BSB | 2013 Season Preview: The Outfielders
2/8/2013 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
MORAGA, Calif. - With the 2013 Saint Mary's baseball season one week away, head coach Jedd Soto has taken time to preview the squad. In this, the final of three previews (pitchers, infielders, outfielders), Soto discusses this year's outfielders.
"The outfield is a little tricky because we have eight outfielders," said Soto. "We have a lot of seniors and we had to bring some new guys in because we will lose guys to graduation."
Cole Norton (OF, L/L, 5-8, 177, Sr., Aurora, Colo.)
Soto on Norton:
"Cole was an everyday starter for us last year and he does a good job situational at-bats. He's coming off a big summer... he's much improved, able to cover more plate... I expect him to get a lot of playing time."
Markus Melgosa (OF, R/R, 5-9, 170, Sr., Merced, Calif.)
Soto on Melgosa:
"Melgosa was hurt last year... he's a guy who can play any of the outfield positions and has a strong arm. He's a fast kid and a terror on the bases... offensively once he gets going, it's hard to stop him. Melgosa and Norton compliment each other nicely match-up wise.
Christopher Akmon (UTL, R/R, 6-3, 196, Fr., Scottsdale, Ariz.)
Soto on Akmon:
"Chris is a bat that will play as a freshman. He is that offensive. He proved it this fall as he hits everything... offspeed, fastballs... he's going to play as a freshman."
Connor Graham (OF, R/R, 6-3, 185, Fr., Oakland, Calif.)
Soto on Graham:
"Connor is a good bat out of Saint Mary's HS," said Soto.
Brenden Kalfus (OF, S/R, 6-0, 193, Sr., Temecula, Calif.)
Soto on Kalfus:
"A three-year starter and a switch hitter so he matches up against lefties and righties... he's going to be good and I expect him to play everyday in right field."
Shawn O'Brien (OF, R/L, 6-1, 192, Sr., Kennewick, Wash.)
Soto on O'Brien:
"A good bat who has transitioned from the infield (primarily first base) to the outfield. He's really worked hard on his outfield play and did well last season... if O'Brien is swinging a hot bat, he could potentially play left field... I also see him getting time at DH."
DonAndre Clark (OF, S/R, 5-9, 175, So., Hayward, Calif.)
Soto on Clark:
"He's kind of the x-factor... he's a guy who can change the game. He really worked hard on putting the ball in play this fall. If he can play every day, it definitely changes our offense. Defensively he's a game changer... he's very fast and he catches balls that no one else catches.
Tony Gonsolin (RHP/UTL, R/R/, 6-2, 179, Fr., Vacaville, Calif.)
Soto on Gonsolin:
"He can pitch but he's also got a good bat... he hit all of Fall... we threw different stuff at him and we couldn't get him out."
"As a coaching staff, we know we have some very offensive guys and defensive guys.... We will need to find the right combination," said Soto.
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