Mississippi pitcher Sam Smith pitches the ball during a game last season. (File Photo)
The Rebels came into the year with a few new faces as well as a number of returning starters from last year’s squad. Ole Miss took two games out of three from William & Mary over the weekend in which the team struggled in some spots.
It was a weekend that had a number of different positive signs as well as quite a few question marks about this 2015 team. So what did we learn over the weekend?
This weekend has left us wondering what’s going to happen with the weekend rotation; the Rebels did not put forward their best effort from the rotation this weekend and it could be a cause for concern going forward.
After exceeding most of all expectations last year, the Rebels turned to junior right-hander Christian Trent to be their Friday night starter in 2015. Trent was not in his best form Friday, going only five innings, allowing six hits and having to pitch his way out of a couple of jams. It was not a bad start by any means as he struck out six batters, but it was not the dominant form we saw from Trent last year. One shaky start is not the end of the world for Trent as he is sure to find his form as the season goes on.
Former Sunday starter and senior right hander Sam Smith took the hill for the Rebels in game two. After struggling towards the end of the 2014 season, Smith did not get off to a good start in 2015. Smith only made it three innings, allowing four runs on four hits and three walks, giving up a three-run homer in the third that eventually led to the end of his day. Smith did not have much going for him in his start. He struggled with his command, which is uncharacteristic for Smith. He was effective last year for the Rebels filling up the strike zone and doing enough to give the Rebels a chance to win late in the game. Smith’s sluggish start could be a cause for concern.
After missing the entire 2014 season, sophomore right-hander Brady Bramlett gave the best start of the weekend for the Rebels in game three. Starting in place of injured junior transfer Sean Johnson, Bramlett cruised for most of the game going six innings and allowing two runs on just two hits and striking out eight. It was a strong start to the season as he appeared in command of all of his pitches.
Ole Miss must sure-up their starting rotation in order to contend in the SEC. Trent will need to be a dominant Friday night starter, like Chris Ellis was last season, for the Rebels to have a chance. If Sam Smith continues to struggle, Bianco may be forced to make some changes. Bramlett could slide into the Saturday slot while Johnson, who is getting over tendonitis, could move into the Sunday spot and Smith would move to the bullpen. Starting pitching will be an essential element to improve on before conference play.
Another big question for the Rebels was the two corner outfield spots. Bianco seems pretty confident with junior Cameron Dishon in right field for the immediate future. Whether Dishon will hit consistently enough to be an every-game starter remains to be seen.
The left field slot was seemingly wide open going into the weekend. Freshman Kyle Watson was expected to compete with juniors Connor Cloyd and Josh Watkins for the position. While none of the three had a bad series, Watson easily stood out after opening weekend. Watson went 3-4 on the weekend with all of his hits being doubles and driving in three runs. Bianco probably won’t name a starter in left until conference play, but Watson is the front runner after opening weekend.
Three games are a small sample size for making too many rash judgements, but the Rebels are definitely a work-in-progress. Ole Miss will benefit from their non-conference schedule more so than in years past. Non-conference play will allow the new guys to get their feet wet and allow the coaching staff to answer the questions the Rebels have and to get a general lineup in place for conference play. The Rebels will be an intriguing team to watch over the course of the season.
The baseball team returns to action this weekend at home with a three game set against Wright State.
