Saturday, January 18, 2014

2014 PREVIEW: FLORENCE-DARLINGTON TECH

PSB: After what you saw in fall workouts, what are your team's prospects for the 2014 season?

F-D Tech coach Preston McDonald: We only return one hitter from last year's team and he is recovering from a broken ankle. We have a ton of new faces, so we aren't really sure what to expect offensively. We have some experience on the mound and that will be the strength of our team.

PSB: What are your biggest areas of concern entering the 2014 season?

PM: We struggled to score runs at times last year so I'm most concerned about us offensively. We hope that our pitching and defense will keep us in games.

PSB: In what areas does your team appear to be improved from the 2013 season?

PM: The work ethic of this team is much better than the 2013 squad. They're also more coachable.

PSB: Based on fall workouts, which returnees from 2013 (including redshirts) look best prepared to play a bigger role in 2014?

PM: Evan Raynor will probably be our #1 starter on the mound this spring. Last year he only threw 23 innings in a set-up role, but was very successful. He's a hard worker, leader, and continues to get better. Tyler Chappell is a relief pitcher that we expect to have a great year. He has vastly improved from last year and will pitch some big innings for us late in games.

PSB: Based on fall workouts, which newcomers are most likely to contend for major roles in 2014?

PM: Patrick Ward, LHP; Jack Faircloth,  3B/OF; Austin Labounty, SS.

MONDAY: Coker

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