A strong finish last spring created some real enthusiasm in the off-season in the Anderson baseball program. The Trojans, 29-31-1 overall and 12-11-1 in the conference, lost their opening game in the conference tournament then won four straight to reach the tournament final. "You could see the effect of that run this fall in the juniors who had not experienced a whole lot of success," said Anderson head coach Joe Miller. "To finish like we did created a different attitude. We were right there, one game away from going to the regionals." Anderson opens the 2008 season at home Saturday with a doubleheader against UNC Pembroke. Miller has 17 newcomers in 2008, the most he has ever had as a head coach. "In the fall, we put our system in," Miller said. "We worked on defensive plays and talked a lot about our offensive philosophy. There was a lot of teaching going on. We also did a lot of scrimmaging. It was a good fall. We have a lot of new faces among the position players and our pitching is experienced. Hopefully, our pitching will carry us more this year." The Trojans lost six seniors who played almost every day last season. "There are going to be some holes," Miller said. "Some of those holes are going to be filled by some guys who have been backups for two or three years. Offensively, there's more potential there than what we will be given credit for. We did lose a lot of speed off last year's team. But that doesn't change things dramatically because we can still put some guys in the lineup who can run. We do have a couple guys we may have to pinch run for at the end of games. "We need somebody to surprise us and have a big year offensively." Here is a look at the Trojans position by position: Catcher -- Clint Neville (.295) and Ed Johnson (.400) will share the duties. "I feel good about catcher," Miller said. "Both Clint and Ed have had knee problems so I wouldn't be surprised if one of them ends up catching 30 games and the other one ends up catching 26. I think it will be a true rotation." First Base -- Don Ballard, a backup for three years, will get his chance. Andrew Davis, a two-year member of the JV program, also will get some time at first. Second Base -- B.J. Smith (.350, 58 runs) returns, but he missed most of the fall because of back problems. "B.J. did a great job in the leadoff spot," Miller said. "Hopefully, he will be good to go." Shortstop -- Patrick West, a three-year backup, and freshman Walt Quattlebaum are waging a battle at short. Third Base -- Matt Hill, who has played second, short, and third, is expected to land at third. Ryan Saxton, Ryan Kirkland, and Nick Easterlin also could get some playing time. Outfield -- The main players in the mix are Derrick Hipp (.250), Josh Grubbs (.230), Blair Carson (.309, 35 RBI, 8 triples), Alex Roberson (.265), and Trent Still (.250). Hipp and Grubbs will handle center. Carson, a two-year starter in right, will also see some time on the mound. Miller considers Still, who is a switch hitter, one of the best hitters in the program. Pitching -- The Trojans have experience and four lefthanders, which means Miller has more options this spring. Chris Pitts (6-6), Brady Peele (2-5), and Corey Welch (2-4) combined to start 28 games last season. "We have experience and depth, and they weren't battling control problems during the fall," Miller said. "It's a more mature group." Carson, who did not pitch on the weekends last spring, probably will get some conference starts in '08. "Blair had the best fall of any pitcher we have," Miller said. "He throws 86 to 88 with a good slider. He might play a doubleheader on Saturday and pitch on Sunday." The top bullpen candidates are B.J. Scarborough (4-0, 1 save), Justin Lovvorn (1-1), and Jordan Oates (2-0). Among the freshmen Miller expects to make an impact on the mound are Elliott Tolley, Roy Frick, Nolan Kolb, Greg Dunston, Marsh Kowalski, and Bryson Graydon.