What to expect from Southland baseball teams this season

CAL STATE FULLERTON (2009 record: 47-16)

Scoop: Fullerton’s pitchers feel confident on ground balls hit to junior shortstop Christian Colon, who batted .357, is one of the best players defensively and projects as a top draft pick in June. Gary Brown batted .340 with 23 stolen bases.

Top newcomer: Freshman Dillon Floro throws in the low 90s and adds depth to an already strong pitching staff. “He’s got explosive stuff,” Coach Dave Serrano said.

UC IRVINE (2009 record: 45-15)

Scoop: Coach Mike Gillespie guided Irvine to the Big West title last season and returns the pitcher of the year in Daniel Bibona (12-1, 2.63), plus relief ace Eric Pettis (17 saves) and the consistent Christian Bergman (9-3, 3.50). Seven All-Big West honorees return, including catcher Francis Larson (nine home runs) and outfielder Casey Stevenson (.346).

Top newcomer: Third baseman Drew Hillman hit .500 with 53 RBIs last season at Orange Coast College.

UCLA (2009 record: 27-29)

Scoop: With two of the best sophomore starting pitchers in the nation in Gerrit Cole (4-8, 3.49) and Trevor Bauer (9-3, 2.99), plus an improving No. 3 in Rob Rasmussen, the Bruins should be in position to contend for the Pacific 10 Conference title. But UCLA has struggled late in games because of the absence of a consistent closer. Sophomore Dan Klein, who missed last season with a shoulder injury, will get the first shot at the closing role.

Top newcomer: Freshman outfielder Cody Keefer from Davis should be an immediate hitting standout.

USC (2009 record: 28-28)

Scoop: After finishing ninth, sixth and fifth in the Pacific 10 the last three years without making the NCAA playoffs, Coach Chad Kreuter knows the 12-time NCAA champion Trojans need to show improvement. Infielder Ricky Oropesa batted .314 as a freshman. Sophomore pitcher Andrew Triggs (5-3, 3.96) should be the ace. Sophomore JC transfer Taylor Wrenn is expected to replace first-round draft pick Grant Green at shortstop.

Top newcomer: Freshman Alex Glenn from McDonough, Ga., should earn a starting spot in the outfield.

LONG BEACH STATE (2009 record: 25-29)

Scoop: Injuries took their toll on the 49ers last season. The team will rely on leadoff hitter Jonathan Jones, a sophomore outfielder who was an All-Big West selection. Another outfielder, T.J. Mittelstaedt, had 46 runs batted in. Jake Thompson (4-7, 5.61) moves from Sunday starter to staff ace.

Top newcomer: Third baseman Joey Terdoslavich, a senior transfer from Miami, has power and should be in the cleanup spot.

CAL STATE NORTHRIDGE (2009 record: 24-32)

Scoop: First baseman Dominic D’Anna displayed power last season with seven home runs. Pitcher Ryan Juarez was 7-5 with a 4.89 ERA.

Top newcomer: Freshman pitcher Alex Muren is the younger brother of sophomore pitcher Andrew Muren, and both could be starters.

LOYOLA MARYMOUNT (2009 record: 30-29)

Scoop: Former Fullerton assistant Jason Gill is known for his recruiting, so the Lions are expected to continue their improvement in his second year. Outfielder Ryan Hawthorne hit .307 as a freshman. Infielder Shon Roe had 41 RBIs as a freshman. Freshman Aaron Griffin, a 6-4 right-hander from El Cajon, could help immediately.

Top newcomer: Infielder Matt Lowenstein from Chino Hills has received rave reviews for his hitting skills.

PEPPERDINE (2009 record: 31-23)

Scoop: Two experienced starting pitchers are back in Cole Cook (7-3, 3.69) and Matt Bywater (6-1, 3.57). Center fielder Brian Humphries was one of the best freshmen in the West Coast Conference, batting .305. A strong recruiting class should aid the Waves.

Top newcomer: Freshman infielder Joe Sever from San Jose Bellarmine Prep is ready to crack the starting lineup.

UC RIVERSIDE (2009 record: 33-20)

Scoop: The top two hitters return in outfielder Michael Hur (.372 with 52 RBIs) and infielder Ryan Goetz (19 multi-hit games, .340).

Top newcomer: Freshman Phil Holinsworth from Chino Hills played every position but pitcher and catcher in the fall and should find a spot to contribute.

UC SANTA BARBARA (2009 record: 29-23)

Scoop: Senior infielder Matt Valaika (.343) from Newhall Hart is the second member of his family to be a standout for the Gauchos, following older brother Chris.

Top newcomer: Left-hander Kevin Gelinas, a JC transfer from Arizona, comes highly regarded.

CAL POLY (2009 record: 37-21)

Scoop: The Mustangs host USC in a three-game series this weekend and return infielder Matt Jensen, who hit .375 with 53 RBIs as a freshman. There’s experience on the mound with Mark DeVincenzi (6-1, 4.26) and Steve Fischback (5-4, 4.55).

Top newcomer: Freshman outfielder Mitch Haniger from San Jose Archbishop Mitty earned respect in fall ball.