One victory would be an improvement.

In fact, a single win would be infinitely better for Jeff Fischer.

The Colorado Rockies' minor-league pitcher is back in Casper for a second season after enduring one of the worst seasons a pitcher has ever had in Pioneer League history.

His 10 losses weren't a record, but he set a new league mark by allowing 18 home runs and his 0-10 season isn't something he'll likely tell his grandchildren about.

So with a clean slate and a new Casper Ghosts uniform, Fischer hopes the 2007 campaign will be much different.

"I had struggles last year, just like a couple other guys," Fischer said earlier this week. "We're looking for a fresh start and the Rockies are still putting us on the field, so what can you do but play your hardest and hope for something good."

He's worked hard since last season to ensure that Ghosts' fans will see something better because he knows his baseball future is on the line.

"I never wanted (my career) to end and I never thought about it ending, I just worked really hard to get better and improve enough to be successful this year," Fischer said. "(Now) I feel like I'm in control of the game more. I work real hard, but I don't have to think when I'm pitching anymore.

"It just comes natural."

Fischer, who started 15 games for Casper last year, will be a part of the Ghosts' rotation when they open their season on Tuesday at Idaho Falls, though he's not sure yet when he'll make his 2008 debut.

But he does have some momentum on his side as he looks for the first win of his professional career.

His best start of the 2007 season came in his last outing and he's coming off a productive final few weeks of extended spring training that should help him forget about a year where he picked up nearly one-fifth of his team's losses in one of the worst seasons in Casper history.

"I finished extended spring training really well, real strong, so I think I'm over the hump and ready to get it done this year," Fischer said.

A little change shouldn't hurt his fresh start, either.

Fischer tinkered with his mechanics in the offseason, added a sinker pitch to his arsenal and worked on adding movement to his fastball - all of which should help as long as he keeps his command. He struck out 63 batters and walked just 17 last season.

And he was as excited as anyone that the team took on a new name and new look since he left Casper last season after learning his job might not be as secure as he once thought it was.

"There's competition here," Fischer said. "A lot of guys are just as good as you and if you're not ready to perform, they're going to beat you. It's a game and everyone's trying to get to the same level.

"(But the changes) seem to be working."

Hopefully well enough for Fischer to be infinitely better in a Ghosts uniform than he was in Rockies gear in 2007.

Contact sports reporter Eric Schmoldt at (307) 266-0578 or eric.schmoldt@trib.com.

FRESH STARTS

More than 20 players were at Mike Lansing Field to begin preparation for the first season of Casper Ghosts baseball. The Colorado Rockies' Pioneer League affiliate changed its name and look last fall and the move has everyone from players to administration looking for a clean slate.

THURSDAY: After committing a team-high 19 errors and striking out 79 times in 135 at-bats last season, Shane Lowe has changed more than just the name on his jersey.

TODAY: Nobody lost more games in the Pioneer League last year than Jeff Fischer, who hopes to ride momentum from extended spring training to his first win in a Casper uniform.

SATURDAY: Ghosts manager Tony Diaz never expected a season as bad as last year's 22-53 finish. Now he's trying to ensure he never has to experience that again.

SUNDAY: Casper's brass opted to change the team's name and look in hopes of finding a new identity. More than seven months later, the Ghosts are becoming known on a national level.