This weekend's opening baseball game against Youngstown State will be a showcase for the new Georgia freshmen. The Diamond Dawgs signed a great recruiting class for this season and the opening day lineup is going to show that success. David Perno, Georgia's head coach, said he expects five freshmen to start in Athens on Friday night.
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Colby May will be the starting third baseman as everyone expected. Levi Hyams gets the start at second, although Perno has said veterans Thoms and Starr will start in the weekend's other two games. All three starting outfielders will be freshmen: Jonathan Taylor in left, Zach Cone in center, and Chase Davidson in right. Perno said great things about Zach Cone in the interview, but also hinted that Matt Cerione will take over at center after his suspension is done with.
This is the most starting freshmen ever in a Perno lineup. Some people will argue that this is a cause for concern. After all, playing freshmen in a game where experience counts can make a team lose. Plus, a freshman is less physically developed than a junior or senior. I would say that you need the youth and talent these freshmen give you, but in order to work, it needs to be mixed with veterans. LSU played a ton of freshmen last year and were on the brink of a mediocre season. But their young team woke up and won 23 straight games, including the SEC Tournament. So, is this a cause for concern or celebration?
Also, Anthony Dasher at UGASports.com reports that the Dawgs have been authorized to use Easton composite bats this year, defying their Nike contract. No more equipment excuses.
See Also:
Georgia Baseball vs. Youngstown State Preview - GeorgiaDogs.com
Mainieri, players recall how season changed in 2008 - 2theadvocate.com
Easton bats allowed? - UGASports.com
