The Oakville Senior High School baseball team was one of the better area teams last year with a 17-9 record and a 5-3 mark in Suburban West Conference play.

But the Tigers suffered a disappointing 12-8 loss to Mehlville in the Class 4, District 3 tournament. That said, Oakville head coach Rich Sturm and his Tigers are chomping at the bit to start the 2008 season.

“Despite the rough weather we’ve had, the field is ready to go and this team is ready to play,” Sturm said. “I think we’ve got a good group of guys that are fun to work with.”

Senior Mike Moore will move from the team’s leadoff hitter to the No. 3 slot this season after holding down a stout .420 batting average with two home runs and 10 runs batted in. Moore also swiped 11 bases and drew nine walks.

“Mike was our leadoff hitter last year and we’re going to have him in the No. 3 hole this year,” Sturm said. “He’s a very good hitter and defensively he’s outstanding. We expect him to do a bit of everything for us this season.”

Junior starting pitcher Nick Schmiemeier will begin the season as the team’s No. 1 starting pitcher after going 3-0 overall with a 3.04 earned-run average. He averaged 6.36 strikeouts per game last season and kept opponents to a cool .200 batting average.

“Nick’s really improved over last year and is probably going to be our No. 1 starter,” Sturm said. “He’s going to get the first shot at being our top guy.”

Drew Stanton will move from third base to second base this season and also could see time on the mound. The senior infielder/pitcher went 2-0 last season with a 1.17 earned-run average. At the plate, Stanton batted .211 with seven runs driven in.

“Drew played a lot of third base up until high school, but we’re going to move him to second base because he’s got such good hands,” Sturm said. “He drives the ball with authority and we hope he can take that to the next big step and help lead this team.”

Over at first base this season will be junior Dan Chambliss, who struggled at the plate last season with a .195 batting average and eight runs batted in.

“We brought Danny up as a sophomore and he’s a big kid that really drives the baseball,” Sturm said. “He worked hard since last year and has been impressive these first three weeks. He has the potential to hit for a high average.”

The Tigers will play host to Hazelwood East at 4:15 p.m. Monday.