THE PITCHING STAFF
On the mound, the Southwest staff is pretty much untested at the
collegiate level. Only four pitchers from the 2002 squad saw substantial 
time with Scott Nobles being the most experienced. Nobles served as the Saluqis’ closer last year, but now should be one of the team’s conference starters. Pitching coach Johnny Ray says "It’s hard to make a decision on Scott’s role because you want the ball in his hands at the end of the game. But, on the other hand, he deserves a chance to be our staff ace."

Depth on the mound will hopefully pay off. As the spring season begins,
16 pitchers will toe the rubber. "We did not have many pitchers who 
stepped up in the fall and solidified his position in our rotation," said Ray. "We have plenty of options and that will hopefully be a plus for us over the course of the season."  Another sophomore who will bid for mound time will be hard-throwing Marshall Mullins. With some consistency, Mullins could step into the closer role. Ray says "Marshall loses focus at times and forgets he has to be a pitcher instead of trying to blow the ball past the hitter. You can’t do that for very long in this league."  Steven Miller and Jay Ham are two other sophomores who have been through the rigorous schedule before.

A possible key to the staff’s success will be the health of red-shirt transfers Charlie Ligon and Russell Wren. Both have strong arms and could dominate opponents. Ligon, who spent a season at Motlow State, returns closer to his home of Munford. The big righthander is nearly recovered from Tommy John Surgery and should be able to contribute early. Wren, another righty, transfers from Crichton College and in the past has experienced some soreness in his pitching arm. If healthy, he could return to the form which allowed to set the Arkansas High School single game strikeout record.  Other pitchers battling for a starting role will be freshmen Jamie Carrico, Michael Steele, Josh Meeker, Shane Jackson, and Matt Napier.

Carrico is a legitimate pro prospect from Bolton High School who can touch 90 miles per hour on the radar gun. Coach Ray says of Carrico, "When he stays within himself, he is as good as anybody I’ve seen at this level. What Jamie needs to concentrate on is being more fluid in hismechanics and not trying to do something he’s not capable of."

Steele is a 6 foot 5 inch righthander from Houston High School. He uses four pitches effectively and has command of the strike zone. He had a super fall season.  Meeker a transfer at the semester from Eastfield (TX) Junior College, has impressed the coaching staff with his early workouts. Ray says, "Obviously, with the number of pitchers we had after the fall ended we weren’t really looking for anyone else. However, Josh has displayed a live arm and a good work ethic so far and I think he will be a major contributer."  Jackson and Napier are both crafty lefthanders who rely on location on off-speed pitches to be successful.  Casey Cunningham, Nick Albonetti, Daniel Baugh, Drew Buford, and Jeffrey Dupre will all bolster the bullpen and should see plenty of mound time. Buford could emerge as the closer if Mullins falters in that role.

THE OUTFIELD
The Saluqis have tons of experience returning in the outfield.  Sophomores Wes Daniels (left field), Patrick Williams (center), and Dusty Harris (right) earned the majority of playing time in 2002.  Another sophomore, Brandon Doss, could factor in the plans as well after transferring back home from Jackson State Community College. Also trying to prove themselves are freshmen Tyler Lee, Nathan Simpson, Tim Turner, and Jared Meadows. "Early in the season, we might be in a platoon situation so we can see sho will help," stated Darnall. "We have asked all our outfielders to step and get the job done. They will now have to show it on the field."

Williams is the most proven of the bunch. The 2002 All-TJCCAA selection had a slendid freshman campaign when he batted .301 with two home runs and 26 runs batted in. He also stole a team-high 26 bases. Williams’ most valuable asset to the team may be his defensive ability.  He patrols centerfield flawlessly, giving the pitcher a welcomed comfort zone. Pitching coach Johnny Ray says, "The pitchers know that when a ball goes up, that as long as it stays in the yard, "Peanut" will run it down."  Williams also threw out eight baserunners in 2002.

Daniels is the most streaky of the outfield hitters. As a lefthanded hitter, the honorable mention All-TJCCAA pick will get his cuts in against righthanded pitchers. He should anchor one of the corner positions and will supply power at the plate. Daniels led the team with three home runs during the fall season.  Harris is a returning outfielder who Darnall wants to rely on, but he has to prove he is up to the challenge. His production fell off during the last half of his freshman season when he became impatient at the plate. Harris still managed six home runs and 24 runs batted in, but struck out 34 times.  Doss is a multipurpose speedster who will command playing time somewhere. He needs to become more comfortable in the outfield to be effective. Simpson, Lee, Meadows, and Turner each bring something different to the table and will push the frontrunners for playing time.

THE INFIELD
A pair of returnees will be back to anchor a much improved defensive unit. Second baseman Chris Brock moves back to his natural position after playing shortstop much of last season. Darnall says, "We knew Chris was out of position last year, but he was our best candidate. We applaude him for sticking it out." Brett Beckwith will have the inside track on the starting job at third base. He is the Saluqis’ leading returning hitter from 2002, when he hit .349. His offensive production fell off this fall, but he played terrific defense. "If he can combine the two he will have a tremendous year," stated Darnall.

Chris Hebert will put the heat on Beckwith to do well. Hebert is a good looking athlete who is getting better everyday. He will benefit from being redshirted in 2002, and will be a factor before he graduates.

At first base, each player had their bright moments in the fall. Freshmen Casey Cunningham and Kevin Terrell will battle with sophomore Mac McAlister for the starting nod. Since Cunningham is a lefthanded hitter, and Terrell and McAlister are both righthanded, a platoon system may be used. Jacob Barker and Jacob Whisenhunt also could see time at first when not behind the plate.

The shortstop will be Dustin Shields of Amory, Mississippi. The freshman has good range and a solid throwing arm. He struggled at the plate in the fall, but his work ethic and athletic ability should help him be a mainstay in the lineup.

Brandon Doss will push both Brock and Shields for playing time. Doss may be the Saluqis’ best athlete and most valuable player. He has the ability to play several positions on the field.

Reggie Huguet (the first Puerto Rican player at Southwest), Michael Fonte, Jonathan Hackett, and Jared Meadows all provide depth in the infield.

THE CATCHERS
The Saluqis will be solid behind the plate. Returning start Jacob Barker and redshirt freshmen Nick Smith and Jacob Whisenhunt are all capable of emerging as the team leader behind the plate. Pitching coach Johnny Ray says, "We definitely have three catchers who swing the stick very well. What I am looking for, though, is to see who works well with the pitchers."

Barker led the Saluqis in home runs (8) and RBI (40) a year ago as he logged the vast majority of the catching duties. "Jacob’s load will be lightened this year with the addition of Smith and Whisenhunt and hopefully his offensive production will go up," said Darnall.

Smith is a bonafide power threat from the left side of the plate. He started his college career at Dyersburg State before deciding to sit out and retain his eligibility. He is a definite team leader and is one of those players coaches love having on their team. Darnall says, "His motor is always running at 110%."

Whisenhunt is a semester transfer from the University of West Alabama in Livingston. The coaching staff is learning more and more about "The Whiz" each day, but early indications show that he may be the best defensive catcher of the trio.

SCHEDULE
Saluqi baseball has a solid group of non-conference opponents to provide quality competition early in the season. These schools include: Bevill State-Sumiton (AL), Coahoma (MS), East Central (MS), East Mississippi, Lincoln Trail (IL), Northeast Mississippi, Olive-Harvey (IL), Shawnee (IL), and St. Louis-Florissant Valley. The Tennessee Junior and Community Athletic Association looks to be as tough as ever, especially since the conference has dissolved the East and West Divisions.

Southwest will play three-game series against all ten TJCCAA schools. The Saluqis will oppose former West Division opponents Columbia State, Dyersburg State, Jackson State, and Volunteer State, as well as

Chattanooga State, Cleveland State, Hiwassee, Motlow State, Roane State, and Walters State from the eastern part of the state. Bus trips will be longer and more demanding with trips to Morristown, Cleveland, and Harriman to play conference games.

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