FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas baseball coach Dave Van Horn is used to having six pitchers he can truly count on when the Razorbacks step into the meat of their schedule.
There’s typically three starters, two middle relievers, and a closer. That’s the extent of it.
But when Van Horn thinks through his pitching staff for the 2012 season, it’s pretty clear the 10th-year coach knows he will have an abundance of options.
“I count them all the time and I know we have more than 10 that I have a lot of confidence in,” Van Horn said. “I have no problem putting them out there.”
It’s no secret pitching is No. 4 Arkansas’ strength as it rapidly approaches next Friday’s season opener against Villanova at Baum Stadium.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
The Razorbacks return 10 pitchers from a 2011 staff that performed well above preseason expectations, leading Arkansas to a 40-22 record and the Southeastern Conference Western Division title. There also are some talented newcomers joining the group.
So Arkansas believes it has more than enough depth and experience on the mound to make a legitimate run at a championship in 2012.
“Last year we were so young and we didn’t have any expectations,” said Arkansas reliever Barrett Astin, who went 5-2 with a 2.72 ERA. “Nobody knew what we were going to be. I think everybody comes back this year and everybody is excited about our staff and we have expectations that we have to live up to.
“I think we’re excited to show people what we have.”
Junior D.J. Baxendale returns as the ace of the staff after excelling in the role in 2011, going 10-2 with a 1.58 ERA. Sophomore Ryne Stanek (4-2, 3.94) opens as the No. 2 starter after a strong finish to 2011, when he pitched well in two postseason starts.
The rest of the roles are still being finalized, although there’s a good idea of who will help where.
Astin is expected to continue to work in his role as a dominant pitcher out of the bullpen — although he will get some opportunities to start. So will lefty Trent Daniel (2-0, 2.91), who returns to Arkansas after being selected in the 23rd round of the draft.
Nolan Sanburn (2-4, 3.62) is back as Arkansas’ closer after falling out of the role late last year. Pitchers like Randall Fant (3-5, 3.89), Brandon Moore (4-1, 3.45) each have weekend starting experience. Newcomers like LHP Mark Reyes, RHP Greg Milhorn, and RHP Chris Oliver have earned some preseason praise from Van Horn and will help, too.