ASU Baseball: First impressions after first practice

(Photo: Nicholas Badders/WCSN)

The Arizona State baseball team has officially had their first practice of the spring. The Sun Devils followed up practice with a scrimmage game, but before that, head coach Tracy Smith talked to the media regarding how he’s feeling about his team three weeks before Opening Day against Miami (Ohio).

Smith talked about about several aspects of the team, specifically the open spots in the lineup. Left field is still up for grabs according to Smith. He stated, “no one has run away with it yet,” and “there are four or five guys capable” of playing the spot. Those capable guys included Zach Hogueisson, Hunter Jump, Taylor Lane, and possibly Gage Workman if there is not a spot for him in the infield.

In the infield, he was asked if Drew Swift and Alika Williams would be his starting middle infielders. His response was, “Yeah, I mean for right now. To this point they’ve played.”

He went on to talk about how the two have had a great fall, but he has seen situations when guys have a great fall and then struggle in spring. Based on their fall performance, he is comfortable with Williams and Swift, and the spots are theirs unless they struggle and someone beats them out for them. Smith explained how he’s been impressed with McCuin at first base and credited the junior for his selflessness in the transition.

Smith’s keys to focus on in these last three weeks before Opening Day include deciding on a batting order and the order of the pitching rotation. He said one thing he cannot be sure of until they face an actual opponent is the starting lineup. He has developed an idea of what the starting lineup may be, but only an actual game will prove if the communication and effectiveness of that lineup will transition from practice to game time.

Throughout practice a few things stood out, specifically the speed some of the players possess. During drills, Drew Swift and Alika Williams were impressive with good jumps from first and quick run times from second to third. Both McCuin and Workman practiced at first base throughout drills, but McCuin seemed to be the most comfortable at the position. Workman struggled getting a good read on the ball at times, something that was also a problem during the Maroon and Gold World Series.

While practice gave some hint of how the team is doing, the scrimmage afterwards also said a lot. A big take away was this team has the potential to be great offensively. Most players had great plate discipline throughout the game, and several at bats included deep battles. That aspect indicates this group won’t have trouble making contact with the ball.

Swift again flashed his speed, stealing two bases in the first inning. Cage Canning also stole a base and had a bunt single. Smith had said earlier in the day that even though Canning is a complete player in his eyes, one of the things Canning can improve on is stealing bases. Canning did just that.

The Maroon team lineup consisted of many players who are expected to start on Opening Day, including Swift, Williams, McCuin, Canning and Carter Aldrete. Hunter Bishop was also originally in the lineup but he left during the first inning with an apparent leg injury after running to first base. The Maroon team put up nine runs and ten hits in five and half innings of play and went on to win the scrimmage against the Gold team 9-3.

Opening day is February 16, and the Sun Devils will take on Miami (Ohio), Smith’s alma mater and the team where he got his first head coaching gig, at Phoenix Municipal Stadium.