The SEC has a long history of being one of the most star-studded conferences in college baseball. In fact, 62 former SEC players made opening day MLB rosters this season. With the 2016 season at an approximate midpoint, it seems like a good point to reflect on the stars that have established themselves this season, so I will be giving out my midseason awards. A lot has changed over these first two months. None of the players I elected to my preseason SEC all-league team will be getting midseason awards, although a few earned honorable mentions.
Best Player: Anfernee Grier, Auburn
Since arriving on campus Grier has used his on-base ability and speed to be the catalyst of Auburn's lineup. This season he has added power to his repertoire to be the most well-rounded player in the conference. Grier hit two total home runs between his first two seasons at Auburn, but midway through his junior campaign he already has eight. Grier is currently hitting .414, good for second in the conference. Grier leads the SEC in total bases and hits, and ranks in the top five in on-base percentage, runs scored, slugging percentage and home runs. He also adds stellar defense in center field.
Honorable Mentions: Nick Senzel, Tennessee; Bryan Reynolds, Vanderbilt
Best Pitcher: Clarke Schmidt, South Carolina
The sophomore right-hander has been so spectacular up to this point that it is hard to make a case for anyone else here. Schmidt still possesses the swing-and-miss stuff that he flashed as a freshman, but the difference has been the monumental step forward he took with his command. Schmidt has been a workhorse for the Gamecocks and he currently paces the SEC in wins, innings pitched and strikeouts.
Honorable Mentions: Dakota Hudson, Mississippi State;Logan Shore, Florida
Best Freshman: Konnor Pilkington, Mississippi State
Early in the season Mississippi State struggled to find an answer at the back end of their weekend rotation, but Pilkington appears to be the answer for the Bulldogs. Through six starts and eight appearances the southpaw's ERA is just 1.69. Mississippi State will look for him to shoulder a larger quantity of innings down the stretch.
Honorable Mentions: Braden Webb, South Carolina; Antoine Duplantis, LSU
Best Coach: John Cohen, Mississippi State
Cohen guided the Bulldogs to the College World Series Finals in 2013, but the way he has handled this year's team may be one of his most impressive jobs yet. The Bulldogs entered the year behind traditional conference powerhouses like Florida, Vanderbilt and Texas A&M, but at this point they are in the thick of the race at the top of the SEC West. The Bulldogs have taken four of the five series they have played in the conference, including premiere wins against No. 1 Florida and No. 4 Vanderbilt.
Honorable Mentions: Chad Holbrook, South Carolina; Kevin O'Sullivan, Florida