2019 Privateer Baseball Preview Series-Infielders

An infusion of depth along with three returning infield starters are key marks for a New Orleans squad that starts its season in a little less than three weeks when they take on Big Ten foe, Michigan State at Maestri Field.
 
Scott Crabtree, Collin Morrill, and Darren Willis bring a wealth of experience to the infield group this season. Morrill bounced back with a solid season at the plate after missing 2017 due to injury. He hit .292 with 13 doubles, 22 RBI, and 47 runs scored while earning All-Southland Honorable Mention.
 
"We've got some returners with a lot of experience," said Coach Blake Dean. "Collin did a great job for us last year and when he got hurt, Scott stepped up in the latter half of the season and kept our season intact. Darren got some time as a young guy in the tournament and each year he's blossomed and gotten more confident. Defensively I think he's as good as anyone in our conference."
 
Morrill also played two different positions defensively. He started the year at second base and made the shift to first during the season. After a hand injury, Morrill was primarily the team's designated hitter. He reached base safely in the last 16 games to close 2018.
 
Crabtree started 25 games in his junior season and carried a healthy .411 on-base percentage. He drew 18 walks and was hit by a pitch nine times. He was also steady in the field, committing just one error in 167 chances.
 
Willis started 2018 on a tear, hitting .410 through the first month. He finished with a .270 batting average, 21 RBI, and 29 runs scored. He started all 61 games for the Privateers and was the team's primary shortstop.
 
There are several new faces along the infield. Heading up that list is Antonio Gauthier Jr. A standout at Barbe High School, Gauthier won a slew of awards while hitting nearly .400 with 10 homers, 16 doubles, and six triples as a senior.
 
"Antonio comes in as a highly recruited guy. His tools and makeup are off the chart. He's very confident, energetic, and plays the game extremely hard. As a freshman he's adjusting to the pitching and the speed of the game but he has a lot of upside and the sky can be the limit for him."
 
Salo Iza started both fall exhibition games for the Privateers while rotating with Willis between second and short. Iza comes to the Privateers from Palm Beach State where he hit .302 with 10 doubles. He also accrued nine steals in 42 games.
 
"For me, Salo could hit lead-off for us this year," said Dean. "I like his bat and he's a good defender. He has a lot of range and he's versatile. Salo is a true shortstop but he can play second and third as well. I anticipate he'll hit pretty well. We're going to have a speedy combination in the infield.
 
Coach Dean also got two infielders who most recently played at Division I schools in Caden Rosholt (UTRGV) and Carlos Kelly (Alcorn State). Quinn Waterbury comes in as a JUCO transfer from Texas. Brayden Morrow is a true freshman who comes to the Privateers from St. Thomas More High School in Lafayette, La.
 
"Quinn is a guy that came back really tuned up," said Dean. "He's big and very intelligent. Hopefully he continues to get better and find his groove. Carlos works his butt off and one of those guys you want in your locker room. Caden can play second and short. He can pinch run and step in any situation. I think Brayden came in needing to add some strength and he's done that. He has a chance as well to split some time at short or third. He's been impressing me and he can get a lot of playing time as a freshman."
 
Stay tuned as our 2019 Privateer Baseball Preview Series continues on Wednesday with a look at the outfield.
 
SOCIAL MEDIA
Fans are encouraged to follow @Privateers_BSB on Twitter, @Privateers_BSB on Instagram, like /PrivateersBSB on Facebook and subscribe to the PrivateerAthletics YouTube channel.