Seven newcomers contribute in sweep of Winthrop

MORE: Rebs sweep Winthrop with Sunday win | Rolison dominant in opener

Seven newcomers made appearances over the weekend for Ole Miss during the Rebels’ three-game sweep of Winthrop to start the 2018 season.

Each found a degree of success, and four of the seven made at least one start during the beginning of a nine-game homestead at Swayze Field. As a group they combined to go 5-of-14 offensively and had two stolen bases.

Also, Jordan Fowler was the lone newcomer pitcher to take the field, and he wasn’t scored on during his outing.

“What happened was good with all the newcomers,” Mike Bianco said. “You’ve seen enough where sometimes there are weekends where the new guys do well and sometimes hey there will be a new day, a new weekend. But every new guy who batted got a hit, and Jordan Fowler filled it up… One of the big takeaways is so many guys played well and looked like they belonged.”

Here’s a look at the opening weekend for all the new faces that saw action during the first three games.

Keenan started two of the three games, and his first at-bat produced a topspin double off the right-field wall that drove in two runs and gave Ryan Rolison some room to relax on opening night. Keenan has legitimate power from the left side and his Friday night single in the late innings brought in another run when it ricocheted off the Winthrop first baseman. He made all of his four chances defensively and didn’t seem uncomfortable.

The freshman left-hander, and only likely bullpen lefty option for Bianco unless Emmanuel Fernandez emerges, threw two pristine innings on Sunday, flashing three different pitches and running his fastball up to 90 MPH. He gave up a hit but had two strikeouts and mentally handled things well considering the game was still in doubt. His future is as a starter, but he has enough swing-and-miss to be used in high-leverage situations, and the offspeed fell in for strikes.

Adams, who missed the fall with a torn ligament in his foot, finally got a start on Sunday at second base and also hit leadoff. He was incredibly active, living up to his reputation for quality plate appearances. Adams walked 52 times last season at Crowder Community College and started his Division I career with a seven-pitch walk to start the first inning. He also stole second base. Later in the game Adams singled and then scored Ole Miss’ final run with a quality slide on an infield single that was video reviewed and confirmed.

Serivdeo’s only action was on Friday night with a start at second base. He singled once in four at-bats, struck out twice and had two putouts defensively. The Florida native impressed with his range and athleticism during intrasquads, and I expect a platoon situation until someone takes over at second base. Three different players started the three games at the position.

Gindl didn’t get an at-bat during the weekend, but he’s potentially the fastest player on the team and stole a base and scored a run after coming in as a pinch runner during Saturday’s game. It’s likely he’s a late-inning option on the bases this season if he can be adequately defensively. As mentioned above, without a lot of outfield options, his speed can be a positive for the roster, as Bianco mixes and matches late in games.

Elko, the highest rated position player in the freshman class, started on Saturday and reached base twice including his first career hit. He also scored twice and had a sacrifice fly. He moves well at third base but did commit a throwing error.

Spears, an outfielder, pinch hit during Saturday’s Ole Miss win once the game started to get away from the Eagles. He doubled into left field, driving in a run in the process. Spears isn’t necessarily expected to factor in during his initial season, but with outfield depth limited, a niche would be a welcomed situation for the Rebels.