Infield a strength as Auburn closes out fall practice

AUBURN | Going into last season, Butch Thompson had to rebuild lost his entire infield. This season, Auburn’s third-year coach returns nearly the whole group, which he considers the strength of his veteran club.

Returning starters include third baseman Josh Anthony, shortstop Will Holland and second baseman Luke Jarvis. Anthony and Jarvis are seniors.

“Most teams in America would like to have those three returning because of what they’re capable of doing,” Thompson said. “It’s not just defensively, I think it starts there, but their all-around game. Being able to steal a base when they need to, being able to dominate the routine play, being able to have a quality at-bat because they had so much experience last year, that’s a strength.”

Thompson also returns senior Dylan Ingram at first base and sophomore designated hitter Conor Davis. Ingram, who led the team with eight home runs last year, Davis, Holland, Jarvis, junior college transfer Brendan Venter and freshman Steven Williams have given Thompson a lot more power in the lineup than a year ago.

“To feel like you’ve got over half the lineup with power is something we really wanted to see. It’s a nice improvement from where we were this time last year and into last season,” he said.

Rounding out the infield is junior college transfer Brett Wright, who was a standout at catcher and at the plate this fall. Williams, who was one of Auburn’s top hitters throughout fall, also plays catcher.

“Brett Wright, what he’s done for us after losing two catchers, I have some confidence there that we’re going to be able to replace two good guys that left us last year,” Thompson said. “Then Steven Williams is growing. Just defensively to see where he’s at from where we started, it has been a pretty nice addition for us.”

The number of quality players on the infield has given Thompson one problem — too many good players and not enough spots. He moved Jay Estes to centerfield for the start of fall and he’s expected to start there.

Now, he’s got to find a way to get Ingram, Venter, Davis, Williams and Wright on the field together. Their primary positions are first base, catcher or designated hitter. Venter got a lot of work as a backup to Anthony at third. Thompson worked both Davis and Williams in left field.

Joining Estes, Davis and possibly Williams in the outfield is Jeremy Johnson and Bowen McGuffin. Mike Rojas could also figure into the lineup at catcher, first or DH as could several talented freshmen including middle infielder Edouard Julien.

Preseason practice begins Jan. 10. Auburn opens the season Feb. 16 at Plainsman Park with a three-game series against Longwood.

“All in all we’ve had a really good fall,” Thompson said. “We’ve just got to keep competing. Now we have to figure out how every person on our roster can get five percent better. We’ve got to take their strengths and make them a little bit better to make us a better ball club in 94 days.”