OCC deep and talented in 2012

Orange Coast College baseball coach John Altobelli said a summer in the Cape Cod League as an assistant coach helped him broaden his connections with four-year college coaches. But with a collection of talent that is arguably unrivaled in his 20 seasons at the Pirates' helm, he had already become increasingly popular with Division I recruiters.

No fewer than six members of this year's team have already committed to four-year programs, including two of his three newcomer bounce-backs from Division I schools.

"I like this group," said Altobelli, whose team finished 32-10 last season and reached the Super Regionals. "I like the depth. I like everything about it."

Perfect Game, an online scouting service, ranked OCC No. 4 in its preseason junior college top 50.

Sophomore left fielder Chris Carlson and sophomore relief pitcher Jed Vandernaald return after earning first-team All-Orange Empire Conference honors last season.

Sophomore catcher Trent Woodward was a second-team all-conference performer.

Gone are Orange Empire Co-Players of the Year Matt Moynihan (University of Texas) and Jordan Beck (Chico State), as is pitching ace Chad Thompson, who signed with the Milwaukee Brewers organization after being drafted in the 27th round last June.

Pitcher Ryan Doran (San Diego State), outfielder Kevin Cho (Oral Roberts) and third baseman Colton Hammill (Chico State) are also starters who have moved on. But Altobelli said filling out the lineup card may be more difficult than filling the voids left by the aforementioned departures.

Altobelli, whose team opens Friday at home against Cuesta at 2 p.m., cited battles for starting spots at no fewer than six positions. He also noted that he could feel comfortable using any one of five starting pitchers, as well as a well-stocked bullpen.

Tops among the projected starting pitchers is freshman Brandon Brennan, who redshirted at Oregon last season. A 6-foot-4, 220-pound right-hander, Brennan has thrown a 95 mph fastball and Altobelli said perhaps more than two dozen scouts may be on hand for his collegiate debut on Friday.

Keegan Yuhl, who was 4-4 with a 3.01 earned-run average last season at San Diego City College, is a 6-0, 220-pound right-hander who is expected to be the No. 2 starter. He has already committed to New Mexico State, Altobelli said.

Eric Salcido, a sophomore lefty, will start game No. 3 for the Pirates, who should also utilize freshman Dallas Draviczki, a 6-2, 210-pound right-hander, in the starting rotation.