The Dedeaux Download podcast, part of the Peristyle Podcast family of shows, returns with the 2024 college baseball season starting this week. Shotgun Spratling and Jack Smith return to preview what USC baseball is going to look like on the mound in Year 2 under the leadership of pitching coach and Trojans' legend Seth Etherton.

After previewing the season's challenges and the team's hitting the last two weeks, the podcasting duo turn their focus to the sacred circle that is the pitcher’s mound to dive into what the Trojans have on the pitching side. Similar to the offensive side, USC has a lot more options this season as the coaching staff has been able to build the depth of the squad. Shotgun and Jack also supply superlatives for the Trojan pitchers, giving their picks for the team's best pitcher, most impactful newcomer and breakout candidates among others.

That all comes after Shotgun and Jack talk with USC pitching coach Seth Etherton about his group, which includes several experienced returners and simultaneously several exciting newcomers. Etherton discusses who he's most intrigued by and who could be poised for a breakout campaign. He also chats about the impact of having three starters returning and where each of those three -- Caden Aoki, Tyler Stromsborg and Eric Hammond -- have all improved their games.

Among other players that are brought up, Etherton talks about the the impact CSUN transfer Xavier Martinez could have as a swing pitcher capable of filling a variety of roles on the staff and how freshman lefty Mason Edwards has pushed his way into potentially starting in the midweek.

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