2015 Season: Corner Infielders

First Base

I am going to start with a 5 year senior and a captain and a leader. Wes Rea, 6-5 270 has been the starting first baseman going on 4 years. He had shoulder surgery is true freshman campaign and was redshirted. Really from the start of last year, he struggled at the plate offensively. Pitchers would throw inside on him, still had some big hits in spots. We all cheered for him in the SEC tournament. He worked hard over the summer and fall to correct this. By all indications, he has greatly improved. He should start every 2015 game. Behind him are 2 newcomers to the program. Jr college transfer, Trent Waddell, 6-3 210 is battling true freshman Cole Gordon, 6-6 240 for the back up role. Both bat from the left side and both can pitch, Waddell is a lefty while Gordon is a righty. Waddell is a grinder and a tough kid. Gordon has a huge frame and has a lot of potential as a two way player. Both should get playing time at both positions in order to get ready for expanded 2016 duties.

Third Base

Senior Matthew Britton, 6-1 195 while injured most of the fall should be the favorite to man the hot corner. He has vast experience over the 2 newcomers. Britton also bats left. He has struggled to find a consistent offensive stroke in the preceding years. He found a home at 3B last year and made dazzling play after play. He has the strongest arm on the infield too. If he could make strides offensively, he would surely be drafted in June. Again, like 1B, there are two brand new newcomers behind Britton but they are both JC transfers who bring college experience to the team. Junior Matt Spruill,6-1 190 hails from Virgina but played JC ball in Texas. His older brother pitches in the Major Leagues. Sophomore Luke Reynolds, 6-2 180 is from Mississippi. Spruill bats right while Reynolds bats left. Reynolds really impressed the coaches with his dirt bag play at third and strong throwing arm. He came to State as a good hitter. I do foresee both these guys getting playing time at other infield positions too. Reynolds because he bats left has a real good chance to be the left handed DH. Reynolds when he gets some experience might turn out to be a really good player.