#4 Troy Last Season: 25-32 (11-18 6th SBC)

Coach: Bobby Pierce 12th season

The Basics: Troy is one of those programs that you expect to be good every time they step on the field. Their Regional history, and history of finishing near the top of the SBC consistently prove that. Therefore, its a surprise to most whenever the Trojans have a bad season. Last year for the SBC could be regarded as one of the worst since they joined the league. The problem for Troy was two fold: One, the offense, while okay, was never more than okay. David Hall (.344 9 HR's) led the team in just about every offensive category, while Jo-El Bennett and Trevin Hall (7 and 6 HR's respectively) provided the power. Garrett Pitts (.320) Provided some average to help extend the order, but this team had a history last year of going quiet for long spells, which put an enormous amount of pressure on problem #2, their pitching staff: Again, Behind Lefty Shane McCain (3.38 ERA) and Closer Marc Skinner (1.62 ERA, 5 saves) they had a solid one-two punch, but beyond those two players, there was not a lot of depth. Ben Tidwell and Tanner Hicks started on Friday and Saturday, and Jeremy McGowan was an extra bullpen arm. (All 3 had ERA's between 4 and 5.5) However the rest of the staff got very little experience. If you were able to force Marc Skinner to throw a lot of pitches on a Friday and knock him out for the weekend, Saturday and Sunday became cake walks.

Whose Back: Quite a bit. David Hall is back to lead the offense, as our Bennett and Trevin Hall, giving the offense all three of its power threats back. Clay Holcomb and his 26 steals last year returns, however the team will have to overcome the loss of Garrett Pitts. Many of these players will be Seniors, meaning it is their last chance to get to the NCAA Tourney as a Trojan, meaning they will battle every day.

Troy will have to overcome the loss of Shane McCain (I heard a Halelujah out of Jonesboro, AR) Sunday starter Tanner Hicks is also gone. I expect a big step up year out of Ben Tidwell this year, who struggled at times last year, but has very good stuff. I think he was the victim of pressure last year applied by the lack of offense and the knowledge that starters had to eat innings to get the game to McGown and Skinner. Speaking of Skinner...did I mention he was a Freshman last season? I didnt....oh...well he was. His 16 walks and 70 strikeout numbers in 67 innings were no flukes. The interesting thing about Skinner was that teams didnt try to tackle him. They just tried to extend him. An extra inning battle with Skinner on a Friday was perfect. You run him 60 plus pitches before the game ends...and win or lose, you're heading into the last two games with McCain and Skinner both out of the way, providing an instant recipe for success. The question this year, is how will teams handle him? Will Troy have another ace to step up, and more bullpen depth so Skinner wasnt the only threat? Stay tuned.

Outlook: At least one major Preview site is calling for Troy to make the NCAA's this season. They have a team that is capable, IF they can find a replacement for Shane McCain, and the many returning experienced offensive players can improve enough to provide enough power to win on Saturday and Sunday. I see it as very possible, and even potentially likely the Trojans are playing baseball after the SBC Tournament. However, this is a very strong SBC, with a lot of talent back. I have us with 3 regional teams...and with The Cajuns a likely certainty, that leaves Troy to battle it out with Georgia Southern, and teams 2 and 3 for those other spots.

My One concern: Troy does not face a single team from a major conference this season OOC. Southern Miss of CUSA, and a midweek game against Kennesaw State represent their toughest OOC games. While that could mean a lot of wins, there is going to be a lot of hope that a NOrthwestern State There are also 6 games against SWAC schools that could hurt their RPI. A slow start to the season could doom Troy before they begin tournament play.

Guiding Question: Troy's history with Arkansas State is crazy. After Troy won the first 12 games, this series has turned into the closest in the SBC, with almost all games being decided by one or two runs. Arkansas State has eliminated Troy from the last 2 SBC tournaments. What will happen this year when the two teams meet yet again?

Expect Team #3 tonight. I missed yesterday, so will be writing 2 today.

Home Park of Troy: Riddle Pace Field (Site of SBC Tournament this year)









Chiefsfan's Take: This is a very nice ballpark that is a well deserved host to the SBC Tournament. Troy uses a Chain link fence in left field to allow fans to stand out there and watch the action, and Arkansas State copied that in right field a couple seasons ago. The park reminds me of a bit of a hybrid of Florida State's park with its tall right field wall, and short left field wall. Dimensions are a little different, but the park plays very fair overall. Amenities for fans are among the best in the SBC.

Beautiful ballpark, would love to see a game there sometime . . .

Will be there on Friday.

(02-10-2015 02:32 PM)Bobcat87 Wrote:  Beautiful ballpark, would love to see a game there sometime . . .

Thanks! It just got new turf this year too.

I love our wall, and sound system.

Btw it's not a chain link fence... It's rod iron fence. Looks more classy.

Troy will also host the SBC tournament... That should play into our favor.

Been there.Great GREAT ballpark!


Wish TROY had a tougher schedule this year.

(02-10-2015 03:12 PM)TOPSTRAIGHT Wrote:  Been there.Great GREAT ballpark!


Wish TROY had a tougher schedule this year.

It really is, glad you Enjoyed yourself.

Hope more of you guys can come!

BTW I didnt see Chief mention this but this is our Coaches last year as HC after 12 years. He will be retiring at seasons end....Assistant coach Mark Smart will take over as Head Coach next year. ( Smart is a Troy alumni and long time assistant)

(02-10-2015 04:06 PM)Atlanta Trojan Wrote:  BTW I didnt see Chief mention this but this is our Coaches last year as HC after 12 years. He will be retiring at seasons end....Assistant coach Mark Smart will take over as Head Coach next year. ( Smart is a Troy alumni and long time assistant)

Sounds like program continuity is assured . . . . Congrats!

I had forgotten about Pierce retiring. Players are going to want him to end on a high.

I expect some controversy with my 3rd pick.

(02-10-2015 01:58 PM)chiefsfan Wrote:  Home Park of Troy: Riddle Pace Field (Site of SBC Tournament this year)









Chiefsfan's Take: This is a very nice ballpark that is a well deserved host to the SBC Tournament. Troy uses a Chain link fence in left field to allow fans to stand out there and watch the action, and Arkansas State copied that in right field a couple seasons ago. The park reminds me of a bit of a hybrid of Florida State's park with its tall right field wall, and short left field wall. Dimensions are a little different, but the park plays very fair overall. Amenities for fans are among the best in the SBC.

Looks sweet! Haven't been there in ages.