The team's mission: Keep the dynasty alive.
No pressure.
South Carolina just played in its third straight national championship series and finished a few clutch hits short of its third straight national title. The past three seasons have made the Gamecocks into the premier program of college baseball, the one that every high-schooler wants to play for and the one that every college coach wishes he was in charge of.
Of course the pressure is immense, even more so now that so many key pieces of the past three years - Michael Roth, Matt Price, Christian Walker - have departed to join comrades Scott Wingo, Jackie Bradley Jr., Blake Cooper and Whit Merrifield in professional ball. The seniors and other departing players have trusted the younger players with a simply worded but awesomely foreboding task - don't let it die.
The Gamecocks have been a consistent powerhouse since 2000, when Ray Tanner put his first great team onto the diamond. They have risen into an elite program, one of the few across the country, ever since Merrifield's single settled into right field to end the 2010 College World Series.
The recruits have lined up and USC feels that it has the talent to stay elite, despite not having so much veteran leadership. It's why the freshmen that played this year will become the backbone of next year's team, with others waiting in the wings to keep it going once those freshmen are juniors and seniors.
Nobody wins forever.
But USC sees no reason why it can't try to challenge that.
Looking ahead to 2013:
TALENT
Catcher
The Gamecocks will be set behind the plate, with All-SEC Freshman Grayson Greiner returning. Greiner, chosen to Team USA this summer but electing to take the summer off instead to rest his recently repaired knee, will most likely be in a platoon system again next season, splitting games with backup Dante Rosenberg. Rosenberg deserves the chance to play some games, after filling in so well during the NCAA Regionals and Super Regionals this year, and while the split won't be 50-50, the Gamecocks will seek to give Greiner a bit more rest than he had this year. Greiner simply wore out with the marathon of playing so many games (69, of which he played in 62, compared to maybe 30 in a great high-school season) and his batting average plummeted. His defense never did, Greiner becoming one of the most tricky catchers in the SEC to steal a base upon. He hit a mere .222 but belted six home runs, third on the team, and will look to be more consistent with his bat and power stroke next year. Rosenberg will be around as a savvy backup and if he proves he can hit once he's in the lineup, may take a few more games from Greiner than he did last year. Erik Payne, who took some reps at third-string catcher last year, will still be around but will also be a backup at several positions, as well as a potential starter in the corner outfield.
First base
After starting at first base from Day 1, Walker is off to the pros. It was expected that he would leave, though, and the Gamecocks prepared for it by signing Kyle Martin last year. The hulking rising sophomore will be the everyday guy and can hopefully replicate Walker's skill with the bat, although that would be a tough task for anyone to live up to. Martin, sometimes pigeonholed as a straight see-ball, hit-ball power hitter, learned late last season that he could also be a spray line-drive hitter, and did well. He hit .295 with one homer and 12 RBIs in 40 games, and should be the everyday first-sacker next year. Behind him will be Brison Celek, also a candidate at designated hitter, who isn't great defensively but at least has experience (two summers' worth with the Columbia Blowfish). Freshman Ryan Ripken will bid for backup time at first, but he and Celek will have to do something truly special to edge Martin out for the gig.
Second base
After really coming on with the bat in the postseason, Chase Vergason will return as starter in 2013. Splitting time with Payne early in the season because he couldn't hit, Vergason put it all together late and ended with a nice .258 average. He played solid defense but could be pushed for the job by several names. Payne could figure in, but will be behind sophomore Connor Bright and freshman Max Schrock. Schrock comes in with a lot of hype and should be up for the gig in fall practice, although Vergason has the advantage from playing almost an entire season already. Bright showed that he can do good things when he's on the field, but has to really cement himself offensively and defensively to win the job. It should be Vergason's to lose, but Schrock will see some playing time.
Shortstop
For the first time in three years, USC will return its starting shortstop - most likely. Joey Pankake played outstanding defense in the last half of the season, after kicking the ball around for the first half. He settled into the role, and like Greiner, won't play summer-league ball in order to rest. While it seems assured that Pankake will stick at shortstop, junior-college transfer Graham Saiko was signed for a reason, and that was to challenge Pankake. Simply, Pankake can be used in other roles (such as pitcher, with the ability to throw 90 miles per hour). If USC feels that it will be set at short with Saiko, perhaps that happens. "We'll have a fight at shortstop," Chad Holbrook recently said. "If Saiko plays well, Pankake could move. He could end up being a pitcher but if he's at short, no way." If Pankake is being used to pitch, he would most likely also play in the corner outfield and then be a closer or situational reliever. But most likely, Pankake will stick at short. Saiko and freshman George Iskenderian will be his backups, and potentially play a lot in the off chance that Pankake does become a pitcher, but that seems to be more of an alternate plan instead of the best one.
Third base
When LB Dantzler didn't hear his name called during the draft, it ensured another quality defender and automatic cleanup hitter for 2013. Dantzler sparkled with the glove last year and should do the same next year, and if he ever figures out how to really work that right-field line at Carolina Stadium (how many no-doubters went foul at the last second last year?), he should be able to increase his numbers. He'll be a solid fourth hitter in the lineup and will give Ray Tanner something to build his order around, especially with the need for a No. 3 hitter after Walker's departure. Payne is a natural backup at third after playing there before he began bouncing all over the field, but Pankake could play there as well if he's not at short. Newcomer DC Arendas, listed as a second baseman, could see some reps there as well.
Left field
With Tanner English moving to center, the spot is open. This is where Payne is most likely to end up, since he's got the bat to play every day and just needs to find a position. USC has broken in players in left so recently (English, Evan Marzilli) that Payne seems a natural to fit in there as well. TJ Costen, who played a bit of left field but mostly as a substitute, could figure in as well. Payne should get first shot, after showing what he could do with a bat and the lineup full of holes from what was already a light-hitting team.
Center field
English moves over to replace Marzilli, and should have an easier time playing it than he did left. While English hit well last year, his adventures in left were often interesting. It wasn't his natural position, and neither is center, but center should give him more room to make adjustments and see the ball better than left did. The question with English is on the offensive side - while a great hitter, can he channel his hitting and speed into a leadoff role, something that Marzilli did very well? The Gamecocks could use it. English struck out 71 times in 2012 - while he hit .298, a leadoff hitter can't strike out half those times and expect to be successful.
Right field
Another open spot, after the departure of Adam Matthews. Substitute Sean Sullivan could get a look in right, after being in the shadows last year but still delivering some walk-off hits. If he can consistently produce with the bat, he should win it. The Gamecocks also signed junior-college outfielder Brett Knief, giving the team two veteran choices to fill the gap. Much will depend on the offensive side as to who really sticks in the role.
Designated hitter
While Tanner always likes to play situations with his DHs, there are a couple of intriguing names for the spot. Zach Smith, a newcomer from USC Sumter, has been outstanding with the bat and Holbrook saw him as a potential for the spot. Freshman Curt Britt could also come in and do it right away. There are the standbys -- Celek, Payne, Greiner if he's not catching, maybe Patrick Harrington, since with his arm problems, it's unlikely he would play anywhere else - but those two could make a strong impact.
Starting pitchers
A lot of names to fill a few spots. While Colby Holmes and Jordan Montgomery will be back to fill two weekend roles, the others are in the air. For one, will one of those two be trusted to throw the all-important Friday game? Will Forrest Koumas be recovered from surgery and an on-again, off-again year to resume his role? Will Joel Seddon be trusted to be an every-weekend pitcher? Nolan Belcher can supply veteran leadership as can spot starters such as Patrick Sullivan, but another question looms about Tyler Webb. No question that Webb has the stuff to succeed, after having a magnificent year. The problem is that Webb was a weekend starter to begin the 2010 and 2011 seasons, and fell out of the role due to inconsistency each time. Will the coaches give him another shot, or keep him where he is? Freshman Jack Wynkoop, a towering 6-foot-6 lefty, has a chance to make an impact right away as well.
Bullpen
Webb will anchor the pen as a long reliever/setup man, if he doesn't start, and Evan Beal should also be the linchpin of the staff, if he doesn't close. As usual, the Gamecocks will cycle through their pitchers to see who can get the job done. One name to look for is Drake Thomason, fully recovered from Tommy John surgery and a starting pitcher for summer-league Forest City. If he's good enough early, he could be elevated to a starting role. Another name is Alex Satterfield, who is recovering from an elbow injury but will be ready to go in the fall. A bevy of recruited pitchers could also fill gaps.
Closer
Again, the pressure mounts. How does anyone replace Matt Price? Someone will have to, and if he doesn't start, Beal could be that guy. He has proven that he can go one time through the lineup, and during the College World Series, he did more than that. Pankake has the fastball to do it, but his pitching is dependent on so many other factors, while Beal will be counted on to pitch somewhere from Day 1. No definite candidate, but several options. Who's to say one of the freshmen doesn't come in and start pumping heat past batters?
ROSTER RETURNEES
RHP Evan Beal
LHP Nolan Belcher
INF Connor Bright
1B Brison Celek
OF Seth Constable
OF TJ Costen
3B LB Dantzler
RHP Robert DeCosmo
OF Tanner English
LHP Vince Fiori
C Grayson Greiner
C/DH Patrick Harrington
RHP Colby Holmes
RHP Josh Knab
RHP Forrest Koumas
1B Kyle Martin
LHP Jordan Montgomery
SS Joey Pankake
INF Erik Payne
RHP Hunter Privette
C Dante Rosenberg
RHP Alex Satterfield
RHP Joel Seddon
RHP Patrick Sullivan
OF Sean Sullivan
RHP Drake Thomason
2B Chase Vergason
LHP Tyler Webb
LHP Adam Westmoreland
*INF Shon Carson
* OF Ahmad Christian
* Football players who could join the team in the spring
RECRUITING CLASS
Name Pos. Ht. Hometown
DC Arendas 2B 6-1 Lewisville, N.C. (Forsyth Country Day)
Curt Britt RHP 6-2 Laurinburg, N.C. (Scotland)
Brandon Hester RHP 6-7 Goose Creek (Stratford)
Austin Hill RHP 5-10 Spring Valley (Columbia)
George Iskenderian SS 6-2 Ramsey, N.J. (Don Bosco Prep)
Tyler Jackson RHP 6-6 Piedmont (Wren)
Brett Knief OF 6-2 Ramsey, N.J. (Seminole State College of Florida)
Austin LaBounty RHP 6-1 Gilbert (Gilbert)
Ray Murphy OF 5-11 Lexington (White Knoll)
Kris Nelson RHP 6-1 Camden (Florence-Darlington Tech)
Anthony Paulsen OF 6-0 Columbia (Spring Valley)
Weber Pike 3B 6-0 Lady's Island (Beaufort)
Hunter Rice RHP 6-0 Boiling Springs (Spartanburg Methodist)
Ryan Ripken 1B 6-5 Baltimore (Gilman School)
Graham Saiko SS 5-11 Newburgh, Ind. (Tallahassee (Fla.) Community College)
Max Schrock 2B 5-9 Chapel Hill, N.C. (Cardinal Gibbons)
Zach Smith OF 6-0 Columbia (USC Sumter)
Jack Wynkoop LHP 6-6 Virginia Beach, Va. (Cape Henry Collegiate)
* The roster limit remains 35, but as has been proven over the years, USC isn't shy about taking 45-48 players to fall practice and then begin weeding them out. Some of the returnees might decide they don't want to play at all, or some of the scholarship players might figure out that they're not going to play and leave by December. It could be that the Gamecocks get a boost from one of the football players who are interested in playing. The numbers always work out.
2012 DRAFT CLASS
(Name, position, school, round (number), team)
Commit Corey Seager, SS, Northwest Cabarrus (N.C.) HS, first (18), L.A. Dodgers, SIGNED, June 30
Commit Jamie Jarmon, OF, Indian River (Del.) HS, second (83), Texas, SIGNED, June 5
Commit Jamie Callahan, RHP, Dillon HS, second (87), Boston, SIGNED, June 5
Christian Walker, 1B, fourth (132), Baltimore, SIGNED, June 29
Matt Price, RHP, seventh (222), Baltimore, SIGNED, June 29
Evan Marzilli, OF, eighth (273), Arizona, SIGNED, June 27
*Michael Roth, LHP, ninth (297), L.A. Angels
Commit Zak Wasilewski, LHP, Tazewell (Va.) HS, 14th (445), Toronto, SIGNED, June 5
@Kwinton Smith, OF, Dillon HS, 14th (456)
Commit Ryan Ripken, 1B, Gilman School (Md.), 20th (612), Baltimore
Commit Dixon Llorens, RHP, Miami Dade (Fla.) College, 25th (780), St. Louis, SIGNED, June 9
Commit Max Schrock, 2B, Cardinal Gibbons (N.C.) HS, 28th (873), Arizona
*Adam Matthews, OF, 29th (892), Cincinnati
*Senior with no remaining eligibility
@Has signed with USC for football
*
line day is at 5 p.m. on July 13. Smith is already enrolled at USC and will stick with football. Schrock asked that he not be drafted when it became apparent he wasn't going to be chosen in the first two rounds, and publicly declared he will come to school despite a late draft pick. Ripken is also expected to come to school.
STAFF
Sammy Esposito put his name in for the vacant position at Appalachian State, but probably will not receive an offer. That leaves the staff intact, for now. Tanner, of course, has been mentioned for the vacant athletic director spot at USC and if he gets it (he is a top candidate), USC will only have a brief shakeup. If Tanner leaves, Holbrook will be elevated to head coach while Jerry Meyers most likely remains assistant head coach, while definitely remaining pitching coach. Esposito would move into a paid position as assistant coach, leaving open the position of volunteer assistant coach. That role would be open, but would have a ready-made candidate in the form of Brian Buscher, graduate assistant coach in 2011 and coach at Heathwood Hall Episcopal School who is coaching the Columbia Blowfish this summer. Graduate assistant Drew Meyer, still five classes short of his degree, can return in his spot.
link: http://southcarolina.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1381996
No pressure.
South Carolina just played in its third straight national championship series and finished a few clutch hits short of its third straight national title. The past three seasons have made the Gamecocks into the premier program of college baseball, the one that every high-schooler wants to play for and the one that every college coach wishes he was in charge of.
Of course the pressure is immense, even more so now that so many key pieces of the past three years - Michael Roth, Matt Price, Christian Walker - have departed to join comrades Scott Wingo, Jackie Bradley Jr., Blake Cooper and Whit Merrifield in professional ball. The seniors and other departing players have trusted the younger players with a simply worded but awesomely foreboding task - don't let it die.
The Gamecocks have been a consistent powerhouse since 2000, when Ray Tanner put his first great team onto the diamond. They have risen into an elite program, one of the few across the country, ever since Merrifield's single settled into right field to end the 2010 College World Series.
The recruits have lined up and USC feels that it has the talent to stay elite, despite not having so much veteran leadership. It's why the freshmen that played this year will become the backbone of next year's team, with others waiting in the wings to keep it going once those freshmen are juniors and seniors.
Nobody wins forever.
But USC sees no reason why it can't try to challenge that.
Looking ahead to 2013:
TALENT
Catcher
The Gamecocks will be set behind the plate, with All-SEC Freshman Grayson Greiner returning. Greiner, chosen to Team USA this summer but electing to take the summer off instead to rest his recently repaired knee, will most likely be in a platoon system again next season, splitting games with backup Dante Rosenberg. Rosenberg deserves the chance to play some games, after filling in so well during the NCAA Regionals and Super Regionals this year, and while the split won't be 50-50, the Gamecocks will seek to give Greiner a bit more rest than he had this year. Greiner simply wore out with the marathon of playing so many games (69, of which he played in 62, compared to maybe 30 in a great high-school season) and his batting average plummeted. His defense never did, Greiner becoming one of the most tricky catchers in the SEC to steal a base upon. He hit a mere .222 but belted six home runs, third on the team, and will look to be more consistent with his bat and power stroke next year. Rosenberg will be around as a savvy backup and if he proves he can hit once he's in the lineup, may take a few more games from Greiner than he did last year. Erik Payne, who took some reps at third-string catcher last year, will still be around but will also be a backup at several positions, as well as a potential starter in the corner outfield.
First base
After starting at first base from Day 1, Walker is off to the pros. It was expected that he would leave, though, and the Gamecocks prepared for it by signing Kyle Martin last year. The hulking rising sophomore will be the everyday guy and can hopefully replicate Walker's skill with the bat, although that would be a tough task for anyone to live up to. Martin, sometimes pigeonholed as a straight see-ball, hit-ball power hitter, learned late last season that he could also be a spray line-drive hitter, and did well. He hit .295 with one homer and 12 RBIs in 40 games, and should be the everyday first-sacker next year. Behind him will be Brison Celek, also a candidate at designated hitter, who isn't great defensively but at least has experience (two summers' worth with the Columbia Blowfish). Freshman Ryan Ripken will bid for backup time at first, but he and Celek will have to do something truly special to edge Martin out for the gig.
Second base
After really coming on with the bat in the postseason, Chase Vergason will return as starter in 2013. Splitting time with Payne early in the season because he couldn't hit, Vergason put it all together late and ended with a nice .258 average. He played solid defense but could be pushed for the job by several names. Payne could figure in, but will be behind sophomore Connor Bright and freshman Max Schrock. Schrock comes in with a lot of hype and should be up for the gig in fall practice, although Vergason has the advantage from playing almost an entire season already. Bright showed that he can do good things when he's on the field, but has to really cement himself offensively and defensively to win the job. It should be Vergason's to lose, but Schrock will see some playing time.
Shortstop
For the first time in three years, USC will return its starting shortstop - most likely. Joey Pankake played outstanding defense in the last half of the season, after kicking the ball around for the first half. He settled into the role, and like Greiner, won't play summer-league ball in order to rest. While it seems assured that Pankake will stick at shortstop, junior-college transfer Graham Saiko was signed for a reason, and that was to challenge Pankake. Simply, Pankake can be used in other roles (such as pitcher, with the ability to throw 90 miles per hour). If USC feels that it will be set at short with Saiko, perhaps that happens. "We'll have a fight at shortstop," Chad Holbrook recently said. "If Saiko plays well, Pankake could move. He could end up being a pitcher but if he's at short, no way." If Pankake is being used to pitch, he would most likely also play in the corner outfield and then be a closer or situational reliever. But most likely, Pankake will stick at short. Saiko and freshman George Iskenderian will be his backups, and potentially play a lot in the off chance that Pankake does become a pitcher, but that seems to be more of an alternate plan instead of the best one.
Third base
When LB Dantzler didn't hear his name called during the draft, it ensured another quality defender and automatic cleanup hitter for 2013. Dantzler sparkled with the glove last year and should do the same next year, and if he ever figures out how to really work that right-field line at Carolina Stadium (how many no-doubters went foul at the last second last year?), he should be able to increase his numbers. He'll be a solid fourth hitter in the lineup and will give Ray Tanner something to build his order around, especially with the need for a No. 3 hitter after Walker's departure. Payne is a natural backup at third after playing there before he began bouncing all over the field, but Pankake could play there as well if he's not at short. Newcomer DC Arendas, listed as a second baseman, could see some reps there as well.
Left field
With Tanner English moving to center, the spot is open. This is where Payne is most likely to end up, since he's got the bat to play every day and just needs to find a position. USC has broken in players in left so recently (English, Evan Marzilli) that Payne seems a natural to fit in there as well. TJ Costen, who played a bit of left field but mostly as a substitute, could figure in as well. Payne should get first shot, after showing what he could do with a bat and the lineup full of holes from what was already a light-hitting team.
Center field
English moves over to replace Marzilli, and should have an easier time playing it than he did left. While English hit well last year, his adventures in left were often interesting. It wasn't his natural position, and neither is center, but center should give him more room to make adjustments and see the ball better than left did. The question with English is on the offensive side - while a great hitter, can he channel his hitting and speed into a leadoff role, something that Marzilli did very well? The Gamecocks could use it. English struck out 71 times in 2012 - while he hit .298, a leadoff hitter can't strike out half those times and expect to be successful.
Right field
Another open spot, after the departure of Adam Matthews. Substitute Sean Sullivan could get a look in right, after being in the shadows last year but still delivering some walk-off hits. If he can consistently produce with the bat, he should win it. The Gamecocks also signed junior-college outfielder Brett Knief, giving the team two veteran choices to fill the gap. Much will depend on the offensive side as to who really sticks in the role.
Designated hitter
While Tanner always likes to play situations with his DHs, there are a couple of intriguing names for the spot. Zach Smith, a newcomer from USC Sumter, has been outstanding with the bat and Holbrook saw him as a potential for the spot. Freshman Curt Britt could also come in and do it right away. There are the standbys -- Celek, Payne, Greiner if he's not catching, maybe Patrick Harrington, since with his arm problems, it's unlikely he would play anywhere else - but those two could make a strong impact.
Starting pitchers
A lot of names to fill a few spots. While Colby Holmes and Jordan Montgomery will be back to fill two weekend roles, the others are in the air. For one, will one of those two be trusted to throw the all-important Friday game? Will Forrest Koumas be recovered from surgery and an on-again, off-again year to resume his role? Will Joel Seddon be trusted to be an every-weekend pitcher? Nolan Belcher can supply veteran leadership as can spot starters such as Patrick Sullivan, but another question looms about Tyler Webb. No question that Webb has the stuff to succeed, after having a magnificent year. The problem is that Webb was a weekend starter to begin the 2010 and 2011 seasons, and fell out of the role due to inconsistency each time. Will the coaches give him another shot, or keep him where he is? Freshman Jack Wynkoop, a towering 6-foot-6 lefty, has a chance to make an impact right away as well.
Bullpen
Webb will anchor the pen as a long reliever/setup man, if he doesn't start, and Evan Beal should also be the linchpin of the staff, if he doesn't close. As usual, the Gamecocks will cycle through their pitchers to see who can get the job done. One name to look for is Drake Thomason, fully recovered from Tommy John surgery and a starting pitcher for summer-league Forest City. If he's good enough early, he could be elevated to a starting role. Another name is Alex Satterfield, who is recovering from an elbow injury but will be ready to go in the fall. A bevy of recruited pitchers could also fill gaps.
Closer
Again, the pressure mounts. How does anyone replace Matt Price? Someone will have to, and if he doesn't start, Beal could be that guy. He has proven that he can go one time through the lineup, and during the College World Series, he did more than that. Pankake has the fastball to do it, but his pitching is dependent on so many other factors, while Beal will be counted on to pitch somewhere from Day 1. No definite candidate, but several options. Who's to say one of the freshmen doesn't come in and start pumping heat past batters?
ROSTER RETURNEES
RHP Evan Beal
LHP Nolan Belcher
INF Connor Bright
1B Brison Celek
OF Seth Constable
OF TJ Costen
3B LB Dantzler
RHP Robert DeCosmo
OF Tanner English
LHP Vince Fiori
C Grayson Greiner
C/DH Patrick Harrington
RHP Colby Holmes
RHP Josh Knab
RHP Forrest Koumas
1B Kyle Martin
LHP Jordan Montgomery
SS Joey Pankake
INF Erik Payne
RHP Hunter Privette
C Dante Rosenberg
RHP Alex Satterfield
RHP Joel Seddon
RHP Patrick Sullivan
OF Sean Sullivan
RHP Drake Thomason
2B Chase Vergason
LHP Tyler Webb
LHP Adam Westmoreland
*INF Shon Carson
* OF Ahmad Christian
* Football players who could join the team in the spring
RECRUITING CLASS
Name Pos. Ht. Hometown
DC Arendas 2B 6-1 Lewisville, N.C. (Forsyth Country Day)
Curt Britt RHP 6-2 Laurinburg, N.C. (Scotland)
Brandon Hester RHP 6-7 Goose Creek (Stratford)
Austin Hill RHP 5-10 Spring Valley (Columbia)
George Iskenderian SS 6-2 Ramsey, N.J. (Don Bosco Prep)
Tyler Jackson RHP 6-6 Piedmont (Wren)
Brett Knief OF 6-2 Ramsey, N.J. (Seminole State College of Florida)
Austin LaBounty RHP 6-1 Gilbert (Gilbert)
Ray Murphy OF 5-11 Lexington (White Knoll)
Kris Nelson RHP 6-1 Camden (Florence-Darlington Tech)
Anthony Paulsen OF 6-0 Columbia (Spring Valley)
Weber Pike 3B 6-0 Lady's Island (Beaufort)
Hunter Rice RHP 6-0 Boiling Springs (Spartanburg Methodist)
Ryan Ripken 1B 6-5 Baltimore (Gilman School)
Graham Saiko SS 5-11 Newburgh, Ind. (Tallahassee (Fla.) Community College)
Max Schrock 2B 5-9 Chapel Hill, N.C. (Cardinal Gibbons)
Zach Smith OF 6-0 Columbia (USC Sumter)
Jack Wynkoop LHP 6-6 Virginia Beach, Va. (Cape Henry Collegiate)
* The roster limit remains 35, but as has been proven over the years, USC isn't shy about taking 45-48 players to fall practice and then begin weeding them out. Some of the returnees might decide they don't want to play at all, or some of the scholarship players might figure out that they're not going to play and leave by December. It could be that the Gamecocks get a boost from one of the football players who are interested in playing. The numbers always work out.
2012 DRAFT CLASS
(Name, position, school, round (number), team)
Commit Corey Seager, SS, Northwest Cabarrus (N.C.) HS, first (18), L.A. Dodgers, SIGNED, June 30
Commit Jamie Jarmon, OF, Indian River (Del.) HS, second (83), Texas, SIGNED, June 5
Commit Jamie Callahan, RHP, Dillon HS, second (87), Boston, SIGNED, June 5
Christian Walker, 1B, fourth (132), Baltimore, SIGNED, June 29
Matt Price, RHP, seventh (222), Baltimore, SIGNED, June 29
Evan Marzilli, OF, eighth (273), Arizona, SIGNED, June 27
*Michael Roth, LHP, ninth (297), L.A. Angels
Commit Zak Wasilewski, LHP, Tazewell (Va.) HS, 14th (445), Toronto, SIGNED, June 5
@Kwinton Smith, OF, Dillon HS, 14th (456)
Commit Ryan Ripken, 1B, Gilman School (Md.), 20th (612), Baltimore
Commit Dixon Llorens, RHP, Miami Dade (Fla.) College, 25th (780), St. Louis, SIGNED, June 9
Commit Max Schrock, 2B, Cardinal Gibbons (N.C.) HS, 28th (873), Arizona
*Adam Matthews, OF, 29th (892), Cincinnati
*Senior with no remaining eligibility
@Has signed with USC for football
*
line day is at 5 p.m. on July 13. Smith is already enrolled at USC and will stick with football. Schrock asked that he not be drafted when it became apparent he wasn't going to be chosen in the first two rounds, and publicly declared he will come to school despite a late draft pick. Ripken is also expected to come to school.STAFF
Sammy Esposito put his name in for the vacant position at Appalachian State, but probably will not receive an offer. That leaves the staff intact, for now. Tanner, of course, has been mentioned for the vacant athletic director spot at USC and if he gets it (he is a top candidate), USC will only have a brief shakeup. If Tanner leaves, Holbrook will be elevated to head coach while Jerry Meyers most likely remains assistant head coach, while definitely remaining pitching coach. Esposito would move into a paid position as assistant coach, leaving open the position of volunteer assistant coach. That role would be open, but would have a ready-made candidate in the form of Brian Buscher, graduate assistant coach in 2011 and coach at Heathwood Hall Episcopal School who is coaching the Columbia Blowfish this summer. Graduate assistant Drew Meyer, still five classes short of his degree, can return in his spot.
link: http://southcarolina.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=1381996
