The Cornhuskers return two outfielders in sophomore DJ Belfonte and senior Bryce Nimmo. Both figure to be big in the run department, using their speed to get on base and do damage in the small ball game. Together the two accounted for 23 stolen bases on 31 attempts, 37% of Nebraska's stolen base total. Neither hit a home run last season, but collectively scored 76 runs.
Right Field - DJ Belfonte
In 2007, Belfonte started 56 out of 59 games for the Huskers as a true freshman. Belfonte has good speed and will most likely be the lead-off hitter. He had a great freshman season, hitting .307, scoring 46 runs, and became the first freshman since Alex Gordon in 2003 to hit over .300. He showed great discipline at the plate, striking out only 19 times out of 205 at-bats. His 2007 on-base percentage lead the Huskers and he will be counted on to provide the same this season.
Belfonte's 2007 stats are below. He lead the team in sacrifice bunts last season. Also notice the low error total for playing in as many games as he did.
| AVG | G | AB | R | H | HR | RBI | TB | SLG% | BB | HBP | SO | GDP | OBP | SB-ATT | PO | A | E | FLD% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DJ Belfonte | .307 | 58 | 205 | 46 | 63 | 0 | 16 | 73 | .356 | 34 | 18 | 19 | 2 | .442 | 10-15 | 95 | 3 | 3 | .970 |
Center Field - Bryce Nimmo
This will be Nimmo's third season as the starter in center field. Like Belfonte, Nimmo will be counted on to get on base. He and Belfonte may be one-two in the line up, but both are left-handed, so it will be interesting to see how Anderson handles the pair. Nimmo hit .273 last season, .316 in Big 12 play and has lead the team in stolen bases the past two seasons.
Nimmo will be a big key as to how the Husker offense does this season. It's imperative that he consistently get on base and wreak havoc with his base running.
Nimmo's 2007 stats, also notice the low error total.
| AVG | G | AB | R | H | HR | RBI | TB | SLG% | BB | HBP | SO | GDP | OBP | SB-ATT | PO | A | E | FLD% | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bryce Nimmo | .273 | 49 | 161 | 30 | 44 | 0 | 19 | 46 | .286 | 22 | 5 | 18 | 0 | .372 | 13-16 | 117 | 5 | 2 | .984 |
Left Field - Tyler Farst, Nick Sullivan and David Stewart
Who's starting in left field? The easy answer - whomever's bat is the hottest.
Farst comes to Nebraska from Grayson County College, where he hit .222 with two homers, four RBI's and scored nine runs while being at the plate only 36 times. With decent size, Farst may be looked upon to provide some power to the Husker lineup.
David Stewart is another newcomer. At 6' 5' and over 220 lbs, Stewart has a big arm, a true freshman who will also be counted upon to provide some power to the lineup. He is also a candidate for the designated hitter position dependent upon how quickly he adjusts to the college game.
Junior Nick Sullivan will most likely start against Stanford. Sullivan was injured in 2007, playing in only 30 games last season. In 52 plate appearances, Sullivan hit .192 while striking out 12 times. In 2006, Sullivan hit .318 in 36 games, so we may see a return to that form this season.