By Christopher Halsey

Herald Sports Editor

HERMISTON The Hermiston Bulldog 2001 baseball season should be much more productive for third year head coach Scott Depew, who says he has a talented, versatile roster to work with.

Hermiston missed the playoffs a year ago after two consecutive appearances. Hermiston was 10-16 overall last year and had a 5-13 record in Intermountain Conference play. Depew said the team should be in the post-season this year, given that the team has four solid starting pitchers and a strong defense.

Depew said that the defense looks outstanding and overall the team is more athletic that a year ago.

Senior Matt Bergstrom is one of four starting pitchers expected to take the mound this season. Bergstrom has been recently clocked at 86 miles per hour and can likely improve that speed. He also has a change-up and slider.

He just knows how to pitch, Depew said.

Junior Jared Zabransky, Depew said, has a good curveball and average fastball and is a good competitor.

(For the complete Bulldog baseball season preview, see March 6 edition of The Hermiston Herald)