GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KKCO)-- The Mavs baseball team gathered for their first practice of the new year on Thursday.

One of the biggest questions heading into the spring season is the health of ace Nolan Snell's right shoulder. There was a small tear discovered in Snell's labrum in his throwing shoulder last summer, causing him to miss the fall season.

"I think once the season gets going I'll be just as good as I was last year," Snell said during Thursday's practice.

If Snell is anywhere near last year when he led the RMAC with 105 strikeouts, the Mavs should be in good position to repeat as conference champions.