After a season of rebuilding, the 1996 version of the Arizona baseball team looks to be a solid contender in the always competitive Pacific 10 Conference Southern Division.

The Wildcats, ranked 37th by Collegiate Baseball, will play 36 of their 56 games against top 25 teams, including defending national champion Cal State-Fullerton.

The Wildcats have brought in 14 new players to add to the 16 returning from last season. Head coach Jerry Kindall said he believes the team to be much improved since last season.

"The attitude on our team and the mental approach is so much better this year," Kindall said.

In addition to the new and returning players, the team also has a returning coach in Jim Wing, who retired in 1992 but is back with the team this season. He previously coached the Wildcat pitchers and catchers for 20 years.

"We're so grateful to have coach Jim Wing back," Kindall said. "He brings a great communication of confidence and well-being."

With last season's effort marred by errors, especially in the infield, Kindall said he has gone back to basics, emphasizing defense in particular.

"The defense is so much better this year," Kindall said. "Our pitchers are so much more confident. There aren't the uncertainties we had last year because of inexperience."

The highlight of last season was the play of freshmen outfielders Diego Rico, Russ Brown and Colin Porter. All three are from Tucson and competed against each other in high school.

"They know what it means to win, and they know now the pain of losing," Kindall said.

"The whole team is real relaxed and just can't wait to get out there and start playing," Rico said.

Along with a talented, young outfield, the infield and pitching staff are ready to take on the best teams in the country. The infield retained all but one starting infielder from last season. The starting rotation is yet to be determined, but the team agr eed the pitching is solid.

"It has very much equality right now," Kindall said.

Second baseman and co-captain John Powers said he believes the team will thrive in the division

"If we can play well in the Pac," he said, "it gives us a good chance at a regional berth."

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The Wildcats start the season at home Jan. 26 with a three-game series against New Mexico.