Season Preview: Huskers Look for Return to NCAA Tournament

There was no celebration following Nebraska's season-ending three-game sweep of Texas Tech at Hawks Field last May. For a tradition-rich program that saw the Huskers qualify for eight NCAA Tournaments last decade, it was only a time for Nebraska to look forward. That feeling immediately made the 2011 Husker baseball team hungry to rebuild success in the 10-year anniversary of Nebraska's first College World Series team.

"Expectations are always high," Coach Mike Anderson said. "The highest expectations come from our coaching staff and those are relayed to our players. We haven't met those goals the past couple years. We also believe we have run our program very strong and we have met those expectations off the field. Now it's time to do that on the field."

The tools to reach those expectations could be attained with a 2011 roster that includes 20 returning lettermen, highlighted by the return of honorable-mention All-Big 12 selections Kale Kiser and Cody Asche, a pair of juniors who batted .345 and .311, respectively, in Nebraska's 27-27 campaign. The group of returning letterwinners is the second-most by Nebraska in the last 11 years.

"We've been pretty inexperienced these last two years," Anderson said. "We are hoping the experience they have received by playing as freshmen and sophomores is going to pay off this year."

Anderson noted the most inexperience the past two years has been on the mound, an area where Nebraska could flourish in 2011. The Huskers bring back three right-handers who have seen notable time in the weekend rotation in sophomores Tom Lemke and Tyler Niederklein and junior Sean Yost.  Nebraska also welcomes back senior reliever Casey Hauptman, who ranked second in appearances last season. The return of 11 pitchers who saw playing time last season and the addition of a highly touted recruiting class has fans projecting this is the staff that the Huskers have been building the past three years.

"I think there's some truth to that," fourth-year pitching coach Eric Newman said. "When you look back over the next three years with this group of freshmen and sophomores, too, what they have in front of them is pretty exciting. I think our veterans understand that, and they're bringing these guys along by mentoring and teaching them. They're trying to get them ready for the rigors of the Big 12."

A key to the pitching success could be related to a positive sign for the Nebraska baseball program over the summer, when in-state prospect Logan Ehlers, in addition to Jon Keller and Brandon Pierce, all turned down professional contracts. Ehlers, a two-time Nebraska State Gatorade Player of the Year, was the highest drafted prospect in the eighth round by Toronto, while Keller (11th round, Seattle) and Pierce (26th round, Pittsburgh) were also selected. The past two Nebraska recruiting classes have been ranked in the top 15 nationally by Collegiate Baseball.

"We're pretty excited that the last two years we have had two of our best recruiting classes," Anderson said. "We feel strongly about the kids that have come in. Two years ago we lost a lot of kids to the draft, but each of the past two years we had young men turn down professional contracts and make decisions to be a part of our program. We feel honored that kids look at our program that way and know they can come here and develop."

While there is a learning curve and transition for the younger pitchers in the Big 12 Conference, the unit could benefit from a group of experienced hitters at the plate. Nebraska finished the 2010 season on a scoring explosion, producing 94 runs (9.4 avg) over the last 10 games. During that stretch, in which the Huskers were 7-3, Kiser, Asche and sophomore Josh Scheffert combined to hit for a .380 average and accounted for 45 percent of Nebraska's RBI total. The trio is expected to move from the middle to the front of the order this spring.

"It's nice to be able to start your lineup with experience," Anderson said. "Those are three good guys to have, hitters that know how to get RBI's. We also feel we have some other guys who can do some nice things to complement them, but it's sure nice to have those three guys to start a lineup with."

As Nebraska plays its 10th year at Haymarket Park, the program also celebrates the 10-year anniversary of its first College World Series team. Anderson brought back another piece of the past over the summer with the addition of former Husker Darin Erstad as a volunteer assistant coach. A three-time Gold Glove winner, Erstad had a successful 14-year Major League career after being selected as the No. 1 pick in the 1995 MLB Draft. Anderson's staff also includes Newman and sixth-year assistant coach Dave Bingham.

"I like continuity of our staff in addition to adding someone that I am very familiar with," Anderson said. "We've had a lot of growth and have probably grown more with a couple down years. We have excelled in recruiting and we have excelled off the field. Now we hope that has some benefits."

Pitchers
Nebraska brings back 11 pitchers who earned playing time in 2010 and accounted for 67 percent of the total innings. The Huskers saw the departure of three pitchers to the MLB Draft, including 14-game starter Michael Mariot and closer Mike Nesseth.  Aside from that, seven pitchers combined for the other 39 starts, all of whom return in 2011

"I'm really excited about this group of guys," Newman said. "They understand what's expected of them and what our plan is. They are committed to that. We had a great fall, and I think we're going to start to see the benefits of that work this spring."

Lemke posted a 5-6 record and a 5.34 ERA last season, while leading Big 12 freshmen in complete games (2) and shutouts (2). Those top two outings came in strong fashion, as he shut down No. 12 Oklahoma in a 10-0 victory and won a pitcher's duel against Texas A&M in a 1-0 triumph.

"Tom pitched some big games for us last season," Newman said. "The kid has unbelievable talent and potential. He has the ability to do some special things."

Lemke's two complete-game shutouts were the most by a Husker since 2002 and tied him with Texas' Cole Green for the league lead, while ranking third in complete games. The Phoenix, Ariz., native struck out 43 hitters in 60.2 innings and could be Nebraska's No. 1 starter in 2011.

"I know he wants that," Newman added. "He's talked about wanting the opportunity and challenge to pitch against everyone else's top guy. We'll see how it shakes out because there's probably three or four guys in the mix for that first time out."

Another starting prospect is sophomore Tyler Niederklein. The right-hander was 3-1 with a team-best 3.09 ERA last season, as he worked his way into the weekend rotation. An eight-game starter, the Omaha native became the first Husker to win his first Big 12 start since Johnny Dorn in 2005, when he hurled a career-long 5.2 innings and allowed only one earned run in a 6-2 victory over Baylor.

"Tyler's definitely in the mix," Newman said. "He started eight games for us last year and did a nice job, especially in Big 12 play. I think he's going to continue to progress and be a guy we can count on."

In addition to the sophomore duo of Lemke and Niederklein that could help develop a weekend rotation, a group of three seniors will be heavily depended on to serve a variety of roles in 2011. Hauptman, an Omaha native, came out of the bullpen in 19 of 23 appearances last season. He led Nebraska with three saves and was second in both innings (73.2) and strikeouts (58). Against 2010 NCAA runner-up UCLA, Hauptman allowed only one unearned run over 6.1 innings of relief in a narrow 5-4 defeat.

"Casey will pretty much be our jack of all trades," Newman said. "He's pitched in just about every possible situation the past three years. He's a tremendous strike thrower and a great competitor. We're going to use him out of the bullpen, but he brings a lot of value to the team all the way around."

Hauptman could be joined as a primary reliever alongside senior right-hander Khris Tate. After transferring from Weatherford (Texas) College, Tate started six games last spring, going 2-2 with a 4.99 ERA. The Carthage, Texas native picked up his most impressive win in Nebraska's 9-2 triumph at Oklahoma State, as he threw a career-high 5.1 innings and allowed only one run on six hits.

"Khris will most likely be used out of the bullpen," Newman said. "He's going to a guy that we'll count on to throw some very meaningful innings. After seeing his success last year, it looks like there are some good things in store for Khris as a senior."

The third senior who could see an important relief role is right-hander Matt Freeman. The Omaha native was limited in action last season after recovering from shoulder surgery, but appeared in five games. A healthy Freeman would give the NU pitching staff another experienced arm out of the bullpen, as he combined for 23 appearances in 2008 and 2009.

"Matt had an unbelievable summer," Newman said. "Then he came back in the fall a completely transformed guy in terms of what he's going to have to do to be successful. He has a great chance to contribute again this season."

Another upperclassman who could be vital to Nebraska's pitching success is junior Sean Yost. The right-hander from Lincoln had five starts last season and recorded a 2-1 mark with a 6.21 ERA in 19 appearances. Yost was also used as a reliever in 2010 and helped preserve notable wins over Oklahoma, Baylor and Creighton.

"Sean had a great fall," Newman said. "He's an experienced guy who comes into this season having been our Friday night starter and our closer the past two years. He could find himself in a weekend role again for us and we need him for that."

Newman has also noted that sophomore right-hander Dylan Vogt may work his way into that role. The Omaha native only had 5.0 innings in three appearances last year, but the coaching staff has seen great improvement in the offseason.

"Dylan had a great summer and is a potential starter," Newman said. "I think the staff would probably say he is the most improved coming out of fall practice. He's ready to contribute at a higher level."

The Huskers look to have a pair of solid set-up relievers in senior right-hander Chase Adams and sophomore right-hander Chris Williams. Adams, a native of Mineola, Texas, ranked fourth on the team with 17 appearances in 2010.  He produced a 3-1 record and had his best outing at No. 2 Texas, retiring all five hitters he faced in a 5-3 win. Williams, an Omaha native, appeared in seven games and was 1-1 as he earned the win in NU's 8-6 victory over Texas Tech.

"They can be two good set-up guys out of the bullpen," Newman said. "Chase had a nice offseason and has made some adjustments to be more successful. Chris is getting healthy and also has the potential to close games. He has a great breaking pitch. Both guys bring a lot to the pitching staff."

Sophomore right-hander Ryan Hander could add in the bullpen. The Sioux Falls, S.D., native earned the win in Nebraska's season-ending 8-7 victory over Texas Tech, fanning all three hitters he faced in one inning of relief. Hander battled injuries during the offseason but will contribute if healthy.

"Ryan is a little bit of a mystery because he could not pitch in the summer or fall," Newman said. "However, so far he has looked great and definitely made some progress. Hopefully he continues that improvement and hits his stride."

Ehlers headlines a talented recruiting class that comes with plenty of pitching potential. An eighth-round draft pick, Ehlers was 18-2 with a 0.24 ERA over his last two seasons at Nebraska City High School. In the Red-White Series finale last October, the left-hander rebounded from a rough Game 1 start and struck out 10 in six innings. On the mound for the White squad was freshman right-hander Jon Keller, an 11th-round draft selection out of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Keller was nearly as impressive, as he went five innings, also allowing just four hits while striking out four.

Pierce, a right-hander, will also be looking for a primary relieving role in his first year as a Husker. The 26th-round draft pick from Gunter, Texas shut out the Red bats in the series finale in 3.0 innings. He also threw 2.0 innings in the first game, giving up two hits and a run. Freshman left-hander Tyler King will also compete for mound time. The Republic, Mo., native went 6.0 innings, while striking out six and giving up six hits and two runs in his Red-White Series appearance.

"Our goal in the fall was to get those guys out there and in the mix as much as possible," Newman said. "We wanted to get them accustomed to what was going to be happening in games. From that standpoint, our plan worked well, but there is a long way to go."

The Huskers will not have the services of sophomore right-hander Luke Bublitz this season, as he is recovering from Tommy John surgery. Sophomore Kash Kalkowski will be in action, but due to previous injuries, looks to make the defensive move to infield.

Catcher
The Huskers look to be strong behind the plate again, as Nebraska returns junior Cory Burleson and senior Patric Tolentino, each of whom have significant starting experience. NU will most likely utilize both players' hitting talents with the off-day catcher serving as a primary designated hitter.

"I would like to see one take off and really accelerate past the other, but right now they are probably going to have a dual role," Anderson said. "The good thing is I think both will have the opportunity to hit. That's advantageous for us. The key to whoever plays more is who is controlling and running the staff the best. That's what we need out of our catchers this year."

Tolentino had more starts last season with 33 appearances behind the plate, while Burleson totaled 23. Burleson hit for a .274 average with nine RBIs and ranked fourth on the team with a .413 on-base percentage, as he drew 16 walks. Tolentino had a .248 hitting clip with 15 RBIs after transferring to Nebraska from Redwoods Community College.

"It's nice to have two catchers who are also quality hitters," Anderson said. "Patric also has the potential to play first base. Both are capable in a variety of roles to where we feel comfortable with either option."

First Base
First base could be the weak spot on the defensive side as Nebraska begins the 2011 season. The Huskers lost starting All-Big 12 selection Tyler Farst to graduation, in addition to back-up Cade Thompson to graduation. The upside for NU is Scheffert started 21 games at first base last year. Sophomore Kurt Farmer and freshman Nic Miller could also contend for the spot.

"First base is our weak point right now and it cannot be," Anderson said. "We really have to shore that up and get a quality first baseman. Nic Miller is a good, quality player with a lot of potential, but taking the lead position as a freshman is a very difficult thing to do."

Although the situation could be worrysome, Anderson feels good about the depth and possibilities of the position. Along with Scheffert, Tolentino and Farmer are also viable options. Scheffert will find himself in the lineup, as he holds one of NU's top returning bats. As a freshman last year, Scheffert hit .301 with 30 RBIs and five home runs. The Lincoln native will look to pick up where he left off last spring, as he ended the year with five RBIs and two homers in the Texas Tech series.

Farmer could be one of the brightest young players on the 2011 roster. The Columbus, Neb., native hit a solid .333 in 15 games last spring to show strong potential. He further exhibited that talent in October's Red-White Series, hitting a team-leading .500 (6-of-12) in three games.

The Huskers experimented a variety of possible scenarios during fall practice and will look for someone to solidify the first base position as the year progresses.

"I do feel good about the depth," Anderson said. "There may be a rotation, although I would like to find someone that really fits the role. For now we will try to clarify some things to get where we want to be."

Middle Infield
The Huskers return their primary starters up the middle in sophomores Chad Christensen and Bryan Peters. Christensen started 30 of the final 32 games at shortstop, while Peters saw a similar role at second base, starting 35 games overall.

"They shape up pretty good," Anderson said. "I think you could also put Kurt Farmer over and second at times if he's not playing first. There is a lot of potential. We will most likely use Christensen and Peters over there and let them go. They gained valuable experience last year as freshmen and have a lot of upside."

At the plate, Christensen produced a .262 average with 15 RBIs and six home runs. His six round-trippers were the most by a Husker freshman since Alex Gordon hit seven in 2003. In his first start at shortstop, Christensen went 2-for-2 with a home run and a stolen base. He was primarily used in the No. 6 spot, but sparingly saw time as the leadoff hitter and in the No. 2 and 4 spots.

Peters hit .268 and moved from the bottom of the lineup to sharing the leadoff role with Christensen by the end of the season. Peters has a knack for getting on base, as he led Nebraska with 18 hit-by-pitches, a total that ranked fifth on NU's single-season list. He was second on the team with seven stolen bases.

Third Base
Once again, Nebraska has an unwavering option at the other corner with the return of Asche, a 2010 honorable-mention All-Big 12 selection. Asche started all but four games at the hot corner last season and turned in a .940 fielding percentage. He made the most impact on the offensive side, hitting .311 with 10 home runs and 58 RBIs. Asche sat out fall practices with a foot injury that nearly required surgery, an operation that would have sidelined him for the 2011 season. After wearing a boot for nearly two weeks, the recovery process was strong enough to forego the surgery and begin rehabilitation.

"We are pretty fortunate because Cody had a pretty serious injury," Anderson said. "We were on pins and needles. Now he's fought back, his rehab has been strong, and we are very thankful to have him."

Asche holds possibly the most important bat for Nebraska. Last year, he tied the Big 12 record with three grand slams, as he went 6-for-15 in bases-loaded situations. Asche finished the season hot, hitting .390 (16-for-41) with three homers and 20 RBIs in his final 10 games.

"Cody is a big key to this season," Anderson said. "He brings a lot to the team on both sides. We are very fortunate to have him back and healthy this year."

Outfield
It would appear losing a pair of All-Big 12 selections in the starting outfield would leave Nebraska with several questions entering the 2011 season. That is not how the Husker coaching staff sees it, after retooling its outfield alignment throughout fall practice. Although D.J. Belfonte and Adam Bailey are gone, NU will move two of its top hitters, Kiser and Scheffert, to left and right field, while two-sport star Khiry Cooper looks to fill the void in center.

"The biggest thing they bring is mental attitude," Anderson said. "They expect a lot of themsleves and a lot of their teammates. That is a great thing. They also understand the ups and downs of the game but keep their composure."

Anderson noted that Kiser could even play center field to shore up left and right. He spent the majority of last season as the designated hitter and was one of NU's best bats, hitting .342 with 27 RBIs. The junior will most likely find himself in a leadoff role at the plate.

"His on-base percentage (.467) is so strong that it is beneficial to put him up there," Anderson said. "He does so many good things. He's a big key to what we can do."

Scheffert saw his starting time at first base last spring. Although he could be used on the corner again, the Lincoln native looks to be the starting right fielder heading into 2011. The sophomore ranked third on the team with a .301 batting average last year.

"He thinks the game, and knows the game," Anderson said. "He's a hard-nosed Nebraska kid that understands baseball. He's very coachable but also a good leader."

Cooper, also a wide receiver on the NU football team, started 14 games in 2010. The junior could be shifted to center in place of Belfonte, who started all 54 contests a year ago. Cooper appeared in 30 of 54 games overall and hit for a .258 with eight RBIs.

"We have quality guys who can get it done out there," Anderson said. "The ability for Kiser to play center really shores up a lot of things that we went into the fall not knowing. It may have created some of that weakness at first base, but we can look at the rest of our positions and be pretty confident."

Schedule
A total of 32 home games at Hawks Field and 16 contests against 2010 NCAA Tournament teams highlight the 2011 schedule. The 56-game schedule includes 14 home games in the month of March, including a pair of non-conference series against 2010 NCAA runner-up UCLA and 2008 NCAA champion Fresno State.

"We feel like we've put together a schedule that is going to be one of the top schedules in our conference," Anderson said. "I thought we had one of the toughest last year, and I think we have a chance to do that again."

Nebraska opens the 2011 season Feb. 18 with a four-game weekend at the Texas State Tournament in San Marcos before returning to the Lone Star State the next week to Huntsville for four contests at Sam Houston State.

The home segment of the schedule begins March 2, when Nebraska hosts Nebraska-Kearney. From March 4 to 6, the Huskers welcome 2010 NCAA runner-up UCLA for its first three-game series of the year, while 2008 NCAA champion Fresno State heads to Lincoln the following week for a three-game set from March 11 to 13. Nebraska plays eight of its remaining nine games in the month of March at Hawks Field. The only road contest during that stretch is a midweek non-conference match-up at Kansas State on March 16.

"A nice thing about our schedule is that we play 32 home games," Anderson noted. "We're in a cycle where the schedule can benefit us that way. Thirty-two home games can make a difference."

The end of March marks the beginning of another challenging Big 12 season, as the Huskers start conferece play March 25-27 at Texas Tech. The April slate features three Big 12 home series against Oklahoma State (April 1-3), Kansas State (April 15-17) and Baylor (April 29-May 1), while the Huskers head to Kansas (April 8-10) and Oklahoma (April 22-24).

After the Baylor series concludes May 1, Nebraska hosts Texas (May 6-8) and travels to Texas A&M (May 13-15) before ending the regular season in a Thursday to Saturday series against Missouri (May 19-21).

"The Big 12 schedule is going to present strong challenges," Anderson. "We've known this for years, but there is not a week where you have a weekend off. In the Big 12 you have to play well at home and you have to figure out a way to do well on the road. Our success in the past has been when we've done well on the road, and our failures have been when we haven't."

Nebraska will match up against familiar non-conference foe Wichita State on Tuesday, April 12 in Wichita, while the Big Red hosts Iowa on Tuesday, April 26. The annual Nebraska-Creighton series begins Tuesday, April 5 at Hawks Field before the final two games are played at the new TD Ameritrade Park on Tuesday, April 19 and Tuesday, May 10.

Postseason play begins Wednesday, May 25 as Oklahoma City's Bricktown Ballpark plays host to the Big 12 Tournament, which returns to a double-elimination format in 2011. The NCAA Tournament starts on Friday, June 3, while the 2011 College World Series is set for June 18-29.