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133 T he look of the University of Iowa baseball team will be different with 20 players de- parting the program to graduation or the Major League Baseball Dra the past two seasons, but the Hawkeyes are reloading for 2017. Iowa has 17 returning letterwinners from a team that advanced to the Big Ten Tournament title game, finishing one win shy of a second straight NCAA Regional berth. e new look comes by way of 18 newcomers, including eight transfers. "We're excited and optimistic about the season, even though we have a lot of new guys," said Iowa head coach Rick Heller, who has 791 career victories. "is is a talented group and our pitching is deep." Heller believes the 2017 pitching staff could shape up as the deepest of his Hawkeye tenure. at's a bold statement since the team posted the top two team ERA records in school history in the past two seasons. Juniors C.J. Eldred (3-8, 3.43 ERA) and Nick Gal- lagher (8-3, 2.57 ERA) give the Hawkeyes a strong one-two punch at the top of the rotation. Iowa has a quartet of arms battling for the final weekend spot with senior Drake Robison, sophomores Cole McDonald and Shane Ritter, and freshman Grant Judkins. Iowa also returns its top late-game options in senior Josh Martsching (2-1, 2.41 ERA, four saves) and sophomore Zach Daniels (1-1, 1.50 ERA, five saves). Middle relief is where the team added to its repertoire with senior Ryan Erickson (2-1, 4.15 ERA) returning with transfers Nick Nelsen, Elijah Wood, and Sam Norman. "We have a lot of options on our pitching staff," said Heller. "We have quality arms and multiple options in all three roles, so that's a strength of this team coming into the season." For position players, the Hawkeyes have three starters and designated hitter Austin Guzzo re- turning. Senior Mason McCoy slides le to take over at shortstop, and sophomores Mitchell Boe (second base) and Robert Neustrom (right field) are back. Neustrom hit .307 with 21 RBIs as a freshman; McCoy hit .291 with 12 doubles and 34 RBIs. e Hawkeyes will turn to junior-college transfers at first base (Jake Adams) and catch- er (Tyler Cropley), while transfers Matt Hoeg and Chris Whelan give team versatile infield/outfield op- tions. Adams hit 25 home runs in 2016 and 42 the past two seasons at Des Moines Area Community College. "I feel good about who we have," said Heller. "We have the potential to be a solid offensive team, have decent team speed, and have a lot of options for platooning and backups." Heller believes a trip to the Dominican Republic in November will serve the team well at the start of the season. Iowa went 2-2 during a week-long trip over anksgiving break. "We bonded as a team and our chemistry is good with this group and that's half the battle," Heller said. "e fact we were able to play a few games and get our feet wet, I don't think it will be as big of a shock when we get started in February." at start will come in Tampa, Florida, from Feb. 17-19 when the Hawkeyes play a three-game series at South Florida. "My expectations for the team are the same year-in and year-out," said Heller. "I want the guys to give a great effort, compete hard, and do it with confi- dence. We have to focus on the process and play as hard as we can with a lot of confidence. "I am optimistic with the Dominican trip that it will give us a jumpstart at the beginning of the season." FEBRUARY CALENDAR Feb. 17-19 at South Florida Feb. 24-25 vs. Alabama State Feb. 26 vs. Morehead State