2023 position players to play pivotal part

JACKSON HOWELL 4TH STREET SPORTS REPORTER

Following a super 2022 season, carried by excellent pitching, the Golden Eagles face a new challenge following an influx, yet efflux, of talent.

The stellar pitching staff of last season certainly lost some of its dominance due to transfers and the MLB draft, which must be addressed. This will mean that Southern Miss head coach Scott Berry will have to rely on fielding and batting this year, but there are voids to fill there as well.

Two voids were left in the lineup with the graduation of centerfielder Gabe Montenegro and the transfer of second baseman Will McGillis.

Second base will be difficult for the Golden Eagles to fill, as no contender for the position has had the “wow” factor that has caught the public’s attention. This could change once the season starts, but the current situation remains bleak. “Losing McGillis created a void right there," Berry said at USM’s Baseball Media Day Jan. 26. "We've had that battle through the fall, and that will continue for the next three weeks."

The void left in the outfield is hardly a concern, as D1 Baseball’s top-ranked junior college transfer Matthew Etzel has the job locked down in his first season in Hattiesburg. Berry said Etzel will likely bat leadoff this season, which is something Etzel said he is accustomed to from his time at Panola College.

“He's one of the best center fielders [we've seen] having seen him play this fall compared to what we've had in the past. He makes it look easy,” Berry said of Etzel, calling him a four-tool player. “I think he's going to surprise you a little bit and hit more home runs. He's going to hit a bunch of doubles because he's so quick out of the box... He's got one of the best strike zones awarenesses I think that we've seen in a long time.”

The next battle comes in left field, but it is not due to an outgoing player. Reece Ewing is the incumbent left fielder, but a struggling bat down the stretch in 2022 has left him open to competition. The spot is being challenged by the incoming Tate Parker, the 2022 NJCAA Division II Player of the Year and National Champion. Berry said the competition is still ongoing, but that the starter might vary depending on the opposing pitcher since Parker is right-handed and Ewing is left-handed.

The usual suspects include Christopher Sargent at first base, Dustin Dickerson at shortstop, Danny Lynch at third base, Carson Paetow at right field and Slade Wilks as the designated hitter. The Golden Eagles seek to improve their batting average, as they made the Super Regionals despite hitting for a .276 average in 2022. (150th out of 293 in the country). With a lot of new faces, there should be enough depth to challenge opposing lineups according to Lynch.

“There's been a bunch of guys that have really stepped up, and it's going to be a deep team this year," Lynch said. "It's going to be a tough lineup to crack."

Predicting the Opening Day Lineup

First Base is Christopher Sargent’s job quite comfortably. He returns after a 2022 campaign where he led the team in home runs and RBIs while starting every game. The team may be deep, but his spot is secure.

Second Base is a little trickier, as it is the one position that Berry has not hinted at all the players involved.

Gabe Lacy, a transfer from Tennessee Tech and Gulfport native, might have a slight edge due to his experience. Lacy may be new to the program, but he is a senior who spent time at Jones College before batting .329 for Tennessee Tech in 2022. Other candidates include the speedy Brady Faust or possibly Creek Robertson, who is the backup shortstop. Lynch mentioned Nick Monistere and Matthew Russo as players to watch as well.

Shortstop is an easy one, as Dustin Dickerson led all Golden Eagles in batting average with a whopping .320 in ‘22. Berry announced Dickerson will pitch some as a reliever, so Robertson will take his place in that event.

Third Base is another simple decision by Berry, as Danny Lynch returns as a now two-time captain. Lynch might just be the heart and soul of this team, and he enters ‘23 after starting every game last season.

Left Field is a tricky one, as Berry said it will depend on the matchup. Considering he is the incumbent; Reece Ewing very well may start on opening day. This could change depending on how Berry feels about the pitching matchup, but Ewing should comfortably start Opening Day whether the pitcher is a righty or not.

Center Field has been clearly won by Matthew Etzel. The JuCo transfer has been heavily hyped, so Golden Eagle fans eagerly anticipate his debut.

Right Field is Carson Paetow’s job to lose, though there is no competition. Paetow spent time batting leadoff in the back half of the ‘22 campaign and impressed the coaching staff. Big things are expected for the sophomore.

Designated Hitter belongs to Slade Wilks for the time being. This could easily be replaced by either Ewing or Parker depending on the left field starter. Wilks was second in batting average last season with .288.

Catcher: The Golden Eagles have several options at catcher, including some new faces. However, for opening day, there is no reason not to go with Blake Johnson. Expect him out there behind the plate on February 17.

We know that Etzel will likely bat leadoff, and it would be a shock if Sargent does not bat cleanup. Other than that, the batting order remains to be seen as the highly anticipated Feb. 17 matchup against Liberty looms.