The shuffling of position players and competition for starting spots has officially begun for Eastern’s baseball team.

Head coach Jim Schmitz has been analyzing new players and returners in his team’s five weeks of practice so far. The most notable difference in this year’s team is the addition of six new arms to the pitching staff.

“We went out and got the pitching depth we need to win the Ohio Valley Conference tournament,” Schmitz said. “I could list seven starters and the team would say `OK, let’s go out and win.’ That’s how confident we are in these guys.”

Schmitz’s new moundmen are as follows:

Right-handed junior transfer Micah Gray from Olney Central Community College. “We’re real fortunate we were able to sign this guy,” Schmitz said. “Micah Gray is a real competitor.”

Right-handed junior transfer Jordan Pals from Lake Land College. “He’s been a real surprise. He’s 6-foot-9 and with losing Mike Ziroli as our closer from last year our pitching coach Mike Rodgers really likes him in our spot. He came in and closed out a game Monday with just eight pitches,” Schmitz said.

Right-handed sophomore Michael Shope from Lincoln Trail College. “He’s got a great curve ball and a real quality arm,” Schmitz said. “He’s had kind of a rough fall but threw unbelievable Monday. He pitched three innings of relief and didn’t give up a run.”

Right-handed junior transfer Matt Tyson from Kishwaukee Community College. “He’s had an OK fall, but really threw the heck of the ball Monday,” Schmitz said. “He’s done a nice job on the mound.”

Right-handed junior transfer Damon White from Parkland College. “He’s thrown the ball very well this fall,” Schmitz said. “He’s one of two or three JUCO transfers where we’re not sure where they stand.”

In addition to the new pitchers, Schmitz is trying to fill holes left in the batting order. Gone from last year’s team are leftfielder Keith Laski, centerfielder Bob VanHoorebeck, third baseman Chris Martin and second baseman Josh Landon.

The Panthers also lost shortstop Jesse Niehaus, who decided to leave the team in July.

“We lost Marty, who was really our big RBI guy and we lost Keith, who did a great job, and VanHoorebeck, who did a great job and of course, we’ve lost Josh, too,”