Baseball look: Infielders
February 16, 2008
Two positions appear to be set for the Trojans with returning players, while two other infield positions could eventually be held by newcomers.
Junior Brett Henry started for half the season at third base last season before he fell into a slump and was replaced by Trevor Tyre, who eventually became the team’s leading hitter at .381. Tyre, a junior, has moved over to second base and Henry is slated to start the season at third.
At shortstop, three players are battling, led by redshirt sophomore Bart Pettus, redshirt junior Brett Pierce and true freshman Adam Bryant. Bryant is definitely the future at this position and he should see plenty of playing time this year with a chance to take over if he performs in games.
JUCO transfer Michael Precise has come on at first base and looks to start there when the season opens. Precise, one of the team’s best hitters, was in an outfield logjam with three others. When Pierce didn’t want to waste the DH on one of the four, he put a first baseman’s mitt on Precise and he has responded. Look for the Geneva native to make a big impact with the Trojans this season.
Sophomore Daryl Otwell, a JUCO transfer, is also in the mix at first base but his bat will likely land him a place in the lineup as the DH.
JUCO transfers Josh Storm and Paul Gatchell are battling for time at third base. Gatchell, Pierce and Bryant are backing up second base as well. Sophomore Shohei Fujita has a chance but is further back in the pack after playing much of last season.
