Campbell (2018 Record: 35-26, 21-6)
Campbell had a fantastic 2018 season as they dominated Big South competition on their way to a tournament title and regionals appearance.
Returning Players
Matthew Barefoot will be back to lead the lineup after batting .364 a season ago with 58 runs scored, 18 doubles, 8 home runs, 32 RBI, and 33 stolen bases. Shortstop Luis Giminez hit.242 a season ago with 31 runs scored and 23 stolen bases. Zack Minnick will be back behind the plate after hitting 6 home runs in 2018.
Michael Horrell will try to lead the weekend rotation with Allan Winans and Wes Noble gone. Horrell had a 3.75 ERA in 2018 over 72 innings pitched with 48 strikeouts. Tyson Messer saved seven games last year with a 4.72 ERA in 26.2 innings with 28 strikeouts.
Newcomers
Seth Johnson (Jr transfer, RHP), Matthew Christian (Jr transfer, 1B), Spencer Packard (Jr transfer, OF/DH), Ryan Chasse (Fr, LHP)
Outlook for 2019
This team losses a lot of key contributors from last year’s championship team, but they also have several transfers who could step in and help fill those holes. They also have one of the best players in the conference in Barefoot.
Charleston Southern (2018 Record: 19-35, 10-17)
Charleston Southern snuck into the conference tournament as the seven seed, but lost a couple of close games before being eliminated.
Returning Players
They are hoping that senior infielder Jason Miller will have a bounce back season after hitting just .268 in 2018 with a pair of home runs. He was an All-Conference player in 2017. Christian Maggio had a solid freshman season behind the plate hitting .288.
They return two really good pitchers to the weekend rotation in Tyler Weekley and Cody Maw. Weekley had a 3.87 ERA a year ago in 76.2 innings pitched with 64 strikeouts. Maw posted a 3.52 ERA in 61.1 innings pitched with 49 strikeouts.
Newcomers
Reid Hardwich (INF), Dante Blakeney (OF), and Javon Martin (INF) are all transfers this season who will have a chance to make a huge impact on the lineup in 2019.
Freshman RJ Petit is a right-handed pitcher that has a chance to contribute right away.
Outlook for 2019
“We need to improve a great deal offensively. We are hopeful that some freshmen and sophomores that played a lot in 2018 will be able to use the experiences of last year, successes and failures, to take a step forward in 2019. At the same time, we brought in several transfers that will hopefully be ready to contribute immediately.” – Head Coach Adam Ward
Gardner-Webb (2018 Record: 31-27, 14-13)
Gardner-Webb had a decent 2018 season, which included wins over Wake Forest and North Carolina. They finished fifth in the conference and went 2-2 in the Big South Tournament.
Returning Players
First baseman Corey Howard is back after hitting .347 last year with 34 runs scored, 15 doubles, 2 home runs, and 34 RBI. Outfielder Chris Clary will likely take on a bigger role in the offense after hitting .322 in just 149 at-bats last year with 8 home runs and 20 stolen bases. Third baseman Eric Jones hit .276 a season ago with 35 runs scored, 4 home runs, and 44 RBI.
Landon Mitchell had a 5.30 ERA last year in 54.1 innings pitched with 40 strikeouts. He will likely take a weekend rotation spot. Langdon Wilson made seven stats last season with a 4.98 ERA in 47 innings with 34 strikeouts.
Outlook for 2019
This team losses two big pieces of the lineup from last season, but I think there is enough coming back for them to be fine offensively. They lose a lot of innings from 2018 that will be hard to replace.
High Point (2018 Record: 34-22, 19-8)
It was a very good season for High Point in 2018 with a couple of wins over a ranked team. They finished second in the Big South, but fell just short in the finals of the conference tournament.
Returning Players
“The lineup returns Conner Dunbar at shortstop; Travis Holt (Second Team All-Conference in 2018) will move from first base to second base; First Team All-Conference catcher Daniel Millwee returns behind the plate; Tanner Wells returns in the outfield; and JJ Woodard returns at first base.” — Assistant Coach/Recruiting Coordinator Jason Laws
Holt hit .286 last year, while Milwee hit .292 with 5 home runs and 30 RBI. Wells hit .329 a year ago with 29 runs scored, 4 home runs, and 20 RBI. Dunbar hit .257 with 34 runs scored, 3 home runs, and 29 RBI.
“We return our entire weekend rotation including First Team All-Conference SP Andrew Gottfried. Joe Johnson and Harrison Smith also return to our weekend rotation. The bullpen is anchored by the return of Grey Lyttle and Matt Hodges.” – Coach Laws
Gottfried posted a 3.28 ERA last year in 74 innings pitched with 72 strikeouts. Lyttle had a 3.55 ERA in 2018 with 45 strikeouts in 38 innings pitched, while Hodges posted a 3.52 ERA in 23 innings pitched with 23 strikeouts.
Newcomers
“Sam Zayicek is a Freshman Outfielder who had a great fall and Ryan Russell is a JUCO OF who had a great fall as well. Both project as opening day starters who defend at a high level and have a chance to hit for power and average, as well as steal bases.” — Coach Laws
Outlook for 2019
“Coming off the best season in program history in 2018, the biggest key will be replacing the offensive production of graduating seniors Hunter Lee, Austen Zente, Carson Jackson, and Jordan Sergent. The improvements of Conner Dunbar, Travis Holt, Tanner Wells, and Joe Johnson, and the addition of players like Zayicek and Russell give us a chance to accomplish this. In addition, we will need to establish a consistent closer to replace graduating senior Rion Murrah. The improvements of Grey Lyttle and Matt Hodges figure to be a key factor in this role.” – Coach Laws
Longwood (2018 Record: 17-38, 9-18)
Longwood was the last team to get into the Big South Tournament coming in as the eight seed, but they were the first team eliminated going 0-2.
Returning Players
Second baseman Nate Blakeney should be back in the middle of the lineup after hitting .260 a season ago with 22 runs scored, 2 home runs, and 22 RBI. Shortstop Antwaun Tucker will try to help out in the lineup as well.
Tyler Morgan and Cody Boydstun could be back in the weekend rotation in 2019. Morgan had a 4.91 ERA in 66 innings with 58 strikeouts, while Boydstun had a 6.97 ERA in 80 innings (team high) with 60 strikeouts.
Newcomers
Jacob Mitchell could be inserted into the middle of the lineup after hitting .340 with 11 home runs at State Fair Community College in 2018. He will likely play a corner infield or outfield position.
Outlook for 2019
There isn’t much coming back from a lineup that wasn’t very good in 2018, but they have some newcomers who could at least help them stay on par with last year’s numbers. The pitching staff will have to take a step forward in order to make the Big South Tournament again.
Presbyterian (2018 Record: 15-39, 8-19)
It was a difficult 2018 season for Presbyterian as they struggled through a tough out-of-conference schedule, and then failed to make their conference tournament.
Returning Players
Jonathan White returns as the team’s best hitter after hitting .358 last year with 40 runs scored, 8 home runs, and 39 RBI. He’s also a very versatile infielder. Nick Guimbarda hit. 308 last year with 6 home runs and will slot in as the team’s center fielder.
After a strong second half last season, Colt Springs will open the 2019 season as the team’s closer. Last year he posted a 3.34 ERA in 29.2 innings pitched with 44 strikeouts and a pair of saves.
Newcomers
Graham Mitchell (1B), Garrett Jones (SS), and Zacchaeus Rasberry (CF) will get a chance to come in and start right away for Presbyterian. Left-hander Jake Rice will come in and get some big innings this season.
Outlook for 2019
The team is looking to improve consistency in all areas this season, while also gaining the confidence needed to finish games.
Radford (2018 Record: 25-32, 14-13)
Radford finished sixth in the Big South last year and won their first game, but then dropped the next two.
Returning Players
First baseman Spencer Horwitz will be back in the middle of the lineup after hitting .288 last year with 36 runs scored, 13 doubles, 7 home runs, and 43 RBI. Third baseman Matt Roth hit .287 in 2018 with 11 doubles, 6 home runs, and 37 RBI. Second baseman Kyle Butler hit .264 a season ago with 36 runs scored, 30 RBI, and 11 stolen bases. Outfielder Andrew Szamski hit .336 last year in 137 at-bats with 4 home runs.
Hunter Williams will likely be back in the weekend rotation after posting a 4.71 ERA in 65 innings pitched with 33 strikeouts. Ryan Sande could join him after having a 3.62 ERA in 49.2 innings with 28 strikeouts.
Outlook for 2019
The offense should be really good in 2019 with almost everyone coming back in the lineup. They will need to find some depth in the pitching staff to take a step forward in the conference.
UNC Asheville (2018 Record: 13-38, 8-19)
It was not a pretty season for UNC Asheville in 2018 as they finished tied for last in the Big South and failed to make the conference tournament.
Returning Players
Shortstop Carmine Pagano returns after hitting .259 last year, while Brandon Lankford will be back at third base after hitting .266 in 2018 with 8 home runs.
Blake Brown posted a 4.58 ERA last year in 37.1 innings pitched with 35 strikeouts, while Jordan Carr had a 5.21 ERA in 46.2 innings pitched with 30 strikeouts.
Newcomers
Colin Macko will have a chance to play outfield and DH for UNC Ashville right away. Jacob Edwards is a two-way player who could see some time in the outfield, while seeing some innings on the mound.
Outlook on 2019
Coach Scott Friedholm said they are hoping to improve their pitching in 2019.
USC Upstate (2018 Record: 23-28-1, 5-14)
Their last year in the Atlantic Sun wasn’t one to remember as they won just five conference games and didn’t factor into the conference tournament.
Returning Players
Jake Bourke has played shortstop the past two season for USC Upstate but will move over to third base. Last season he hit .284 in just 109 at-bats, and they expect him to be an important part of the lineup after a good showing in the fall. JJ Shimko missed 2018 with an injury but has a lot of experience and should be the team’s DH. Andres Kim will hit near the top of the lineup and play second base after hitting .265 a year ago.
Jordan Marks is in line to be the team’s Friday night starter after starting 12 games a season ago. They hope he takes a big stride forward after posting a 6.40 ERA last year in 57.2 innings pitched with 36 strikeouts. Grant Hoppock is a right-handed pitcher who throws sidearm that will be an asset out of the bullpen. He had a 4.01 ERA in 2018 with 31 strikeouts in 33.2 innings pitched.
Newcomers
Transfer Julian Rip will likely slot in to right field and hit in the middle of the order for USC Upstate this season. Jason Matthews is another transfer who will take over at shortstop. Coaches believe he is an elite level shortstop who has the chance to get drafted. Stone Pellegrino transferred from Wofford and should also add some power to the middle of the lineup. Freshman Jack Hennessy will get a chance to start right away in center field and hit at the top of the lineup.
Kyle Schmitt is a transfer with good command of four pitches who will give the USC Upstate pitching staff a boost.
Outlook for 2019
The hope for USC Upstate in 2019 is that their pitching staff continues to improve, and that they can clean up their infield defense. This is their first season in the Big South after spending 10 years in the Atlantic Sun, so they are excited for the new challenge.
Winthrop (2018 Record: 25-31, 15-12)
It was a bit of a disappointing season for Winthrop in 2018 as they entered the season with high expectations. They finished fourth in the conference and then went 1-2 in the Big South Tournament.
Returning Players
Catcher Dillon Morton hit .252 last year with 5 home runs and should be a big part of the lineup in 2019. Outfielder Hunter Lipscomb hit .253 with 3 home runs in 2018. Outfielder Matthew Mulkey was limited to 23 games last year and could give the lineup a boost in 2019 if healthy. Jake Sullivan and Scout McFalls will need to step up in the lineup.
Zach Peek posted a 3.74 ERA last year in 89 innings pitched with 99 strikeouts and should lead the weekend rotation. Nate Pawelczyk had a 3.77 ERA in 88.1 innings with 77 strikeouts. Dalton Whitaker posted a 4.31 ERA in 31.1 innings pitched with 25 strikeouts and 5 saves.
Newcomers
Freshman CJ Conrad had a very good fall and will have a chance to earn some playing time in the outfield. Spencer Yankle is a JUCO transfer who will compete for the catcher job.
Outlook for 2019
Head Coach Tom Riginos said they hope to stay healthy this year after suffering from the injury bug in 2018. He would also like to see his team cut down on strikeouts, while improving in the stolen base department.
The pitching staff should be really good for Winthrop in 2019 with Peek and Pawelczyk atop the weekend rotation. They lose by far their best hitter from last year in Mitch Spires, so there is a chance the offense takes a step back in 2019.
2019 All-Big South Preseason Team
C: Daniel Millwee (High Point)
1B: Corey Howard (Gardner-Webb)
2B: Jonathan White (Presbyterian)
SS: Conner Dunbar (High Point)
3B: Matt Roth (Radford)
OF: Matthew Barefoot (Campbell)
OF: Tanner Wells (High Point)
OF: Nick Guimbarda (Presbyterian)
DH: Spencer Horwitz (Radford)
SP: Zach Peek (Winthrop)
SP: Andrew Gottfried (High Point)
SP: Nate Pawelczyk (Winthrop)
SP: Tyler Weekley (Charleston Southern)
SP: Michael Horrell (Campbell)
RP: Grey Lyttle (High Point)
RP: Colt Springs (Presbyterian)
RP: Tyson Messer (Campbell)
Honorable Mention:
C – Christian Maggio (Charleston Southern)
C – Dillon Morton (Winthrop)
2B – Tavis Holt (High Point)
3B – Eric Jones (Gardner-Webb)
3B – Brandon Lankford (UNC Asheville)
3B – Jake Bourke (USC Upstate)
OF – Chris Clary (Gardner-Webb)
OF – Matthew Mulkey (Winthrop)
SP – Tyler Morgan (Longwood)
SP – Cody Maw (Charleston Southern)
Predicted Order to Finish:
1. High Point
2. Winthrop
3. Campbell
4. Radford
5. Presbyterian
6. Charleston Southern
7. Gardner-Webb
8. Longwood
9. UNC Asheville
10. USC Upstate
