Inside Carolina was at the Bosh on Friday afternoon to take in a Kent Emanuel victory in a quick scrimmage.
For starters Emanuel looked sharp throughout the scrimmage facing off against Chris O'Brien. He ranged into the low 90's and threw strikes and controlled the other teams running game. Notably Matt Roberts had a pair of hits off of Emanuel. Emanuel only allowed 6 hits in 6 innings while only allowing one run.
Mason McCullough ranged into the mid-90's in his outing and had a big face off against Matt Roberts where he started him off with a fastball taken for strike one, Robert fouled off the next, took a ball, then laced an inside out swing on a ball that landed down the 1st base line. McCullough looks like a totally redefined student-athlete after a summer and off season of hard work.
There were about a dozen professional scouts in the stands checking out the draft eligible junior and they stuck around to scout senior Chris Munnelly who came into the game in relief along with Mason McCullough and Henry Sisson (who will be redshirting this season after transferring into the program).
The professional scouts in attendance got to update their notes on Kent Emanuel and Chris Munnelly this afternoon at Boshamer Stadium.
Colin Moran showed more range at third along with more refined flexibility and smooth footwork. There were a number of hard hit balls the he ranged over into foul territory. It will be interesting to see how his defensive stock holds up this season with the MLB scouting community.
Not the best shot of the scoreboard by any means - but Diamond Heel fans will be in for a treat with the new video board, radar readings and easy to read scoreboard.
The Diamond Heels are working with a depth of position players that should be a luxury throughout the season. At this point I would hazard a guess that the middle infield starting positions could be won by anyone. For that matter who starts in the outfield and where will also be in question.
Lineup and batting orders could really be in flux early in the season depending upon the opposing pitcher and who is swinging a hot bat (or playing superlative defense).
Freshman Skye Bolt looks back to the umpire after a steal attempt to find out the call.
The Diamond Heels were working both on the running game and controlling the running game as well at the finer nuances of outfield shading with different counts. Coach Fox, Forbes and Jackson were all hands on with their players getting them used to the calls and what to expect.
With the season right around the corner, the North Carolina baseball team is full of promise and expectations. Get ready for the ride Tar Heel fans. There is an abundance of talent and promise with this year's roster.
