February 13, 2013

Infield preview

It's a rarity in college baseball when a team returns every player on its infield.

But that is exactly where Mississippi State is entering this season. The Bulldogs bring back all four starters around the horn and are set for another deep run in the postseason.

Wes Rea is back at first, Daryl Norris at third, Adam Frazier and the second base combination of Sam Frost and Matthew Britton also return. MSU also adds three signees to the mix as well as Nick Flair, who redshirted last season.

Rea was voted as one of the Diamond Dogs captains this season despite being only a sophomore. The 6-foot-5, 272-pounder played in all 64 games as a rookie despite a nagging shoulder injury. He hit .249, led the team with 41 RBIs and tied for the team lead five five long balls.

Rea also topped all State starters with a .991 fielding percentage and led the Southeastern Conference in putouts and double plays fielded.

"If Wes Rea is healthy and 100-percent, we think he has a chance to be a great player for us both defensively and offensively," Cohen said. "I think he's much more knowledgable at this point in time. I have very high expectations for him."

Trey Porter returns for his second and final season in Starkville. Porter was primarily the Bulldogs designated hitter a year ago but also made starts at first base, third base, left field and right field.

Porter played in 60 games finishing third on the team with a .259 batting average. He also tied with Rea with five home runs and drove in 24 runners across the dish as well.

"Trey Porter is swinging the bat as well as anybody on our entire club," Cohen said. "I think he's really gotten better at first base and if Wes has any injury issues or if we want platoon him versus a right-handed pitcher, Porter is someone we can use. His entire game is so much better than it was before."

Flair and junior college transfer Alex Detz could also see time at first base as well.



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