2014 TEAM PREVIEW: FURMAN

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

Furman assistant coach Mike Ranson: After fall workouts, we were pleased with our positional play. Returning a majority of our defense and offense will help our club going forward.

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

MR: Behind the plate we lost a 4 year starter in Paul Nitto, and in CF Will Muzika but have talented guys in place ready to step in. On the mound losing two major contributors to the draft in Nate Smith and Ben Carlson, replacing those guys will be a difficult task, but we have some guys eager for the opportunity.

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

MR: Our guys from a positional standpoint have experience… returning Hunter Burton, Jordan Simpson, Alex Abrams, Chris Ohmstead, Jake Jones, and Greg Harrison will be an area of strength both offensively and defensively. On the mound, having some experienced guys in Elliott Warford, Matt Solter, Alex Abrams, Brant Masters, Ryan Dittmar and Jake Wolff will help tremendously.

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

MR: Returning from last year, Greg Harrison had a very good fall for us as did Matt Solter on the mound.

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

MR: Freshman Skye Overton in the outfield, Cameron Whitehead behind the plate, and pitchers Matthew Quarles and Billy Greenfield had very productive fall workouts. These guys should be contributors this spring.

NEXT: Francis Marion