A 12-inning affair today at 1:00 PM at UFCUDFF will give fans their first look at the 2011 baseball squad. Aside from getting a look at all the newbies, the biggest positions battle to keep an eye on are catcher and the corner outfield spots. Obviously it's college baseball so there hasn't been a ton of preseason hype about what's coming up with this team, but a couple of players to watch this Fall after the jump.
Mark Payton -- OF -- Originally an Arizona State commit, Payton came to Texas with the Sun Devils facing possible NCAA sanctions. Payton was a 31st round pick of the Twins and appears to be in the mix for a starting corner OF slot (with Cohl Walla the presumptive starting CF). Payton at 5'8' 165 lbs has all the makings of a fan favorite (and apparently made an impact in the Fall scrimmage).
Dex Kjerstad -- OF -- Aside from having the best name on the team, Dex -- a 50th round pick of the Reds -- could be the other freshman with a fighting chance at a starting corner OF position. If Augie's past is to be an indicator of how the opening day lineup will begin though, both LF and RF are likely to be filled by veterans until they screw up or a newcomer takes control.
Christian Summers -- SS/2B -- Maybe it's just wishful thinking (check that, it's 100% wishful thinking), but Summers could take over 2B from Etier should he stay offensively challenged (.224 BA, 85 Ks in 2009).
Jacob Felts/Lucas Kephart -- C -- By far the most important position battle, Felts is the incoming freshman described by at least one source as the "best natural leader behind the plate" in the 2010 draft class. Kephart is a juco transfer from Sacramento City College, where he hit .247 in 2010. Kephart brings experience but not a ton more to the Horns. Jonathan Walsh could also see time behind the plate but may start in the outfield in order to maximize his offensive production.