2013 preview: Benedict

Fourth in a series
Answers provided by Benedict head coach Selwyn Young

PSB: After what you saw in fall workouts, what are your team's prospects for the 2013 season?

SY: We had a very successful fall program.The team chemistry is the best I've been around in my 24 years of coaching college baseball including my time in California. We have a great blend of high-GPA student-athletes that work hard. They are dedicated and they are very skilled. This year's blend of freshman, returners and redshirts has never been better for me. I am very hopeful for the future of this year's team. Hopefully that blend leads to a championship.

What are your biggest areas of concern entering the 2013 season?

SY: My main concerns for this season is to stay healthy. We went through several key injuries on the mound last year during the second half that totally changed our outcome.The other key area is chemistry, which last year was not the greatest due to too many individuals. The TEAM Concept is back and alive -- Oh Happy Day. It's great to be apart of a team.

PSB: In what areas does your team appear to be improved from the 2012 season?

SY: We are most improved in depth. This year we are very skilled in all defensive positions.We have some very talented hitters and, of course, we're still the fastest show on dirt. This is the fastest team I've had since I've been here. I brought in some very solid young pitchers that will be tested right away. We have a young staff but If they stay healthy they will be very competitive.

PSB: Based on fall workouts, which returnees from 2012 (including redshirts) look best prepared to play a bigger role in 2013?

SY: We return All-American first baseman David Weber who had a very good fall in his duel role . He has improved on the mound and still is an advanced hitter. Catcher Lydell Moseby, son of former MLB Star Lloyd Moseby has turned it up a few notches. Switch-hitting middlein fielder Kevin Davis had a big fall. 2012 preseason all-American outfielder Elisha Mcdaniel had a great fall season. Pitcher Christopher Lail has gained velocity and did well. Left-handed pitcher Justin Smalls returns and, if healthy, will contribute immediately. Outfielder Dondrelle Folk made tremendous strides in his development as a hitter. Utility man Lashante Grimes is also very solid on defense and hitting.

Redshirts: Utility man Mitchell Dixon will make an immediate impact on the mound and in the infield; so will pitcher Devon Lemon. Still waiting on outfielder Jocquese Brunson's eligibility. He is a game-changer and a pleasant surprise to our program. Local pitcher McArthur Thompson, from Columbia High,has great command and great pitchability instincts.

PSB: Based on fall workouts, which newcomers are most likely to contend for major roles in 2013?

SY: Pitcher Yaniel Delgado from the Puerto Rican Baseball Academy leads the way; great command and pitchability. Followed by his classmates from the Academy, shortstop Willy Colon , second baseman Jan Oyola and Catcher Marcelino Irizarry. These young men had a great fall and are also 4.0 GPA students; very skilled, energetic and fundamentally sound.

My nephew Daniel Young joins us this year and will anchor third base and left field. Good bloodlines. He has a great arm and pop in his bat. Freshman center fielder Kurtis Burnett is a joy to watch chase a ball. Catcher Doren Blake, from Chicago, is an advanced hitter for a freshman. Pitcher Franklin Rodriguez, also from Puerto Rico, has great command and pitchability. Also, Omar Compton and Angel Perez two pitchers from the USA that had good falls.

Overall, we are young and inexperienced but very talented; great senior leadership; great chemistry; the players enjoy each other's company and Collegiate Baseball's "The Amazing Basestealing Machine" is very excited to add to our total of (1,088 stolen bases in the last four years). It should be fun.

Monday: USC Aiken