While the recent snowfall has trapped the Penn State baseball club's field, the Lions have gloves, stolen bases, peanuts, Crackerjacks and blue skies on their minds.

Coach Phil Pinkasavage's team will open its season with doubleheaders this weekend against North Carolina and North Carolina State.

While the team won back-to-back Northeastern Athletic Conference (NEAC) titles in 2001-2002 with its offense bringing home just under nine runs a game during those two seasons, it will also rely on a stronger pitching staff for a more balanced attack this season.

"I think this team has a chance to be better," said senior Colin Murphy, a four-year member of the team.

"I think we have a good set of pitchers."

Murphy, who pitches and plays first base, said the team does not have a set No. 1 starter, but that the rotation is deep and "very efficient."

While an improved pitching staff is good news for the team, offense will be the name of the game for the Lions.

One of the cornerstones of the offense, junior Dan Day, provides a balance of power and speed.

Day was one of last season's premier hitters.

The senior's three home runs were second on the team, while he led the team in runs (35), hits (29), at bats (91), triples (4) and stolen bases (9).

He also tied with Dan Dillon for the team lead with a .429 average.

Day will bat third for the Lions while switching from shortstop to third base. While Day put up impressive numbers last year, the coaching staff is looking for more this year.

Leading off, for now, will be freshman shortstop Jordan Wagner.

Pinkasavage said Wagner would bat leadoff because of his speed and ability to make contact, but added that other players could step up into that spot in the order.

Senior second baseman Reggie Diaz and catchers Ike Sweeney, a senior, and Nate Birtwell, a junior, will round out the infield.

The outfield will be improved by the additions of juniors Dan Hileman and Rick Dietz, who both played for the Erie campus team.

Pitching also proved to be a strength for the team with seven shutouts the past two seasons.

While the pitching staff does not have a No. 1 starter, Pinkasavage said the team will eventually turn to a four-man rotation, which could include seniors Chris Rayburg, Murphy and juniors Bill Lippert and Carmon Camunale, and freshman Juan Diaz.

The bullpen will include the pitchers who do not make the starting rotation and Tim Haverstick, who has the inside track to the closer position.

While the traditionally strong offense will be the foundation for the team, the added pitching depth can only help in taking the team to another NEAC championship.

"We are blessed with a staff of ten guys who can throw the ball pretty well," Lippert said.