Preseason Preview: Francis Marion

This is the sixth in a series or previews of state teams entering the 2011 season. This is from Francis Marion coach Art Inabinet

Palmetto State Baseball: What is the outlook for your team this season?
Art Inabinet: We have a large group of newcomers to our team after 17 players graduated. We feel our pitching staff and defense will have to carry us especially early in the season. Our pitching staff and starting rotation is led by Don Sandifer (Soph), Joe Wagstaff (Sr), and Phillip Mozingo (Sr). These three guys have experience and know how to pitch. We will lean heavily on them throughout the year. Our bullpen has experience and should be ready for the challenge, led by Patrick Mincey (Sr), Cory Carver (Sr) and Jarrott Hooks (Jr). Our pitching staff is good and deep and should keep us in games as long as we play solid defense led by CF Buddy Sosnoskie (Jr) and 1B Preston Shuey (Sr).

PSB: Based on what you saw in fall workouts, which newcomers seem most ready to contribute from the start of the season?
AI: Buddy Sosnoskie CF-transfer from Virginia Tech (.347, 13 HRs, 48 RBIs last season). Michael Wilson INF-Fr. Local product from Florence Christian School (.439 19 SBs All-State last season ; son of former Patriot player). Joe Wagstaff RHP-Sr-transfer from Campbell Univ. (2-0, 2.89 ERA last season)

PSB: Based on what you saw in fall workouts, what area of your team is of the most concern entering the season?
AI: We did not hit well. We are going to have to be a team that manufacturers runs. We will bunt and hit-and-run more than we have in the past. Our success offensively will depend on how well we execute these areas of our offensive game.

PSB: Which returnees from 2010 do you think fans will see the most improvement in for 2011?
AI: Don Sandifer RHP-Bamberg, S.C. His velocity has increased and he has mastered a change up…he will be tough to deal with for opposing hitters. 2010 Peach Belt Conference Freshman of the Year. 7-1, 2.73 ERA last season. Phillip Mozingo RHP-Florence, S.C. His velocity has been 90-92…he is still trying to get a feel for his off-speed pitches after returning from Tommy John surgery…when he does he will be tough. Tyler Cappelman INF-Sumter, S.C. Has shown improvement on the offensive side and has always been a good defensive player.