MOSES LAKE - Losing 11 players to graduation last year, the Moses Lake High School baseball team has its work cut out for itself if they expect to contend this season.

The Chiefs finished with 10 wins and 17 losses in 2011, but coach Quintz Whitaker, who took over the reins mid-way through last season, says he anxious to see how the team stacks up to the competition this year.

"Spring baseball is an exciting time and just getting to step on the grass again brings out enthusiasm, even in 40 degree temperatures," he said. "I'm looking forward to getting started and seeing how we can stack up against some teams early as we start trying to put everything together for league play. At this point we still have many players competing for playing time.  Nothing has been given to anyone yet." 

The strength of this year's squad, Whitaker said, is great senior leadership from captain's Bryton Redal and Devin Juarez. 

"Since we graduated 11 seniors last year they are the only ones with significant varsity experience especially on the mound," he said. "We are hoping the younger players will step into their roles and find a way to help us win some ball games. I'm hopeful our pitching will come around as the season starts. And I think we will be able to put some runs on the board."

Redal who was named Big Nine All-League last year and played primarily first and second base, will be bumping over to shortstop and also vying for time on the mound. Juarez was an All-League outfielder and is expected to provide some pop in the middle of the lineup as well as innings off the rubber. 

"We also have six players returning who saw time on the varsity team last season," Whitaker said." "Hopefully they'll be able to prove themselves at this level this year."   

Teams expected to be give the Chiefs and the rest of the league a run for their money this season, Whitaker said, are Richland who placed second at state last year, league champion Walla Walla that returns some quality players, and Wenatchee which has a strong pitching staff.

Moses Lake will get the opportunity to see just how they'll stack up against the competition Saturday when they host a non-league twin bill at Larsen Field. The first game against Lewis and Clark High School is scheduled at noon. Moses Lake plays again at 2 p.m. against Ferris High School.