MILWAUKEE - All the pieces fell into place for the 1998 Panther baseball team. With veterans at all five infield positions and a senior-dominated pitching staff, UWM posted a school-best 33-15-1 record last season. But they still fell short of their goal: an MCC tournament championship and a play-in for NCAA Regionals.

"We took some steps forward last year, but we were still hoping for one more step," said UWM coach Jerry Augustine. "Each year in the preseason we set goals we think the team can accomplish. Last year, that was winning the MCC tournament, and we didn't do that."

The coaching staff thinks that there is a strong enough foundation to achieve that goal this year, even without the services of five everyday players, the team's top two starting pitchers, leading setup man and closer from last season

"We do have some holes to fill," said Augustine. "It's going to be a different style team, but we have the potential to be there again. Our team this season needs to be more gutsy and ready to play everyday. We could be a better team than last year, or we might not be as good. It all depends on what the players do during the off-season. If they work hard on what (assistant head coach) Scott Doffek and (pitching coach) Todd Frohwirth showed them during the fall and offseason, then I like our chances."

Augustine, who was named MCC Coach of the Year in 1997, has high hopes that the team, led by a trio of all-conference players, steps up to take up any slack left by the departing seniors.

Steve Johnson, the team's only senior, earned MCC Newcomer of the Year honors last year. He batted .348 with 33 RBIs and 11 doubles, while recording three assists from left field.

"Steve is an extremely hard worker. The success he saw last season is a testament to that," said Doffek. "Last year was his first year of Division I baseball, and he was successful. We look for him to improve upon that and be a real leader both on and off the field."

Chad Sadowski was named to the MCC second team last season as a pitcher/designated hitter. From the mound, he tallied a 5.44 ERA and pitched a complete game win over Detroit in the MCC tournament last year. At the plate, he batted .299. The coaching staff thinks Sadowski's offensive numbers will improve as he becomes the Panthers' everyday first baseman.

"Chad is going to be one of our top-line pitchers," said Doffek. "He won some big games for us last year and proved he can be dependable when we needed him."

Brett Huebner was named to the MCC second team and all-newcomer team last year. The transfer from Austin Peay batted .326 with 24 RBIs.

"Brett should help anchor our lineup. He had a good sophomore campaign and is a very hard worker. And, he adds a good left-handed bat to the lineup. You can never have enough of those."

But the talent and the experience of the Panthers do not end with the three all-conference performers.

"Even though we lost so many contributors from last year and we have such a young team, we do have quite a few returning players with significant experience in collegiate baseball," said Doffek.

Here is a look at the Panthers, position by position:

First Base

Chad Sadowski will have the everyday first baseman duties this year.

Jared Kotarak, who has been an outfielder, will also see time at first base.

Second Base

Steve Tylke, a junior transfer from Coastal Carolina, will begin the season at second base. He batted .313 in 46 games with nine home runs and 43 RBIs last year for the Chanticleers.

"Steve has already proven himself to be a very good Division I player," Doffek said. "He offers experience up the middle, where we are young. Plus, he should offer solid punch in the middle of our lineup."

Sophomore Todd Grafenauer played in 12 games as a rookie. He impressed the coaching staff during fall practice and should see more action this season.

Shortstop

Another infielder/pitcher for UWM is sophomore Mike Oiler. He batted .349 in 24 games last year and went 1-1 on the mound. He is being looked upon to be one of the Panthers' top starting pitchers, and his improved defense will compliment his strong arm at shortstop.

"It's very difficult to both pitch and play shortstop at this level, but Mike is excited about the opportunity to do that," said Doffek. "With a lot of at bats and innings pitched, we feel that Mike can be a excellent Division I player with the ability to play beyond."

Jeff Rodgers, a sophomore who redshirted last season, will be a utility infielder and will offer depth.

Third Base

Jason Crawford joins UWM after last playing at Austin Peay two years ago. A sophomore, Crawford will see the bulk of time at third and will also see action on the mound.

"Jason is the type of athlete we love to work with," said Doffek. "He has the ability to hit for power and run the bases. He also has shown promise on the mound."

Catcher

After a year as the backup catcher, Todd Ludwig inherits duties behind the plate this season. He batted .283 with 24 RBIs last season.

"Offensively, his game is unlimited as far as the ability to hit for power and average," said Doffek. "Defensively, we look for Todd to continue making strides behind the plate. Being the everyday catcher this year should help him do that."

Sophomore Paul Archambault redshirted last season after putting up quality numbers in limited action as a freshman; he hit a home run in his first collegiate at bat, and hit three in his first five at bats as a freshman in 1997.

"It's been fun watching Paul develop," said Doffek. "He has come a long way."

Freshman Jeff Pitrof will also be thrown into the mix.

"Jeff has already shown that he can provide us with quality depth at catcher," said Doffek. "And he's only in the learning stages of his college career. He is the type of athlete who is capable of being an impact player at this level."

Outfield

UWM's strength will be its outfielders. Johnson and Huebner will solidify left and right field, respectively. Darin Haugom, a sophomore who redshirted last season, will become the Panthers' everyday centerfielder. His speed is his greatest asset - he was perfect in five stolen base attempts as a freshman - but he also has shown the ability to hit for power, hitting three home runs as a rookie.

"He's been on the backburner. He was used sparingly as a freshman, and last year he redshirted," said Doffek. "But he never let go of the big picture, the opportunity to be an everyday player."

When not designated hitting or playing first base, Jared Kotarak will offer depth to an already solid outfield. He put up good numbers last season, despite playing in only 31 games. He batted .333 with 22 RBIs.

"J.J. did an excellent job last year in the very difficult role we put him in," said Doffek. "He has the potential to hit for power and average and possesses very good speed. Look for him to be a big part of the lineup."

Pitching

Because of its youth, the pitching staff will be a question mark this season. No seniors and only three juniors compose this year's staff.

Five players are competing for the top four spots in the pitching rotation: Oiler, Sadowski, Andy Neary, Corey Clemmons and Quintin Oldenburg.

Augustine and Doffek have seen Neary pay his dues for two years and are looking for the junior to have a breakout season. He went 3-4 in 15 appearances last year and picked up the win in UWM's 6-4 win over Northwestern last season.

"In the past, Andy has shown the ability to pitch well and beat good teams," said Doffek. "He relishes the thought of being someone the team counts on. We're looking for him to have a good year."

Oldenburg made 11 appearances last year and posted a 2-0 record. He was named MCC Pitcher of the Week after pitching a complete game three-hitter against Chicago State. He faced only two batters over the minimum, struck out seven and walked no batters in the game.

"Quintin can be as good as he wants to be," said Doffek. "He has a breaking ball you just can't teach."

Transfer Corey Clemmons pitched Madison (Wis.) Area Technical College to the Junior College World Series as a freshman.

"Corey provides us with collegiate experience on a young staff," said Doffek. "He gives us versatility in that he has the ability to be a starter or a reliever. We expect him to be a mainstay on the staff for the next two seasons."

Freshmen Brian Gould and Kyle Raeder, a pair of southpaws, will also see plenty of innings.

"Anytime you can add quality left-handed pitchers like Brian and Kyle, it's a plus," said Doffek. "We will enjoy watching their growth."