MORRIS, Minn. – Minnesota Morris begins the 2016 baseball season Friday when they play Concordia Moorhead at 1 p.m. The game is one of the earliest outdoor games in Minnesota in program history. After Friday, the Cougars will travel south to play ten games in Winterhaven, Fla. starting on Monday. 
 
We had a chance to speak with Grant Harding about the upcoming season and goals he has for the team. You can watch the video interview by clicking on the photo above. 
 
Minnesota Morris has been improving each year under Harding and he hopes this is the year the Cougars can make a trip to the UMAC Tournament. Several starters from last season are back and the pitching staff may be the deepest in Harding's tenure.
 
The middle of the defense will be a bit different in 2016 as both the starting shortstop and second baseman will be new for the first time in three years. The Cougars will also need to replace the school's all-time leader in saves at the backend of the pitching staff. Harding believes his bullpen has the ability to close out games when called upon.
 
Number one starter Michael Dockendorf will headline the starting rotation. Joey Hyde, Todd Woelfel and Mitch Reller are also back for the Cougars after significant roles last season.
 
Offensively the Cougars will return most of the lineup from the previous year. Jackson Gessell, who led the Cougars with five homers, is the top offensive player from a year ago. Morris will also welcome back Chandler Erickson, Willie Fust and Donnie Mavencamp who all hit over .270 in 2015.
 
A big group of newcomers will try to fill in some holes from the departed seniors. Harding expects the team speed will play a big factor in how well UMM preforms in 2016.