Holbrook presser recap - Ole Miss
South Carolina baseball coach Chad Holbrook held a press conference Tuesday to preview the Ole Miss series, which gets underway Thursday in Oxford, MS.
Ole Miss is off to a great start (19-2). They have few weaknesses. Big and physical offensively. Will throw 3 power arms at the Gamecocks in this series. Other coaches have lauded the Rebels.
Established lineup against Arky. Same lineup all 3 games. Like the flow we had last weekend. But there will be times when we'll make changes. Cullen can't catch every game. Could DH Destino + bring OF off the bench. Madison Stokes could return in a week or so. But we'll have a core of 7-8 guys that will be in the lineup every game. T.J. Hopkins needs to play in OF.
John Jones has a very even demeanor. Maturity and confident. Feel great in the battor's box. Very rarely chases pitches out of the strike zone. He adjusts pitch-to-pitch, which is difficult to do. Takes a lot of confidence, maturity and belief to have that approach. Also possesses great hand-eye coordination. Knew he would be a good hitter. But was just hoping he would be a legitimate No. 3 hitter in the SEC.
Alex Destino is growing and more mature this season. Handling failure bette rthan inth epast. Got off to a slow start, but has been a lot better. His best baseball is still ahead of him. Plate approach is better. Not chasing bad pitches.
Josh Reagan is throwing inside with velocity this season, which has made a big difference. Hitters aren't diving over the plate looking for the outside pitch anymore. Now they have to fear the inside pitch as well. He has allowed 7 hits and no runs in 16.2 IP for a 0.00 ERA.
Very difficult to win in the SEC. Host teams are always very good and environments are challenging. Playing in Oxford is a huge challenge. We're playing on the road in the SEC for the first time. But I like the vibe in the dugout and the locker room. Only played 3 SEC games. 27 to go.
Madison Stokes still rehabbing from injury. May play in some upcoming midweek games to gauge where he is and determine if he is ready for SEC play. Could be ready to play in a couple of weeks.
Brandon McIlwain has been fine. BP has been impressive. Comes by every day. Has a lot on his plate right now. Hasn't gotten down on himself because he is struggling (0-for-7). As football winds down, he may get a few more opportunities.
Holbrook and Ole Miss coach agreed not to play on Easter.
Wil Crowe should be ready to pitch this summer. Will definitely be ready by the start of fall practice. Bullpens have been great. Cody Morris rehabbing too. Both are right on pace.
