South Carolina’s Kingston says team has depth of hitters he’s comfortable with
The question came to Mark Kingston about Anthony Amicangelo, who hit nearly .500 last season in junior college.
The answer might give the Gamecocks some hope about a bounceback year from an anemic offense.
“We’ve got more than nine hitters that I feel very comfortable about starting,” Kingston said. “We may be about 12-13 deep. It’s a nice issue to have.
“Our roster depth, our roster talent is in a good place.”
On a day when touted freshman infielder Brennan Milone cracked a big shot early in the scrimmage and the bats generally seemed to be going, the coach said his offense got a measure of revenge after a pitching-dominant scrimmage the day before. That, he said, was the mark of a strong team, when the high-end pitchers can shut down most folks, but the offense can also take advantage.
USC added more than a few pieces, many from junior college, to try to help an offense that hit .236 last season with a .333 on-base percentage.
Notes:
▪ Kingston spoke highly of pitchers Brett Thomas and RJ Dantin in their first work of the spring.
“Brett Thomas has and absolute hammer,” Kingston said. “So if he’s healthy and he can help us, and he can get out there, he’ll be a factor.”
Both pitchers threw faster than 90 mph. Kingston said the staff needs lefties, and Dantin could help there. The coach described Thomas as a one- or two-inning guy early in his career who might be called upon to get the team out of jams (his breaking ball drew extra praise).
▪ Kinston called infielder/pitcher Josiah Sightler a work in progress on the mound. He threw a couple innings Sunday.
“He’s a guy that will compete for you,” Kingston said. “First inning, I was a little disappointed in his command. Second inning he was really good. So again, we’re looking for lefties that can help us and he’s in that mix.”
▪ Coming out of the scrimmage, he was pleased with the speed (steals) and power, and liked a few bunts that were laid down.
▪ The battle at second base is going strong between Noah Campbell, Braylen Wimmer and Jeff Heinrich, and Kingston said all of them could start.
“Braylen Wimmer gets better by the day, and he’s exciting a lot of people,” Kingston said. “Heinrich is doing nothing but playing great defense, running the bases really well, making diving plays and hitting line drives every time he’s he’s up there.”
Campbell has started the past two years and is coming off a disappointing season. He’s also getting some work in the outfield.
▪ Kingston said Cam Tringali, Daniel Lloyd and Graham Lawson have found their roles in the bullpen, but T.J. Shook is still trying to find his spot. Shook looked frustrated after what appeared to be control issues Sunday. The group of Sunday relief pitchers and middle relief is still up for grabs.
This story was originally published February 2, 2020 at 5:11 PM.
