Depth might be an issue for the University of Hawai'i-Hilo baseball team.

The Vulcans, a Division I independent, will open their 2008 season against the UH Rainbows in an intra-system three-game series starting Friday at the newly turfed Les Murakami Stadium. This is the latest start in recent memory for both clubs because of the new uniform starting date for Division I. Still, an exemption allows them to start a week earlier than the rest of the Division I teams in the country.

Although the Vulcans have their lineup set, one that includes three fourth-year starters, depth is a concern for Joey Estrella, who is entering his 32nd season as coach of the Vulcans.

"It's going to be an unknown quality because we had a really good fall, I like the attitude and I like what I see," Estrella said. "But we don't have the depth at any one position that I would like to have. It could be a big drop off if one of our starters goes down."

Compounding depth issues has been the weather in recent weeks on the Big Island, which has been hampered by storms. The Vulcans have been unable to run as many intra-squad scrimmages as they would have liked.

PITCHING

Hilo lost hard-throwing right-hander Lars Knepper (3-8, 4.57 ERA, 81 strikeouts in 80 2/3 innings), who signed after his junior season with the San Francisco Giants after getting drafted in the 29th round last June. Returning are right-handers Clayton Uyechi (2-3, 4.70) and Joe Davis (2-7, 7.00), who combined for 24 of the team's 48 starts last season.

Junior college transfer Jesse Moon, a right-hander, and freshman left-hander Kekoa Lee out of Moanalua High are vying for the third spot.

Experience is in the bullpen, where seniors Dustin Gilmore (2-1, 4.22), Jeffrey Germain (1-5, 7.57) and Tyler Safford, a left-hander who redshirted last season, are expected to get the bulk of the work. Safford might be the closer.

"Losing Knepper is a big loss, but it was great for him (to get drafted and signed)," Estrella said. "I feel good about our starting pitching. I think we'll be competitive."

OFFENSE

The Vulcans will have three four-year starters in the lineup. Second baseman Michael Higa (.300) led the team with 10 doubles, three triples and 37 RBIs last season. First baseman A.J. Satele (.272) tied for the team lead with three home runs. Center fielder Dayne Ogawa (.239) had 19 RBIs.

JC transfer T.J. (Thomas) Brown will be at shortstop, while returnee Shane Kessell (.218) moves from short to third base.

Flanking Ogawa in the outfield is left fielder Ronel Trias (.330), who made spot starts last season, and Peter Rodgers (.194) in right. Rodgers did some catching and played third base last year.

"It's going to be a relatively new position for him," Estrella said of Rodgers. "So he's going to have to work hard to be successful out there."

Hilo product Matt Haasenritter will catch after redshirting last season because of an injury. The 6-foot-3, 210-pound junior has been starting since his freshman year.

Christian Stephenson, a utility infielder who also could pitch, and freshman outfielder Keoni Manago could see action off the bench.

"It kind of depends on the situation," Estrella said. "We also could use (Peter) Rodgers behind the dish and use Matt (Haasenritter) at first base or third base."

FUTURE

The later starting date has definitely affected the program. Hilo has scheduled just 47 out of a possible 56 games. The Vulcans were not only able to fill out their schedule in previous seasons, but take on some nationally ranked teams, such as Oregon State. This year, they have Kansas, Alabama-Birmingham and No. 11 San Diego at home.

They have road games at Washington, Sacramento State, San Jose State and Santa Clara.

Estrella said he has commitments (contractual and verbal) with Division I schools through next year, but is seriously considering a move to Division II by 2010 because of scheduling.

"I know there's some opportunities for some teams to come into the PacWest (Conference)," Estrella said. "I would think that would be a good time to go Division II. At least Division II, you can start playing Feb. 1."

One of the reasons Hilo went to Division I from NAIA was its ability to attract quality teams on the schedule because it could bring cold-weather teams to Hawai'i early in the year.

"We no longer have that opportunity," Estrella said.

Reach Stacy Kaneshiro at skaneshiro@honoluluadvertiser.com.