Leland has more depth, pitching in 2007 lineup

This could be a breakout season for the Leland baseball program — again.

The Comets are coming off a 10-18 season that was largely the result of an inability to finish games. But with a beefed up pitching rotation and a deeper lineup, coach Hank Burch said Leland should be able to finish off opponents.

"We lost 15 games when we had the lead heading into the seventh inning," said Burch. "We didn't have enough arms."

He's hoping that will change this season, when the Comets will send Matt Lichty, Alex Gulow, Derek Schaub and Michael Nachazel to the mound. Lichty finished last season as the team's ace, while Nachazel did not play in 2006 after having an outstanding sophomore year.

Ditto for third baseman Ryan Paulton, who had moved out of the area last season. Burch expects Paulton to completely recover from a dislocated shoulder he suffered in the Regionals of the state basketball tournament.

"The squad we're returning for the most part is the same team that won the (baseball) District and lost in the Regional championship two years ago," said Burch.

It was Leland's breakout season after suffering through 5-22 and 20-30 campaigns in 2003 and 2004. But a lack of depth and injuries — and that inability to put teams away — caught up to the Comets in 2006.

With Paulton at third base, Lichty at shortstop, Gulow at second base and Wade Nedow at first, Leland will return its entire infield. Add in returning centerfielder Adam Nedow and fellow outfielders freshman Sneed and Derek and Dillon Schaub, and the team appears to have plenty of defense and firepower.

Burch can go further into his 18-team roster to find players, a luxury he did not have a season ago. He figures the Comets as the "deepest team" in Leelanau County.

But he also believes northern Michigan in general, and Leelanau County in particular, will field some fine baseball teams this season, starting with perennial Cherryland Conference winner St. Mary.

"I don't expect them to be anything but strong again," said Burch. "But every year you play for a championship. We're really excited about this season. I've got to believe this is going to be a very competitive season for Division IV baseball north of Clare."

Leland will host Frankfort Tuesday in its season opener.