University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
2003 Baseball Continues Preparation For Season Opener
1/31/2003 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
2003 Baseball Continues Preparation For Season Opener
"We are swinging the bats really well at
his point," Palmer, who is beginning his sixth year as the head coach at Southern Miss said. "We've had a couple of injuries that we have had to deal with but to this point, the guys are working hard and getting ready for the season. Beau Griffin is having some soreness in his shoulder, so we've held him out. Bob McCrory will be out for two more weeks with his hand before he can start throwing again. He went to the doctor yesterday, and his progression is going well at this point."
Jeff Cook (Sr., OF, Hattiesburg, Miss.), Griff Israel (Sr., 1B, Birmingham, Ala.) and Brad Willcutt (So., C, Columbus, Miss.) are all hitting the ball hard and are showing good power. Clint King (So., OF, Brandon, Miss.) is working hard and is also showing signs of solid power, giving the Golden Eagles another solid bat from the left side.
"Jeff, Griff and Brad are really hitting the ball well and showing a lot of consistency," Palmer said. "Clint is also hitting the ball well and is showing signs of having good power for us as well. Brad's shoulder continues to get better each day, and he should be ready by the time the season starts."
The pitching staff is showing signs of improvement with solid outings from returners Cliff Russum (So., RHP, Hattiesburg, Miss.), Anthony Dewitt (Jr., RHP, Pass Christian, Miss.) and Stephen Castleman (Sr., RHP, Biloxi, Miss.). Newcomers Ray Antonelli (Jr., LHP, Aliquippa, Pa.) and Austin Tubb (Jr., RHP, Hoover, Ala.) have worked hard and look to give the staff support as well.
"I'm pleased with the progress of the pitching staff so far," Palmer said. "Cliff, Anthony and Stephen are throwing well at this point. We'll have to see what they have once we start putting them in game-like situations. Ray has also showed a lot early, picking up where he left off in the fall and improving his performance. Austin has been solid and should be an effective closer for us this season. Brent Leach (So., LHP, Brandon, Miss.), a sophomore left-hander, and newcomer Noah Tritz (Fr., RHP, Spring, Texas), a freshman right-hander, has been showing good signs early.
"Jarrett Hoffpauir and Matt Shepherd have been working hard, and we're looking pretty solid up the middle," Palmer said. "Defensively, the outfield is also progressing well. Ryan Frith (Jr., OF, Bossier City, La.) has a good arm and looks like he and Clint will battle for the open outfield spot."
The Golden Eagles will continue practicing from 2:30 - 5:30 p.m. each day until the season begins on Feb. 14.
