Fall Practice Notes: Position Players*

[JoJoforHeisman]

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CATCHER
Both Kody Valverde and Charlie Lyons will see significant playing time this season, with the possibility of one serving as the DH when the other handles the duties behind the plate. Lyons turned in an impressive fall offensively, demonstrating just how dangerous a power threat he can be when healthy. Though his defense was limited somewhat due to a lingering shoulder injury sustained this past summer in the Cape Cod League, he’ll be 100% by the start of the season. The junior from Northport has the potential to step up as one of the Tide’s leading run producers in ’05. UNO transfer Valverde impressed the staff with his solid all-around game, a combination of steady, reliable defense, accurate arm, and consistent plate production. Freshman Chris Kirkland and improved junior David Ferazza will be available to help out as well. Kirkland made his presence known right away by showing off his big league-caliber arm, but it is clear at this point that his defensive ability is well ahead of his hitting. An extremely talented catch-and-throw backstop, Kirkland may be a late-innings defensive option.

FIRST BASE
Incumbent starter Zac Welch is primed for a tremendous senior season, and will contend for all-conference honors. Serving as the primary backup to Welch will be redshirt freshman Matt Bentley, an improving hitter with legitimate power from the left side who will undoubtedly see some at bats next season. Freshman Wes Henderson did not appear in the tournament against the junior colleges, and is thus considered a potential redshirt, though this is by no means definite. Henderson has a good glove and some pop at the plate. Though primarily a first baseman, Henderson may ultimately find himself at a corner outfield position in the future. Freshman Josh Copeland is yet another alternative at first base, but his duties as closer (and possibly DH) will come first. Copeland is a big guy with long-ball power, and he will contend with several others for the DH job.

SECOND BASE
While battling through potentially career-threatening shoulder injuries, Allen Rice put together an outstanding junior season, leading the Tide in hitting while providing great glovework at both second and third. Now healthy, and based on his performance this fall, we can look for even more production from Rice this season. In fact, with the possibility of Warner Jones at Vanderbilt facing a decline in his offensive numbers, a result of being forced to adjust to life without slugging Cesar Nicolas hitting behind him, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Rice unseat him as the SEC’s top second baseman. I consider Rice a prototypical #2 hitter, yet he also demonstrated some increased power this fall, which could translate into even more run production. His defense, a plus to begin with, is noticeably improved, particularly on balls hit to his right, and his arm strength has returned as well. Veteran Rocky Scelfo is second on the depth chart here, in addition to being counted on to fill in at shortstop, third, and in the outfield. Scelfo, who finished second to Rice in hitting in ’04, turned in one of the strongest falls at the plate, and his defensive versatility may be his greatest asset. However, the difficult task is finding a place for him to play. Scelfo will see plenty of playing time, yet when you consider his value as a utility player, I look for him to see action all over the field, and possibly as the DH, rather than settling in at one position on a full-time basis.

SHORTSTOP
Simply put, Cale Iorg is the real deal. We may very well have another freshman All-American selection on our hands (for the second consecutive season). It is safe to say that Iorg is one of the best defensive infielders of the Wells era, and he has yet to even play his first game. I’d put the Iorg-Rice double play combination up against any other middle infield in the conference. In addition to his glove, he is a very polished hitter for a freshman, and has outstanding speed – in fact, he is the fastest baserunner on the squad. Though Iorg will only be on board for a year, a player with his level of talent can be counted on to make an immediate impact, and be fun to watch as well. Rocky Scelfo and sophomore Greg Paiml are the backups. Freshmen Ben Soignier and Kyle Moore (also a second baseman) are additional options, but the presence of the aforementioned trio may lead to redshirts for these two promising young infielders.

THIRD BASE
Evan Bush is firmly entrenched as the everyday starter at the hot corner after a sophomore campaign that saw him play everywhere from left field to third base to first base. Bush had a breakout season at the plate in ‘04, and after demonstrating even more improvement this fall, look for an increase in those numbers as a junior. A legitimate power threat with 15-homerun potential, Bush will definitely be in the running for all-conference honors in ’05. Two-way player Matt Downs and utility specialist Rocky Scelfo are the main reserves at the position.

OUTFIELD
Center fielder Emeel Salem turned in what was arguably the most impressive fall on the team, providing every indication that he is the dangerous leadoff hitter we so desperately lacked last season. We already knew about his remarkable speed and outfield defense, but now we should be able to see just how significant an offensive force he can be. One notable positive from the fall is that he appears to have mastered the drag bunt, a particularly effective weapon for a left-handed hitter with his speed. However, one must not assume that Salem is strictly a slap-hitting Juan Pierre-type leadoff hitter, because he can burn you with occasional power as well.

Michael McCallister is holding down the fort in right, and expect him to hit somewhere in the heart of the order, continuing his emergence as one of the team’s leading sluggers. If the season started today, Gabe Scott would be the starter in left, though he will be challenged for the job in preseason practices. In addition to contending for a slot in the weekend rotation, two-way standout Brandon Belcher is one of the best hitters on the team, and could get the call in left in games in which he does not take the hill. We need his bat in the lineup somewhere. Senior Matt Grooms missed the fall due to back surgery, but will be ready to go when practice begins. Grooms, like Belcher, is a versatile defensive player capable of playing all three outfield positions. Despite all of the talent competing for jobs in the outfield, you can rest assured that Gabe isn’t going to go down without a fight. After two seasons in a reserve role, Gabe made his presence known with a solid junior campaign. Freshman Adam Resendez, who played mostly left field this fall, will also be in the mix. Resendez did not appear in the JUCO tournament, which means that a redshirt season is still possible, though not definite.

One outfielder who put together one of the most impressive offensive performances at the plate this fall was two-way player Morrow Thomley. Arm troubles prevented Thomley, a junior who received a medical redshirt last season, from throwing in the fall, but that didn’t appear to have any effect on his ability to swing the bat. Keep an eye out for Thomley – he could be a pleasant surprise next season if he continues to rake at the level he displayed in the fall.


Up next: Pitchers

[Tidefan in North Carolina]

Hey Jo-Jo.

As usual you are getting the season off to a good start. I believe that you are on target with a possible few execptions to the mix.
NAILS??? remind me to impart a story privately. You may change your opinion.
Good to see the season coming. I guess I'll be in Tuscaloosa a bit this year as all the road games are almost as far from me as Tuscaloosa. Hope to see you this year. If my sis will rent me a room?? lol

[JoJoforHeisman]

I meant "Nails" as in "tough as"...by no means was I comparing him to Lenny.

[PattheCatinSaudi]

Is 2B Cale Iorg any kin to Dane Iorg who played for the Cardinals back in the 80's?

[JoJoforHeisman]

nephew