OCC figures to rely on bats

With longtime former high school coach Bob Flint joining the staff as a first-year assistant, Orange Coast College baseball coach John Altobelli said that between Flint and veteran pitching coach Dave Bowman, the Pirates’ practices often become story time, with Flint and Bowman holding court.

The Pirates are hoping to generate some happy endings of their own this season, having returned three of the top four hitters from last year’s squad, which finished 26-21, 14-10 in the Orange Empire Conference, and advanced to the Southern California Super Regionals.

“I like this group,” said Altobelli, who noted his team has developed cohesion, despite a drastic change in community college baseball that pared a 40-game fall schedule to 12 games.

With proven returners Cory Olson (a first-team all-conference outfielder), Mike Ferraro (a second-team all-conference outfielder), and Wes Karch (a second-team all-conference third baseman), the lineup has had fewer names to learn than the pitching staff, which said goodbye to all-conference starters Keith Demorgandie (Lewis-Clark State) and Ryan Shopshire (San Jose State).

But sophomore Serrin Jarvi, a second-team all-conference pick after going 4-2 with four saves and a 4.38 earned-run average in 63 2/3 innings last season, is back to help show the way for the mound brigade.

Olson led the team with a .381 average last season, (61 for 160). His four homers tied for second on the team and his 32 RBIs ranked third on the 2007 squad.

“He should anchor the lineup,” Altobelli said of Olson, who should draw interest from Major League scouts.

The scouts have already ogled Ferraro, a muscular returner who hit .339 with two homers, 30 RBIs and 12 extra-base hits last season.

Ferraro’s 62 hits tied for the team lead and Altobelli said, after some struggles in the fall, he has regained his hitting stroke just in time for today’s season opener against visiting Cuesta at 2 p.m.

Karch played third last season, but Altobelli said he figures to fill more of a utility role this season. Karch hit .338 with one homer and 14 RBIs as a freshman. He could see action at second, third and first, Altobelli said.

In addition to Karch, first base could be occupied by freshman Brett Wallach, the son of former Major Leaguer Tim Wallach and an Orange Lutheran High product.

Austin Elliott is a freshman out of Corona del Mar High, where he hit .443 with four homers, eight doubles, three triples, 33 RBIs and a .739 slugging percentage on his way to second-team All-Southern Section honors. He is another candidate at first, but he could also play the outfield.

At second base, Karch is receiving competition from Ryan Dunn, who hit .339 with one homer and 16 RBIs at Esperanza High last season.

Sophomore Kyle Muhlsteff, a transfer from Cypress College, where he hit .230 with nine RBIs in 30 games last season, is the front-runner at shortstop, where Nick Rokowitz (Biola) earned second-team all-conference honors last season.

Freshman Drew Hillman, who hit .457 with five homers, 32 RBIs, 15 doubles and slugged .781 for El Toro High last season, is yet another candidate at third, Altobelli said.

Sophomore Chris Fung (.296 with one homer and 12 RBIs last season, in which he appeared in 31 games and started 19), is battling for the starting nod in left with freshman Ryan Sheeks.

Olson is an anchor in center, while Ferraro will start in right, backed up by freshman Brian Schmitz.

Freshman Kevin Clark from Villa Park High, is another outfielder with potential, Altobelli said.

Freshman Jourdan Watanabe, who hit .446 with four homers, 30 RBIs and a .770 slugging percentage at Northwood High last season, should open the season behind the plate.

Sophomore Gabe Cota should also contribute at catcher. He hit .293 with one homer and 15 RBIs in 75 at-bats last season.

Altobelli said sophomore Jake Seifman could chip in at catcher, first base or designated hitter.

On the mound, Jarvi, still not all the way back from off-season hernia surgery, could be a starter, or reliever, or both, Altobelli said.

Hauser, more of a power pitcher than Jarvi (he throws in the upper-80 mph range) is another veteran who will be counted upon. Altobelli said he could be the No. 2 starter.

Chris Licon, a freshman out of Diamond Ranch High, has impressed Altobelli thus far. He could open the season as the No. 1 starter.

“He’s a power pitcher who has pretty good presence on the mound,” Altobelli said. “He doesn’t act like a freshman.”

Ryan Rosenhaun, a 6-foot-5 sophomore transfer from Cypress, is battling a sore elbow, but could be a big contributor on the bump.

Freshman Kyle Krogman, who redshirted last season after having Tommy John surgery, could also eat up some innings when he gets healthy, and Altobelli cites freshman Ryan Wynveen, from San Diego’s Patrick Henry High, as a lefty who could also contribute.

Altobelli said Wallach, who pitched very little in high school, will start the season as the closer.

Brandon Dixon, yet another sophomore transfer from Cypress, adds a left-handed arm to the bullpen, where sophomore Justin Peterson, a Costa Mesa High product, could also provide some depth.

“We have a lot of good arms, but not great arms,” said Altobelli, who foresees the Pirates having to rely on offense to be a consistent winner.

OCC opens Orange Empire Conference play March 4 at home against Fullerton.

BARRY FAULKNER may be reached at (714) 966-4615 or at [email protected].