2013 preview: Lander

Seventeenth in a series
Today's answers are provided by Lander coach Kermit Smith

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

KS: We have a good nucleus of players returning off of our 2012 record breaking season. We also, lost a lot of key pieces of that team. We lost 9 pitchers that through a combined 438.1 of our 524.1 innings, one of those was Peach Belt pitcher of the year Chris Thomas who signed with the Diamondbacks. We also lost two All-Peach Belt position players (AJ Nunziato, Jordan Owens). With that being said, good teams lose good players. We brought in some guys that we think can help us continue down the path to Cary.

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

KS: I don’t like saying the word concern. I would say that we are always trying to improve and develop our players on the defensive side of the baseball. It is really hard to win baseball games if you don’t take pride in preventing the opposing player getting to the next base. We are in the process of instilling that, the sooner that we “Get it” the better!

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

KS: It is really too early to tell. Our work ethic as a team from top to bottom is better.

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

KS: Chris Hyatt (Northwestern) is our most improved player. He made major changes to his body over the summer and fall and will have a chance to compete to be the starting catcher.

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

KS: Connor Lewis (AC Flora), Chess Malone, and Logan Pemberton (SMC) have really jumped off the page this fall. The void at first base with Jordan Owens graduating left it wide open for Connor to come in and basically, “Win the job.” Chess and Logan filled two voids; 1. Quality Pitching and 2. Left-handed. They both had very good falls and will bring some quality college experience to a staff that lacks a lot of experience.

Tuesday: TBA