"Chris Wright is such a talented hitter. . .and when you looked, the previous year when he made all-conference was when he played all outfield," Hindelang said. "I thought some of the physical errors were aversely affecting his hitting."

Wright spent the off season working with coaches to make the adjustment, and while it the outfield may not be his favorite position, Wright says he will do fine.

"We spent from the next to last day of fall practice working on fly balls and ground balls. . .its gone pretty well so far," Wright said.

While Wright is familiar with what is expected of him, his outfield partner Zack Smithlin is stepping into a new role as the Lions leadoff man. Smithlin appears well suited to replace the graduated Rod Perry, posting nearly identical numbers, even hitting 20 points higher.

"Zack has a desire and he has the talent to be a leadoff hitter, but certainly it would be a new role for him," Hindelang said. "He has the tools to be a prototypical leadoff hitter, with his speed, being a switch-hitter and his drag bunting ability."

Less stable is the right field position, something Wright said is nothing new considering it has been a question mark each of his last three seasons.

Hindelang has sophomore Adam Warchal penciled in for Saturday's opening game at Norfolk State, but said right field will probably see a few faces this season.

Competing with Warchal is junior Brett Showalter, who is returning from wrist surgery, and will likely spend some time at designated hitter.

"He's healthy and looks like he's ready to dominate with the bat," Hindelang said. "Most of the pitching you see is right handed, and we certainly believe with Adam Warshaw and Brett Showalter, they potentially need to be in the lineup."

Whoever winds up the everyday starter, Wright says the outfield will be ready to contribute.

"I don't think that will be much of a problem as far as working together is concerned," Wright said. "We all practice together and work well together."