OU officially breaks out the bats Friday when they play Texas State in their first game at the UTPA Classic in Endinburg, Texas.
Coming off their most successful season in 11 years the 2007 season is very much a mystery. The Sooners face a tough schedule this season which includes 13 opponents (23 total games) that participated in last year's NCAA Tournament, including two 2006 Super Regional teams (South Carolina and Missouri).
The fact that the Sooners lost 12 seniors from last year's team, including four position starters and the entire weekend rotation, makes the schedule even more daunting. However, 19 newcomers including six who were drafted 2006 MLB draft has this season's squad thinking big.
Starting Pitchers
The Sooners return seven pitchers from last season's staff including two with starting experience.
| Ryan Mottern | Expected to be the No. 1 starter, Mottern struck out 36 batters in 37 2/3 innings last year with a 4-2 mark. |
| Jimmy Rollins | Rollins only surrendered one hit and two runs over his final four appearances last season. |
| Joseph Hughes | Incredibly athletic Hughes will not only be in the starting rotation but will also be used off the bench to play the outfield. |
| Brad Burns | Limited by a shoulder injury last season Burns has the most career starts (15) among the current Sooner pitchers. |
| Stephen Porlier | A transfer from Tulane where he went 7-5 last year with the with a 4.82 ERA. He also struck out 47 batters and walked 31. |
Bullpen
| Lefties | Righties |
| Chris Henry, Zach Sawyer and Heath Taylor | Nich Conaway, Andrew Doyle, Danny Grande, Antwonie Hubbard, Matt Lovelady and Garrett Richards |