Troy Baseball Season Preview - Infield/Catchers

TROY, Ala. – The Troy University baseball team opens its 2014 campaign on Friday at 6 p.m. with the first of a four-game series against Northern Kentucky at Riddle-Pace Field. The series continues with a doubleheader on Saturday beginning at 1 p.m. and concludes with a single-game on Sunday at 1 p.m.

TroyTrojans.com will preview the upcoming season over the next four days with a breakdown of each position followed by a preview of the weekend series with the Norse.

Tuesday – Outfield
Wednesday – Infield/Catchers
Thursday – Weekend Preview
Friday - Pitchers

The Breakdown

Troy's infield will see a mixture of new and veteran faces in 2014. Preseason Louisville Slugger All-American Tyler Vaughn will lead the Trojans at shortstop. Vaughn batted .327 and was the second toughest player in the country to strikeout. In 257 at bats, Vaughn was retired on strikes just 10 times.

Garrett Pitts will also return to anchor the middle infield at second base. The senior started 36 games last season for the Trojans. He opened last year's series against FIU with a three-run home run and finished the series 5-for-12 with four RBIs.

Newcomer Nick Masonia, who is the state of Alabama high school career home run record holder (66), will play third base after an all-conference season last year at Northwest Florida State. Masonia batted .380 with 10 home runs and 52 RBIs.

Matthew Howard, better known as "Muggsy", will make the transition to first base after spending last season as the Trojans' designated hitter. Howard batted .273 with 11 doubles and 23 RBIs while also making 22 appearances on the mound. Kyle Brown, who stuggled with an injury last season, could see some time at first but is projected to be an option as the team's designated hitter.

Redshirt freshman TJ Binder will see playing time at both third and first base as head coach Bobby Pierce finds ways to utilize his left-handed bat. Peyton Fuller will be the primary backup in the middle of the infield and also play in the outfield. Senior Jakob Nixon will mirror Fuller's role as a utility player.

Behind the plate, Jake Harrell returns for his junior campaign. Harrell started 13 games at catcher for Troy a year ago before an injury kept him out of the starting rotation. Adam Tewksbury and Tripp Calhoun will battle for playing time as well. Justin Hancock could see some time as a battery member but is penciled in as the team's designated hitter.

Pierce Says:

"Nick Masonia is a guy out junior college that has had a stellar career. He is the current career home run leader in the state of Alabama in high school baseball. He has played well at third base for us even though he has been a middle infield type player throughout his career. We look for Nick to hit right in the middle of the order, possibly as high as No. 2.

"TJ Binder is one of the few left-handed hitters on this year's offensive team. TJ has been a growing offensive player since he's been here; he's still a young player and has a bright future. We've experimented with him at first base because we need the versatility from our left-handed bats, but he's getting reps at third base, too.

"Tyler Vaughn has continued to work hard to improve his game. He's a fifth-year senior, so his leadership will definitely be needed early, as the team will be searching for its own identity.

"Our swing guy (utility) is Peyton Fuller. Peyton has played some second base, shortstop and outfield. We really like Peyton's athleticism and what he brings to the table. He had some real bright spots last year but we feel comfortable with him in the middle infield.

"Garrett Pitts returns at second base; he's improved a lot about his game. He's a guy that we've always felt had a lot more to offer. He had a pretty solid season last year, but we think he's capable of a little more and we'll get a chance to see that as he's working really hard to bring it out.

"Jakob Nixon is playing some outfield for us now as well as some second base, again trying to increase his defensive versatility. Jakob has been a guy that will flash a pro bat, but he's always working hard to increase his consistency in his live at-bats.

"(Matthew) "Muggsy" Howard will start at first base. A lot of people know Muggsy as our DH/third baseman/closer from last year. We've moved him to first to fill the void left by (Trae) Santos. Muggsy is probably our best 'baseball' player, in terms that he knows how to play the game and never seems to get rattled.

"Jake Harrell is a steady defensive guy behind the plate, he's probably our best receiving catcher. Adam Tewksbury and Tripp Calhoun are in a tight race for opportunities behind the plate, we like the upside of both players. Justin Hancock has had some health issues, but could see some time and is a prime candidate for the DH spot."

Troy University Athletics

Troy Baseball Season Preview - Infield/Catchers

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