COC NOTEBOOK: INJURIES REDUCE COC PITCHING DEPTH.

Byline: Gideon Rubin Staff Writer

VALENCIA - Injuries to three top pitchers have left the College of the Canyons' baseball team scrambling to assemble a staff with one week remaining before the start of the season.

Jake Coash, who was selected by the Detroit Tigers in the 16th round of last year's amateur draft out of Canyon High, recently underwent arm surgery.

Sophomores Richie Martin (Valencia), Canyons' No. 1 starter last season, and Jeremy Gartska, who was a projected starter, also recently underwent arm surgeries.

As a result, the Cougars, who open their season Friday against East L.A. in the South Coast Conference tournament, have just nine pitchers. Canyons coach Chris Cota said he'd like to start a season with a 12-man staff.

``That's three quality guys that we're without,'' Cota said. ``We started with low numbers, and we still have low numbers.''

Canyons' staff also lacks experience. It returns just one pitcher, left-hander Greg Ramos, who threw just 15 innings last season.

``It's important that our guys keep getting better and are able to compete for us,'' Cota said. ``We actually need some big things from a lot of guys who are going to be pitching for the first time at this level.''

To help fill the pitching void, Kyle Barnett, a converted second baseman, has been added to the rotation.

--No word yet: Sophomore third baseman Steve Browning had an MRI to determine the severity of an ailing shoulder that's been bothering him for several weeks, but his status won't be determined until he meets with his doctor Monday.

If he gets medical clearance, he could play next week. However, if the injury requires surgery, Browning will redshirt.

--Up for grabs: Three positions remain up for grabs on the baseball team.

Sophomore Nick Enciso and freshman Brandon Montemayor, both of whom went to Hart, are competing for the starting catcher position.

Sophomores Josh Mayberry (Saugus) and Matt Kline are vying for the first-base job, but Cota likely would use whoever doesn't start in the field as the designated hitter.

The most competitive situation is in left field, where four freshmen - Joey Morelli (Valencia), Ryan Lindgreen (Saugus), Casey Belmonte and Aaron Sheehey - are in the hunt.

--Arms aplenty: The softball team boasts pitching depth 17th-year coach Ray Whitten never has had.

Behind sophomore returnee Jennifer McLarty (Saugus), the team's No. 1 starter, are freshmen Jennifer Henderson (Canyon), Cassie Shiers and Danielle Burch.

``They're all experienced pitchers,'' Whitten said. ``They throw a variety of pitches and all could be No. 1 pitchers on a lot of teams.''

The Cougars open their season Wednesday on the road against Antelope Valley.

--Well positioned: Canyons returns just four players - shortstop Carly Caldaronello (Hart), catcher Crystal Dingman, McLarty and center fielder Nancy Lopez - but they all play crucial up-the-middle positions.

Sophomore infielders Claudia Andrade and Nicole Moses are ineligible.

--Incoming class: The softball team has 13 freshman, many of whom are competing for the second-base job and all three outfield spots.

Aimee Nava (Canyon), older sister Ashlee Nava (Canyon) and Christine McKenna are competing to start at second base.

Ashlee Nava, McKenna, Lopez, Jessica Lyndgren, Jillian Lehy, Kristin Cookson and Lopez are vying for the outfield jobs.