TicketsJan. 30, 2007
This is the eighth in a 17-day series previewing the 2007 Bearcats baseball team. Today's installment features a look at the Bearcats' infielders.
by Shawn Sell, UC Assistant Sports Communications Director
The infield positions raise the biggest questions as the Bearcats must replace three starters. A talented core of young players are in place, though, to quickly transform the infield into a team strength.
The only returnee at the same position is sophomore shortstop Adam Yeager. As a freshman, Yeager improved greatly as the season progressed and he will be counted on even more in 2007.
Josh Harrison burst onto the scene last year with a season that garnered him Freshman All-American honors. The sophomore started all over the field last year, but will settle for time at either second or third base this spring.
"There are two things I can say for certain about our infield: Adam Yeager is going to play shortstop and Josh Harrison is going to play somewhere," UC head coach Brian Cleary says. "With those two guys in the infield, we will be above average at their positions."
Where Harrison ends up will be determined by the development of several young players. Sophomore Cory Hodskins is among the candidates to play third base, as are freshmen Michael Earley and Tim McEndy. All had outstanding fall practices and have the talent to be impact players for years to come.
Another player that will fight for starting assignments is freshman Jamel Scott. At just 5-3, Scott is a good fielder and a speedy runner that can play both second and short, in addition to the outfield.
"As many newcomers as we are dealing with, it's going to take some time to figure out who is going to do what," Cleary adds. "Where all of our guys play depends on how they perform once we get started."
The biggest question entering 2007 will be who will replace Logan Parker both at the plate and at first base. Senior Neall French will get the first opportunity at the position, after missing all of last year. Freshman Kevin Johnson and UC football player Reggie Fugett are also candidates to start at first, as is Hodskins.
Brian Cleary talks about the infieldOn sophomore Josh Harrison: "He is incredibly versatile; where he plays is not really a function of what he is doing, as much as what everyone else is doing. I think he is probably our best defender at both second and third base."
On sophomore Adam Yeager: "Yeager had a great freshman year and came back this fall even better than when he left."
On freshman Jamel Scott: "He had a great fall, but again we are talking about a freshman that hasn't played a college game. Jamel brings a lot of athletic ability and speed to the table. He reminds me a lot of Harrison at this time last year where you say is guy is going to be a pretty good player."
On sophomore Cory Hodskins: "Cory is probably our best defender at first base. If his bat is as productive as you think it might be, we will need to get him in the line-up."
On freshman Michael Earley: "Michael has the potential to be a very good offensive player. At some point, we will need to get him in the line-up as well."