Thursday May 14, 2009

Clemson Baseball 2010 Part II

Clemson Baseball 2010 Part II
Yesterday we looked at what the pitching staff could look like for the 2010 Clemson baseball squad. Today we look at the position players.

The Outfield
Seniors-None

Draft Eligible-Addison Johnson, Wilson Boyd
Johnson had a nice season going but has really struggled as of late. Boyd has been on fire in the second half of the season. At this point I am not sure if one or both will be back but both bring positives to the table for 2010. They run well and can play a couple of outfield positions. I am not sure anyone could imagine Boyd hitting 100 points higher than Johnson though.

Not Draft Eligible-Jeff Schaus, Kyle Parker, Chris Epps, Will Lamb
Schaus had his break out season this year and will get a lot of off season attention but the national media. He showed more power this year and was able to drive the ball better this season. If he continues to improve he can develop into an All-American candidate. He is currently tied for the team lead in homers, tied for second in doubles, second in extra base hits and third in RBIs.

Parker was a slow starter this year and has been in a slump as of late. He is tied for the team lead in homers and second on the team in RBIs. However the middle of the season he was his old self. The football practice may have been a factor here. It will be interesting to see how a full football season will affect his baseball and vice versa.

Speaking of player development, both Chris Epps and Will Lamb have huge upsides. Epps has finally given the Tigers lead-off hitter. Lamb showed some potential as a true freshman as well. He runs as well as any player on this year’s squad.

Newcomers-Clemson did not sign an outfielder in the fall.

The Infield
Seniors-Matt Sanders
Sanders had a good, solid senior season. He is currently hitting .317 but he has seen more time at DH and pitch hitting since Jason Stolz has taken over at third base.

Draft Eligible-Ben Paulson, Mike Freeman
Paulson has been the power hitter and run producer that is expected of first basemen. He hits for average and power. His 11 homers, 15 doubles and 53 RBIs are all team highs. His .378 batting average is one of the best in recent memory. Paulson is also solid in the field. I think he has a big enough upside to be drafted fairly high. One source told me this week that Paulson is considering coming back to Clemson though. It will just depend on how high he is drafted. If he returns, this offense could be explosive with his power in the middle of the lineup.

Freeman has been very productive for the past two seasons as he has been a consistent .300 hitter. He has been very good on offense and in the field. If he decides to return to school, his experience would be a big asset.

Not Draft Eligible-Brad Miller, Jason Stolz, Richard Mounce
I think Miller has had a very good freshman season. He has started all 53 games at shortstop hitting a solid .274. He has made a few errors but I have been impressed with his defense, hitting and speed. As a sophomore, I would expect a jump in his offensive numbers and a decline in his errors. Miller has a very bright future with a big upside.

One of the keys to the season was when Stolz became the starter at third. I am a big Stolz fan. I think he is one if the best defensive third basemen in the ACC this season. His offense just continued to get better as the season progressed. Currently, Stolz is hitting .328 with a high on-base percentage. I think Miller and Stolz can develop into one of the top left sides of the infield in college baseball.

Mounce did not get a lot of action at first this season but that could change if Paulson goes pro. Also look for Mounce to get more DH time as a sophomore unless he is used on the mound more often. He is a power bat that could develop into a big run producer.

Newcomers-Ritchie Shaffer, Seth Neely
Shaffer is the nation’s 27th best high school prospect according to Baseball America and number 28 according to Perfect Game. He can play third or second base but is also considered a pitching prospect. He is a expected to go fairly high in the upcoming amateur draft so that is a factor.

Seth Neely is a middle infielder who is ranked 12th in South Carolina and 571 in the nation according to Perfect Game.

Catchers
Seniors-Adam Ward
Ward is a high character kid and will be missed around the clubhouse. He was not a big factor on the field as he was behind two younger catchers.
Draft Eligible-None

Not Draft Eligible-John Nester, Phil Pohl
Nester won the starting position about half way through the season and has been on fire since. His offense was one of the biggest surprises of the season. Nester has provided some clutch hits coming down the stretch. He is now hitting .320 and his extra base hits have improved as of late.

Pohl had a good freshman season especially behind the plate. I think he has a nice upside at the plate as well but did not produce like Nester. I still think he can become a big threat as a hitter. I think the battle will continue next season. Also, one of the catchers could DH or play first base if needed.

Newcomers-Spencer Kieboom
Kieboom is the number 42 player from Georgia and number 465 according to Perfect Game.

The Brad Hughes All-State Insurance Agency

Prayer List
We have started a prayer list on the blog. Here are the guidelines:
*If you are offended by prayer or prayer lists then I apologize in advance. The blog is free and the prayer list will be on the bottom of the page so you don’t have to read it.
*If you would like to add someone to the list please e-mail me at mickeyplyler@hotmail.com
*If you want the reason for the prayer to be added to the name please specify in your e-mails.
*Please let me know when it is appropriate to take the person off of the prayer list

Those who need our prayers include:
Finn Brookover, Mrs. Kathleen Bowers, Larry in Naples, FL, RTG-Pawsitive Tiger, Mary-Louise Pawlowski (John's daughter), Sandy Wright, Jo Ann Bachman, Frank Taylor, Kenneth Bryant, Pruitt Martin, Got igers and his family, David Rowland, Leonard Gillespie and his family, Jim S, Christine Hepfer, Daniel Rosborough, Amy Murphey, Jack Huffman, Nancy Winkler, Dr. Nancy Strom Morgan, Edward Putman, John Reeve, Eileen Woodrum, Ethel Southard, Vinnie Brock, Jean-Pierre Bailey, Kaitlyn L, William Perry, Delores Weaver.