Mississippi Valley State University fall ball practice was derailed by inclement weather that slowed individual practices according to head baseball coach Aaron Stevens. Since starting team practices, a few freshmen will get some playing time this year and help the team. Mississippi Valley has two pitchers who should get a good amount of innings, two infielders with opportunities to play and two catchers who will split time behind the plate.
Top incoming freshmen:
Gerald Pintarich – Good arm and command of his pitches.
Ashton Spurgeon – will be depended upon as a starter in the pitching rotation.
Infielders Antonio Walker and Christian Reed will have an impact offensively and defensively.
Catchers Jan Tolentino and Jonathan Alaniz will see playing time behind projected starting catcher/closer Aaron Barkley.
Mississippi Valley added two transfers who are projected at this time to play.
Top transfers:
Outfielders Chase Colding and Billy Leflore bring speed in the gaps.
Mississippi Valley has a little more depth on the mound this year with seven pitchers and then they will see about coach Stevens dual guys. Right now he’s at four but that could change up and down as fall ball progresses. Hitting is a “work in progress” according to coach Stevens, “I don’t see us with a lot of pop, but we should be better at putting the ball in play and cutting down on our strike outs.” Two junior pitchers have improved their stock, “but I don’t know if either one pitches with enough velocity to get drafted.”
Top returners:
Jeremiah Barr – LHP
Nicholas Johnson – LHP
Zac Uecker – LHP
Sherrod Reed – RHP
Kendrick Wooten – RHP
Starting catcher/closer Aaron Barkley – the only position player who has improved his stock, he has added some more size and strength from college summer league.
Mississippi Valley State have a few good players who tried-out but with their limited time outside and waiting on the NCAA to clear the walk-ons by compliance. The team will continue to work towards being a top contender in the SWAC conference this upcoming 2019 season.