OSU Baseball Gears Up for Season

The Cowboys' head coach Frank Anderson talked about how his team is looking this year and overcoming some winter obstacles recently.

Thursday, May 26th 2011, 11:30 am

By: News On 6

Originally Published: Feb 17, 2010 9:43 PM CDT

Dave Carty
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

STILLWATER, Oklahoma -- The Oklahoma State Cowboys hosted Media Day Wednesday. Head coach Frank Anderson begins his seventh season with the Pokes, who were picked to finish fifth in the 2010 Big 12 Conference.

After a 34-24 record and the school’s fifth NCAA Tournament berth in six years, Anderson will call on a mix of returning talent, junior college transfers and freshmen to continue the program’s success.

Back is southpaw hurler All-Big 12 honorable mention Tyler Lyons, who passed up a chance to join the defending champion New York Yankees after being selected in the 10th round of last year’s entry draft.

Another left-hander, Thomas Keeling will look to take a more prominent role behind Lyons after tossing 51 innings a season ago.

In the pen, Oklahoma State will hope for a healthy Matt Peck to join Brad Propst, Uriah Fisher and a host of newcomers.

After a strong campaign, All-Big 12 honorable mention Kevin David leads the charge behind the plate. With 23 doubles and a .311 batting average in 2009, David has shown the ability to hit.

Versatile Tom Belza moves from shortstop back to second. Taking his place could be team closer Randy McCurry, who recorded 10 saves as a freshman last season.

Dean Green will hold the fort at first with sophomore Mark Ginther opposite him at third.

It will be a completely new mix of outfielders for the Cowboys. Speedy Dusty Harvard is likely to lock down a spot. Nico Rosthenhausler, a Detroit Tigers draftee could take a spot after transferring in. Louis Uribe and Devin Shines will also factor in at the position.

Anderson discussed the unruly weather recently and how his team has coped as they begin to focus on the upcoming season, which opens Feb. 20 as they host Oklahoma Christian at 3 p.m.

After the home opener, the Cowboys start a west coast road trip on Feb. 26 that sees them play USC, UCLA and Vanderbilt. Shortly after, the club faces a trio of opponents in Minnesota.