JUCO transfer settling in under the Green Monster
Auburn has added a strong left-handed bat and a plus-arm in the outfield in junior college transfer Joshua Palacios.
AUBURN | Joshua Palacios started preseason practice working in right field but when he was asked to move over left field last week, the junior college transfer had to get on good terms with a big green wall.
“The Green Monster swallowed me up the first day but I've been out there working with the Green Monster, working with coach and everybody,” Palacios joked. “I feel I'm getting a pretty good grasp of the Green Monster now. I'm talking to it at night. I've befriended it. Hopefully it will be nice to me this season.”
Modeled after Fenway Park, the left field wall at Plainsman Park is 30-feet high and only 315 feet from home plate down the line.
Moving Daniel Robert from first base to right field allowed first-year coach Butch Thompson to put the strong-armed Palacios in left. The Brooklyn, New York native has also been one of Auburn’s top hitters during the preseason.
“I just think he's a great left-handed bat,” Thompson said. “We think he's gotten better every day. He's got a plus arm in the outfield and we're hoping having a plus arm in left field can cut down the double or the threat of the double. The more times from a defensive standpoint you can keep the double-play in order, that makes you a better ball club. Also, with the field being shorter because of the high wall, you might have more opportunities to make plays at the plate.
“In saying that we've got Daniel Robert, who pitched a little bit, as a great arm from right field as well. We're not scared to put a good arm in left field because we think it plays to the 35 games at Plainsman Park, especially as many games as your playing at home early in the season.”
Palacios batted .364 with 12 doubles, nine triples, 36 RBI, 61 runs scored and 29 stolen bases as a sophomore at San Jacinto College in Pasadena, Texas last season.
He’s ready to test himself against SEC pitchers this year.
“I feel like I'm very prepared for this level of pitching and this level of baseball,” Palacios said. “I've been moving around a lot. Last year, I kind of got used to the South so it was a little bit of a change for me because I'm from New York City but I like it. I like it down here. I feel very comfortable and welcome down here so I'm ready to get it going.”
Auburn opens the season Friday with the first of a three-game series against Sacramento State. Palacios said his goal is to help Auburn to the College World Series.
“I'm really enjoying the way our team is looking right now,” Palacios said. “I really think we have a good shot to go somewhere this year so I'm really excited to get going.”
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Camp transitioning from closer to starter
JUCO pitcher bringing the heat