The kid was home for Thanksgiving. First time back home since school started. He spent a lot of time visiting his old haunts and catching up with other friends who were also home for the holiday, but we did get to hang out a fair bit. I actually threw him BP one day. Felt like old times!
Unfortunately. sounds like it's going to be very tough for him to get much playing time this year. OF is by far the deepest part of his team and there are many upper class men ahead of him on the depth chart. Even a number of the returning OF guys will be in dogfights for PT, it seems. Still the kid is not discourage, since the coaches seem really to like his skills and see him as part of the future. He's definitely working his tail off and actually seems to be having the time of his life so far.
I feel your son's pain, although its not really pain at all but instead unavoidable experiences of being a freshman. I was recruited thinking I was one of two new OF recruits. On the first day there were 3 others also vying for the same spot, including a JuCo.
The competition is a good thing, but some frustrations do stem from positions already filled with great players. My only advice is to keep in mind that things change quickly and opportunities open up, that is a gurantee. (It is only after a long time where things aren't changing that it may be a sign to look for another home.)
Amazon: Going with the Pitch SE
Author of "Going with the Pitch: Adjusting to Baseball, School and Life as a Division I College Athlete" (Second Edition)