2013 preview: Spartanburg Methodist

Thirteenth in a series
Information provided by Spartanburg Methodist head coach Tim Wallace.

The 2013 Pioneers are just a shell of last year’s squad if you look solely at personnel. Only one position player who made regular appearances for last year’s JUCO World Series returns.

At times in 2013 there will be a totally new squad on the field.

The pitching staff offers much more depth, returning two weekend starters and the closer from the 48-15 team of last year. The expectations for 2013 are not lowered, however, and this group is more than capable of repeating as Region X champion.

The biggest area of concern is the catching situation.  Domineke Albert (Lander commit) returns after a decent freshman year splitting time between catching and outfield. He’ll split time with Tyler Crocker (transfer) behind the dish and both need to work hard at keeping the ball off of the backstop.

I don’t know that you could say we are improved in any particular area since last year’s group was pretty dang strong.

The pitching staff seems to have grown deeper and the competition for innings should really lead to quality guys taking the mound.

With the depth we have, not only will our starters be strong but we should also be able to work match-ups within the game.

After fall workouts, the returners who seem to have stepped up include:

* Reid Moman is the only returner who had significant playing time last year. He was hampered in 2012 by a pre-season elbow dislocation that plagued him all year and now seems to finally be healthy.

* Closer Cody Mincey (USC commit) will remain in the role he claimed last year.

* Jimmy Lindberg (C of C commit)) should return to his spot in the weekend rotation.

* Alex Pridemore is another weekend arm who has improved his command and arm strength.

* Champ Rowland (C of C commit) was SS on the 2011 squad and is a welcome addition to the infield. His defense is crucial to our success this year.

* Chase Henry (C of C commit) split time between SS and P last year but will only work off the mound this Spring.

* Ranz Bodison rebounded from a broken finger suffered last Spring to have a strong Fall with the bat.

Obviously there are many newcomers who will have to step up quickly for the Pioneers in 2013:

* Elliott Caldwell (USC commit) had a tremendous Fall and can man 3B or any OF spot.

* Erich Knab (13th-round draft pick) worked hard on his delivery and off-speed stuff and should get lots of opportunities on the mound.

* Zack Shields (West Florence)showed great defense in the OF and lots of potential with the bat.

* Dylan Rogers got a lot of interest from 4-yr guys in the Fall and should begin the year as a midweek starter.

* Collin Steagall (Lexington)/John Leopard (S. Aiken) will split time at first base. Both swung the bat well in the Fall.

Thursday: Florence-Darlington Tech