STILLWATER, Okla. — Oklahoma State baseball coach Frank Anderson joked that it would be a miracle if he knew everybody’s names by the end of the season — much less where to play them.

That’s what happens when 25 of the 35 players on the team have never put on a Cowboy uniform.

“A lot of times people give lip service to team chemistry and people liking each other, but this group seems to get along pretty well — even with so many new guys on the team,” Anderson said. “The coaches like them, and they like the coaches. For the most part, the new guys we’ve brought in have come together pretty good and don’t overstep their boundaries.”

Oklahoma State had several junior college transfers last season, as well. The Cowboys finished 35-25 overall and fourth in the Big 12 with a 14-12 record in league play.

“I think this year will be a little different because last year we had a lot of JUCO guys, too,” senior Jared Womack said. “The first few weeks when you get a bunch of new guys in the locker room, we're doing individuals and working out and some of the old guys stay together, and the new guys learn to mesh together. This year I feel like our whole team really did mesh over the fall. A lot of us have found really good friendships, and I feel like we’re going to be a good team this year on and off the field.”

But meshing in the locker room does not necessarily translate into success on the field. Big 12 Newcomer of the Year Zach Johnson left a big hole at first base when he signed with the Houston Astros after being drafted in the 15th round.

“First base is kind of up in the air,” Anderson said. “Gabe (Weidenaar) can play there. Robbie Rea is a transfer from Cowley County.”

The Pokes will also have to make up for Johnson’s bat, relying on junior third baseman Mark Ginter and freshman outfielder Zach Fish to supply the power.

“Zach Fish will bring us a lot more power,” Ginter said. “We’ve got me and Jared (Womack) in the middle of the lineup, and Hunter (Bailey) is either going to be at the beginning or the end because of his versatility and speed. I think speed and power will be really good. I think Brandon Bass might have a chance to play, and he can small ball for us. I think our lineup is really versatile.”

As far as pitching goes, the Cowboys should have one of the more dominant rotations in the Big 12.

“Obviously we have Andrew (Heaney) and we’ve got a transfer from Arizona State named Kyle Ottoson that pitched in their rotation last year and is eligible right away. That’s huge right there,” Anderson said. “Randy McCurry has been throwing very well lately. He’s finally two years outside of Tommy John surgery. Blake Barnes is throwing really well. We’ve got a new mix of guys that I think have a chance to pitch too.”

Even with a team that has used the fall season to mesh and a seemingly endless supply of pitchers, Anderson said the road through the Big 12 won’t be easy — especially with a trip to Austin, Texas, in mid-April.

“It’s tough every year, and I think it will be good again this year,” Anderson said. “I think, from a pitching standpoint and returning guys that have had success, I think we match up pretty well. A lot of it will depend on new guys and how quickly they can make a transition. Like I said, we have some quality players and quality young guys, but you never know who can handle it the quickest.”

Still the Cowboys are optimistic about not only getting back to the regionals, but possibly advancing even further.

“I'm really excited to be back here for my senior year,” Ginter said. “I love baseball, and I love playing at OSU. There are not a lot of things better than that. I'm finishing up my school. There are not a lot of other places I would rather be right now.”