SEC Friday--Brandon Woodruff, Jr.
Need I say more. Chomping at the bit to show people what he can do. Had a great fall.
SEC Saturday--Ben Bracewell, Sr./C.T. Bradford, Sr.
SEC Sunday--Trevor Fitts, Jr./Dakota Hudson, Fr.
This is where it becomes hazy. I think Bracewell and Fitts should start based on experience. Bradford had flashes during the fall. He just needs more reps. Hudson is future Friday starter, again, he needs to gain experience.
Tuesday Starter--Austin Sexton, Fr./Preston Brown, So.RS
Yes, these guys are good enough to pitch on the weekend but we need wins during the mid-week too. As soon as the mid-week games are over, they will pitch on the weekend. Plus, Sexton needs starting experience. He will be a rotation guy in the future.
Long--Jacob Lindgren, Jr./Ross Mitchell, Jr.RS
Yes, these guys can start but Lindgren seems to be coming out of bullpen in 2014. Mitchell is a natural long reliever.
Short--Will Cox, Jr./Myles Gentry, So.
The side arm duo. Enter into the game when we need an out or a double play.
Closer--Jonathan Holder, Jr.
Another great Captain and leader. Is training the youngs guys in gettin outs.
Lots of arms left, so we shall see what happens in the spring and what their roles will be. Remember this, Holder did very little pitching-wise his Fr fall, then in April he came on like gang-busters, so you never know who will step up in the spring. Anyway, I love surprises!
Monday, November 18, 2013
2014 Lineup-The way I see it
1B--Wes Rea, Jr.RS
Team Captain and inspirational leader. The Hoss. Brent Rooker/Dylan Ingram both true Fr will come in late in games to get experience for 2015. Rea might be drafted in 2014.
2B--Brett Pirtle, Sr.
Playmaker and 3-hole switch hitter. Will play in every game, I think mostly at 2B, some at SS. Kyle Hann, So, didn's have a great fall offensively but that doesn't matter. He is good and it will show in 2014.
SS--Matthew Britton, Jr.
Everyone hoped he would turn the corner and it looks like he did. Great defender and now a reliable hitter. JC Tr Seth Heck is a really good find. Great glove and gets on base all the time.
3B--Alex Detz, Sr./Reid Humphreys, Fr.
Third base is a shared position in my opinion. Both defend well and both can hit. Humphreys led all hitters in the fall with a .415 BA. One will DH and one will play 3B.
C--Cody Walker, Jr./Daniel Garner, Fr.RS
Again, a position that won't really have a starter. I can see one playing 4 innings and the other 5 innings in each game. Garner might be a DH too in some games. A good problem to have. Gavin Collins, Fr, a highly touted recruit, could still come on strong during the season.
LF--Jacob Robson, So./Jake Vickerson, Jr.
Both these guys bat left and are pretty good leadoff men. Both are very fast. Robson can slip over to CF when Bradford pitches.
CF--C.T. Bradford, Sr.
A great leader and player. His year to pitch more. He just needs to stay healthy.
RF--Demarcus Henderson, Sr.
Had a great fall, hitting wise. A very athletic player. Derrick Armstrong, Sr, will back him up. He is another with pro potential. True Fr Joey Swinarski got banged up at the end of fall. He will play somewhere in the spring.
The batting lineup can be confusing with all the posibilities. Detz, Pirtle, Rea, Bradford, Humphreys will be in the batting lineup every game. OF, C, MIF all have mulitple players that can hit.
Team Captain and inspirational leader. The Hoss. Brent Rooker/Dylan Ingram both true Fr will come in late in games to get experience for 2015. Rea might be drafted in 2014.
2B--Brett Pirtle, Sr.
Playmaker and 3-hole switch hitter. Will play in every game, I think mostly at 2B, some at SS. Kyle Hann, So, didn's have a great fall offensively but that doesn't matter. He is good and it will show in 2014.
SS--Matthew Britton, Jr.
Everyone hoped he would turn the corner and it looks like he did. Great defender and now a reliable hitter. JC Tr Seth Heck is a really good find. Great glove and gets on base all the time.
3B--Alex Detz, Sr./Reid Humphreys, Fr.
Third base is a shared position in my opinion. Both defend well and both can hit. Humphreys led all hitters in the fall with a .415 BA. One will DH and one will play 3B.
C--Cody Walker, Jr./Daniel Garner, Fr.RS
Again, a position that won't really have a starter. I can see one playing 4 innings and the other 5 innings in each game. Garner might be a DH too in some games. A good problem to have. Gavin Collins, Fr, a highly touted recruit, could still come on strong during the season.
LF--Jacob Robson, So./Jake Vickerson, Jr.
Both these guys bat left and are pretty good leadoff men. Both are very fast. Robson can slip over to CF when Bradford pitches.
CF--C.T. Bradford, Sr.
A great leader and player. His year to pitch more. He just needs to stay healthy.
RF--Demarcus Henderson, Sr.
Had a great fall, hitting wise. A very athletic player. Derrick Armstrong, Sr, will back him up. He is another with pro potential. True Fr Joey Swinarski got banged up at the end of fall. He will play somewhere in the spring.
The batting lineup can be confusing with all the posibilities. Detz, Pirtle, Rea, Bradford, Humphreys will be in the batting lineup every game. OF, C, MIF all have mulitple players that can hit.
Thursday, November 14, 2013
Signing Day-Recap
We lose 6 seniors off the 2014 club plus any juniors or eligible sophomores that are drafted and sign. I have 9 commitments that signed as of yesterday. I expect more signees over the summer.
We are graduating 1 RHP, 1 LHP (part time-Bradford), 1 MIF, 1 3B, 2 OF (Bradford was already counted).
We signed yesterday 2 MIF, 1 C, 2 RHP, 1 RHP/1B, 2 LHP, 1 LHP/OF. And all of these guys were HS players. We usually sign JC guys in the summer after evaluating them in the spring.
The juniors that have a good chance to be drafted are: RHP's Trevor Fitts, Brandon Woodruff, Jonathan Holder, LHP's Ross Mitchell, Jacob Lindgren, 1B Wes Rea, MIF Matthew Britton. I expect at least three of these guys to be drafted and sign.
Signees
C/DH/1B--Chase Vallot, Louisiana, 6-0 205 is the highest rated player signed so far. He is a projected 2-4 rounder next June. His hitting is why he is so good. If he makes it to campus he will DH a lot his first year.
RHP--Jesse McCord, Alabama, 6-2 190 is another highly rated player. His older brother plays at Auburn. A highly thought of pitcher. Will pitch a lot his first year. Again, could be drafted high.
MIF--Dale Burdick, Tennesse, 6-0 175 is a great player. SS of the future. Could be another high draft pick.
MIF--Ryan Gridley, Georgia, 5-9 175 is a Dustin Pedrioa clone in my opinion. He even had a pic made w Dustin. Scrappy and a good hitter. Prob the 2B of the future.
LHP--Andrew Mahoney, Alabama, 5-11 180 has had Tommy John surgery and won't play his Sr year but is a very good lefty.
RHP--Aaron Dominquez, California, 6-0 190 throws hard and is a great competitor. We will be getting more from California. It is a good state to recruit.
RHP/1B--Cole Gordon, Florida, 6-6 230 is a dual player. Can knock the cover off the ball from the left side. Young pitcher but has potential.
LHP--Paxton Stover, Tennessee, 5-11 180 anytime you can get a quality LHP then get him. Came to a camp and impressed the coaches.
OF/LHP--Taylor Stafford, Mississippi, 5-10 170 is a lot like CT Bradford. Will pitch and play OF.
The class so far, has a couple of potentially high draft picks, with some guys that are good, quality players that will contribute their first year. I do expect to sign more in the spring and summer. Some roster players will do very well and will get drafted and sign. Which is great. I want Brandon Woodruff to pitch great, get drafted in 1st round and sign a pro contract. We want kids to come here for 3 years and then go pro. It is better then having them not come here at all.
Looking ahead to class of 2015, we have all the best Mississippi players committed already! From what I can tell, we have lots of great players visiting for this class. I expect this one to be top 5 rated.
We are graduating 1 RHP, 1 LHP (part time-Bradford), 1 MIF, 1 3B, 2 OF (Bradford was already counted).
We signed yesterday 2 MIF, 1 C, 2 RHP, 1 RHP/1B, 2 LHP, 1 LHP/OF. And all of these guys were HS players. We usually sign JC guys in the summer after evaluating them in the spring.
The juniors that have a good chance to be drafted are: RHP's Trevor Fitts, Brandon Woodruff, Jonathan Holder, LHP's Ross Mitchell, Jacob Lindgren, 1B Wes Rea, MIF Matthew Britton. I expect at least three of these guys to be drafted and sign.
Signees
C/DH/1B--Chase Vallot, Louisiana, 6-0 205 is the highest rated player signed so far. He is a projected 2-4 rounder next June. His hitting is why he is so good. If he makes it to campus he will DH a lot his first year.
RHP--Jesse McCord, Alabama, 6-2 190 is another highly rated player. His older brother plays at Auburn. A highly thought of pitcher. Will pitch a lot his first year. Again, could be drafted high.
MIF--Dale Burdick, Tennesse, 6-0 175 is a great player. SS of the future. Could be another high draft pick.
MIF--Ryan Gridley, Georgia, 5-9 175 is a Dustin Pedrioa clone in my opinion. He even had a pic made w Dustin. Scrappy and a good hitter. Prob the 2B of the future.
LHP--Andrew Mahoney, Alabama, 5-11 180 has had Tommy John surgery and won't play his Sr year but is a very good lefty.
RHP--Aaron Dominquez, California, 6-0 190 throws hard and is a great competitor. We will be getting more from California. It is a good state to recruit.
RHP/1B--Cole Gordon, Florida, 6-6 230 is a dual player. Can knock the cover off the ball from the left side. Young pitcher but has potential.
LHP--Paxton Stover, Tennessee, 5-11 180 anytime you can get a quality LHP then get him. Came to a camp and impressed the coaches.
OF/LHP--Taylor Stafford, Mississippi, 5-10 170 is a lot like CT Bradford. Will pitch and play OF.
The class so far, has a couple of potentially high draft picks, with some guys that are good, quality players that will contribute their first year. I do expect to sign more in the spring and summer. Some roster players will do very well and will get drafted and sign. Which is great. I want Brandon Woodruff to pitch great, get drafted in 1st round and sign a pro contract. We want kids to come here for 3 years and then go pro. It is better then having them not come here at all.
Looking ahead to class of 2015, we have all the best Mississippi players committed already! From what I can tell, we have lots of great players visiting for this class. I expect this one to be top 5 rated.
Thursday, October 24, 2013
Outfielders-Fall Ball
Left Field--Jake Vickerson, Jr-Tr | Jacob Robson, So | Cody Brown, FrRS
Vickerson is really good at getting on base via walk, etc. Robson has been ill but will start playing very soon. Brown had a great catch the other day.
Center Field--C.T. Bradford, Sr | Derrick Armstrong, Sr
Bradford has been really good this fall, will pitch more in 2014. Armstrong has been tremendous, lots more PT for him in 2014.
Right Field--Demarcus Henderson, Sr | Joey Swinarski, Fr
Henderson has been killing it this fall. Swinarski has a great bat but is still adjusting to college. Remember, he should be a HS senior right now.
I really love the depth and athletisism of this group. Of course, they can play each position. As far as starting, I would think Bradford and Henderson will get the most in 2014. Armstrong and Robson are the main backups-although they will get their fair share of starts.
Vickerson is really good at getting on base via walk, etc. Robson has been ill but will start playing very soon. Brown had a great catch the other day.
Center Field--C.T. Bradford, Sr | Derrick Armstrong, Sr
Bradford has been really good this fall, will pitch more in 2014. Armstrong has been tremendous, lots more PT for him in 2014.
Right Field--Demarcus Henderson, Sr | Joey Swinarski, Fr
Henderson has been killing it this fall. Swinarski has a great bat but is still adjusting to college. Remember, he should be a HS senior right now.
I really love the depth and athletisism of this group. Of course, they can play each position. As far as starting, I would think Bradford and Henderson will get the most in 2014. Armstrong and Robson are the main backups-although they will get their fair share of starts.
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Catchers-Fall Ball
Zach Randolph Jr.RS | Cody Walker Jr-Tr | Daniel Garner Fr.RS | Gavin Collins Fr.
Hitting-wise so far this fall, Walker sure has stood out. Garner started out fast but his stats have dropped. Collins, a highly recruited player, has been bothered by injury. Hopefully, he is back this weekend.
But the most important aspect of this position is defense. A catcher must block balls in the dirt and he has to have a really good arm. Right now, Walker is the leader but of course that can change anytime. Really an even battle, probably up until February 14th.
Hitting-wise so far this fall, Walker sure has stood out. Garner started out fast but his stats have dropped. Collins, a highly recruited player, has been bothered by injury. Hopefully, he is back this weekend.
But the most important aspect of this position is defense. A catcher must block balls in the dirt and he has to have a really good arm. Right now, Walker is the leader but of course that can change anytime. Really an even battle, probably up until February 14th.
2013 Recruiting Class-Fall Ball Edition
Well, Baseball America has released their annual rankings of college recruiting classes and we are 9th overall. Collegiate Baseball Magazine earlier has us ranked 2nd in their publication. I don't mind the differing opinions, as long as we are top 10 in the nation.
After several scrimmages these are my main newcomers that I want to talk about.
1) RHP Dakota Hudson, Fr.
His stat line is: 6+ IP, 2 H, 0 ERA. Our hitters have a hard time getting a good lick on him. His mid-90's fastball is overwhelming at times. He is in line for SEC rotation duty or at the very least lots of innings logged on the weekends.
2) 3B/DH Reid Humphreys, Fr.
He is batting over .400 w over .400 for his on base percentage in 16 AB's. He has made lots of smooth plays at the hot corner. He will get lots of PT in 2014.
3) MIF Seth Heck, Jr.
From what I read, he is always on base. Batting over .600 w a .600 or better on base percentage in 13 AB's. And he is not too shabby in the field either. I expect him to play a lot too in 2014.
4) C Cody Walker, Jr.
Excellent batting stats, .400 BA, OB% .600 plus. But his position, defense rules over offense. He will definately play a lot. Since this position needs two guys to rotate, a must.
5) LF Jake Vickerson, Jr.
He brings a LH bat and he gets on base a bunch. He only adds depth to a deep OF corps.
6) RHP Austin Sexton, Fr.
My candidate as of mid-October to be the Tuesday night starter. He had one bad inning that skewed his stats. Should be better as fall progresses.
7) RF Joey Swinarski, Fr.
Just yesterday, he started to really pound the ball. Started out really struggling, which is fine for a senior in HS when facing college pitching. But he will get used to it and then watch out. He is IMO, primed for AB's late in games when we need a hit.
The rest of the new guys I will break down after fall. Some are trying to get adjusted to college ball. C Gavin Collins has been hurt but I expect him to really come on late fall and have a really good spring. He is a really good player.
After several scrimmages these are my main newcomers that I want to talk about.
1) RHP Dakota Hudson, Fr.
His stat line is: 6+ IP, 2 H, 0 ERA. Our hitters have a hard time getting a good lick on him. His mid-90's fastball is overwhelming at times. He is in line for SEC rotation duty or at the very least lots of innings logged on the weekends.
2) 3B/DH Reid Humphreys, Fr.
He is batting over .400 w over .400 for his on base percentage in 16 AB's. He has made lots of smooth plays at the hot corner. He will get lots of PT in 2014.
3) MIF Seth Heck, Jr.
From what I read, he is always on base. Batting over .600 w a .600 or better on base percentage in 13 AB's. And he is not too shabby in the field either. I expect him to play a lot too in 2014.
4) C Cody Walker, Jr.
Excellent batting stats, .400 BA, OB% .600 plus. But his position, defense rules over offense. He will definately play a lot. Since this position needs two guys to rotate, a must.
5) LF Jake Vickerson, Jr.
He brings a LH bat and he gets on base a bunch. He only adds depth to a deep OF corps.
6) RHP Austin Sexton, Fr.
My candidate as of mid-October to be the Tuesday night starter. He had one bad inning that skewed his stats. Should be better as fall progresses.
7) RF Joey Swinarski, Fr.
Just yesterday, he started to really pound the ball. Started out really struggling, which is fine for a senior in HS when facing college pitching. But he will get used to it and then watch out. He is IMO, primed for AB's late in games when we need a hit.
The rest of the new guys I will break down after fall. Some are trying to get adjusted to college ball. C Gavin Collins has been hurt but I expect him to really come on late fall and have a really good spring. He is a really good player.
Monday, October 21, 2013
Infielders--Fall Ball
1B--Wes Rea, Jr.RS
Rea is the starter and our legitimate HR hitter. He is also an outstanding leader. He is like Babe Ruth this fall-he gets walked alot. I think Dylan Ingram or Brent Rooker will sub for Rea late in non-conf games to get them ready for 2015. Rea should be drafted in 2014. This is his 4th year.
MIF--Brett Pirtle, Sr | Matthew Britton, Jr | Kyle Hann, So | Seth Heck, Jr-Tr
Pirtle will be a starter most likely back at 2B. The SS position is still being fought for. Britton has shown great desire to get the job. Heck has shown he is a very solid player, defensively and at the plate. Hann is just solid at all phases. I love the depth here.
3B--Alex Detz, Sr | Reid Humphreys, Fr
Detz will be an every day player either at 3B or at DH. His bat is too good. Humphreys has shown he can play 3B and of course his bat continues to impress. I could see Detz at 3B and Humphreys at DH in a lot of games.
Rea will be the 3rd or 4th hitter in the lineup. Pirtle will be 3rd or 4th and maybe lead off sometimes. Detz should stay in his 2nd spot in the batting lineup. Humphreys will probably be 6-8 hole hitter his first year. Heck is also a lead off candidate when he plays.
Rea is the starter and our legitimate HR hitter. He is also an outstanding leader. He is like Babe Ruth this fall-he gets walked alot. I think Dylan Ingram or Brent Rooker will sub for Rea late in non-conf games to get them ready for 2015. Rea should be drafted in 2014. This is his 4th year.
MIF--Brett Pirtle, Sr | Matthew Britton, Jr | Kyle Hann, So | Seth Heck, Jr-Tr
Pirtle will be a starter most likely back at 2B. The SS position is still being fought for. Britton has shown great desire to get the job. Heck has shown he is a very solid player, defensively and at the plate. Hann is just solid at all phases. I love the depth here.
3B--Alex Detz, Sr | Reid Humphreys, Fr
Detz will be an every day player either at 3B or at DH. His bat is too good. Humphreys has shown he can play 3B and of course his bat continues to impress. I could see Detz at 3B and Humphreys at DH in a lot of games.
Rea will be the 3rd or 4th hitter in the lineup. Pirtle will be 3rd or 4th and maybe lead off sometimes. Detz should stay in his 2nd spot in the batting lineup. Humphreys will probably be 6-8 hole hitter his first year. Heck is also a lead off candidate when he plays.
Friday, September 20, 2013
2013 Recruiting Class
The class has been ranked #2 by Collegiate Baseball Magazine. This just doesn't surprise me. The coaches have been hard at work hitting the pavement. Recruits can see the direction the program is going even before the 2013 post season run. Most of this class signed in November of 2012 way before the June post season run. Coaches did a great job.
As John Cohen stated on his video interview on HailState.com, recruiting starts early, sometimes in the 7th or 8th grade but mostly in the 9th and 10th grade. This is why I have to keep a list of future commits. When the team starts practicing, especially when a football game is played on Saturday, lots of recruits will be in town to see the facilities and the school.
I expect the next two signing classes to be at least top 10 ranked by both the magazines, Collegiate Baseball and Baseball America. We are a team on the rise and the picking is there.
I will go to a practice or two and give a report, especially the new players. And of course, I expect several new commits before the November signing period starts. Baseball is different. It is on a 3 year cycle. Players like Hunter Renfroe (we have several now and will in the future) will stay in college for only 3 years, then go play pro ball. Recruiting is so important to keep that supply of players.
As John Cohen stated on his video interview on HailState.com, recruiting starts early, sometimes in the 7th or 8th grade but mostly in the 9th and 10th grade. This is why I have to keep a list of future commits. When the team starts practicing, especially when a football game is played on Saturday, lots of recruits will be in town to see the facilities and the school.
I expect the next two signing classes to be at least top 10 ranked by both the magazines, Collegiate Baseball and Baseball America. We are a team on the rise and the picking is there.
I will go to a practice or two and give a report, especially the new players. And of course, I expect several new commits before the November signing period starts. Baseball is different. It is on a 3 year cycle. Players like Hunter Renfroe (we have several now and will in the future) will stay in college for only 3 years, then go play pro ball. Recruiting is so important to keep that supply of players.
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Players' summer stats analysis
LF/RF Derrick Armstrong, Senior--Games 23, AB 60, Avg .283; he needed some more AB's and he got them. He was a JC transfer in 2013 and needed experience in D1. He will be better in 2014. Push for starting corner OF.
MIF Matthew Britton, Junior--Games 24, AB 94, Avg .223; he did get more AB's, more experience but hard to tell from average. You never know until you see him play, he could be hitting rockets right at people and they are catching them. Make or break fall IMO.
LF/RF Cody Brown, Freshman-RS--Games 39, AB 123 Avg .244; just what he needed, to play alot after redshirting. Cohen really likes him as a hitter. See what he can do in the fall now.
C/DH Daniel Garner, Freshman-RS--Games 34, AB 116, RBI 34, Avg .310; RBI matches games played, not bad. Excellent hitter. I have him as the starting DH before fall begins. After redshirting, he got lots of reps in the summer.
IF Kyle Hann, Sophomore--Games 27, AB 93, Avg .323; a star in the making really. He is a very good defender and hitter. I have him starting 2B. He got the reps he needed. I see him playing 2B and 3B throughout 2014 every game.
MIF Brett Pirtle, Senior--Games 26, AB 99, Avg .242; played in the Cape against great competition. A starter either at SS or 2B and 3 hole hitter.
C Zach Randolph, Junior-RS--Games 4, AB 11, Avg .364; played locally in Mississippi. Don't know what happened, maybe he got hurt. Contend w three others for both catchers spots.
LF Jacob Robson, Sophomore--Games 26, AB 88, Avg .330; same as Hann, needed more reps, a star in the making (with the vine videos too). I have him leading off and starting LF before fall.
C Cody Walker, Junior (JC Transfer)--Games 39, AB 120, Avg .275; Played in the same league as Hunter Renfroe did last summer. Did rather well. I think with his experience and bat he is the starting C coming into fall.
RHP Anthony Anello, Freshman-RS--ERA 8.67, IP 8.2, H 12, SO 11, BB 8; I think he is still learning side arm delivery but got experience in the summer which really matters.
RHP Preston Brown, Sophomore-RS--ERA 2.03, IP 31, H 30, SO 27, BB 5; really did well this summer, made a jump. Will contribute out of BP. Look forward to him in the fall contiuing his progress.
RHP Will Cox, Junior--ERA 6.75, IP 12, H 11, SO 14, BB 4; pitched in Cape. Got lots of quality experience. He is a starter or reliever? Will find out this fall. Quality arm.
RHP Trevor Fitts, Junior--ERA 3.92, IP 20.2, H 19, SO 25, BB 9; really had a great summer. Came on strong end of 2013. I expect him to have a great 2014 in whatever role he is in. I think Tuesday starter and spot weekend starter.
RHP Myles Gentry, Sophomore--ERA 2.16, IP 8.1, H 3, SO 7, BB 5; gave up only 3 hits and saved 2 games. Side armer. Will continue to get better out of BP. Take over for Holder when he leaves??
RHP Jonathan Holder, Junior--ERA 5.58, IP 9.2, H 14, SO 12, BB 3; played in the Cape. Got experience versus good hitters. Really not worried about his stats bc I know what he can do. I wouldn't doubt he won't pitch in fall and just rest his arm. He is proven.
LHP Jacob Lindgren, Junior--ERA 2.57, IP 14, H 14, SO 18, BB 1; played in the Cape. Really did well, especially last couple of games. Should be a weekend starter.
RHP John Marc Shelly, Sophomore--ERA 3.18, IP 22.2, H 17, SO 17, BB 7; really good stats. I look for him to contribute greatly out of pen. Just needs experience.
MIF Matthew Britton, Junior--Games 24, AB 94, Avg .223; he did get more AB's, more experience but hard to tell from average. You never know until you see him play, he could be hitting rockets right at people and they are catching them. Make or break fall IMO.
LF/RF Cody Brown, Freshman-RS--Games 39, AB 123 Avg .244; just what he needed, to play alot after redshirting. Cohen really likes him as a hitter. See what he can do in the fall now.
C/DH Daniel Garner, Freshman-RS--Games 34, AB 116, RBI 34, Avg .310; RBI matches games played, not bad. Excellent hitter. I have him as the starting DH before fall begins. After redshirting, he got lots of reps in the summer.
IF Kyle Hann, Sophomore--Games 27, AB 93, Avg .323; a star in the making really. He is a very good defender and hitter. I have him starting 2B. He got the reps he needed. I see him playing 2B and 3B throughout 2014 every game.
MIF Brett Pirtle, Senior--Games 26, AB 99, Avg .242; played in the Cape against great competition. A starter either at SS or 2B and 3 hole hitter.
C Zach Randolph, Junior-RS--Games 4, AB 11, Avg .364; played locally in Mississippi. Don't know what happened, maybe he got hurt. Contend w three others for both catchers spots.
LF Jacob Robson, Sophomore--Games 26, AB 88, Avg .330; same as Hann, needed more reps, a star in the making (with the vine videos too). I have him leading off and starting LF before fall.
C Cody Walker, Junior (JC Transfer)--Games 39, AB 120, Avg .275; Played in the same league as Hunter Renfroe did last summer. Did rather well. I think with his experience and bat he is the starting C coming into fall.
RHP Anthony Anello, Freshman-RS--ERA 8.67, IP 8.2, H 12, SO 11, BB 8; I think he is still learning side arm delivery but got experience in the summer which really matters.
RHP Preston Brown, Sophomore-RS--ERA 2.03, IP 31, H 30, SO 27, BB 5; really did well this summer, made a jump. Will contribute out of BP. Look forward to him in the fall contiuing his progress.
RHP Will Cox, Junior--ERA 6.75, IP 12, H 11, SO 14, BB 4; pitched in Cape. Got lots of quality experience. He is a starter or reliever? Will find out this fall. Quality arm.
RHP Trevor Fitts, Junior--ERA 3.92, IP 20.2, H 19, SO 25, BB 9; really had a great summer. Came on strong end of 2013. I expect him to have a great 2014 in whatever role he is in. I think Tuesday starter and spot weekend starter.
RHP Myles Gentry, Sophomore--ERA 2.16, IP 8.1, H 3, SO 7, BB 5; gave up only 3 hits and saved 2 games. Side armer. Will continue to get better out of BP. Take over for Holder when he leaves??
RHP Jonathan Holder, Junior--ERA 5.58, IP 9.2, H 14, SO 12, BB 3; played in the Cape. Got experience versus good hitters. Really not worried about his stats bc I know what he can do. I wouldn't doubt he won't pitch in fall and just rest his arm. He is proven.
LHP Jacob Lindgren, Junior--ERA 2.57, IP 14, H 14, SO 18, BB 1; played in the Cape. Really did well, especially last couple of games. Should be a weekend starter.
RHP John Marc Shelly, Sophomore--ERA 3.18, IP 22.2, H 17, SO 17, BB 7; really good stats. I look for him to contribute greatly out of pen. Just needs experience.
Pre-Fall Newcomer Analysis
New players are supposed to plug holes left by graduation/pro, so here are a listing of who I think are real important before fall practice.
1) Cody Walker, Junior, JC Transfer, Catcher--Can he come in and start? We need a catcher who can throw runners out and stop balls in the dirt.
2) Gavin Collins, Freshman, C/DH--Depth at catcher is a must. Gavin can really hit too. We lost two catchers and a DH that started a lot the last two years.
3) Paul Young, Junior, JC Transfer, RHP--Can he come in and be a starter for us on the weekend? What a diamond in the rough. Young just started to pitch this year. Huge pick up. To be able to sign a JC player in the summer who has the potential that he has is amazing.
4) Lucas Laster, Junior, JC Transfer, LHP--Can he replace Chad Girodo? Can he give us long relief from the left side? Got to have a lefty out of pen, need more too.
5) Reid Humphreys, Freshman, SS/3B/DH--A huge talent. We definately need a 3B to either start or add depth. An excellent hitter.
We have at least 8 true freshmen pitchers coming in. Many of them will help out of the bullpen. Dakota Hudson has the best shot entering the fall at seeing duty as a starter.
I would love to be surprised and have a freshman pitcher come from nowhere and really impress. I am just listing the guys who IMO will contribute the most based on the need of the position.
1) Cody Walker, Junior, JC Transfer, Catcher--Can he come in and start? We need a catcher who can throw runners out and stop balls in the dirt.
2) Gavin Collins, Freshman, C/DH--Depth at catcher is a must. Gavin can really hit too. We lost two catchers and a DH that started a lot the last two years.
3) Paul Young, Junior, JC Transfer, RHP--Can he come in and be a starter for us on the weekend? What a diamond in the rough. Young just started to pitch this year. Huge pick up. To be able to sign a JC player in the summer who has the potential that he has is amazing.
4) Lucas Laster, Junior, JC Transfer, LHP--Can he replace Chad Girodo? Can he give us long relief from the left side? Got to have a lefty out of pen, need more too.
5) Reid Humphreys, Freshman, SS/3B/DH--A huge talent. We definately need a 3B to either start or add depth. An excellent hitter.
We have at least 8 true freshmen pitchers coming in. Many of them will help out of the bullpen. Dakota Hudson has the best shot entering the fall at seeing duty as a starter.
I would love to be surprised and have a freshman pitcher come from nowhere and really impress. I am just listing the guys who IMO will contribute the most based on the need of the position.
Pre-Fall Analysis Outfield
C.T. Bradford, Senior: is a leader and captain. Had a really good year in 2013. The key for him is to stay healthy. A starter in CF. Demarcus Henderson, Senior: really was a spark plug in several games in postseason. A starter in LF most of the year. Derrick Armstrong, Senior: a JC transfer in 2013, he showed flashes of his ability, speed, consistant hitter. He will challenge for a corner OF spot.
After these 3 experienced guys, we have only 1 left. Jacob Robson, Sophomore: played a lot in 2013. Speedy OF with a nice swing. Will play a lot more or start in corner OF. I want to see how much he got better over the summer.
Cody Brown, Freshman-RS: is the only other squad member coming back for 2014. Has a really good bat. Had lots of AB's in summer ball. Another one to keep an eye on to see how much he improved.
Jake Vickerson, Junior: a JC transfer and brother of Nick. A speedy OF who has batted leadoff. Will see what he can do in the fall.
After these 3 experienced guys, we have only 1 left. Jacob Robson, Sophomore: played a lot in 2013. Speedy OF with a nice swing. Will play a lot more or start in corner OF. I want to see how much he got better over the summer.
Cody Brown, Freshman-RS: is the only other squad member coming back for 2014. Has a really good bat. Had lots of AB's in summer ball. Another one to keep an eye on to see how much he improved.
Jake Vickerson, Junior: a JC transfer and brother of Nick. A speedy OF who has batted leadoff. Will see what he can do in the fall.
Joey Swinarski, Freshman: a 2014 signee, that decided to graduate early and enroll. Huge upside. He can really hit. Needs experience, of course, but will play and backup initially. A true OF.
Other players such as Brent Rooker, Gavin Collins, might play here as well in the fall to see what they can do.
Other players such as Brent Rooker, Gavin Collins, might play here as well in the fall to see what they can do.
Monday, August 5, 2013
Pre-Fall Analysis Infield
Catcher
Defense and pitching start here, the catcher. We have no one returning that has experience in the SEC. The candidates are: Zach Randolph, Junior-RS: redshirted bc we had two seniors in 2013. This is his make or break fall. Cody Walker, Junior: a JC transfer who hit very well in Hunter Renfroe's old stomping ground, the Cal Ripken league. Daniel Garner, Freshman-RS: John Cohen raved about his hitting ability last year. His defensive skills needed some work. He got some work in during the summer in California and made his league's all star team. Gavin Collins, Freshman: highly touted freshman from California. Started catching again this summer after injuring his foot earlier. Has all the tools.
I expect Walker to pull away with the job in the fall. He is a great defender and a good hitter plus he is experienced in the college game. Garner and Collins will fight it out for 2nd. This position needs 2 players. Garner and Collins could also see extensive duty at DH.
First Base
Wes Rea, Junior-RS: is a three year starter at 1B. A leader and captian. Really started to hit the ball in April and got huge hits down the stretch. We need double digit HR's this year from him.
Two true freshmen are behind him, Brent Rooker and Dylan Ingram. Both are 6-4 plus and bring power bats. They will get lots of time to show there stuff this fall. We already know what Rea can do. I expect one or both to get PT late in ball games next year to get ready for 2015. I expect Rea to get drafted and gone, he is a 4th year junior.
Second Base
Brett Pirtle, Senior: he was the starter for most of 2013 but wouldn't be surprised if he gets moved to short stop. A great defender and hitter who played in the Cape this summer. Alex Detz, Senior: could play here too. Matthew Britton, Junior: a player who needs to come on strong in the fall, this is his time. Kyle Hann, Sophomore: a niftly little player with a big bat. He could play 2B, SS or 3B. He will play a lot.
Short Stop
All four second baseman could play here too. The new guy is Reid Humphreys, Freshman: highly touted player. His half brother plays in MLB. At 6-2 190, he is big and rangy. Could also be a factor at 3B. I expect Humphreys to play a lot.
Third Base
Detz was the starter here down the stretch. Hann will get a long look here as will Humphreys. Lots of shifting could go on in fall to determine the best fit.
Defense and pitching start here, the catcher. We have no one returning that has experience in the SEC. The candidates are: Zach Randolph, Junior-RS: redshirted bc we had two seniors in 2013. This is his make or break fall. Cody Walker, Junior: a JC transfer who hit very well in Hunter Renfroe's old stomping ground, the Cal Ripken league. Daniel Garner, Freshman-RS: John Cohen raved about his hitting ability last year. His defensive skills needed some work. He got some work in during the summer in California and made his league's all star team. Gavin Collins, Freshman: highly touted freshman from California. Started catching again this summer after injuring his foot earlier. Has all the tools.
I expect Walker to pull away with the job in the fall. He is a great defender and a good hitter plus he is experienced in the college game. Garner and Collins will fight it out for 2nd. This position needs 2 players. Garner and Collins could also see extensive duty at DH.
First Base
Wes Rea, Junior-RS: is a three year starter at 1B. A leader and captian. Really started to hit the ball in April and got huge hits down the stretch. We need double digit HR's this year from him.
Two true freshmen are behind him, Brent Rooker and Dylan Ingram. Both are 6-4 plus and bring power bats. They will get lots of time to show there stuff this fall. We already know what Rea can do. I expect one or both to get PT late in ball games next year to get ready for 2015. I expect Rea to get drafted and gone, he is a 4th year junior.
Second Base
Brett Pirtle, Senior: he was the starter for most of 2013 but wouldn't be surprised if he gets moved to short stop. A great defender and hitter who played in the Cape this summer. Alex Detz, Senior: could play here too. Matthew Britton, Junior: a player who needs to come on strong in the fall, this is his time. Kyle Hann, Sophomore: a niftly little player with a big bat. He could play 2B, SS or 3B. He will play a lot.
Short Stop
All four second baseman could play here too. The new guy is Reid Humphreys, Freshman: highly touted player. His half brother plays in MLB. At 6-2 190, he is big and rangy. Could also be a factor at 3B. I expect Humphreys to play a lot.
Third Base
Detz was the starter here down the stretch. Hann will get a long look here as will Humphreys. Lots of shifting could go on in fall to determine the best fit.
Pre-Fall Analysis Pitchers
Weekend Rotation
RHP Brandon Woodruff, Junior: He tweeted the other day that he is throwing again and he said the arm felt great. He had an operation in April to clean his elbow up. This is his year. A 5th rounder out of HS, now in is "final" year. He is projected to be drafted high and I hope he is, I hope he has a great year and goes in the 1st round. That means as a team, we did well too. I expect him to go slow in the fall but eventually in November ramp it up and let it fly. He is a Friday or Saturday starter.
RHP Paul Young, Sophomore: Young is a JC transfer that started to pitch in March for really the first time in his life and did pretty good. He pitched 3 complete games down the stretch. The last one was for the JC Natl Championship. This kid has the make-up to be really good. For the first time in his life, he will only concentrate on pitching and we have one of the best pitching coaches in the nation. I think that combo will make him really, really good. I can't wait to see him in the fall. I expect him to be a weekend starter.
RHP's Ben Bracewell, Senior; Trevor Fitts, Junior; Dakota Hudson, Freshman; LHP Jacob Lindgren, Junior, make up the pre-fall list for the 3rd spot in the weekend rotation. Bracewell has the experience but can he pitch 6+ innings every weekend? Fitts came on the end of 2013 but really didn't pitch deep into ballgames. Hudson is tall and rangy, was drafted out of HS. He throws hard, can he grow into a starter? Lindgren had his moments in 2013 but injuries kept him from gaining momentum.
Relievers
RHP Jonathan Holder, Junior: lets start in the 9th and go backwards. Preseason All-American who has nerves of steel and a great ability to escape trouble.
LHP Ross Mitchell, Junior-RS: Mr. Stabilizer. He might wear weird hats and get thrown out of the dugout but he is clutch.
RHP Myles Gentry, Sophomore: he had a coming out party in the SECT. He should get a lot more time to pitch now.
RHP Will Cox, Junior: what will his role be? His stats in the Cape are solid. His breakout year?
RHP Preston Brown, Sophomore-RS and John Marc Shelly, Sophomore: got some innings in before SEC play but not much after. Hopefully after a summer of pitching they will come in and shape the bullpen.
RHP's Ben Hudspeth, Junior-JC Tr; Wes Stokes, Junior-RS; Anthony Anello, Freshman-RS; Austin Sexton, Freshman; Avery Geyer, Freshman; Zach Houston, Freshman; Jacob Billingsley, Freshman; Levi Mintz, Freshman.
LHP's Alex Deise, Freshman-RS; Vance Tatum, Freshman; Glenn Irby, Freshman.
Many of the freshman will get lots of looks. Butch Thompson will be plenty busy this fall shaping his pitching staff especially his bullpen. Hudspeth, Stokes, Anello and Deise are JC's or redshirted last fall, so they have experience. The freshmen are very talented (best group in a while) and will contribute.
RHP Brandon Woodruff, Junior: He tweeted the other day that he is throwing again and he said the arm felt great. He had an operation in April to clean his elbow up. This is his year. A 5th rounder out of HS, now in is "final" year. He is projected to be drafted high and I hope he is, I hope he has a great year and goes in the 1st round. That means as a team, we did well too. I expect him to go slow in the fall but eventually in November ramp it up and let it fly. He is a Friday or Saturday starter.
RHP Paul Young, Sophomore: Young is a JC transfer that started to pitch in March for really the first time in his life and did pretty good. He pitched 3 complete games down the stretch. The last one was for the JC Natl Championship. This kid has the make-up to be really good. For the first time in his life, he will only concentrate on pitching and we have one of the best pitching coaches in the nation. I think that combo will make him really, really good. I can't wait to see him in the fall. I expect him to be a weekend starter.
RHP's Ben Bracewell, Senior; Trevor Fitts, Junior; Dakota Hudson, Freshman; LHP Jacob Lindgren, Junior, make up the pre-fall list for the 3rd spot in the weekend rotation. Bracewell has the experience but can he pitch 6+ innings every weekend? Fitts came on the end of 2013 but really didn't pitch deep into ballgames. Hudson is tall and rangy, was drafted out of HS. He throws hard, can he grow into a starter? Lindgren had his moments in 2013 but injuries kept him from gaining momentum.
Relievers
RHP Jonathan Holder, Junior: lets start in the 9th and go backwards. Preseason All-American who has nerves of steel and a great ability to escape trouble.
LHP Ross Mitchell, Junior-RS: Mr. Stabilizer. He might wear weird hats and get thrown out of the dugout but he is clutch.
RHP Myles Gentry, Sophomore: he had a coming out party in the SECT. He should get a lot more time to pitch now.
RHP Will Cox, Junior: what will his role be? His stats in the Cape are solid. His breakout year?
RHP Preston Brown, Sophomore-RS and John Marc Shelly, Sophomore: got some innings in before SEC play but not much after. Hopefully after a summer of pitching they will come in and shape the bullpen.
RHP's Ben Hudspeth, Junior-JC Tr; Wes Stokes, Junior-RS; Anthony Anello, Freshman-RS; Austin Sexton, Freshman; Avery Geyer, Freshman; Zach Houston, Freshman; Jacob Billingsley, Freshman; Levi Mintz, Freshman.
LHP's Alex Deise, Freshman-RS; Vance Tatum, Freshman; Glenn Irby, Freshman.
Many of the freshman will get lots of looks. Butch Thompson will be plenty busy this fall shaping his pitching staff especially his bullpen. Hudspeth, Stokes, Anello and Deise are JC's or redshirted last fall, so they have experience. The freshmen are very talented (best group in a while) and will contribute.
Pre-Fall Overview
There are several big holes to fill in the lineup. The biggest to me being catcher. We have 4 guys battling it out for the starter and backup.
The next is the weekend rotation. We need a big dose of starting pitching. We have 9 plus new pitchers to get worked in to the rotation and bullpen. Should be exciting time for those guys.
Defense. Up the middle defense is the key in baseball. Catcher, 2B, SS and CF. We have two or the four back and those two are seniors. Bradford will man CF and Pirtle will either be 2B or SS.
Offense. We lost our leadoff hitter and 3 hole hitter, who both led us in hits and HR's. So you can tell we need guys to step up. Frazier was on base (seemed like) twice a game. Renfroe got a lot of big hits or he scared the pitcher into throwing to someone else. As of right now, we can't replace both of them but collectively we might. Fall ball will go a long way in deciding who can hit.
My Pre-Fall lineup:
1-Jacob Robson LF
2-Alex Detz 3B
3-Brett Pirtle SS
4-Wes Rea 1B
5-C.T. Bradford CF
6-Daniel Garner DH
7-Kyle Hann 2B
8-Cody Walker C
9-Demarcus Henderson RF
Friday-Brandon Woodruff RHP
Saturday-Paul Young RHP
Sunday-Jacob Lindgren LHP
I expect Reid Humphreys and Gavin Collins to really play well in the fall. Humphreys at 3B/SS and Collins at C. They will push for serious playing time.
Several new pitchers will get plenty of looks in bullpen and starter. Butch is looking for matchup guys. I also expect some invited walk-ons to get good looks. I won't know who they are until the school releases the fall roster.
The next is the weekend rotation. We need a big dose of starting pitching. We have 9 plus new pitchers to get worked in to the rotation and bullpen. Should be exciting time for those guys.
Defense. Up the middle defense is the key in baseball. Catcher, 2B, SS and CF. We have two or the four back and those two are seniors. Bradford will man CF and Pirtle will either be 2B or SS.
Offense. We lost our leadoff hitter and 3 hole hitter, who both led us in hits and HR's. So you can tell we need guys to step up. Frazier was on base (seemed like) twice a game. Renfroe got a lot of big hits or he scared the pitcher into throwing to someone else. As of right now, we can't replace both of them but collectively we might. Fall ball will go a long way in deciding who can hit.
My Pre-Fall lineup:
1-Jacob Robson LF
2-Alex Detz 3B
3-Brett Pirtle SS
4-Wes Rea 1B
5-C.T. Bradford CF
6-Daniel Garner DH
7-Kyle Hann 2B
8-Cody Walker C
9-Demarcus Henderson RF
Friday-Brandon Woodruff RHP
Saturday-Paul Young RHP
Sunday-Jacob Lindgren LHP
I expect Reid Humphreys and Gavin Collins to really play well in the fall. Humphreys at 3B/SS and Collins at C. They will push for serious playing time.
Several new pitchers will get plenty of looks in bullpen and starter. Butch is looking for matchup guys. I also expect some invited walk-ons to get good looks. I won't know who they are until the school releases the fall roster.
Monday, July 15, 2013
Paul Young's stats-last 4 appearances
I wanted to dig a little deeper into signee Paul Young's pitching stats bc he came on strong toward the end of his JC team's season. Pro scouts saw him and the Indians drafted him. Several colleges offered him but he chose us. He played for Central Alabama CC.
May 13--Shelton State CC
9 IP 5 H 2 ER 6 BB 9 K | Central won the game 9-2. This was his first 9 innings pitched probably in his life since he has said he pitched little in HS. Up to this point he had only pitched 27.1 innings.
May 25--Palm Beach State College
1 IP 1 K Save | Pitched the 9th for the save.
May 27--Midland College
9 IP 11 H 4 ER 1 BB 10 K | Central again won the game 11-4. His second complete ballgame in two weeks.
June 1--Palm Beach State College
9 IP 7 H 2 ER 2 BB 5 K | Central won the Natl Championship for JC's 7-3.
So in less than 21 days, Young pitched 3 complete 9 inning ball games and won all 3 plus picked up a save in another game.
27 IP 23 H 8 ER 9 BB 24 K as a starter. The reason I took his last few games is bc he got better as he started pitching more. His first few innings he was learning how to pitch and once he did learn, he excelled. This is the reason why he was drafted and was highly coveted by SEC and ACC schools.
Once he starts training more as a pitcher, he will become even better.
May 13--Shelton State CC
9 IP 5 H 2 ER 6 BB 9 K | Central won the game 9-2. This was his first 9 innings pitched probably in his life since he has said he pitched little in HS. Up to this point he had only pitched 27.1 innings.
May 25--Palm Beach State College
1 IP 1 K Save | Pitched the 9th for the save.
May 27--Midland College
9 IP 11 H 4 ER 1 BB 10 K | Central again won the game 11-4. His second complete ballgame in two weeks.
June 1--Palm Beach State College
9 IP 7 H 2 ER 2 BB 5 K | Central won the Natl Championship for JC's 7-3.
So in less than 21 days, Young pitched 3 complete 9 inning ball games and won all 3 plus picked up a save in another game.
27 IP 23 H 8 ER 9 BB 24 K as a starter. The reason I took his last few games is bc he got better as he started pitching more. His first few innings he was learning how to pitch and once he did learn, he excelled. This is the reason why he was drafted and was highly coveted by SEC and ACC schools.
Once he starts training more as a pitcher, he will become even better.
Friday, June 28, 2013
What will happen in 2014?
Very good question. We still have a nucleus of experienced players. Cohen has said repeatedly that experience is the key. Well, in 2014 we wil be young in spots. We won't have any SEC game experience at catcher, a real big position. The infield will be fine. The outfield will be fine. All those guys have experience.
We will have several new pitchers. They will pitch a lot in the fall and the early season. They should know their roles by SEC season.
What concerns me is the catching position and the lack of experience. And the loss of all those HR's and hits by Renfroe and Frazier. We will have to have more guys across the board to make up for those.
In the batting order, we will lose the best lead off hitter we have had in a long time (Frazier). Renfroe is gone with his 16 HR's.
But bc of our recruiting we are bringing in guys who can hit and pitchers who throw hard.
It is always hard to say what we will do bc getting to Omaha means you have to be hot at a certain time. See Vanderbilt in 2013 for not being hot. But we will be in the SEC tournament for the 4th straight year and we will be in a Regional 4th straight year. Hosting one? Again, this process has changed, politics is included, hard to tell until you get to May.
A part of the 2013 team is gone and you have to replace it with new faces. These new faces have to get better in the fall and most of all, mesh with the returning players. They have to know their new roles. We only had 1 major injury in 2013 (Brandon Woodruff) and it hurt us. So it goes without saying we can't have any major injuries in 2014 if we want to go far in the postseason.
Each year, there are only 2 goals (IMO). To win the SEC Regular Season and to win the National Championship. That's it. Nothing else matters. Winning the SECT don't matter at all to me.
Season starts on February 14th!
We will have several new pitchers. They will pitch a lot in the fall and the early season. They should know their roles by SEC season.
What concerns me is the catching position and the lack of experience. And the loss of all those HR's and hits by Renfroe and Frazier. We will have to have more guys across the board to make up for those.
In the batting order, we will lose the best lead off hitter we have had in a long time (Frazier). Renfroe is gone with his 16 HR's.
But bc of our recruiting we are bringing in guys who can hit and pitchers who throw hard.
It is always hard to say what we will do bc getting to Omaha means you have to be hot at a certain time. See Vanderbilt in 2013 for not being hot. But we will be in the SEC tournament for the 4th straight year and we will be in a Regional 4th straight year. Hosting one? Again, this process has changed, politics is included, hard to tell until you get to May.
A part of the 2013 team is gone and you have to replace it with new faces. These new faces have to get better in the fall and most of all, mesh with the returning players. They have to know their new roles. We only had 1 major injury in 2013 (Brandon Woodruff) and it hurt us. So it goes without saying we can't have any major injuries in 2014 if we want to go far in the postseason.
Each year, there are only 2 goals (IMO). To win the SEC Regular Season and to win the National Championship. That's it. Nothing else matters. Winning the SECT don't matter at all to me.
Season starts on February 14th!
2013 Year in Review
Starting off 17-0 didn't really surprise me. Losing to Central Arkansas twice did. But all those teams were good teams in their own right. Some games were very competitive.
If there is one big disappointment in March and April is losing close SEC games. Usually it was leaving runners in scoring position bc our pitching was great. I hate losing to LSU. Now that they comments they made about losing to them for 7 years? straight really makes me sick. We have got to start winning series in SEC play against the better teams.
The first turning point was winning a series versus Florida. Then we swept Texas A and M. This is when Pirtle started doing better, started at 2B and started batting cleanup.
Again, we needed to win one versus Vanderbilt at Nashville and couldn't do it.
The last big disappointment was losing 2 to Ole Miss. But we came back in the 3rd game and that gave us a lift that carried for a while.
Winning the series versus South Carolina solidified our hosting a regional. We needed at least one more series win to be a National Seed.
In the postseason, we played in 5 tournaments, the most anyone can play in. John Cohen stated that the 2012 SECT prepared this team for 2013. It's all about playing in tournaments.
I thought we did great in the SECT. Vanderbilts bats just came alive but I was glad not to play anymore. We didn't need to get worn down.
I would love to find out the reasoning about the teams in our regional. Every major writer said we have the toughest one. But by now, we are a hardened group and we survived.
We could smell Omaha at this point and in the first game versus Virginia we took it to them. Smashed them in the mouth. Seemed like we were there an eternity with all the rain....
The next tournament was the CWS. We played our brand of ball, had enough rest time in between and won all three. What came back to haunt us was Graveman pitching on Friday and not getting any rest to pitch in the championship series.
The last tournament was the National Championship Series which is seperate for the CWS if you didn't know. It said the CWS lasted until the 22nd. NCS started on the 24th. Losing the first game was it. We couldn't recover.
The best season we ever had. I really think that sentence won't last long. In the next few years, we will be saying that again.
If there is one big disappointment in March and April is losing close SEC games. Usually it was leaving runners in scoring position bc our pitching was great. I hate losing to LSU. Now that they comments they made about losing to them for 7 years? straight really makes me sick. We have got to start winning series in SEC play against the better teams.
The first turning point was winning a series versus Florida. Then we swept Texas A and M. This is when Pirtle started doing better, started at 2B and started batting cleanup.
Again, we needed to win one versus Vanderbilt at Nashville and couldn't do it.
The last big disappointment was losing 2 to Ole Miss. But we came back in the 3rd game and that gave us a lift that carried for a while.
Winning the series versus South Carolina solidified our hosting a regional. We needed at least one more series win to be a National Seed.
In the postseason, we played in 5 tournaments, the most anyone can play in. John Cohen stated that the 2012 SECT prepared this team for 2013. It's all about playing in tournaments.
I thought we did great in the SECT. Vanderbilts bats just came alive but I was glad not to play anymore. We didn't need to get worn down.
I would love to find out the reasoning about the teams in our regional. Every major writer said we have the toughest one. But by now, we are a hardened group and we survived.
We could smell Omaha at this point and in the first game versus Virginia we took it to them. Smashed them in the mouth. Seemed like we were there an eternity with all the rain....
The next tournament was the CWS. We played our brand of ball, had enough rest time in between and won all three. What came back to haunt us was Graveman pitching on Friday and not getting any rest to pitch in the championship series.
The last tournament was the National Championship Series which is seperate for the CWS if you didn't know. It said the CWS lasted until the 22nd. NCS started on the 24th. Losing the first game was it. We couldn't recover.
The best season we ever had. I really think that sentence won't last long. In the next few years, we will be saying that again.
2014 Schedule
These are a listing of teams we play before the SEC season starts. Of course, this is what I read somewhere and from what I know they haven't signed a contract which means they can change.
We play Hofstra, Holy Cross, Michigan State and Eastern Illinois at home. The big one coming at spring break, we play at Arizona, 2012 National Champs. This is no big shock as our former AD Greg Byrne is now at Arizona. They will come to Dudy Noble in 2015.
I don't know this but I assume we would continue to play South Alabama, Memphis and of course, Southern Miss and Ole Miss in Pearl. They are building a minor league stadium in Biloxi so I am sure we will play there sometime in the future. We could play USM or South Alabama there.
I would think we would be playing Alcorn State or Ms Valley State too at home.
You would have to think a lot of teams want to play us now they we made a big splash in the CWS.
The SEC schedule is better in 2014. We start out at Georgia but I would think they would be better, they have a new coach. Vanderbilt and Arkansas at home, then on the road to LSU. Ole Miss at home, Missouri on the road, A and M at home, Auburn on the road, Tennessee at home then Alabama on the road. We don't play Florida, South Carolina or Kentucky.
We play Hofstra, Holy Cross, Michigan State and Eastern Illinois at home. The big one coming at spring break, we play at Arizona, 2012 National Champs. This is no big shock as our former AD Greg Byrne is now at Arizona. They will come to Dudy Noble in 2015.
I don't know this but I assume we would continue to play South Alabama, Memphis and of course, Southern Miss and Ole Miss in Pearl. They are building a minor league stadium in Biloxi so I am sure we will play there sometime in the future. We could play USM or South Alabama there.
I would think we would be playing Alcorn State or Ms Valley State too at home.
You would have to think a lot of teams want to play us now they we made a big splash in the CWS.
The SEC schedule is better in 2014. We start out at Georgia but I would think they would be better, they have a new coach. Vanderbilt and Arkansas at home, then on the road to LSU. Ole Miss at home, Missouri on the road, A and M at home, Auburn on the road, Tennessee at home then Alabama on the road. We don't play Florida, South Carolina or Kentucky.
CWS thoughts
First of all, I was giddy that LSU went 0-2. They are the only SEC team I don't pull for in postseason. They and their fans are way too arrogant. I guess you get that way when you win championships, even though they did it with 30 scholarships while everyone else used 11.7. And don't forget they are our biggest baseball rival, so anytime they do bad is good for us. We compete with them for recruits too.
Lots of folks complained about lack of HR's, etc, well they didn't think of that when they built TD? Who built it facing they way the wind blows?
People around America are now aware of what we MissState baseball fans have known for years. We love baseball and we travel very well to see them. Not news to me. And it was great that people thought we had more fans than LSU did when they were winning in Omaha. The worm has turned.
The way our players embraced Omaha and played very loose will be on the ESPN highlight reel for years. You will see it played over and over next year.
To me, the first game was the key. When we lost the first game, we lost the series. The two key plays were not getting down the bunt and hitting a line shot that was caught with the bases loaded. And I think they biggest key is not having Graveman available for the first 2 games. That hurt.
And finally, I believe we are a national team again. We were back in the 80's. The whole world of college baseball knows us and knows we can win. The baseball writers will now respect us more.
Lots of folks complained about lack of HR's, etc, well they didn't think of that when they built TD? Who built it facing they way the wind blows?
People around America are now aware of what we MissState baseball fans have known for years. We love baseball and we travel very well to see them. Not news to me. And it was great that people thought we had more fans than LSU did when they were winning in Omaha. The worm has turned.
The way our players embraced Omaha and played very loose will be on the ESPN highlight reel for years. You will see it played over and over next year.
To me, the first game was the key. When we lost the first game, we lost the series. The two key plays were not getting down the bunt and hitting a line shot that was caught with the bases loaded. And I think they biggest key is not having Graveman available for the first 2 games. That hurt.
And finally, I believe we are a national team again. We were back in the 80's. The whole world of college baseball knows us and knows we can win. The baseball writers will now respect us more.
Roster changes in 2014?
Let's look what the numbers are:
Losing 4 pitchers: Graveman, E Mitchell (prob sign pro), Pollo, Girodo
Signed 9 pitchers, maybe more.
So you can see the pitching position is getting a major injection of talent.
Infielders losing 4: Norris (I guess he will sign pro), Flair (tranferring), Frost, Frazier (pro)
Signed 3 infielders, maybe more.
Losing 2 catchers.
Signed 2 catchers.
Losing 1 outfielder, Renfroe (pro)
So we are losing 12 (if all the drafted players sign) players.
We have signed 16 but maybe will sign 1 or 2 more. Restocking the pitching staff is the most important aspect. See my page of signees/commits for listing.
Losing 4 pitchers: Graveman, E Mitchell (prob sign pro), Pollo, Girodo
Signed 9 pitchers, maybe more.
So you can see the pitching position is getting a major injection of talent.
Infielders losing 4: Norris (I guess he will sign pro), Flair (tranferring), Frost, Frazier (pro)
Signed 3 infielders, maybe more.
Losing 2 catchers.
Signed 2 catchers.
Losing 1 outfielder, Renfroe (pro)
So we are losing 12 (if all the drafted players sign) players.
We have signed 16 but maybe will sign 1 or 2 more. Restocking the pitching staff is the most important aspect. See my page of signees/commits for listing.
Wednesday, June 26, 2013
2014 Roster-A look ahead
Disclaimer: I haven't seen any of the signees play, so until fall ball and I go see them, I am only giving educated guesses. The coaches haven't had their exit interviews. A player may decide to transfer, you never know. I will continually redo the 2014, like when the fall roster comes out.
Relief Pitchers:
Jonathan Holder Jr.: closer, 1st Team AA
Ross Mitchell Jr.RS: long reliever, Mobb leader
Myles Gentry So.: long reliever, side armer
John Marc Shelly So.: future closer?
Preston Brown SoRS: short reliever
Will Cox Jr.: showed really good side arm action last night
These are the main holdovers from 2013. I put Cox in there bc it looks like he changed arm angles and will be a reliever. Again, fall ball will determine more.
Ben Hudspeth Jr JC: great stats in JC, RH
Lucas Laster Jr JC: can he replace Girodo? LH
Wes Stokes Jr RS: redshirted RH
Anthony Anello Fr RS: redshirted side armer RH
Alex Deise Fr RS: redshirted LH
Austin Sexton Fr HS: hard thrower RH
Dakota Hudson Fr HS: drafted by MLB RH
Avery Geyer Fr HS: his HS team finished 1# RH
Zach Houston Fr HS: big tall lanky throws hard RH
Jacob Billingsly Fr HS: hard thrower RH
Levi Mintz Fr HS: RH
Vance Tatum Fr HS: top lefty in MS, LH
Glenn Irby Fr HS: bro played in college LH
I put all the new guys into the relief pitcher category bc I don't know them. I will have to see fall ball. But you can bet 1 or 2 will be a starter at some point in 2014. The lefties (as usual) will get a better chance of playing a lot bc we need LH pitching. I bet Butch Thompson can't wait to get these guys in and start working with them.
Starting Pitchers:
Ben Bracewell SrRS: his time to shine. RH
Trevor Fitts Jr: big man on campus, dude. RH
Brandon Woodruff Jr: has to be a rotation guy RH
Jacob Lindgren Jr: has to come back strong LH
Relief Pitchers:
Jonathan Holder Jr.: closer, 1st Team AA
Ross Mitchell Jr.RS: long reliever, Mobb leader
Myles Gentry So.: long reliever, side armer
John Marc Shelly So.: future closer?
Preston Brown SoRS: short reliever
Will Cox Jr.: showed really good side arm action last night
These are the main holdovers from 2013. I put Cox in there bc it looks like he changed arm angles and will be a reliever. Again, fall ball will determine more.
Ben Hudspeth Jr JC: great stats in JC, RH
Lucas Laster Jr JC: can he replace Girodo? LH
Wes Stokes Jr RS: redshirted RH
Anthony Anello Fr RS: redshirted side armer RH
Alex Deise Fr RS: redshirted LH
Austin Sexton Fr HS: hard thrower RH
Dakota Hudson Fr HS: drafted by MLB RH
Avery Geyer Fr HS: his HS team finished 1# RH
Zach Houston Fr HS: big tall lanky throws hard RH
Jacob Billingsly Fr HS: hard thrower RH
Levi Mintz Fr HS: RH
Vance Tatum Fr HS: top lefty in MS, LH
Glenn Irby Fr HS: bro played in college LH
I put all the new guys into the relief pitcher category bc I don't know them. I will have to see fall ball. But you can bet 1 or 2 will be a starter at some point in 2014. The lefties (as usual) will get a better chance of playing a lot bc we need LH pitching. I bet Butch Thompson can't wait to get these guys in and start working with them.
Starting Pitchers:
Ben Bracewell SrRS: his time to shine. RH
Trevor Fitts Jr: big man on campus, dude. RH
Brandon Woodruff Jr: has to be a rotation guy RH
Jacob Lindgren Jr: has to come back strong LH
Paul Young So: what a great late sign. Potential is unlimited. Just started pitching and has excelled. A few MLB starting pitchers did this so this is not new.
These guys are your leading candidates for SEC rotation right now. Again, got to go through fall ball. I expect Woodruff to have a fantastic year. He will be well rested and ready. Can't wait to see him in the fall.
First Base:
Wes Rea Jr.RS: Captain, leader.
Dylan Ingram Fr HS: power hitter
Brent Rooker Fr HS: great athlete
I expect Rea to have a great year and get drafted by MLB, why he didn't in 2013 is beyond me. You will see a Fr spell him from time to time to get him expereince. Don't know who it is, fall ball.
Middle Infield:
Brett Pirtle Sr: returning starter at 2B
Alex Detz Sr: returning starter at 3B
Matthew Britton Jr: can Britton break out and become starter?
Kyle Hann So: tons of potential
Reid Humphreys Fr HS: Ms player of the year
Pirtle will start but where? SS or 2B? Detz at 2B or 3B? Hann at 2B or 3B? Humphreys will play, period. Will it be 3B or SS? I wouldn't be shocked if we signed another MIF before school starts. Detz will start every game but at different positions.
Third Base:
Same question? Detz, Hann and Humphreys?
Catcher:
Zach Randolph Jr RS: redshirted, good defender
Cody Walker Jr JC: outstanding defender
Daniel Garner Fr RS: outstanding hitter
Gavin Collins Fr HS: great hitter and defender
Here is the big question mark? Most important to your defense/pitching. Big battle in the fall. Walker is great defender and thrower from what I hear. Garner can really hit, defend? Collins I have heard has the total package. I heard Jacob Shempert might come back, haven't confirmed it. Some of these players can play 3B/OF too. Biggest battle of the fall.
Outfield:
CT Bradford Sr: Captain, leader
Demarcus Henderson Sr: battler at the plate
Derrick Armstrong Sr: speed demon
Tyler Fullerton Jr: ?
Jake Vickerson Jr JC: bats left, you know his big brother..
Jacob Robson So: star in the making
Cody Brown Fr RS: redshirted, bats left
Most established position on the team. Can't go wrong w Bradford, Henderson Armstrong, Robson combo.
These guys are your leading candidates for SEC rotation right now. Again, got to go through fall ball. I expect Woodruff to have a fantastic year. He will be well rested and ready. Can't wait to see him in the fall.
First Base:
Wes Rea Jr.RS: Captain, leader.
Dylan Ingram Fr HS: power hitter
Brent Rooker Fr HS: great athlete
I expect Rea to have a great year and get drafted by MLB, why he didn't in 2013 is beyond me. You will see a Fr spell him from time to time to get him expereince. Don't know who it is, fall ball.
Middle Infield:
Brett Pirtle Sr: returning starter at 2B
Alex Detz Sr: returning starter at 3B
Matthew Britton Jr: can Britton break out and become starter?
Kyle Hann So: tons of potential
Reid Humphreys Fr HS: Ms player of the year
Pirtle will start but where? SS or 2B? Detz at 2B or 3B? Hann at 2B or 3B? Humphreys will play, period. Will it be 3B or SS? I wouldn't be shocked if we signed another MIF before school starts. Detz will start every game but at different positions.
Third Base:
Same question? Detz, Hann and Humphreys?
Catcher:
Zach Randolph Jr RS: redshirted, good defender
Cody Walker Jr JC: outstanding defender
Daniel Garner Fr RS: outstanding hitter
Gavin Collins Fr HS: great hitter and defender
Here is the big question mark? Most important to your defense/pitching. Big battle in the fall. Walker is great defender and thrower from what I hear. Garner can really hit, defend? Collins I have heard has the total package. I heard Jacob Shempert might come back, haven't confirmed it. Some of these players can play 3B/OF too. Biggest battle of the fall.
Outfield:
CT Bradford Sr: Captain, leader
Demarcus Henderson Sr: battler at the plate
Derrick Armstrong Sr: speed demon
Tyler Fullerton Jr: ?
Jake Vickerson Jr JC: bats left, you know his big brother..
Jacob Robson So: star in the making
Cody Brown Fr RS: redshirted, bats left
Most established position on the team. Can't go wrong w Bradford, Henderson Armstrong, Robson combo.
Friday, June 21, 2013
Championship
The goal of each year is a championship. Starting w the SEC regular season championship then if you fall out of the race, the next goal is Omaha and the national championship. We are 2 wins away. This team wants it bad. They are so focused on this. I will have much more after the season is over.
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Wow-The CWS
Someone needs to ask Jonathan Holder, why do you like to make us worry?? Anyway, the formula seems to be working so far. This Friday is another huge game in the history of Miss State Baseball. Let's hope for the sake of the players nerves, it isn't sold out at 2 in the afternoon and they can relax better. Should be a lot of State fans there though.
And to think what this does in the recruiting of our program is tremendous. Lots of kids are watching the TV wanting to play for Miss State.
And to think what this does in the recruiting of our program is tremendous. Lots of kids are watching the TV wanting to play for Miss State.
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Omaha
That one word says it all in College Baseball. Omaha. It means you are in the Final 8, playing for a National Championship. Like a lot of you, my first one was 1979. I listened to Jim Ellis intently. Both 1979 and 1981, we played West teams that barely beat us by 1 run.
It was certainly destiny that we made it to Omaha. The players felt it in the fall. They talked about it, wrote about it. The Dream has come true for a lot of us. Now, the next level.
We only won 2 games once in Omaha. Other times we won only once. We are now in a new era, therefore, we need to do better. We need to make a good run at the championship. What it takes is no mistakes. No big errors to hurt you, no getting thrown out on a bad play, etc. You pretty much have to play perfect.
I think we can win the whole thing but it has to all come together like never before. A key, since the pitching staff has done a great job all year, is to grind those AB's. Offense has to play very, very consistant.
I will have a huge writeup after the season, to talk lots of issues and of course next year.
It was certainly destiny that we made it to Omaha. The players felt it in the fall. They talked about it, wrote about it. The Dream has come true for a lot of us. Now, the next level.
We only won 2 games once in Omaha. Other times we won only once. We are now in a new era, therefore, we need to do better. We need to make a good run at the championship. What it takes is no mistakes. No big errors to hurt you, no getting thrown out on a bad play, etc. You pretty much have to play perfect.
I think we can win the whole thing but it has to all come together like never before. A key, since the pitching staff has done a great job all year, is to grind those AB's. Offense has to play very, very consistant.
I will have a huge writeup after the season, to talk lots of issues and of course next year.
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Another step and Draft Day
Well, they did it. What a season so far. The most wins in the regular season since 1997 and with 2 more wins, the most overall wins since 1990, John Cohen's senior year. I beleive indeed We Are Back. And all this without a dominating starting pitcher (s) like we have had in the past. And without Brandon Woodruff who is arguably the most talented pitcher we have on the roster. As of now, I don't worry too much about the pitching staff as I am the defense and timely hitting. Like I tweeted out, if we can score more than 5 runs we are mostly to win.
Playing in Virginia should be really good for us. There is no pressure to win. We just played in two really tough tournament atmospheres, so we are ready. All it takes is 2 wins. All it takes is a starter to carry into the 5th or better for one of those games and we will have plenty of good pitching to compete. It is the offense that needs to carry us in crucial situations.
I am thinking one reason Hunter Renfroe was pressing so much lately is professional draft coming up this Thursday. He will be picked in the 1st Round, likely 11-15th pick. With this behind him, maybe he can relax more and let it rip. Let's hope so. He will be a rich man by the middle of July, so that should relas anybody....
I should have lots of info on Draft Day (s) this week. Draftees have until July 15th to sign a pro contract. I am hoping all the signees will come to school. I do beleive Renfroe and Frazier will sign and they should. I also think a handful of seniors will too. Football signee Cord Sandberg will get drafted high and sign, I have said this for a year. He wants to play baseball I believe.
Playing in Virginia should be really good for us. There is no pressure to win. We just played in two really tough tournament atmospheres, so we are ready. All it takes is 2 wins. All it takes is a starter to carry into the 5th or better for one of those games and we will have plenty of good pitching to compete. It is the offense that needs to carry us in crucial situations.
I am thinking one reason Hunter Renfroe was pressing so much lately is professional draft coming up this Thursday. He will be picked in the 1st Round, likely 11-15th pick. With this behind him, maybe he can relax more and let it rip. Let's hope so. He will be a rich man by the middle of July, so that should relas anybody....
I should have lots of info on Draft Day (s) this week. Draftees have until July 15th to sign a pro contract. I am hoping all the signees will come to school. I do beleive Renfroe and Frazier will sign and they should. I also think a handful of seniors will too. Football signee Cord Sandberg will get drafted high and sign, I have said this for a year. He wants to play baseball I believe.
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
New Players-Analysis
I will give a small breakdown on what the new guys have done and what may happen next year. Who has made the most impact.
1a. Alex Detz, 1B/3B/DH, bats left. A junior college transfer from California. He started fast subbing for Wes Rea at 1B and getting huge hits in the first part of the season. Once Rea got back played at DH and lately starting at 3B. Currently, batting 2nd in the order, he is the leader in walks on the team. May be drafted in June by MLB. If he stays will be a starter in 2014, somewhere. A huge recruiting victory for the staff bc of his impact.
1b. Brett Pirtle, 2B, switch hitter. A junior college transfer from Texas. It took him a while to get going but lately has been hitting cleanup and a vacuum cleaner at 2B. Had 2 brothers play college baseball, one at Vanderbilt. He grinds at bats and is a baller. May be drafted in June by MLB. If he stays will be a starter in 2014 at 2B or SS. Another huge recruiting victory for the staff based on his impact.
2. Jacob Robson, LF, bats left. A true freshman from Canada. Played on Canadian National team so has seen big time baseball. He has started some in LF and subbed alot. His bat has come alive the last couple of weeks. A really good recruiting job by John Cohen. He will play or start a whole bunch in 2014.
3. Derrick Armstrong, OF/DH, bats right. A junior college transfer from Tennessee. The last couple of weeks has gotten more playing time. A speedster in the OF and a solid bat. Adds depth to DH and OF. He again could be drafted in June by MLB. If not will be a big part of the OF in 2014.
4. Myles Gentry, RHP, side armer. A true freshman from the coast of Mississippi. Earned a spot in the bullpen bc of his movement from down under. Showed flashes in the preseason before the SEC. He hasn't pitched lately but he can come in and put fires out. Will be big part of bullpen in 2014.
5. Kyle Hann, 2B/3B, bats right. A true freshman from Canada. Played on Canadian National team so has seen big time baseball. Played a lot in preseason at 2B/3B, a couple of starts. Cohen has brought him along slow but he will be a really good player before he leaves. Another great recruiting victory by staff. He will play a lot or start in 2014.
6. John Marc Shelly, RHP. A true freshman from the Memphis area. Has pitched a few innings before SEC play started. He can throw hard. He will play a whole bunch in 2014 out of bullpen. A really nice pickup from an area known for players.
Redshirts:
Zach Randolph, C. A junior college transfer from Mississippi. He will come back in the fall and compete for both catcher spots, starter and backup.
Daniel Garner, C. A true freshman from Alabama. His swing is really good. He is working on his skills as a catcher. He will also compete for the two spots.
1a. Alex Detz, 1B/3B/DH, bats left. A junior college transfer from California. He started fast subbing for Wes Rea at 1B and getting huge hits in the first part of the season. Once Rea got back played at DH and lately starting at 3B. Currently, batting 2nd in the order, he is the leader in walks on the team. May be drafted in June by MLB. If he stays will be a starter in 2014, somewhere. A huge recruiting victory for the staff bc of his impact.
1b. Brett Pirtle, 2B, switch hitter. A junior college transfer from Texas. It took him a while to get going but lately has been hitting cleanup and a vacuum cleaner at 2B. Had 2 brothers play college baseball, one at Vanderbilt. He grinds at bats and is a baller. May be drafted in June by MLB. If he stays will be a starter in 2014 at 2B or SS. Another huge recruiting victory for the staff based on his impact.
2. Jacob Robson, LF, bats left. A true freshman from Canada. Played on Canadian National team so has seen big time baseball. He has started some in LF and subbed alot. His bat has come alive the last couple of weeks. A really good recruiting job by John Cohen. He will play or start a whole bunch in 2014.
3. Derrick Armstrong, OF/DH, bats right. A junior college transfer from Tennessee. The last couple of weeks has gotten more playing time. A speedster in the OF and a solid bat. Adds depth to DH and OF. He again could be drafted in June by MLB. If not will be a big part of the OF in 2014.
4. Myles Gentry, RHP, side armer. A true freshman from the coast of Mississippi. Earned a spot in the bullpen bc of his movement from down under. Showed flashes in the preseason before the SEC. He hasn't pitched lately but he can come in and put fires out. Will be big part of bullpen in 2014.
5. Kyle Hann, 2B/3B, bats right. A true freshman from Canada. Played on Canadian National team so has seen big time baseball. Played a lot in preseason at 2B/3B, a couple of starts. Cohen has brought him along slow but he will be a really good player before he leaves. Another great recruiting victory by staff. He will play a lot or start in 2014.
6. John Marc Shelly, RHP. A true freshman from the Memphis area. Has pitched a few innings before SEC play started. He can throw hard. He will play a whole bunch in 2014 out of bullpen. A really nice pickup from an area known for players.
Redshirts:
Zach Randolph, C. A junior college transfer from Mississippi. He will come back in the fall and compete for both catcher spots, starter and backup.
Daniel Garner, C. A true freshman from Alabama. His swing is really good. He is working on his skills as a catcher. He will also compete for the two spots.
Monday, April 15, 2013
Switching Gears
My last post was called The Next Step and we did that versus TAMU. Now to sustain it. I am not talking about sweeping the rest of the schedule but baring down when we need a big hit and actually doing it. We are at the midway point and you can point to this or that game and say what if. We are through with that, we need to take action. Moving runners, sac fly, etc, there is no room for error.
After 15 SEC games what are we looking at? We still have a small chance to win the SEC West but likely we need to finish 2nd. Put that on our NCAA resume when it comes to hosting a Regional. Speaking of that, that is our biggest goal of the season going forward. We have made a living hosting Regionals. It is a tradition in Starkville.
I think if we go at least 8-7 the rest of the way, we will host. Our RPI will be at least under 15. Being that said, we can't falter one game. We can't lose to Alabama 2 out of 3.
If you haven't noticed, several pitchers haven't been used lately and that is a good thing: they will be well rested for the stretch run and they will work on their game in bullpen sessions.
RF Hunter Renfroe is having a great year. Another All-American for us. You need to go see him if you can. He won't be here next year. He will be where former 1st Rounder Chris Stratton is now, working his way through the minor leagues to the big leagues.
This weekend, will be a big recruiting weekend. Not really for the 2014 season but beyond. The 2013 certainly is not over, depending on the MLB draft, we may have to sign one or two more. But the majority of recruits will be for the future. They see the excitement surrounding the winning and hopefully want to be part of a winning tradition.
After 15 SEC games what are we looking at? We still have a small chance to win the SEC West but likely we need to finish 2nd. Put that on our NCAA resume when it comes to hosting a Regional. Speaking of that, that is our biggest goal of the season going forward. We have made a living hosting Regionals. It is a tradition in Starkville.
I think if we go at least 8-7 the rest of the way, we will host. Our RPI will be at least under 15. Being that said, we can't falter one game. We can't lose to Alabama 2 out of 3.
If you haven't noticed, several pitchers haven't been used lately and that is a good thing: they will be well rested for the stretch run and they will work on their game in bullpen sessions.
RF Hunter Renfroe is having a great year. Another All-American for us. You need to go see him if you can. He won't be here next year. He will be where former 1st Rounder Chris Stratton is now, working his way through the minor leagues to the big leagues.
This weekend, will be a big recruiting weekend. Not really for the 2014 season but beyond. The 2013 certainly is not over, depending on the MLB draft, we may have to sign one or two more. But the majority of recruits will be for the future. They see the excitement surrounding the winning and hopefully want to be part of a winning tradition.
Thursday, April 4, 2013
The Next Step
The weather has warmed up, the lineup has been set to what strengths and weaknesses the opponent has, the starting pitching has been shaky but has kept us in the ball game.....now we need to take the Next Step.
And that would be putting it altogether and win 2 of 3 on the weekends. It starts on Friday.
For us to host a Regional we must start winning weekend series. The non-conference games are almost done and we have done an excellent job with them. Kudos to the scheduling. These teams are competing in the conference title races with the exception of a couple (Alcorn St for example). We are 21-2 with 3 tough games left: Ole Miss-Pearl, at Memphis and Oral Roberts-home. If we can finish 23-3 or better that would be special. That schedule has really helped our RPI which is a big factor in hosting a Regional (along with winning weekend series).
The four worst SEC records-wise are Georgia, Missouri, Tennessee and Auburn. We only play Auburn. This fact alone will prevent us from being SEC Regular Season Champions. LSU or Vanderbilt looks to have the inside track on that. Vanderbilt could go 9-0 against the 3 East teams mentioned above.
So we move on to the next goal of a season and that is hosting a Regional. Some may say making the SECT but with 12 of 14 making it, that won't be a problem. We have to start winning weekend series, period. It is the name of the game now.
RHP Brandon Woodruff had a really nice outing this past Tuesday in Mobile. This will propel him to start pitching on the weekend, maybe not this weekend bc Ole Miss lurks next Tuesday in Pearl and that is another big RPI game and rival game.
As the season goes along, some players start to get better and they start to gel. The pieces of the puzzle start to fall in place. We want to kick into another gear for the stretch run. Hosting a Regional will give us great advantages that hopefully propel us to the promise land...Omaha.
And that would be putting it altogether and win 2 of 3 on the weekends. It starts on Friday.
For us to host a Regional we must start winning weekend series. The non-conference games are almost done and we have done an excellent job with them. Kudos to the scheduling. These teams are competing in the conference title races with the exception of a couple (Alcorn St for example). We are 21-2 with 3 tough games left: Ole Miss-Pearl, at Memphis and Oral Roberts-home. If we can finish 23-3 or better that would be special. That schedule has really helped our RPI which is a big factor in hosting a Regional (along with winning weekend series).
The four worst SEC records-wise are Georgia, Missouri, Tennessee and Auburn. We only play Auburn. This fact alone will prevent us from being SEC Regular Season Champions. LSU or Vanderbilt looks to have the inside track on that. Vanderbilt could go 9-0 against the 3 East teams mentioned above.
So we move on to the next goal of a season and that is hosting a Regional. Some may say making the SECT but with 12 of 14 making it, that won't be a problem. We have to start winning weekend series, period. It is the name of the game now.
RHP Brandon Woodruff had a really nice outing this past Tuesday in Mobile. This will propel him to start pitching on the weekend, maybe not this weekend bc Ole Miss lurks next Tuesday in Pearl and that is another big RPI game and rival game.
As the season goes along, some players start to get better and they start to gel. The pieces of the puzzle start to fall in place. We want to kick into another gear for the stretch run. Hosting a Regional will give us great advantages that hopefully propel us to the promise land...Omaha.
Monday, March 25, 2013
What If??
The game of baseball is full of what ifs. My team, Boston Red Sox, has a century of them. Miss State baseball has had it's share of them too. By telling you, we should be 6-0 or 5-1 in the SEC is like saying I should have married Suzi 20 years ago instead of.....get my meaning. Spilt milk.
From this day forward, what do we do. We must find a third starter on the weekend who can give us 6 innings and keep us in the game. Jacob Lindgren is the Friday guy. He is still a little inexperienced but keep putting him out there. Friday nights we are 1-1 and of course we should have beat LSU...another what if. Kendall Graveman is solid as a rock. Again just keep putting him out there. He is 1-1 in his starts and of course we should have beat Kentucky....another what if.
All we need is a pitcher to give us 6 innings in the 3rd game and when he leaves we are in the game, meaning we are ahead, tied or behind by 2. It's that simple. We have a few guys who are capable but they haven't shown it or given us flashes of it. Evan Mitchell has been tried and it doesn't seem to work. It has been tough luck for him. When he is throwing good, the ump doesn't call his pitches strikes. IMO, Evan is a long reliever when he is on. So put in Evan in relief and if he has his stuff, then leave him in until he doesn't have his stuff. I wouldn't doubt we see Evan start the game on Tuesday night followed by Brandon Woodruff in relief or vice versa.
I think Luis Pollorena will get the 3rd spot this weekend versus Arkansas and when Woodruff gets back to his old self, Woody will be the 3rd starter.
From this day forward, what do we do. We must find a third starter on the weekend who can give us 6 innings and keep us in the game. Jacob Lindgren is the Friday guy. He is still a little inexperienced but keep putting him out there. Friday nights we are 1-1 and of course we should have beat LSU...another what if. Kendall Graveman is solid as a rock. Again just keep putting him out there. He is 1-1 in his starts and of course we should have beat Kentucky....another what if.
All we need is a pitcher to give us 6 innings in the 3rd game and when he leaves we are in the game, meaning we are ahead, tied or behind by 2. It's that simple. We have a few guys who are capable but they haven't shown it or given us flashes of it. Evan Mitchell has been tried and it doesn't seem to work. It has been tough luck for him. When he is throwing good, the ump doesn't call his pitches strikes. IMO, Evan is a long reliever when he is on. So put in Evan in relief and if he has his stuff, then leave him in until he doesn't have his stuff. I wouldn't doubt we see Evan start the game on Tuesday night followed by Brandon Woodruff in relief or vice versa.
I think Luis Pollorena will get the 3rd spot this weekend versus Arkansas and when Woodruff gets back to his old self, Woody will be the 3rd starter.
Monday, March 18, 2013
"The Pitch"
The bottom line in the LSU series is mistakes. We make none on Sunday and we win handily. We do the same on Friday, we win that one too. This post is entitled "The Pitch" bc I think Graveman's pitch over Katz's head will have a wave affect throughout the team. I think it gave them swagger. I wouldn't be surprised if we did very well at Kentucky and at Arkansas bc of it.
The 1# goal going into the SEC season is to win the regular season championship and it looks like that is not going to happen. Why? We don't play the worst teams in the East, Georgia, Tennessee and Missouri. Vanderbilt and South Carolina will play them and sweep most of them. That is there advantage. We play the toughest schedule. If we can win 16-18 in the SEC that should be good enough to host a regional.
We did get markedly better this past weekend. We will get better every weekend. We will be a seasoned, tough team by June. The key IMO, is we need to host a regional. That will give credence to our fans and program.
Now back to "the pitch". LSU's coach has always been a whiner, always. I was there in 2010 when our 1B coach yelled 2 or 3 to the base runner meaning run to 2nd or 3rd and the LSU OF threw it to the wrong base bc he thought that was meant for him. Well, Coach Whiner went to the umpires and complained. The 1B coach has no right to yell to his runner?? If you saw the Super with Stoney Brook, he is constantly saying something to the umps about something he doesn't like. He shouldn't have said anything to the media, he should know baseball by now. Our coaches will take care of whatever happened. Coach Whiner is far from being a class coach.
Like I said, that pitch will have an impact on us long after it happened. I hope we don't face LSU in the SECT bc I don't want to be there past 1 or 2 games. At that point, I want to focus on winning the regional and super.
The 1# goal going into the SEC season is to win the regular season championship and it looks like that is not going to happen. Why? We don't play the worst teams in the East, Georgia, Tennessee and Missouri. Vanderbilt and South Carolina will play them and sweep most of them. That is there advantage. We play the toughest schedule. If we can win 16-18 in the SEC that should be good enough to host a regional.
We did get markedly better this past weekend. We will get better every weekend. We will be a seasoned, tough team by June. The key IMO, is we need to host a regional. That will give credence to our fans and program.
Now back to "the pitch". LSU's coach has always been a whiner, always. I was there in 2010 when our 1B coach yelled 2 or 3 to the base runner meaning run to 2nd or 3rd and the LSU OF threw it to the wrong base bc he thought that was meant for him. Well, Coach Whiner went to the umpires and complained. The 1B coach has no right to yell to his runner?? If you saw the Super with Stoney Brook, he is constantly saying something to the umps about something he doesn't like. He shouldn't have said anything to the media, he should know baseball by now. Our coaches will take care of whatever happened. Coach Whiner is far from being a class coach.
Like I said, that pitch will have an impact on us long after it happened. I hope we don't face LSU in the SECT bc I don't want to be there past 1 or 2 games. At that point, I want to focus on winning the regional and super.
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
End of First Phase
I don't know about you but I will take 18-2 after 20 games. Yet still I feel kinda bad bc we could be 20-0. We have such a good team you feel kind of cheated after Central Ark beat us those two games. But the last two years have been some bad losses that have hurt so this year I feel pretty darn good going into SEC play.
I went to Pearl to see them play USM last night. First thing I noticed was the team getting in a huddle like a football team does. They were fired up to play. They were very loose. Even after losing 2 games they shouldn't have lost. This is where the experience factor comes in. Learn from it and move on.
Notes:
Alex Detz is a darn good defender at 1B. He is just a great player all around. He may stay only 1 year after this years draft though.
I think the coaches like the combos of Brett Pirtle and Kyle Hann at 2B, Daryl Norris and Sam Frost at 3B. Hann and Frost can play both positions.
Nick Ammiratti looked excellent behind the plate. His offense is still coming around. In fact, I really didn't see any hitter take bad cuts.
You better go see Hunter Renfroe while you can, this is his last year. He will be a high high draft pick in June.
Like Cohen said after the game, CT Bradford is in a hitting slump but he will come out of it, he is too good.
Wes Rea didn't take infield and after the game Cohen said his leg still is hurting. So maybe an AB here and there until he gets better. And when he does gets better the offense will really take off then.
The crowd in Pearl last night was really good. I do beleive the magic is back in Ms State Baseball.
And lastly, I want to commend the plate umpire last night. His zone was pretty good. If he was the ump versus Central Ark we would have swept them.
SEC Games
With the start of the SEC, I beleive we are ready in all phases except for one and that is a big one: starting pitching. We need to have 3 starters go 5+ innings this weekend and have us in the ballgame when they leave. That is why Arkansas and LSU are picked ahead of us bc of starting pitching. We don't have a Chris Stratton. If we did and he ate up 7-8 innings on Friday night and won more than half those then I would feel great. Friday night starter is the key. That is why we had such a bad weekend versus Central Ark. The Friday starter sets the tone.
We must win 2 of 3 when we are playing at home in the SEC. May be hard to do sometimes but winning on the road is real tough and you are fortunate to win 1.
The SEC schedule for March is pretty tough for us. We play at Kentucky which Cohen knows how the park plays so that is good for us. Then we play at Arkansas. Even though they have struggled in preseason, they are still very talented and it is a tough place to win.
We have a team that can go very far. We have everything a coach would want. The one thing lacking at this point in time is starting pitching. If they will step up and pitch like they are capable then again, we can go all the way.
I went to Pearl to see them play USM last night. First thing I noticed was the team getting in a huddle like a football team does. They were fired up to play. They were very loose. Even after losing 2 games they shouldn't have lost. This is where the experience factor comes in. Learn from it and move on.
Notes:
Alex Detz is a darn good defender at 1B. He is just a great player all around. He may stay only 1 year after this years draft though.
I think the coaches like the combos of Brett Pirtle and Kyle Hann at 2B, Daryl Norris and Sam Frost at 3B. Hann and Frost can play both positions.
Nick Ammiratti looked excellent behind the plate. His offense is still coming around. In fact, I really didn't see any hitter take bad cuts.
You better go see Hunter Renfroe while you can, this is his last year. He will be a high high draft pick in June.
Like Cohen said after the game, CT Bradford is in a hitting slump but he will come out of it, he is too good.
Wes Rea didn't take infield and after the game Cohen said his leg still is hurting. So maybe an AB here and there until he gets better. And when he does gets better the offense will really take off then.
The crowd in Pearl last night was really good. I do beleive the magic is back in Ms State Baseball.
And lastly, I want to commend the plate umpire last night. His zone was pretty good. If he was the ump versus Central Ark we would have swept them.
SEC Games
With the start of the SEC, I beleive we are ready in all phases except for one and that is a big one: starting pitching. We need to have 3 starters go 5+ innings this weekend and have us in the ballgame when they leave. That is why Arkansas and LSU are picked ahead of us bc of starting pitching. We don't have a Chris Stratton. If we did and he ate up 7-8 innings on Friday night and won more than half those then I would feel great. Friday night starter is the key. That is why we had such a bad weekend versus Central Ark. The Friday starter sets the tone.
We must win 2 of 3 when we are playing at home in the SEC. May be hard to do sometimes but winning on the road is real tough and you are fortunate to win 1.
The SEC schedule for March is pretty tough for us. We play at Kentucky which Cohen knows how the park plays so that is good for us. Then we play at Arkansas. Even though they have struggled in preseason, they are still very talented and it is a tough place to win.
We have a team that can go very far. We have everything a coach would want. The one thing lacking at this point in time is starting pitching. If they will step up and pitch like they are capable then again, we can go all the way.
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
The first 9 games
Last year after 9 games we were 7-2 and the 2 losses were by one run each. This year we won 2 games by 1 run each. The difference is experience and depth. We have the bullpen to match up in critical situations. And Jonathan Holder was a no name the first few weeks of the season last year.
Difference Makers
Nick Ammiratti, catcher: In baseball you have to have 2 catchers to spell each other and Ammo has come on in his senior year to do this for Mitch Slauter. Ammo can throw out runners better than Slauter and he is a switch hitter. I see Ammo playing a lot especially against Vanderbilt who has a running team. This will free up Slauter to DH which makes that spot stronger. Ammo has made the catching position a strength in 2013.
Alex Detz, infielder: Detz can play all the positions 1B, 2B, SS, 3B which makes him invaluable. On top of that he bats left and has a keen eye at the plate. He has a .500 on base percentage. He walks and doesn't strike out much, he works the count to his favor. I see him playing a lot of DH in the coming weeks also. Detz is big addition to the 2013 club.
There are several other guys that I could mention but these 2 just for the first 9 games, I see have already made a big difference. We have 11 more non-conference games until SEC play, so it is important that lots of guys play. The team is like a puzzle coming together, I see some very important pieces that needs work but I believe they will. Brett Pirtle is one, he has struggled some but I expect him to really do well once he is comfortable.
The SEC is going to be a war this year. Lots of good teams going at it. I see lots of low scoring games that is why John Cohen didn't like the failed steal of home the other night. Each run is very important in the SEC. Well, I will write again in two weeks.
Difference Makers
Nick Ammiratti, catcher: In baseball you have to have 2 catchers to spell each other and Ammo has come on in his senior year to do this for Mitch Slauter. Ammo can throw out runners better than Slauter and he is a switch hitter. I see Ammo playing a lot especially against Vanderbilt who has a running team. This will free up Slauter to DH which makes that spot stronger. Ammo has made the catching position a strength in 2013.
Alex Detz, infielder: Detz can play all the positions 1B, 2B, SS, 3B which makes him invaluable. On top of that he bats left and has a keen eye at the plate. He has a .500 on base percentage. He walks and doesn't strike out much, he works the count to his favor. I see him playing a lot of DH in the coming weeks also. Detz is big addition to the 2013 club.
There are several other guys that I could mention but these 2 just for the first 9 games, I see have already made a big difference. We have 11 more non-conference games until SEC play, so it is important that lots of guys play. The team is like a puzzle coming together, I see some very important pieces that needs work but I believe they will. Brett Pirtle is one, he has struggled some but I expect him to really do well once he is comfortable.
The SEC is going to be a war this year. Lots of good teams going at it. I see lots of low scoring games that is why John Cohen didn't like the failed steal of home the other night. Each run is very important in the SEC. Well, I will write again in two weeks.
Tuesday, February 12, 2013
SEC Coaches Predictions
West
1) Arkansas (90) 12
2) LSU (75) 1
3) Miss State (59) 1
4) Ole Miss (54)
5) Texas A&M (51)
6) Alabama (26)
7) Auburn (24)
East
1) Vanderbilt (89) 12
2) Florida (67)
3) S Carolina (59) 1
Tie-Kentucky (59) 1
5) Georgia (41)
6) Tennessee (29)
7) Missouri (23)
Overall
1) Arkansas (90) 9
2) Vanderbilt (89) 3
3) LSU (75) 1
4) Florida (67)
5) Miss State (59)
Tie-S Carolina
Tie-Kentucky 1
8) Ole Miss (54)
9) Texas A&M (51)
10) Georgia (41)
11) Tennessee (29)
12) Alabama (26)
13) Auburn (24)
14) Missouri (23)
I am going to keep up w these predictions bc I think since baseball coaches are supposed to be "experts" of baseball, talent, etc., they should have the best idea as to who should be good or bad in baseball. Right?
Well, in 2012 both Miss State and Kentucky were picked to finish 5th in the West and East (out of 6th) but they finished tied for 2nd in each division. Kentucky was a half game out winning the overall SEC title. And the coaches picked Alabama to finish 3rd in the West, they won 9 and finished last.
You can't predict injuries, lack of performance or development of new players (especially). We shall see how they do bc I will keep up with it.
So according to them Arkansas and Vanderbilt should run away w their divisions, 12 out of 14 votes each received.
Someone sure believes in Kentucky. 1 vote to win the East and 1 vote to win the SEC. Miss State got 1 vote to win the West.
Apparently, starting pitching wins out over offense these days. Arkansas and Vanderbilt have strong starting pitching.
1) Arkansas (90) 12
2) LSU (75) 1
3) Miss State (59) 1
4) Ole Miss (54)
5) Texas A&M (51)
6) Alabama (26)
7) Auburn (24)
East
1) Vanderbilt (89) 12
2) Florida (67)
3) S Carolina (59) 1
Tie-Kentucky (59) 1
5) Georgia (41)
6) Tennessee (29)
7) Missouri (23)
Overall
1) Arkansas (90) 9
2) Vanderbilt (89) 3
3) LSU (75) 1
4) Florida (67)
5) Miss State (59)
Tie-S Carolina
Tie-Kentucky 1
8) Ole Miss (54)
9) Texas A&M (51)
10) Georgia (41)
11) Tennessee (29)
12) Alabama (26)
13) Auburn (24)
14) Missouri (23)
I am going to keep up w these predictions bc I think since baseball coaches are supposed to be "experts" of baseball, talent, etc., they should have the best idea as to who should be good or bad in baseball. Right?
Well, in 2012 both Miss State and Kentucky were picked to finish 5th in the West and East (out of 6th) but they finished tied for 2nd in each division. Kentucky was a half game out winning the overall SEC title. And the coaches picked Alabama to finish 3rd in the West, they won 9 and finished last.
You can't predict injuries, lack of performance or development of new players (especially). We shall see how they do bc I will keep up with it.
So according to them Arkansas and Vanderbilt should run away w their divisions, 12 out of 14 votes each received.
Someone sure believes in Kentucky. 1 vote to win the East and 1 vote to win the SEC. Miss State got 1 vote to win the West.
Apparently, starting pitching wins out over offense these days. Arkansas and Vanderbilt have strong starting pitching.
Friday, February 1, 2013
John Cohen's Press Conference
This is what I took from what he said:
This team is his fastest team not only at Miss State but all his coaching years. This translates (scrimmages too) into lots of stolen bases for the offense. I think at least 100 this year. That produces runs. This team has depth and lots of it. We have 6 OF's that are very capable. Bradford and Renfroe are the 2 main starters. Bradford will pitch more (he would have before but injuries sidelined him) especially against lefties late in the game. Don't be surprised to see Renfroe pitch an inning here or there. Cohen is impressed that he is a 5 tool player. He will be a 1st or 2nd rounder by MLB. He expects him to make more contact this year, he has shortened his stroke. Demarcus Henderson is the most improved. I think he starts in LF. Jacob Robson will get his share of PT too. JC player Derrick Armstrong will play in the OF also. He is very fast. OF: Bradford, Renfroe, Henderson, Robson, Fullerton and Armstrong. Cody Brown will redshirt.
1B will mainly be manned by Wes Rea. He expects Rea to really hit and defend well. 2B will likely be Brett Pirtle a JC guy. He did praise Matthew Britton as the best IF defender on the team. To me that means he will be a late inning guy to turn DP's like he did in 2012. Of course, SS is Adam Frazier, a hitting machine, will bat leadoff. 3B looks like Daryl Norris but Norris will pitch also in spots. I think Norris will be spelled by Kyle Hann whenever possible. The freshman is a star of the future. Cohen didn't mention Nick Flair but he has been doing well in the scrimmages. He is a backup at 1B and 3B.
The C position is the one that needed a backup and Nick Ammiratti certainly has improved the last few months. He may even start against running teams. He has the best pop time to 2B. Plus Ammiratti bats left.
The pitching is the strength of the team according to Cohen. The SEC rotation hasn't been completely settled except for the Saturday job, that goes to senior captain Kendall Graveman. Friday and Sunday will be fought over by Evan Mitchell, Trevor Fitts, Brandon Woodruff, Will Cox and Jacob Lindren. He is estactic over the bullpen. Lots of good arms and lots of matchup opportunities. The scrimmages and non-conf games will determine who wins the rotation and where they will relief pitch. Although, Jonathan Holder is the closer.
This team is his fastest team not only at Miss State but all his coaching years. This translates (scrimmages too) into lots of stolen bases for the offense. I think at least 100 this year. That produces runs. This team has depth and lots of it. We have 6 OF's that are very capable. Bradford and Renfroe are the 2 main starters. Bradford will pitch more (he would have before but injuries sidelined him) especially against lefties late in the game. Don't be surprised to see Renfroe pitch an inning here or there. Cohen is impressed that he is a 5 tool player. He will be a 1st or 2nd rounder by MLB. He expects him to make more contact this year, he has shortened his stroke. Demarcus Henderson is the most improved. I think he starts in LF. Jacob Robson will get his share of PT too. JC player Derrick Armstrong will play in the OF also. He is very fast. OF: Bradford, Renfroe, Henderson, Robson, Fullerton and Armstrong. Cody Brown will redshirt.
1B will mainly be manned by Wes Rea. He expects Rea to really hit and defend well. 2B will likely be Brett Pirtle a JC guy. He did praise Matthew Britton as the best IF defender on the team. To me that means he will be a late inning guy to turn DP's like he did in 2012. Of course, SS is Adam Frazier, a hitting machine, will bat leadoff. 3B looks like Daryl Norris but Norris will pitch also in spots. I think Norris will be spelled by Kyle Hann whenever possible. The freshman is a star of the future. Cohen didn't mention Nick Flair but he has been doing well in the scrimmages. He is a backup at 1B and 3B.
The C position is the one that needed a backup and Nick Ammiratti certainly has improved the last few months. He may even start against running teams. He has the best pop time to 2B. Plus Ammiratti bats left.
The pitching is the strength of the team according to Cohen. The SEC rotation hasn't been completely settled except for the Saturday job, that goes to senior captain Kendall Graveman. Friday and Sunday will be fought over by Evan Mitchell, Trevor Fitts, Brandon Woodruff, Will Cox and Jacob Lindren. He is estactic over the bullpen. Lots of good arms and lots of matchup opportunities. The scrimmages and non-conf games will determine who wins the rotation and where they will relief pitch. Although, Jonathan Holder is the closer.
Monday, January 28, 2013
My predicted SEC finish
WEST
1. Arkansas
2. Miss State
3. L.S.U.
4. Texas A & M
5. Ole Miss
6. Auburn
7. Alabama
EAST
1. Vanderbilt
2. South Carolina
3. Kentucky
4. Florida
5. Georgia
6. Missouri
7. Tennessee
1. Arkansas
2. Miss State
3. L.S.U.
4. Texas A & M
5. Ole Miss
6. Auburn
7. Alabama
EAST
1. Vanderbilt
2. South Carolina
3. Kentucky
4. Florida
5. Georgia
6. Missouri
7. Tennessee
Thursday, January 24, 2013
How many college baseball polls are there?
How many times have I heard this question. For those that followed me last year, you remember I counted them and it was 7. But the only two I pay attention to are Collegiate Baseball and Baseball America. Both are well respected in the community and have been around a long time. Here are my rankings of the college baseball polls that I follow.
1) Baseball America: can't get any better than Aaron Fitt. Can break down teams to their shoelaces. Excellent analysis of each major component of a team.
2) Collegiate Baseball: has a different view than BA but still very respectable. Based in Arizona.
3) Perfect Game: My jury is still out with them. I don't think they dig into a team like BA and hit what it takes to win championships. They do have a lot of expertise in college baseball. Kendall Rogers is the man, he is very knowledgable about the game. A must follow on twitter.
4) NCBWA: Natl Coll Baseball Writers Assoc, does a decent job. Is in tune with what does on in the college baseball world.
5) USA Today Coaches: Seriously how many of the head coaches tells his assistants to fill this out and fax it or email it. It is like the football poll. Don't take it seriously. They don't.
1) Baseball America: can't get any better than Aaron Fitt. Can break down teams to their shoelaces. Excellent analysis of each major component of a team.
2) Collegiate Baseball: has a different view than BA but still very respectable. Based in Arizona.
3) Perfect Game: My jury is still out with them. I don't think they dig into a team like BA and hit what it takes to win championships. They do have a lot of expertise in college baseball. Kendall Rogers is the man, he is very knowledgable about the game. A must follow on twitter.
4) NCBWA: Natl Coll Baseball Writers Assoc, does a decent job. Is in tune with what does on in the college baseball world.
5) USA Today Coaches: Seriously how many of the head coaches tells his assistants to fill this out and fax it or email it. It is like the football poll. Don't take it seriously. They don't.
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
My page descriptions
All important info for the rabid Miss State Baseball fan.
Roster--I have the roster broken down by position, you can't find that anywhere else. This is the roster MSU puts out on their website. Also, after the July 15th deadline each year for signing drafted players, I will publish the tentative roster for the next year (by no means is this the final roster, I look on the MSU website for that).
Non-Conference Schedule--I have the opponents broken down by month with result of each game as it happens.
SEC Schedule--The 10 series are listed with location plus with results as it happens.
SEC Championship Race--The overall SEC Regular season championship is the big prize, so you can see where Miss State is in the standings plus who will make it to the SEC Tournament.
Players Honors--Pre and Post season honors in one place.
Commits/Signees--I have the commits listed out years in advance with capsules.
Professional Baseball--After a player leaves Miss State and starts playing pro baseball, he is listed here. You can see his progression to The Show here. The ultimate goal.
Other pages not yet added:
MLB Draft--I will list out the players/signees drafted with relevant info.
Statistics Page--Where does Miss State rank in the SEC and NCAA in key stats.
Roster--I have the roster broken down by position, you can't find that anywhere else. This is the roster MSU puts out on their website. Also, after the July 15th deadline each year for signing drafted players, I will publish the tentative roster for the next year (by no means is this the final roster, I look on the MSU website for that).
Non-Conference Schedule--I have the opponents broken down by month with result of each game as it happens.
SEC Schedule--The 10 series are listed with location plus with results as it happens.
SEC Championship Race--The overall SEC Regular season championship is the big prize, so you can see where Miss State is in the standings plus who will make it to the SEC Tournament.
Players Honors--Pre and Post season honors in one place.
Commits/Signees--I have the commits listed out years in advance with capsules.
Professional Baseball--After a player leaves Miss State and starts playing pro baseball, he is listed here. You can see his progression to The Show here. The ultimate goal.
Other pages not yet added:
MLB Draft--I will list out the players/signees drafted with relevant info.
Statistics Page--Where does Miss State rank in the SEC and NCAA in key stats.
Friday, January 4, 2013
News from coaches convention
The ABCA (American Baseball Coaches Association) is having their annual meeting in Chicago. Some big news has come out that will affect Miss State baseball. 1) NCAA Regional host sites will now be announced Sunday night following the end of conference tournaments. This means, for instance, Miss State would have hosted a Regional in 2012 because they won the SEC Tournament. Obviously, this is big news for those teams "on the fence" of hosting a Regional. 2) More Regional games will be televised via ESPN platform. This is great news. There are some great post season baseball being played and it should be on TV. When Miss State is not hosting a Regional, they can be seen on TV throughtout the post season. SEC Tournament, Regional, Super and CWS are all on TV. 3) NCAA will not seed the top 16 instead stick with the top 8 National Seeds. They had doubts about seeding the 16, I guess. 4) NCAA is seriously thinking of letting HS/JC players be represented by an agent during MLB negotiations. I supposed, if it doesn't work out they can still go to college. They need to do this for Jr/elgible roster players too. I believe basketball and football players can "test the waters" of pro sports and yet still be elgible if it doesn't work out. 5) And lastly, the coaches are thinking of changing the ball in college baseball, height of seams, size, etc. I suppose this will work. They did take a survey and the new BBCOR bats are very popular.
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