early birds

Ole Miss got a very good start on recruiting for its 2013 team, signing three players who ranked in the top 22 on Baseball America’s list of the top 100 high school prospects for the 2012 pro draft. Catcher Stryker Trahan, from Lafayette, La., ranks No. 5; shortstop Gavin Cecchini, from Lake Charles, La., No. 8; and right-hander Ty Hensley, from Edmond, Okla., No. 22. The early signing period for college baseball began Nov. 9 and ended today. Southern Miss has announced the signing of four pitchers, including 6-foot-6 junior college right-hander Sean Buchholz and Trinity Episcopal star Jake Winston. Mississippi State hasn’t released any signees yet, but Itawamba Community College announced that catcher Zack Randolph, from Amory, has inked with the Bulldogs for 2013.
P.S. Somebody with the NAIA really loves baseball. Basketball season has only just began, but already the NAIA has released its preseason baseball poll. Belhaven, defending Southern States Athletic Conference Tournament champion, will open at No. 15. The Blazers went 45-18 last season, and coach Hill Denson reloaded with a strong recruiting class. BU really is a team to watch in 2012.