While David Price may have stolen the spotlight for much of the 2007 season, and rightfully so, the Commodore offense carried the team night in and night out over the course of Vanderbilt's historic season. The dynamic trio of Pedro Alvarez, Ryan Flaherty and Dominic de la Osa propelled an explosive attack that led the stacked Southeastern Conference in batting average, runs and hits.

This season, the ceiling may be even higher. With all nine starters returning, comprised of seven seniors and two juniors, the 2008 version of the Vanderbilt offense threatens to be one of the best in college baseball history with its balance of power and consistency. It's a prospect that has players and coaches alike excited, albeit cautious, about their potential.

"We have a lot of kids who are back from last year, but as far as how good we're going to be, that will be determined once we play," said coach Tim Corbin. "I like the balance of it; we do have some senior leadership out there and that will be key."

With de la Osa and Jonathan White returning to the team as seniors after being selected in the MLB draft, the middle of the order is loaded with veteran poise and talent.

"You've got kids with 800 to 1000 total at-bats under their belt, so you would think that with that experience, they would be seasoned," Corbin said. "Being in tough ball games, playing in the Cape Cod League, playing for Team USA, you hope that they'll grow from that."

De la Osa, Alvarez and Flaherty return to the 3-4-5 spots, in that order, after combining for 42 home runs and 187 RBIs last season. Setting the table are center fielder David Macias, a .300 hitter in 2007, and second baseman Alex Feinberg, a .317 hitter with four home runs and 17 doubles last season.

"They're going to help us out a lot," de la Osa said of his leadoff hitters. "David is going to get on base, and Feinberg has always been consistent in the four years he's been here."

The blend of power and speed gives the Commodores yet another dimension to their potent offense. De la Osa led the team in stolen bases with 20 last season and could increase that total this year. Flaherty and Macias also notched double figure steals last year, and Alvarez and White could do the same if given the green light.

"We've got some good speed at the top," Corbin said. "I like the balance of (our lineup)."

White will hit sixth behind Flaherty, and the Commodores will open the season with catcher Shea Robin, left fielder Parker Hanks and first baseman Brad French rounding out the order. The murderer's row will bring a nasty balance of left- and right-handed power to baffle even the most veteran of pitchers.

Having faced off against this lineup in practice, ace pitcher Mike Minor appreciates the daily challenge of trying to get these hitters out as well as their value to the pitching staff.

"I know if I can get these guys out, I can get out anybody else in the country," Minor said. "It gives you a lot of confidence when you're out there on the mound. They can hit you, maybe score a couple of runs, and you still feel good with our guys behind you."

As the Commodores make their quest to Omaha and a national title, they hope to bring to every game the most feared lineup in the country. Whether they break NCAA scoring records or not, this offense certainly has the firepower to carry this Vanderbilt team to the top once again.