Gamecocks pin their hopes on new starters

COLUMBIA - South Carolina coach Ray Tanner didn't like having his run of three consecutive College World Series end last spring. And he's counting on three high-profile newcomers - Reese Havens, Justin Smoak and Shawn Valdes-Fauli - to start a new string this season.

"We've probably got more youth that is probably going to get immediate playing time than ever before," Tanner said Thursday as his Gamecocks opened practice.

That begins with freshman blue-chippers Havens and Reese, both named as starters. Havens, a shortstop, was the state's Class 2A player of the year last season at Bishop England, while first-baseman Smoak earned the Class 4A honor at Stratford High in 2004 and 2005.

Both were picked in the major league draft but chose to play for the Gamecocks.

"They are no average freshmen," Tanner says. "They are above average talents."

Valdes-Fauli was a highly regarded reliever who went 5-0 with five saves at Miami in 2003. But he was dismissed from the program a season later and, after Tanner researched the dismissal, was welcomed to the Gamecocks. Valdes-Fauli figured to compete for the closer's role a year ago but sat out the season after tearing a ligament in his right elbow.

Valdes-Fauli had Tommy John surgery and says he feels strong and comfortable for the season that opens Feb. 10 with a three-game series against Elon.

Tanner expects to use Valdes-Fauli sparingly in the early part of the year so he'll be ready for critical games in May and June.

"I got a lot of confidence in my stuff. I've got a lot of confidence in my pitches to be able to go out there and do my job," he said.

Seems like that's how every Gamecock feels about the newcomers.

Starting right fielder Mark Stanley says he likes the work ethic shown by his first-year teammates and expects that to show up on the field.

"The young guys have worked hard," he said. "They show up, don't say anything and do what they're supposed to. ... That's the foundation they need to have right now and pass it on to guys later."

Too many big expectations?

Smoak says no. He's gotten advice from older Gamecocks.

"It's tough a little bit, but the older guys help you out and get you used to everything," he said.