The University of Alabama at Birmingham Athletics
Baseball Season Preview: Infielders
2/8/2017 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The UAB baseball team will be looking at a brand new infield for the 2017 campaign. The Blazers will be implanting three new starters outside of returnee Carter Pharis.
Projected Starters (alphabetical order if multiple listed)
First Base: Brett Blackwood/Thomas Johns/Carter Pharis
Second Base: Blake Johnson/Tyler Tolbert/Price Visintainer
Shortstop: Blake Johnson/Antonio Ralat
Third Base: Price Visintainer/Carter Pharis
“We turnover our infield with a new group,” said head coach Brian Shoop. “Carter played every game at four different spots last season. He needs to be in our lineup and I think would hit in the middle of our lineup. He will play a huge role, we’re just not sure which position.”
Pharis is the only starter returning after starting in all 55 games last season and leading UAB with a .297 average, 36 RBI and 13 doubles. He added 23 runs, two home runs and was a perfect 7-for-7 in stolen bases. The sophomore played third base over the summer in the Valley League on his way to All-Star honors and was named the 12th-best pro prospect in the league. Pharis has been splitting reps between third base and first base and is slated to play for the Y-D Red Sox of the Cape Cod League this upcoming summer.
Blake Johnson is the only other infielder that played for the Blazers last season. Johnson was an All-Star this summer in the California Collegiate League playing shortstop but has also spent time at second base for Shoop.
Brett Blackwood is the only other returnee in the mix. Blackwood sat out with an injury a year ago after playing in 21 games as a freshman.
Four newcomers will all be in the mix for playing time. Price Visintainer, regarded by his JUCO head coach Bobby Sprowl as the most valuable player on Shelton State last year, brings a well-rounded skillset to the mix and is competing for the job at second base. Antonio Ralat looks the part of a major leaguer, standing 6-2 and 195 lbs. The Puerto Rico native is a strong athlete who played last season at Palm Beach State and is the early favorite to start at shortstop.
Tyler Tolbert was the 7A Player of the Year in Alabama last year after leading Hewitt-Trussville to a State Championship. He is arguably the fastest player on the team alongside outfielder Brewer Hicklen, as each have been clocked at 6.5-seconds in the 60 Yard Dash. Tolbert’s gifted athleticism shows up on the base paths (41 stolen bases as a senior) and defensively (finished the fall with the best fielding percentage of anybody on the team).
The most open competition comes at first base. If Pharis sticks at third base, it opens the possibility for the likes of Blackwood or Thomas Johns to play first base. Neither played for the Blazers last season, as Blackwood sat out with an injury and Johns is a freshman. Each adds a different dynamic at the plate as Blackwood hits right-handed and Johns hits from the left side.
Zack Davis and Colton Schultz, who are each competing primarily for playing time in the outfield, have also received reps at first base.
“You’re hearing youth, but talented, athletic, and competitive,” summarized Shoop. “We have flexibility and can make some moves.”
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