Five key questions as the Gamecocks begin fall baseball practice

The South Carolina baseball team begins fall practice this weekend.

After two seasons of falling short of the College World Series, the Gamecocks are looking to bounce back strong.

USC had six players sign professionally, a group that included three key everyday players, the No. 1 starter, and the closer. But coach Chad Holbrook said he feels confident that a strong recruiting class will blend with a solid group of returnees to help his team meet the expectations of being a national contender.

Five questions about the 2015 team as practice gets underway, with scrimmages scheduled for Friday at 4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 11:30 a.m.

1. WHAT’S THE STRENGTH OF THIS TEAM?

Clearly, it’s the infield, which will feature Kyle Martin at first base, Max Schrock at second base, Marcus Mooney at shortstop and D.C. Arendas at third base. Martin turned down a pro offer from the Angels as their 20th round pick to return. A healthy Schrock is the team’s best overall player. Those two will anchor the middle of the batting lineup.

Mooney and Arendas are superlative defenders who also can do the job at the plate. There is depth as well, with sophomore Jordan Gore and talented freshman Madison Stokes looking to push for playing time in the middle infield. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see one of the backups move to the outfield if there’s a crunch for playing time.

2. WHICH PITCHERS WILL FRONT THE ROTATION?

Look for sophomore right-hander Wil Crowe to step into the Friday night role. He showed great poise and command last season. Junior left-hander Jack Wynkoop supplies a veteran presence in the middle of the rotation. Many choices exist for that third spot and the midweek starter, including sophomore left-hander Josh Reagan and sophomore right-hander Reed Scott.

Freshmen possibilities include right-hander Canaan Cropper, who was injured last season, left-hander Alex Destino, who also could have an impact as a designated hitter, and right-handers Brandon Murray and Clarke Schmidt.

3. CAN THE TEAM FIND ANOTHER STANDOUT CLOSER?

Sophomore right-hander Taylor Widener showed last season that he has the stuff and the makeup to shut the door in a new role, but the coaching staff may prefer him as the Sunday starter. A pair of veterans, senior right-hander Cody Mincey and junior left-hander Vince Fiori, will provide depth in the bullpen.

4. WHO REPLACES GRAYSON GREINER BEHIND THE PLATE?

Three players are looking to earn that role -- freshman Hunter Taylor, junior-college transfer Jared Martin and sophomore returnee Logan Koch. Taylor brings a strong bat , while Martin is a solid defender. It will be a battle to see who wins the job outright or if it ends up being shared.

5. WHO’S ROAMING THE OUTFIELD?

Sophomore Gene Cone and highly-touted freshman Clark Scolamiero will battle to player center field. Cone has the early edge after winning the Coastal Plain League Hitter of the Year this summer with Florence, but Scolamiero has plenty of talent. One of them could move to a corner spot to get both in the lineup. Senior Connor Bright is the definition of steady in right field, and Elliott Caldwell and Patrick Harrington also return.

This story was originally published September 17, 2014 at 5:23 PM.