re: Baseball Recruiting Discussion

Couple notes on recruits for an early look at next years Infield & Outfield for the 2014 Season:

An early look at the infield: 2014

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Shortstop

The recruiting class will provide Arendas’ biggest challenger. Conway product Jordan Gore has had a lot of success at the high school level and will try to push for the position. Gore is a switch hitter with a patient approach at the plate. His strengths are working the opposing pitcher and he’s going to be a high on base percentage guy. Defensively, Gore has some good lateral quickness and a big time arm throwing across the diamond.

Similar to Arendas last year, Gore needs to work on his strength. While he hit .480 at the high school level, Gore had just six hits for extra bases - five doubles and a home run. Gore, typically, has an accurate arm from short but the ball doesn’t always go into his glove when fielding. He does have the tools to be a very good defensive shortstop though.

First base

Other options at first base include junior college infielder Elliott Caldwell from Spartanburg Methodist. He is expected to provide some offensive ability in the lineup but he, like Pankake, can factor in to numerous positions. Caldwell started at third base in junior college and can also play a corner outfield position.

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An early look at the outfield: 2014

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Left field

While it will be tough for either player to see any time this season, incoming freshmen Jae Roberts (Columbia/Hammond) and Zack Madden (Charleston/Bishop England) are also likely to start their careers playing some in left field.

Centerfield

Incoming freshman Gene Cone will also see some time in center during fall practice but it’s going to be tough for him to find the field next season.

What could prompt a move is the addition of incoming freshman Brock Maxwell (Suwanee, Ga./Lambert). The Peach State native is a player the coaching staff is very high on because he brings athleticism and toughness along with both hitting and defensive tools.

Right field

What could prompt a move is the addition of incoming freshman Brock Maxwell (Suwanee, Ga./Lambert). The Peach State native is a player the coaching staff is very high on because he brings athleticism and toughness along with both hitting and defensive tools.

Maxwell, who also played quarterback in high school, has gap power but he has enough speed to turn singles into doubles and also steal a base. He has a big arm in the outfield and reads the ball well off the bat. He’s one of few position players in the 2013 class projected to make an early impact and right field could easily be his home for three years beginning in the 2014 season.

Junior college transfer Elliott Caldwell (Piedmont/Spartanburg Methodist) is a bat that South Carolina will have to find a way to get into the lineup. He will work out at third base and the corner outfield positions in the fall in an effort to find a way to get him on the field in some manner.

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