USC baseball’s projected Opening Day starters

In addition to starting pitcher Clarke Schmidt, here are the other projected starters:

Clark Scolamiero, CF: The speedy sophomore handles the bat well and is a threat to steal. In 36 games last year, he went 4-for-4 on stolen-base attempts.

LT Tolbert, DH: The freshman hit well enough in preseason scrimmages to earn a spot in the Opening Day lineup. He also could play second base or left field.

Dom Thompson-Williams, RF: The junior college transfer has speed and power and could end up being USC’s best all-around hitter in 2016.

Alex Destino, 1B: The sophomore appears poised to be one of the top hitters in the country. He finished with six home runs and 35 RBIs as a freshman.

Jonah Bride, 3B: The juco transfer was USC’s best hitter in the fall. Chad Holbrook is searching for protection for Thompson-Williams and Destino, and Bride may be given the task.

Chris Cullen, C: This is tough to call as Holbrook has several options at catcher. John Jones could catch or DH. Cullen, a 6-5 freshman, has impressed offensively and defensively.

DC Arendas, 2B: The senior struggled a bit at the plate last year but brings strong defense and experience.

Marcus Mooney, SS: Now healthy, Mooney is confident he can have a big season after battling a hamstring injury in 2015.

Gene Cone, LF: There are a number of options for the third OF position, including TJ Hopkins, Tolbert and Brandon McIlwain. There could be a new player in left field every day this weekend.

This story was originally published February 18, 2016 at 11:50 PM with the headline "USC baseball’s projected Opening Day starters."