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Seven back, two gone.

Normally, that equation of returning every-day starters would add up to an optimistic outlook for a college baseball team heading into a new season.

In Creighton's case, it makes for an uncertain proposition, as the two players not back were the Bluejays' most productive hitters throughout the 2011 season. Outfielder Trever Adams and shortstop Jimmy Swift combined for 17 of Creighton's 38 homers and 99 of its 283 RBIs.

"It's going to be tough," said catcher-outfielder Anthony Bemboom when asked how the Bluejays are going to replace the pop Adams and Swift put into Creighton's offense. "It's going to come down to everybody just doing a little bit more and contribute a little bit more.

"If everyone steps up and does just a little bit more, I think that will even things out."

Bemboom is one of the seven every-day players back for the Bluejays, who begin their quest to get back to the NCAA tournament when they open a three-game series at Central Arkansas on Friday.

Creighton has not made back-to-back regional appearances since 1999 and 2000. The Bluejays made the tournament in 2005 and 2007 but couldn't get back the next seasons.

They're out to change that this time around in addition to trying to become the first Creighton team to repeat as Missouri Valley regular-season and tournament champions.

"This is a real important year for Creighton baseball," pitcher Ty Blach said. "We're excited to play a full season at TD Ameritrade Park, and we're excited to try to defend our championships and do something no other Creighton team has done."

Blach provides the Bluejays with a high-quality arm at the front end, and Creighton will back up the rotation with a bullpen, led by closer Kurt Spomer, that has the potential to be one of the best in the nation.

It's the offense that leaves outsiders a bit uneasy about the Bluejays' chances. Alex Staehely, who is making the switch from second base to shortstop, is Creighton's top returning hitter with a .285 average and 36 RBIs. Outfielder Mike Gerber hit .280, and his seven homers ranked second behind Adams' 14.

Catcher-designated hitter Scott Thornburg and Michael Mutcheson, who moves from DH to second, hit .274 and .273, respectively, but Bemboom (.233), first baseman Nick Judkins (.227) and third baseman Chance Ross each hit under .235.

Creighton coach Ed Servais saw enough in fall ball and preseason practice to be encouraged by his team's offensive potential.

"They're all a little better," he said. "I know a lot of people are wondering how we're going to replace Adams and Swift, and it's not going to be one or two guys. It's going to be a complement of seven or eight players that are going to have better seasons."

Gerber, a freshman All-American, recalled a scrimmage the Bluejays had at the start of preseason practice.

"I could easily tell how everyone is putting much better swings on the ball," Gerber said. "We had fewer strikeouts. That showed me that we can be a great offensive team without relying on just one individual or two."

Gerber's .488 slugging percentage trailed only Adams' .665 last season, and Gerber walked 23 times, third most on the team. To become more effective, Gerber will need to cut down on his strikeouts (61 in 168 at-bats).

"My main thing has to be pitch selection," said Gerber, drafted in the 40th round by the New York Yankees out of high school. "Last year, I swung at a lot of pitches up in the zone. I made a conscious effort in the summer to take pitches that were up.

"I worked on it in the fall, and I think I have improved."

Servais said he has seen an improvement in Gerber's plate discipline. He's also seen similar growth in his other hitters as they've addressed weaknesses in their approaches.

That leaves him optimistic that this is a team capable of making some noise on offense in an attempt to reach another level as a program.

"No team has ever won back-to-back (titles)," he said. "We don't want to take a step back. We want to keep trudging ahead, and they've taken on that as their mantra.

"This is a very businesslike group. They're not very emotional, and sometimes I wonder about that. But I have no complaints about how they go about their business."

Contact the writer:

402-679-2298, steve.pivovar@owh.com

twitter.com/PivOWH

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