2013 USC Baseball Lineup

[usc1]

Here's my guess for how we'll look on the field next year:

CF-English (So.)
SS-Pankake (So.)
1B-Martin (So.)
3B-Dantzler (Sr.)
C-Greiner (So.)
DH-Payne (Jr.)
2B-Vergason (Sr.)
RF-Sullivan/Kneif (Sr./Jr.)
LF-Costen (So.)

Main guys off the bench being- Bright, Schrock, Harrington, Ripken, Constable

Starting Pitching:
Colby
Montgomery
Beal/Webb/Koumas

I see Colby and Montgomery being locks for the weekend with the 3rd spot being up for grabs. If Beal doesn't get a starting spot I think he'll become our closer. He's got arguably the best stuff.

I think we'll see a lot of Seddon, Belcher, Privette, freshmen Wynkoop and Britt, and whoever doesn't start between Beal/Webb/Koumas comprise our bullpen.

What do the other baseball fanatics think

[carolinafan111]

I pretty much agree with you on most accounts.

The biggest questions are obviously the two corner outfielders and the 3rd starter.

I hope that either some freshman can step up and take one of those spots (meaning that he is a stud in the outfield). I also hope they try to convert Payne to a corner outfielder. The guy can flat out hit, and it would be nice to have the DH spot open for other guys to get some ABs while also letting payne bat to.

As far at the 3rd starter, I think it should be Koumas or maybe like Seddon. I think Beal/Webb should take the back of the bullpen and have that locked down from the 7th on each night. They are the only relievers that right now have the right mindset to close out games.

[U-Dub Gamecock]

Id love to see Adam Westmoreland get out of his funk, and be in the mix for the starting rotation....

[ssladler]

No Freshmen/transfers at all in the lineup? I doubt it.

[ktguen]

Can someone please point out to me why so many people are convinced Greiner will move to 1st or RF? I've seen it multiple times. He doesn't need to be anywhere but behind the plate. He can and will split time with Dante.

[carolinafan111]

Originally Posted by ktguen

Can someone please point out to me why so many people are convinced Greiner will move to 1st or RF? I've seen it multiple times. He doesn't need to be anywhere but behind the plate. He can and will split time with Dante.

No idea KT.. no freaking idea.. that would be the dumbest idea ever.... Maybe let him and dante split (GG catching 2 games a series, Dante catching 1 game a series) or something but GG is a catcher...

[davidmc467]

Originally Posted by ktguen

Can someone please point out to me why so many people are convinced Greiner will move to 1st or RF? I've seen it multiple times. He doesn't need to be anywhere but behind the plate. He can and will split time with Dante.

I think that discussion came up after his knee injury and people are concerned about him being such a large guy while being in that crouched, catcher position. Maybe? That's what I got out of the discussion anyways.

I could see him at 1st base, but I think it'd be an odd move to put him in RF.

[b381l]

Originally Posted by usc1

Here's my guess for how we'll look on the field next year:

CF-English (So.)
SS-Pankake (So.)
1B-Martin (So.)
3B-Dantzler (Sr.)
C-Greiner (So.)
DH-Payne (Jr.)
2B-Vergason (Sr.)
RF-Sullivan/Kneif (Sr./Jr.)
LF-Costen (So.)

Main guys off the bench being- Bright, Schrock, Harrington, Ripken, Constable

Starting Pitching:
Colby
Montgomery
Beal/Webb/Koumas

I see Colby and Montgomery being locks for the weekend with the 3rd spot being up for grabs. If Beal doesn't get a starting spot I think he'll become our closer. He's got arguably the best stuff.

I think we'll see a lot of Seddon, Belcher, Privette, freshmen Wynkoop and Britt, and whoever doesn't start between Beal/Webb/Koumas comprise our bullpen.

What do the other baseball fanatics think

I don't keep up with baseball recruiting too much.....isn't this class supposed to be pretty good. Are any of them potential starters.

[b381l]

Originally Posted by davidmc467

I think that discussion came up after his knee injury and people are concerned about him being such a large guy while being in that crouched, catcher position. Maybe? That's what I got out of the discussion anyways.

I could see him at 1st base, but I think it'd be an odd move to put him in RF.

Agree.....if Donte wasn't as good, then I can understand.....but he is very good. According to some that know a lot about this think GG long term future seems to be at 1st base.....that still doesn't mean he cant' catch once a week or so to give Donte a rest.

[carolinafan111]

Originally Posted by b381l

Agree.....if Donte wasn't as good, then I can understand.....but he is very good. According to some that know a lot about this think GG long term future seems to be at 1st base.....that still doesn't mean he cant' catch once a week or so to give Donte a rest.

People may project GG to play first, but Orioles catcher Matt Wieters is also 6'5" so it can be done. Wieters is also a solid MLB catcher this season

[Spur's Addiction]

Originally Posted by ktguen

Can someone please point out to me why so many people are convinced Greiner will move to 1st or RF? I've seen it multiple times. He doesn't need to be anywhere but behind the plate. He can and will split time with Dante.

Has to do with his knee injury. We'll see.

[talon]

don't forget Costen

[davidmc467]

Aren't there still a lot of people in last year's signing class that haven't had a chance to hit the field yet?

I also expect Beal and Belcher to play major roles in pitching next year. I think Beal may even have a nice shot at starting.

[carolinafan111]

Originally Posted by davidmc467

Aren't there still a lot of people in last year's signing class that haven't had a chance to hit the field yet?

I also expect Beal and Belcher to play major roles in pitching next year. I think Beal may even have a nice shot at starting.

I think realistically only the corner outfield positions, 1st base, the DH, and the 3rd starter are open for competition. It is hard to argue taking any of the other players out of their position (minus tanner because he is moving to CF)

[Acockolypse Now]

I'm intrigued at what Meyers/Tanner will do with Webb. He's got Price-like skills in closing people out, but as we've seen he can go the distance too. Does he become our main closer, or does he move into the weekend rotation?

[jcook84]

Originally Posted by Spur's Addiction

Has to do with his knee injury. We'll see.

This.

Plus, GG has a HUGE frame...he will probably end up somewhere around 240-250 before it is all said and done. I agree that he is a stellar defensive catcher, but if he can extend his career 8-10 years by moving to first, then he should do that.

The drop off isn't substantial from Greiner to Rosenburg defensively. If we had a substandard back-up catcher, then I would say keep him behind the plate and let the pros move him wherever they want. Fact is, he will more than likely end up playing first in the bigs, so why not develop him in a way that will benefit him in the long run?

[usc1]

Originally Posted by jcook84

This.

Plus, GG has a HUGE frame...he will probably end up somewhere around 240-250 before it is all said and done. I agree that he is a stellar defensive catcher, but if he can extend his career 8-10 years by moving to first, then he should do that.

The drop off isn't substantial from Greiner to Rosenburg defensively. If we had a substandard back-up catcher, then I would say keep him behind the plate and let the pros move him wherever they want. Fact is, he will more than likely end up playing first in the bigs, so why not develop him in a way that will benefit him in the long run?

We're gonna put him in a place that benefits the team. Just like we didn't start Christian at catcher where he is more likely to play in the big leagues. The majority of college players get moved around in the big leagues anyway so I don't think its a big deal to play Greiner at C which is still his natural position.

[JT21]

Wouldn't necessarily be surprised to see someone else at 2nd depending on how Vergason hits in the fall and preseason and if anyone can match his defense. Took a while for him to lock the spot down this season.

[usc1]

Originally Posted by JT21

Wouldn't necessarily be surprised to see someone else at 2nd depending on how Vergason hits in the fall and preseason and if anyone can match his defense. Took a while for him to lock the spot down this season.

Late in the year Vergason looked like the man at 2B. Could be a solid .280-.290 hitter next year if he continues to develop. Look for Schrock to push him though, he's supposed to be a hitting machine.

[dffoxfanatic71]

is there any possibility that jake williams makes a return?