A new approach for Anthony

AUBURN | Josh Anthony’s first season at Auburn didn’t turn out how anyone expected.

Considered one of the nation’s top power hitters coming out of junior college, Anthony only hit two home runs last season but became one of the best defensive infielders in the SEC.

“Josh Anthony played one of the best third bases in a season last year,” Auburn coach Butch Thompson said.

Anthony hopes to maintain that defensive aptitude as a senior while also increasing his production at the plate.

“I’ve got a new approach,” Anthony said. “Everybody knew coming into last year I had all the power numbers. But when I got to big-boy ball, I just said, ‘Josh, you’re not as powerful as you think you are.’ I’ve been focusing on staying in the middle of the field, back-spinning balls and hitting a lot of line drives. It’s really been paying off for me.”

Anthony has also trimmed down. After ending last season at around 215 pounds, he’s down to 200.

"He thought he'd gained too much weight throughout the season and think he's much more prepared by trimming it back down. He is moving better. I think he's having better lead up to the fall,” Thompson said. “He's in a lot better shape now than when he finished last year.”

Anthony is one of six starting position players returning from last season and one of eight seniors. A few key additions including JUCO catcher Brett Wright, JUCO infielder Brendan Venter and freshman catcher/outfielder Steven Williams has Anthony confident in this year’s lineup.

“We’ve got some sticks,” Anthony said. “The SEC boys better watch out this year. That’s exactly how I’m feeling. They better watch out because we’re coming to make some noise.”

Anthony has big goals for his final season at Auburn, which gets underway Friday at 5 p.m. CT with a three-game series against Longwood.

“I just want to do whatever I can for this team, whatever it takes to get to Omaha and win that national championship,” he said.