Mississippi State baseball season will open Friday at Dudy Noble Field as the Bulldogs face Murray State in the first of three weekend contests. Despite some injuries on the team, head coach Ron Polk is confident going into the season.
“As long as we can stay healthy, I think we can have a banner season this year,” he said. “Health is the whole issue, though, in schools in the non-lottery states.”
The Bulldogs have lost many key players since the 2006 season, including starting players such as shortstop Thomas Berkery, leftfielder Jeff Butts, centerfielder Joseph Hunter, first baseman Brad Jones and left-handed pitcher Brooks Dunn.
Two players from last year’s team have also transferred to other NCAA schools.
Shortstop Bunky Kateon has transferred to South Alabama, while right-handed pitcher Trent Hill transferred to Samford.
“We’re really happy for both of those boys,” Polk said. “It was a good move for both of them.”
A veteran ball club will be returning for the 2007 season, including seven seniors and 13 juniors.
Senior co-captain Jeffrey Rea, last year’s second baseman and a first-team All-SEC selection, will possibly be making the move to the outfield for this season, depending on the health of infielder Brandon Turner, a freshman who was redshirted last season.
Turner, who is currently suffering from a hamstring stretch, should be ready for play soon and could start at either shortstop or second base.
“Turner can really swing the bat,” Polk said. “He’s also got amazing instincts on the field.”
Rea also has confidence in the freshman’s ability and sees him as an asset in the infield with knowledge beyond his years.
Rea struggled with the decision to come back for his senior year – having had offers from the Boston Red Sox – but is glad to be returning to play his final season of college baseball.
“I prayed about coming back,” he said. “I’m really glad I came back for my senior year because it’s the best place in America to play college baseball.”
Junior catcher Ed Easley returns behind the plate, coming off a season where he had a .336 batting average, 42 RBIs and a fielding percentage of .953.
“Ed has a lot of confidence on the field,” senior co-captain and pitcher Josh Johnson said. “The game just seems to run smoother with him behind the plate.”
Junior Andy Rice is expected to get the start in left field, and seniors Matt Richardson and Joseph McCaskill, last year’s starters, should complete the outfield.
Despite a few injuries among the pitchers, Polk sees depth there, although the season depends on their health.
Polk said that the three pitchers who will be the primary starters will be Johnson, junior Justin Pigott and sophomore Aaron Weatherford.
The injuries of pitchers Matt Lea and Jared Wesson have slightly altered Polk’s plans in pitching, but he sees his three starters as having the confidence and leadership skills to be an asset defensively.
“Josh Johnson, he’s got the stuff,” Polk said. “He’s got a lot of maturity, and the other guys really have respect for him.