Stanky Field: Does that name hurt recruiting?
At 1 o'clock on Friday at Stanky Field, the journey to Omaha will begin once again. Can the Rebels make it to Omaha this year? Will it be a disappointment? Here are some players that must contribute...
Key Pitching Returnees:
Scott Bittle-lights out closer
Drew Pomeranz-incredibly hard to hit when he is throwing his curve for strikes
Jake Morgan-amazingly reliable in the middle innings or to close the game
Key Offensive Returnees:
Jordan Henry-speed on the base-paths
Logan Power-plate discipline with occasional power
Matt Smith-the HR threat
Key Defensive Returnee:
Brett Basham- even though he was drafted, he elected to come back for another year. I truly believe he is the best defensive catcher in the country. Since Kyle Henson and Taylor Hightower are on the team, there is finally someone to come in and relieve Basham. Just a year ago, he had to start every single game, and five games a week take a toll on a catcher. I can forsee Basham starting on the weekends and Hightower and Henson splitting time during the Tuesday and Wednesday games.
Game versus Liberty:
The Friday starter will be Aaron Barrett. He is a guy the coaches have a lot of confidence in, and the pitching coach, Carl Lafferty, says that he is "no doubt our Friday night guy."
The defensive lineup will be as follows:
C Brett Basham
1B Matt Smith
2B Zach Miller
SS Kevin Mort
3B Evan Button
DH Cullan Kight
LF Logan Power
CF Jordan Henry
RF Jeremy Travis
The coaches have said there could be a lot of shifting, and I think we will see a lot of shifts and different line-ups this weekend.
Random Notes:
Scott Bittle has been named to several watch lists including Stopper of the Year and Golden Spikes Player of the Year. Bittle has also been named to preseason All-American team.
Three players are serving suspensions this weekend: Drew Pomeranz, Tim Ferguson and Kyle Henson.