein contributed a .390 average, 14 RBIs and 23 runs in just 59 at-bats. Redmond and Hunter hit .312 and .303, respectively. These guys represent the middle of the Lions lineup this coming season.
 
Stolley and Larison are the veterans on the mound for Linn-Mar. Stolley was 2-4 with a 2.02 ERA last summer, and Larison sported a 2-2 record. Catcher Jeremy Danover and infielder Corey Prokop return with significant playing time from last summer as well.

New faces

Here is where Lechner finds his depth. He said he sees sophomores Nate Greve (pitcher) and Mitch Stickney (outfielder) contributing right away.

He has six seniors returning with just snippets of playing time on their resume, along with 12 juniors and seven sophomores who may contribute this summer.

That is 25 players looking to step in and make a difference. A blessing and a challenge, to be sure.

Expectations

The Linn-Mar expectations are high. Lechner said he is excited about how his team finished last season and expects that to carry over to this year.

The Lions have a nice core of players and a nice number of younger players to choose from, but it is difficult to be successful in the Valley without experience.

Lechner may struggle early, but if his belief that his younger players can put it together comes to fruition, Linn-Mar will improve with every game. The Lions will be tough by tournament time.