Today's answers provided by CofC head coach Monte Lee
PSB: After what you saw in fall workouts, what are your team's prospects for the 2013 season?
ML: We return 7 position players that started or contributed a lot for us last year, including all-conference shortstop Bradley Goodson and outfielder Brandon Murray. We return all-conference starting right-handed pitcher Matt Pegler, along with Jake Zokan and Ryan West who can start on the mound. Nathan Helvey will pitch as a true freshman, and I expect Dre Watts to be a power arm out of the pen.
PSB: What are your biggest areas of concern entering the 2013 season?
ML: We lost the player and pitcher of the year in our conference in Marty Gantt and Christian Powell, both were drafted in the seventh and eighth rounds respectfully. We also lost Daniel Aldrich to the Yankees, and our top two relievers: Dave Peterson to the Braves (eighth round), and Kyle Owings to the Diamondbacks. Josh Renfro was a two-year weekend starter, and he's now in the Cardinals organization. We lost a lot of innings and some guys will need to step up.
PSB: In what areas does your team appear to be improved from the 2012 season?
ML: Offensively and defensively we will be better. We have some power, and some speed and athleticism. The middle of our field defensively could be special.
PSB: Based on fall workouts, which returnees from 2012 (including redshirts) look best prepared to play a bigger role in 2013?
ML: I think Gunnar Heidt is turning himself into a good pro prospect for next years draft, and I have been impressed with Ryan Welke, a catcher that didn’t play a lot last year. He had a tremendous fall. Morgan Phillips is a redshirt freshman who was a 17th-round draft by the Reds in high school, and he's ultra-talented defensively in center field. Devon Reed could play a bigger role as a sophomore at multiple positions. He is a plus runner that was drafted in the 20th round by the Marlins out of high school.
PSB: Based on fall workouts, which newcomers are most likely to contend for major roles in 2013?
ML: Nathan Helvey will pitch as a true freshman, and I really like Carl Wise out of White Knoll High School, who has a chance to hit at a high level.
Monday: Lander
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