Depth key for Redmen

Published 12:00 am Tuesday, April 3, 2007

PERDO — Rock Hill coach Barry Litteral thinks his team has some extra room. He may need it for the extra players.

The Redmen, who came within one game of winning the Ohio Valley Conference last season, have extra depth this season as they attempt to win the league title.

“We have some room to move kids around which is always nice,” Litteral said. “We have a little more depth than we’ve had.”

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One example of the team’s depth is junior Derek Maddy who can play second base,

third base, outfield and catcher.

“He’s the type of kid who can do a lot of things for us,” Litteral said.

While the depth looks good, Litteral said on the flip side he is concerned how the pitching will react.

Mark DePriest figures to be the ace, but Litteral said he has several good arms at his disposal including Josh Guy, Nathan Davenport, J.C.Murnahan , Drew Kuehne and Zach Zornes.

“Our pitching has got to hold up. We’re pretty solid defensively,” Litteral said.

As for the offense, Litteral plans to keep things simple.

“We’re not really a power team. We’ll single and double you. We’re more of get ’em on, get ’em over and get ’em in,” Litteral said.

The Redmen could have a surge of power in their lineup in senior first baseman Carl Blankenship. Last season he slugged five home runs.

Joining Blankenship in the infield should be Seth Kuehne at second base, DePriest at shortstop and Guy at third base. Zornes also figures in the picture at third base with either Kuehne or Maddy handling the backup duties at shortstop.

The outfield has a plethora of possibilities.

Kenny Anderson is expected to return in left field, Drew Kuehne will be in centerfield and Corey Burke has the inside track on right field.

Also in the mix are Kyle Dickess, Josh Christian and possibly Guy or Maddy.

Litteral said David Turley, a sophomore, could be used as a pitcher or at shortstop.

In the OVC this season, Litteral doesn’t see a clear-cut favorite.

“I think the league overall will be competitive. South Point and Chesapeake should be pretty good. Fairland is always good. I think Coal Grove will be better,” Litteral said.