2003 PREVIEW PRO BASEBALL: PIECES ARE THERE.

Byline: Gideon Rubin Staff Writer

TUCSON, Ariz. - Tommy Jones, the JetHawks' parent Arizona Diamondbacks' farm director, pointed to a list in his small notebook of five recently released players general manager Joe Garagiola Jr. had told him about just minutes earlier.

Jones seemed intrigued by the names. But because the much-maligned Diamondbacks' minor-league system now has a surplus of talented players, as he glanced back at the list, all Jones could do was chuckle.

The moment apparently wasn't lost on Garagiola, who's taken heat in Phoenix for a win-now approach that, while producing unprecedented success for an expansion team at the big-league level, has left the farm system barren.

``Isn't it funny?'' Jones said Garagiola had just told him. ``One or two years ago, we jump all over these guys, and now I just wanted to let you know these guys are out there, and we don't have any room for them.''

Since the Diamondbacks' farm system was ranked 29th by Baseball America two years ago, when the JetHawks were in the first of a four-year player-development contract, their system has been on a steady upswing (they were ranked 23rd last year and are 21st this year) largely because of their new philosophy of drafting polished college players with a lower ceiling but less risk than high school players. The new approach has given Arizona more ``legitimate depth,'' Jones said.

He added: ``It's a great situation we have now.''

It's a situation that should also benefit from their advanced Class-A affiliate in Lancaster.

Jones won't assess the 2003 JetHawks, saying he's ``been burned too many times'' venturing in the realm of speculation in the minor leagues. ``You've got so many people who have rotated through this club (in spring training), and until you get them out of this environment (spring training) and get them to see if they can mesh into a club, you just don't know.''

An area the Diamondbacks' improved farm system will most directly impact the JetHawks is pitching. Eight of the team's 12 pitchers are returnees, and this year's starting rotation is the best the Diamondbacks have sent to Lancaster to start a season, Jones said.

``In the past we've been strong in the one and two slots, and then we've got projects in the three, four and five spots,'' Jones said.

Former University of Alabama standout Lance Cormier is scheduled to start the JetHawks' season opener Friday, when Lancaster plays host to San Bernardino at 7:15 p.m.

The starting rotation, which figures to the team's greatest strength, also features returnees Matt Henrie, Jason Bulger, Doug Slaten and Scott Barber.

Used mostly out of the bullpen last year after a full collegiate season, Cormier, a fourth-round draft selection, was 3-0 with a 2.93 ERA at Single-A South Bend (Ind.). Barber, the JetHawks' fifth starter, was 7-3 with a 4.25 ERA at Lancaster last season.

``Any one of us could be the No. 1 starter,'' Cormier said.

Relievers Joey Cramblitt and Carlton Wells were both told they deserved a chance to start the season at Double-A El Paso (Texas), but both were sent to back Lancaster to start the season because the Diamondbacks have a pitching logjam. They'll bolster a formidable bullpen that includes Pete Sikaras and Billy Biggs, who've both pitched briefly in Lancaster and are the leading closer candidates.

The JetHawks have hit well in spring training, but only Chris Snyder, who batted .258 (56 for 217) with nine homers and 44 RBI at Lancaster last season, has had success in the California League.

The JetHawks are expecting big things from shortstop Sergio Santos, a first-round draft pick from Mater Dei of Santa Ana who batted .272 (55 for 202) with nine homers and 37 RBI last season at rookie-level Missoula (Mont.), but he's just 19 and will be playing his first full year as a professional.

Lancaster's top hitters also include first baseman Jeff Stanek, who batted .306 (71 for 232) with nine homers and 51 RBI at South Bend last season, outfielder Josh Kroeger, third baseman Dan Uggla and outfielder Jay Garthwaite.

Lancaster's most significant base-stealing threat is outfielder Marland Williams. The organization's fastest player according to Baseball America, Williams stole 51 bases in 58 attempts last season at short-season Yakima (Wash.).

A more pressing concern is the defense, especially up the middle.

Snyder has proved to be a standout defensive catcher, but Lancaster's double-play combination is a different story. Santos committed 28 errors in 54 games last season, and second baseman Dan Richar (formerly known as Joandry Berroa), a converted shortstop, committed 35 errors in 110 games split between Lancaster and Yakima, and is still learning his new position.

Williams, who committed 10 errors in 70 games at Yakima, faces a tough challenge playing center field in the high winds of Lancaster.

According to JetHawks manager Mike Aldrete, defense is a weakness the JetHawks can't afford to have at hitter-friendly Lancaster Municipal Stadium.

``I know these guys are in A-ball, but we had better throw the ball and catch the ball, or else it's going to be a long year,'' Aldrete said. ``There will be runs scored there (in Lancaster). Outs are at a premium there, and if we give them away it really hurts. I'm stressing it now, I'll stress it when we get there, and I'll stress it all year.''

JETHAWKS ROSTER

Pitchers: Lance Cormier, Matt Henrie, Jason Bulger, Doug Slaten, Scott Barber, Jonathan Castellanos, Francisco Trejo, Carlton Wells, Joey Cramblitt, Justin Wechsler, Pete Sikaras, Billy Biggs.

Catchers: Chris Snyder, Mike DiRosa, Eric Servais (disabled list).

Infielders: Kyle Nichols, Jeff Stanek, Dan Richar, Sergio Santos, Dan Uggla, Erick Macha, Mayobanex Santana.

Outfielders: Josh Kroeger, Marland Williams, Jay Garthwaite, Jaime Jones.

CAPTION(S):

photo, box

Photo:

(color) JetHawks pitchers, from left, Lance Cormier, Matt Henrie, Jason Bulger, Doug Slaten and Scott Barber, should be among the California League's best rotations.

Gus Ruelas/Staff Photographer

Box:

JETHAWKS ROSTER (see text)