CLINTON, Iowa - America's favorite pastime is about here for Ashford University.

Even though the wintery weather hasn't quite disappeared as of yet, it's a time where the resounding crack of the bat or the thud of the ball crashing into a catcher's mitt is heard.

And tomorrow afternoon, pending on weather conditions, the umpire at Lenz Field in Jacksonville, Ill., will dust off home plate and bellow the all familiar, "Play Ball!"

The Saints' new-look baseball squad will begin 2010 with a fresh perspective and a renewed vigor to showcase their talent as one of the Midwest Collegiate Conference's top teams.

Head Coach John Govek enters his fourth season at the helm of Ashford and guided the Saints to 11 wins in 2009. Govek has AU on the cusp of a breakthrough season, his team suffering nine losses last season by a margin of just one run.

Another year of experience might just be that turning point.

"There's a lot of excitement surrounding the Ashford baseball program," Govek said. "And I think it starts with the athletic department in general with soccer's success, men's basketball's success and indoor track's success. The bar is raised at Ashford and we're trying to get winning as part of the culture."

Health is an issue.

With key injuries to shortstop, center field and a variety of pitchers, Govek has his sights set on going into a new year with his players' health intact.

Below is a rundown of the Saints by position.

Infielders

Gone is do-it-all offensive stalwart Brian Cummings, who contended for MCC Player of the Year honors after leading the league with a mind-boggling .437 batting average. Although Cummings, a player Govek deems "irreplaceable," will be missed, the cupboard is far from bare with talent.

The Saints will field arguably the best trio of backstops in the MCC with returner Cameron Puetz and heralded junior transfers Jason Fletcher (Dominican University) and Roman Davis (Feather River C.C.).

Junior Anthony Misitano will settle in at third base to fill the vacated hot corner by Cummings. Misitano had a breakout year in 2009 with an average over .300 and will look to sustain his success. He juggled defensive duties at third, shortstop and outfield last season.

Another highly-touted junior transfer, shortstop Mike Ray (Waubonsee C.C.), is expected to make an immediate impact.

"Mike has phenomenal hands and he's a hard-working kid," Govek praised. "He's a quiet, blue-collar type of kid and a great addition to the clubhouse. He will bring a calming effect to the defense."

A number of players will also vie for playing time in the middle infield positions. The Saints boast depth with a trio of juniors (Brandon Van Blaricome, Jake Peters, Demetric Turner) and aggressive sophomore Michael Caravia, who hit .344 in a part-time role.

MCC Gold Glove first baseman Adam Wojciechowski returns at first base and will anchor the Saints' defensive effort.

Outfielders

The return of a healthy Jordan Wakeley (.344, 2 HR, 17 R) is enough for the price of admission. A rangy center fielder with five-tool talent, the senior Wakeley suffered a series of unfortunate injuries that led to appearances in just 21 games.

"We're excited to get Jordan Wakeley back," Govek said. He was hurt the majority of last season, but he's an exciting, exciting player. He's super talented is the guy who can lace doubles and drive the ball out of the ballpark while stealing bases and covers a lot of ground in center field."

The Saints need to replace a pair of All-MCC outfielders in Jake Steve and Tyler Sukut.

Junior lefty Austin Poindexter showed a penchant for smacking doubles, running a mini streak of two-baggers last season while being a fixture towards the top of the lineup for most of the season.

Roman Davis, also a catcher, is also penciled in to see some time in the outfield. Another newcomer, freshman Taylor Boyer from Montana, is rangy at 6-4 and will look to provide additional depth.

"We've got to find a place in the lineup for Roman's bat," Govek said. "He's got a strong arm, can run and is really athletic."

Pitchers

Govek's new graduate assistant coach Josh Brandt is helping groom the stable of arms assembled on the roster. Brandt has a combination of experience and youth to work with.

"The key for pitchers this year is throwing strikes," Govek said. "Our strikeout to walk ratio last year left a lot to be desired. And it led to a ballooned ERA. But we're making sure they're doing what they need to do to keep their arms fresh and healthy."

Junior Nick Davis never had a chance to prove himself as a valuable member of the rotation because of a season-ending injury. He returns with high expectations among the coaching staff and will look to prove himself early in the season.

Junior Billy Becker (10 GS, 2 CG) has been in Govek's rotation since his freshman year. Senior J.D. Fabian (2-6, 2 CG) nearly threw a no-hitter in a sterling performance at Grand View last year, Lucas Beese (2-1, 4.97 ERA) had his starts reduced to due injuries and senior Matt King led the team with 11 games started.

Hunter Allspaugh, who led the team with 16 appearances, will be a flex option as a starter/reliever and earned praise from Govek following fall ball. Versatile reliever Tim Elias (4.10 ERA) also makes contributions as an outfielder and will split time at both positions.

Jake Peters, Nolan McNeill, Brandon Meyer and Mitch Jankowski, also contribute to a deep bullpen. Clinton freshman Jared Jones is another athlete slated for pitcher/infield duty.

Reliever Nick St. Ores, a teammate of Wakeley's while at Highland Community College in Freeport, Ill., battled a series of elbow issues that limited his appearances.