In a bit of a surprising move, Ole Miss Head Coach Mike Bianco, announced the starting pitchers for all three games this weekend in Arlington, Texa for the Shriners Children’s College Showcase. I expected he might name Elliott the Friday starter against Arizona, as he did. Still, I figured he would keep some strategic advantage heading into the weekend, especially for the Sunday slot.
In the preview I wrote yesterday, I predicted the three starters for this weekend; I went 2 for 3 in my predictions. Hunter Elliott will get the ball Friday afternoon against the Wildcats. Riley Maddox will take the bump on Saturday night against the Texas Longhorns. In my lone miss, Bianco is opting for veteran Mason Nichols against Clemson over my pick, freshman Cade Townsend.
Elliott on Friday and Maddox on Saturday are the obvious call. These two should provide a solid one-two punch for the Rebs this season. As high as I have been on Townsend in my writing during the offseason, this move to lean into the experience of Nichols over throwing Townsend into the fire with his first collegiate appearance/start being against the 8th ranked Clemson Tigers.
Additionally Bianco announced the starting position players (somewhat). He did not announce the batting lineup.
C Campbell Smithwick or Austin Fawley
1B Will Furniss
2B Brayden Randle
SS Owen Paino
3B Judd Utermark or Luke Hill
LF Ryan Moerman
CF Issac Humphrey
RF Mitch Sanford
DH Collin Reuter or Hayden Federico
This is pretty much exactly what I previewed. It still sounds like there are a lot of moving pieces, and things are still up in the air. There are more than nine names listed. Additionally, Bianco talked about how both Utermark and Hill play third base. I expect one of them to play there; I find it incredibly hard to believe the other one will be left out of the lineup. Judd and Hill were two of the three or four best hitters on the team in the fall and have significant leadership roles. Bianco on Hill’s leadership said,,, “He’s been terrific… It was a tough time last summer, and you need some leaders”.
Bianco mentioned Utermark's ability to move around an outfield position and play first base as well. I had Utermark playing a corner outfield spot, and I still think that will happen this weekend. Another option is shifting Hill to second and dropping Randle from the lineup. Again, depth is a good problem, even though it might take a little time to sort everything out.
Finally, Bianco heaped high praise onto true freshman Owen Paino, who appears to have fully secured the starting shortstop position.
The skipper said, “I don’t think anyone doubted the talent… he’s got all the tools… he’s been terrific defensively and continues to get better. Very similar to Jacob Gonzalez when he got here.. There is a slow pulse when he plays”,
We are now just a few days away from first pitch and we continue to learn more about what this team will look like. Stay tuned here and Hotty Toddy!