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Sofield and his staff have begun to address those needs, announcing the signing of six baseball recruits who will add depth to the pitching staff and shore up Sofield's concerns about the middle infield.
"There's only two levels -- you're either getting better or you're getting worse," Sofield said. "We've got to try to get better, and sometimes that doesn't work out for guys who are returning, but the fact is if you sign A-Rod, he's playing third base."
Sofield doesn't know yet whether he has an A-Rod in the bunch, but he does have several players who could supplant incumbent starters.
So far, the recruiting class includes a heavy dose of transfers -- shortstop Blake Sanders from Brewton-Parker College, outfielder Kiefer Youmans from Andrew College, and pitcher Cory Burgess and second baseman Larry Perry from USC Sumter -- which should add veteran leadership to a young Sand Sharks roster.
"When you bring in junior college guys, you have to figure they're in the mix somehow right now," Sofield said.
Sofield expects Perry and Sanders to be the front-runners to start in the middle infield in the spring, and he said Burgess has an inside track to become USCB's closer. Add in left-handed pitcher Adam Miller, who regains his eligibility after having to sit out a year because he transferred from another Sun Conference school (Savannah College of Art and Design), and the Sand Sharks have added quite a bit of college experience to the roster.
The Sand Sharks have also signed two high school players so far, and Sofield expects both to compete for playing time right away. Left-handed pitcher Alex Graham comes from Buchholz High School in Newberry, Fla., and outfielder Denzel Campbell is from Centennial High School in College Park, Ga.
Campbell and Youmans join a crowded outfield that includes incumbent starters Spencer Jackson, R.J. Neal and DeShontay Berry, as well as Paul Cheeks, who was the starting left fielder before being lost for the season to an injury. Cheeks, a sophomore, was granted a medical redshirt, so he did not lose a year of eligibility.
Graham and Burgess add depth to the pitching staff, which will help offset the loss of Brock Wooten to graduation and John Franklin to transfer. Sofield said he is close to signing another junior college pitcher and has verbal commitments from two catchers. He hopes to announce more signings later in the summer.
NEW SHARKS IN THE POND
The USC Beaufort baseball team has announced six new recruits who will play for the Sand Sharks next season. Here's a look at the newcomers:
Cory Burgess, RHP, USC Sumter/Riverside H.S.
Rising junior posted a 6.59 ERA in 13 2/3 innings of relief for the Fire Ants. He picked up one save, struck out 17 and walked eight.
Sofield says: He has a big fastball that hits 90 and a solid breaking pitch. Our pitching coach, Mike Wallace, loves him. We look for him to compete for our closer job.
Denzel Campbell, OF, Centennial H.S. (College Park, Ga.)
High school standout went through The Baseball Factory, which is where Sofield found Sand Sharks center fielder R.J. Neal, among others. Sofield said Campbell hit .525 as a senior, has power to all fields and can hit to the gaps.
Sofield says: Denzel reminds me of former major leaguer Reggie Sanders. He is the whole package. I'm not sure which outfield position suits him best, but I've seen him swing the bat, and I'm all in.
Alex Graham, LHP, Buchholz H.S. (Newberry, Fla.)
Lefty comes from the same high school as Sand Sharks pitcher Jorge Olmo. He picked USCB over University of Tampa, Florida Atlantic and Florida Southern.
Sofield says: Graham has a tremendous breaking ball and serious instincts. He will be a major factor early. He could pitch himself into a starting situation, but he will contribute either way.
Larry Perry, INF, USC Sumter/Fairfeild Central H.S.
Rising junior hit .320/.385/.427 for the Fire Ants. Scored 45 runs, hit 10 doubles, 3 home runs and 33 RBI. Stole 26 bases in 28 attempts and boasted a team-high .968 fielding in 58 games.
Sofield says: He was the main spoke in the wheel that led USC Sumter to the National Junior College playoffs. He could be the best second baseman in the Sun Conference. I see him hitting leadoff and playing a major role for us.
Blake Sanders, SS, Brewton-Parker College
Rising senior started 39 games for the Barons, hitting .306/.381/.419 with 11 doubles, a home run and 22 RBI. Stole eight bases in nine attempts and scored 34 runs.
Sofield says: He will bring a presence along with a great work ethic and poise to the Sand Sharks. He is a quality defender who could change the outlook of our infield. He might be the shortstop we've been looking for.
Kiefer Youmans, OF, Andrew College/South Effingham (Ga.) H.S.
Rising junior hit .314/.364/.481 in 50 games (45 starts) at Andrew College. Smacked 17 extra-base hits (12 doubles, 1 triple, 4 home runs) with 36 RBI and stole 24 bases in 27 attempts.
Sofield says: He bring in tremendous athleticism, runs well and has a tremendous arm. I expect him to play a lot for us. He's as good an athlete as we have on our team now.
