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.
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
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.
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