2025 NCAA Baseball Transfer Portal

[StarkVegasSteve]

I don't think it's Reese. If it's who I think it is, this one is big. Solves a definite issue.

[KOdawg1]

Houston DH? The best thing to me is that he is only a freshman.
He plays LF/RF but can also play 1B

[Cooterpoot]

Reese it is. He's a bit of a project so not sure where he fits in unless Chance is leaving. We're grabbing whatever we can get at this point anyway. His bat looks solid, just got to figure out where he plays.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Reese it is. He's a bit of a project so not sure where he fits in unless Chance is leaving.

Looks like it. I was told it was Fisher or Hungate. I knew we had a good shot at Reese. Just would have preferred a pitcher since we still have two weekend starters to replace.

[Cooterpoot]

I think Fisher and Hungate are a matter of time

[StarkVegasSteve]

I think Fisher and Hungate are a matter of time

You have to hope so. Both are still big risks as Hungate has never been a starter and Fisher got hit pretty good this year.

[Cooterpoot]

You have to hope so. Both are still big risks as Hungate has never been a starter and Fisher got hit pretty good this year.

If we can blow it, we will. But I feel pretty strong about one of them.

[BigDawg81]

Thatcher Hurd is in the portal. He struggled at LSU at times but still a very talented guy.

[Homedawg]

Thatcher Hurd is in the portal. He struggled at LSU at times but still a very talented guy.

Hurd is in for protection post draft. Can shop himself as leverage if he doesn't get drafted where he would like. Smart decision.

[Commercecomet24]

Hurd is in for protection post draft. Can shop himself as leverage if he doesn't get drafted where he would like. Smart decision.

Yep, it's a business now.

[KOdawg1]

Lots of lineup options should we land Reese.

Here's what it could look like if Nori doesn't come to school and Mershon goes pro.

1. Chance LF (R)
2. Reese CF (L)
3. Sullivan DH (R)
4. Stevens RF (L)
5. Frei 3B (S)
6. Stallman 1B (L)
7. Highfill C (R)
8. Cupp SS (R)
9. Reeves or Pulliam 2B (R)

BUT, if Nori comes AND Mershon returns

1. Nori CF (L)
2. Mershon SS (S)
3. Reese RF (L)
4. Sullivan DH (R)
5. Frei 3B (S)
6. Chance/Stevens LF (R/L)
7. Stallman/Stevens 1B (L/L)
8. Highfill C (R)
9. Cupp 2B (R)

Now, that's a lineup that can make some noise

[BigDawg81]

Lots of lineup options should we land Reese.

Here's what it could look like if Nori doesn't come to school and Mershon goes pro.

1. Chance LF (R)
2. Reese CF (L)
3. Sullivan DH (R)
4. Stevens RF (L)
5. Frei 3B (S)
6. Stallman 1B (L)
7. Highfill C (R)
8. Cupp SS (R)
9. Reeves or Pulliam 2B (R)

BUT, if Nori comes AND Mershon returns

1. Nori CF (L)
2. Mershon SS (S)
3. Reeves RF (L)
4. Sullivan DH (R)
5. Frei 3B (S)
6. Chance/Stevens LF (R/L)
7. Stallman/Stevens 1B (L/L)
8. Highfill C (R)
9. Cupp 2B (R)

Now, that's a lineup that can make some noise What are the odds of Mershon and/or Nori ?

[TNDawg35]

What are the odds of Mershon and/or Nori ?

Have heard Nori has a good shot being here and Mershon is wanting way too much for where they are wanting to draft him.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Speculated, but officially official....it's Ace Reese. A good piece to pickup. Freshman All Big 12.

[Cooterpoot]

Mershon and Nori are linchpins. They take our lineup up a few notches, but we won't be a big power team. The pitching has to be a lot better than the options we've seen and business is about to pick up in that respect I do believe. Starting pitching carried us this season. It won't next season if we don't hit on the new arms hitting the market.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Mershon and Nori are linchpins. They take our lineup up a few notches, but we won't be a big power team. The pitching has to be a lot better than the options we've seen and business is about to pick up in that respect I do believe. Starting pitching carried us this season. It won't next season if we don't hit on the new arms hitting the market.

Still waiting on Hungate and Fisher. Really confident on one, but pretty confident on both. Then again, I was certain that we would get LaPour.

[BigDawg81]

Still waiting on Hungate and Fisher. Really confident on one, but pretty confident on both. Then again, I was certain that we would get LaPour.
Hungate is a good one for sure

[Commercecomet24]

Nori has a very good shot to be here. He's enrolled in summer classes and players generally don't do that if they're planning on signing a pro contract. He's the only one who really knows though.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Nori has a very good shot to be here. He's enrolled in summer classes and players generally don't do that if they're planning on signing a pro contract. He's the only one who really knows though.

I think it's becoming more common. But that works in our favor because they get to be around the other signees and in the facilities for a week or so before the actual draft. I know a couple of nights before the draft they turn on the lights and let them all take BP in the stadium.

[BigDawg81]

Kash to A&M

[StarkVegasSteve]

Kash to A&M

Massive draft risk. I expect that he ends up signing.

[3dawgnight15]

What are the odds Cade, Conrad, Dante or Charlie make it to campus?

[StarkVegasSteve]

What are the odds Cade, Conrad, Dante or Charlie make it to campus?

We should be good with everyone except Nori. And his odds have gone up dramatically. He's already 19 and he'd only have to stay for two years if he came.

[Todd4State]

What are the odds Cade, Conrad, Dante or Charlie make it to campus?

There is a very real chance that we get them all. I feel like we have about a 75% chance of getting Nori to campus.

Really the biggest draft risk actually might be Kevin Mannell. He's a JUCO recruit.

[Commercecomet24]

There is a very real chance that we get them all. I feel like we have about a 75% chance of getting Nori to campus.

Really the biggest draft risk actually might be Kevin Mannell. He's a JUCO recruit.

I concur on this based on what I've heard, but as the man said money changes everything, but we're in good have with all right now.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Colby Holcombe into the portal. Looks to be another case of hedging his bets if he doesn't get the number he wants from the MLB. Hate to see him and I guess technically he could still come back, but I imagine we have seen the last of Holcombe

[StarkVegasSteve]

To kind of reset the board a bit, it seems like we are still after one more position player and a few pitchers.

The position player looks to come down to Nolan McCarthy from Kentucky and Mitchell Sanford from UNO.

The pitchers we are most heavily after are Cade Fisher from Florida, Chase Hungate from UVA, and Jacob Pruitt from Indiana St. Jacob Pruitt could be a plug and play Friday night guy for us.

[Commercecomet24]

To kind of reset the board a bit, it seems like we are still after one more position player and a few pitchers.

The position player looks to come down to Nolan McCarthy from Kentucky and Mitchell Sanford from UNO.

The pitchers we are most heavily after are Cade Fisher from Florida, Chase Hungate from UVA, and Jacob Pruitt from Indiana St. Jacob Pruitt could be a plug and play Friday night guy for us.

Pruitt would be a huge addition for us. If we could add Hungate and Fisher and one more bat, things would be looking up. We've got some good young arms coming in with the hs guys too.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Pruitt would be a huge addition for us. If we could add Hungate and Fisher and one more bat, things would be looking up. We've got some good young arms coming in with the hs guys too.

If you add all 3 pitchers then we have a hell of a staff. That'd be a staff of Pruitt, Hungate, Fisher, Mikhai Grant, Pico, Gavin Black, Ligon, Siary, Loftin(if he's right), and the incoming freshman arms.

[Commercecomet24]

If you add all 3 pitchers then we have a hell of a staff. That'd be a staff of Pruitt, Hungate, Fisher, Mikhai Grant, Pico, Gavin Black, Ligon, Siary, Loftin(if he's right), and the incoming freshman arms.

Right, it would give us some serious depth and talent and you can always win with pitching. I honestly believe what I saw out of Black at the end of the year and the reports I've heard from this summer that he can be our closer. There's some really good arms coming in with the hs class too and i look forward to seeing them this fall.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Right, it would give us some serious depth and talent and you can always win with pitching. I honestly believe what I saw out of Black at the end of the year and the reports I've heard from this summer that he can be our closer. There's some really good arms coming in with the hs class too and i look forward to seeing them this fall.

Black has the look of a closer. I cannot explain it, but he just looks like a typical closer.

I also think that Mikhai Grant is the wild card in all of this. I mean he was probably the 2nd or 3rd most impressive arm last fall before he got injured.

[KOdawg1]

Dude, I'll eat 1,000 crows if Lemonis can land Mitch Sanford. That dude completely changes the outlook of the lineup.

[KOdawg1]

Black has the look of a closer. I cannot explain it, but he just looks like a typical closer.

I also think that Mikhai Grant is the wild card in all of this. I mean he was probably the 2nd or 3rd most impressive arm last fall before he got injured.

I know it's a lot to ask for a guy coming off Tommy John, but Grant has the stuff to be a shutdown ace in the SEC. He had the surgery last October, so he should be ready for the season, it'll just be a matter of if he's up to speed or not

[Commercecomet24]

Black has the look of a closer. I cannot explain it, but he just looks like a typical closer.

I also think that Mikhai Grant is the wild card in all of this. I mean he was probably the 2nd or 3rd most impressive arm last fall before he got injured.

Black has a mean streak too, which makes him a good fit for that role as well as his stuff. Grant would've been in the weekend rotation this past year without the injury, imo.

[StarkVegasSteve]

BOOM.

[DEDawg]

BOOM.
Who?

[TNDawg35]

Who?

Pruitt

[StarkVegasSteve]

Who?

Jacob Pruitt. Pitcher from Indiana St. Will be a Friday night candidate for us.

[BrunswickDawg]

Who?

Pruitt

[TNDawg35]

I’ll say this, even without anything else as far as a legit starter, you have to like where our rotation is at. Pruitt, Pico, and Grant (if Grants is as advertised). That’s legit there… Need a couple more bullpen arms to make sure on the back end.

If Lemonis could land just one BIG bay for the middle of the order I would feel Much better. We don’t have that one guy who can change the game with one swing.

[StarkVegasSteve]

I’ll say this, even without anything else as far as a legit starter, you have to like where our rotation is at. Pruitt, Pico, and Grant (if Grants is as advertised). That’s legit there… Need a couple more bullpen arms to make sure on the back end.

If Lemonis could land just one BIG bay for the middle of the order I would feel Much better. We don’t have that one guy who can change the game with one swing.


We're on the Sanford kid from UNO. He would be that. We're also still heavily on Chase Hungate and Cade Fisher. Both of those guys could also factor into the weekend rotation

[Commercecomet24]

Jacob Pruitt. Pitcher from Indiana St. Will be a Friday night candidate for us.

Huge get right there. Weekend starter and big arm.

[bulldogcountry1]

The needle is moving.

[Cowbell]

Finally getting some momentum

[StarkVegasSteve]

Finally getting some momentum

Now the question is what will you do with that momentum. I would say the last two days have been the best two days of the portal era from a perception standpoint for Lemonis and Co. Now you have to capitalize on that perception. You need a Fisher, Hungate, Sanford type player to kick the hype into overdrive.

[Cooterpoot]

Jacob Pruitt. Pitcher from Indiana St. Will be a Friday night candidate for us.

Not sure he can handle the load of Friday, although his stuff is Friday good. Friday is a long innings guy and that's not what Pruitt really is. But he can chunk it! I think our Friday starter is still in the portal.

[Homedawg]

Not sure he can handle the load of Friday, although his stuff is Friday good. Friday is a long innings guy and that's not what Pruitt really is. But he can chunk it! I think our Friday starter is still in the portal.

Where's all your gloom cooter?? Ha shocked lem got off the couch w his lays chips to get some players???

[Todd4State]

Where's all your gloom cooter?? Ha shocked lem got off the couch w his lays chips to get some players???

Lemonis's beach trip ended.**

[Cooterpoot]

Where's all your gloom cooter?? Ha shocked lem got off the couch w his lays chips to get some players???

Solid get is a solid get. I still want to win. I heard pitching was picking up and Pruitt isn't even the one I heard, so I don't think we're done. I could see three more arms if we hit on the best ones. I was surprised we couldn't pull some guys with what Parker did.

[Commercecomet24]

Solid get is a solid get. I still want to win. I heard pitching was picking up and Pruitt isn't even the one I heard, so I don't think we're done. I could see three more arms if we hit on the best ones. I was surprised we couldn't pull some guys with what Parker did.

Yeah Pruitt is just the first, couple of others on the way.

[The Federalist Engineer]

Where's all your gloom cooter?? Ha shocked lem got off the couch w his lays chips to get some players???

Cooter is giving up, he's surrendering, co'mon man.

This dude is not Friday night. 13 appearance, only 5 starts and only 41 innings this past year. Seems like a #3 or Long Relief.

Nothing wrong with getting a good Long-Relief guy, just seems like a leap to say Friday night or even Saturday night. He was neither at Indiana State. He was their 1st bullpen guy. Was shaky in his two last outings in the regionals.

Nuance (Edit): He was their Saturday guy for the first three weeks. Good starts.

[Todd4State]

Cooter is giving up, he's surrendering, co'mon man.

This dude is not Friday night. 13 appearance, only 5 starts and only 41 innings this past year. Seems like a #3 or Long Relief.

Nothing wrong with getting a good Long-Relief guy, just seems like a leap to say Friday night or even Saturday night. He was neither at Indiana State. He was their 1st bullpen guy. Was shaky in his two last outings in the regionals.

Nuance (Edit): He was their Saturday guy for the first three weeks. Good starts.

I believe he was their numbers two and then he had an injury. That's why he was our seven weeks and then came back for bullpen only duty.

[Commercecomet24]

I believe he was their numbers two and then he had an injury. That's why he was our seven weeks and then came back for bullpen only duty.

This is correct. The kid has elite stuff

[StarkVegasSteve]

I believe he was their numbers two and then he had an injury. That's why he was our seven weeks and then came back for bullpen only duty.

He was their Friday night guy before injury. He was giving them 6 innings and around 10 Ks. That is exactly what Cjintje gave you this year and he would have been the Friday guy without the emergence of Stephen.

And we are not done.

[Cooterpoot]

He was their Friday night guy before injury. He was giving them 6 innings and around 10 Ks. That is exactly what Cjintje gave you this year and he would have been the Friday guy without the emergence of Stephen.

And we are not done.

The injuries are the issue. He's had a couple and that's why I said being a Friday guy could be a problem, Stuff is good, can he consistently give you 5 or 6 innings is the question. There are still some arms out there. I don't think Fisher is the answer for Friday but he's a weekend arm. Hungate is bullpen.
Add another bat and three pitchers IMO. Pitching determines how good we can be. I think the lineup will be an average SEC lineup regardless unless Mershon is back. I think we've got a 5-8 spot SEC team regardless if we get the arms. We aren't top 4 in the SEC as we should be.

[BigDawg81]

Can we expect any news today?

[Cooterpoot]

Can we expect any news today?

It's a hot dog holiday, Lemonis is busy.**

[Commercecomet24]

The injuries are the issue. He's had a couple and that's why I said being a Friday guy could be a problem, Stuff is good, can he consistently give you 5 or 6 innings is the question. There are still some arms out there. I don't think Fisher is the answer for Friday but he's a weekend arm. Hungate is bullpen.
Add another bat and three pitchers IMO. Pitching determines how good we can be. I think the lineup will be an average SEC lineup regardless unless Mershon is back. I think we've got a 5-8 spot SEC team regardless if we get the arms. We aren't top 4 in the SEC as we should be.

I agree on Pruitt his stuff is Friday night stuff for sure, but the injuries are a question. I wouldn't start him as the Friday guy but I believe he's a weekend rotation guy for sure.

[KOdawg1]

Mitchell Sanford to Ole Miss.

Kinda embarrassing to lose a battle to that sinking ship. Maybe we can still land the UK outfielder. We're still missing an impact bat

[Todd4State]

Mitchell Sanford to Ole Miss.

Kinda embarrassing to lose a battle to that sinking ship. Maybe we can still land the UK outfielder. We're still missing an impact bat

May be telling on how we feel about getting Nori to school though.

[KOdawg1]

May be telling on how we feel about getting Nori to school though.
Maybe. Boy I hope so. Losing a portal guy to Mini Mike ain't a good look unless you've got something else coming down the pipe.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Maybe. Boy I hope so. Losing a portal guy to Mini Mike ain't a good look unless you've got something else coming down the pipe.

He also may see it as an easier path to starting. The same thing happened with Ethan Groff.

[Cooterpoot]

Another portal miss and another about to happen so be prepared

[BigDawg81]

Another portal miss and another about to happen so be prepared Who is that? It seem like hit .300 with portal players

[BigDawg81]

I think we got a bite

[StarkVegasSteve]

I think we got a bite

We do. Not any of the guys that have been mentioned here though. Still searching for at least one more starter quality arm.

[BigDawg81]

https://twitter.com/MWD_On3/status/1809619085199561176

[BeardoMSU]

https://twitter.com/NathanPurvis/status/1809618720936870236?t=V0joLXS5qBtwsJAfCBajWw&s=19

[maroonmania]

Mitchell Sanford to Ole Miss.


Kinda embarrassing to lose a battle to that sinking ship. Maybe we can still land the UK outfielder. We're still missing an impact bat

BIG loss for us. Sanford hit .381 with 15 HRs this past season at UNO. He would have probably been our best bat in 2025 had we gotten him.

[BigDawg81]

BIG loss for us. Sanford hit .381 with 15 HRs this past season at UNO. He would have probably been our best bat in 2025 had we gotten him. The Kentucky player that batted .291 was either/or with Sanford. I really don?t have a preference.

[Cooterpoot]

Smith doesn't really move the needle beyond depth and, once again, the hope that Parker can fix him. I think this one is directly related to the miss, as they're a little similar. Another health issue guy too.

[Homedawg]

Smith doesn't really move the needle beyond depth and, once again, the hope that Parker can fix him. I think this one is directly related to the miss, as they're a little similar. Another health issue guy too.

Nobody is a sure thing. Nobody. Skenes isn't in the portal. Just part of it. Every team has success and failures. Number one just has to be higher than number 2

[bulldogcountry1]

Has the draft ever been so pivotal for us? Seems like we have a chance to go to Omaha or the draft could decimate the team.

[The Federalist Engineer]

Nobody is a sure thing. Nobody. Skenes isn't in the portal. Just part of it. Every team has success and failures. Number one just has to be higher than number 2

This is 10 rated PG player, I'll take him. 20 career starts.

MSU has 3 big former recruits Ligon, Loftin, and now Smith they are due their payoff season. If MSU snags Grayson Saunier, Justin Parker has a whole stable of Seabiscuits.

[Homedawg]

Has the draft ever been so pivotal for us? Seems like we have a chance to go to Omaha or the draft could decimate the team.

Nori, mershon, smith and a juco pitcher. Could lose them all. Could keep them all but doubt it. Or anywhere in between.

[Cooterpoot]

Nobody is a sure thing. Nobody. Skenes isn't in the portal. Just part of it. Every team has success and failures. Number one just has to be higher than number 2

We've got a less talent rotation than we had this year, but a deeper overall pen. That's the positive.
I can't see this team finishing top 6 in the SEC next season right now, we'll see once the draft is done and the rest of the pieces added. There are a couple arms, not a big fan of the KY hitter.

[BigDawg81]

We've got a less talent rotation than we had this year, but a deeper overall pen. That's the positive.
I can't see this team finishing top 6 in the SEC next season right now, we'll see once the draft is done and the rest of the pieces added. There are a couple arms, not a big fan of the KY hitter. You cannot please everybody but the Kentucky hitter did bat .291 against SEC pitching. He didnt hit for power but average is not bad. The New Orleans hitter did hit for power and average but against lower competition. I didn?t have a preference with either one.

[BeardoMSU]

You can?t everybody had but the Kentucky hitter did bat .291 against SEC pitching. He didnt hit for power but average isn?t bad. The New Orleans hitter did hit for power and average but against lower competition. I didn?t have a preference with either one.

Just wait until Gautreau gets ahold of him***

[The Federalist Engineer]

You can?t everybody had but the Kentucky hitter did bat .291 against SEC pitching. He didnt hit for power but average isn?t bad. The New Orleans hitter did hit for power and average but against lower competition. I didn?t have a preference with either one.

Talking SEC Only:

Just for fun: Kohler hit 300 versus the SEC. He got 6 hits in a weekend versus Arkansas. Then had a 5 hit weekend versus Bama. He had some weekends on the backside of the season. Hines hit 254 for the season.

Bryce Chance hit 333 for the SEC season, better for the season than Mershon and DJ.

[Homedawg]

We've got a less talent rotation than we had this year, but a deeper overall pen. That's the positive.
I can't see this team finishing top 6 in the SEC next season right now, we'll see once the draft is done and the rest of the pieces added. There are a couple arms, not a big fan of the KY hitter.

You known that now. You didn't have any clue our rotation would be anywhere near as good as it ended up.

[BigDawg81]

You known that now. You didn't have any clue our rotation would be anywhere near as good as it ended up.Stephen was 7-4 with a 5.21 ERA. That was not anything to shout about. He came to State and finished with 8-3 record with a 3.28 ERA. He almost dropped his ERA by 2 runs. Nobody could predict that before the season.

[BrunswickDawg]

Stephen was 7-4 with a 5.21 ERA. That was not anything to shout about. He came to State and finished with 8-3 record with a 3.28 ERA. He almost dropped his ERA by 2 runs. Nobody could predict that before the season.

And Loo was even better - he went from 3-5 with an 8.10 ERA to 8-2 with a 3.87. He also doubled his Ks, almost doubled his innings pitched, while only having 3 more starts vs '23.

[Homedawg]

Stephen was 7-4 with a 5.21 ERA. That was not anything to shout about. He came to State and finished with 8-3 record with a 3.28 ERA. He almost dropped his ERA by 2 runs. Nobody could predict that before the season.

Correct that's my entire point. I think most thought Lo would get better but NOT as big of a jump as he made.

[Homedawg]

And Loo was even better - he went from 3-5 with an 8.10 ERA to 8-2 with a 3.87. He also doubled his Ks, almost doubled his innings pitched, while only having 3 more starts vs '23.

^^ this

[ZedFedder]

Loo?s K rate actually went down by .1. But yes he improved greatly.

[BigDawg81]

Just heard that Hurd is on campus. I can not confirm or deny this but was just told.

[BrunswickDawg]

Loo?s K rate actually went down by .1. But yes he improved greatly.

He also pitched almost twice as many innings jumping from 50 to 90 while only logging 3 more starts. So his K rate dropping .1 was incredibly consistent. Meanwhile, his BB Rate went from 6.1 to 3.0 and his K/BB went from 1.85 to 3.77.

Only an MSU fan could look at Loo's stats and zero in on "well, his K rate dropped .1"

[The Federalist Engineer]

Just heard that Hurd is on campus. I can not confirm or deny this but was just told.

I'll take him. But seems like a draft leverage thing. He will be drafted but he make not like where he would go.

He had a great Omaha in 2023. He won the championship game. He also won a clutch game versus Wake Forest.

[BigDawg81]

Do we have another bite?

[Todd4State]

Do we have another bite?

Yeah. I think it's Hungate.

[Pancho]

quality piece

[StateDawg44]

Yeah. I think it's Hungate.

Would be a nice pull for Lemo. Hope it happens

[BrunswickDawg]

Hungate Officially in the boat

[BigDawg81]

Hungate is in. Very good pickup

[StarkVegasSteve]

A really good pickup for us. Possible starter but definitely valuable bullpen piece. Still waiting on a couple of more and then the guys that get drafted

[Coach34]

Stephen was 7-4 with a 5.21 ERA. That was not anything to shout about. He came to State and finished with 8-3 record with a 3.28 ERA. He almost dropped his ERA by 2 runs. Nobody could predict that before the season.

I know somebody that predicted the pitching would be significantly better in 2024

[BigDawg81]

In the top 10 in the portal according to 64 analytics

[Cooterpoot]

You known that now. You didn't have any clue our rotation would be anywhere near as good as it ended up.

I said we'd be a regional team last year from day one. Said we'd surprise some people in the fall. I thought losing Highfill was worse than our pitching. I thought Loftin would be our third pitcher and Loo would be good. Stephen was a surprise. Grant was a blow. I think we're a lock for a regional next year too, if we don't lose guys and/or are able to pick up a couple. But I also think we're a middle of the pack team in the SEC at best until we see what's left with everything. Could be in that 5-7 range, couid be in that 8-10 range IMO. Can we host? Can we advance? Those things matter.

[SPMT]

And Loo was even better - he went from 3-5 with an 8.10 ERA to 8-2 with a 3.87. He also doubled his Ks, almost doubled his innings pitched, while only having 3 more starts vs '23.

That?s some impressive coaching even if it were only Loo and Stephen. Kids will notice.

[maroonmania]

I said we'd be a regional team last year from day one. Said we'd surprise some people in the fall. I thought losing Highfill was worse than our pitching. I thought Loftin would be our third pitcher and Loo would be good. Stephen was a surprise. Grant was a blow. I think we're a lock for a regional next year too, if we don't lose guys and/or are able to pick up a couple. But I also think we're a middle of the pack team in the SEC at best until we see what's left with everything. Could be in that 5-7 range, couid be in that 8-10 range IMO. Can we host? Can we advance? Those things matter.

Really need to get Nori to school to shore up the OF after losing Sanford. Without him we have I guess Reese/Chance/Stevens and not much else out there.

[The Federalist Engineer]

Really need to get Nori to school to shore up the OF after losing Sanford. Without him we have I guess Reese/Chance/Stevens and not much else out there.

Also have Rives Reynolds was a freshman that got hurt in pre-season. He was the 242 highest rated High-School recruit in the nation.

There seem to be lots of orphans in the portal, to be fair.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Also have Rives Reynolds was a freshman that got hurt in pre-season. He was the 242 highest rated High-School recruit in the nation.

There seem to be lots of orphans in the portal, to be fair.

We also have Michael O'Brien as well. Our outfield isn't barren. Pulliam could also play out there. Also, where did this narrative start that we "lost" Sanford. We never had him. To my knowledge, he never even visited.

[Pancho]

Pulliams only shot to play will be in the OF unless there are a rash of injuries. Lemo already showed us that he doesn't like Pulliam.

[BrunswickDawg]

Pulliams only shot to play will be in the OF unless there are a rash of injuries. Lemo already showed us that he doesn't like Pulliam.

Some of y'all say some ridiculous stuff on here. Pulliam played well mid-season, and earned an opportunity. Then he went into a funk late in the season and batted .117 over his last 34 at bats and he got benched. That's not hate. That's understanding where players are and what your lineup needs. BTW, when Larry went back to 2nd after the MO series, he hit .290 over the remaining games.

[The Federalist Engineer]

Yeah. I think it's Hungate.

How many JC pitchers does MSU have coming? I know of two.

(1) JT Schnoor - a Right-Handed starter with a high K-Rate and low walks. https://www.prccathletics.com/sports/bsb/2022-23/bios/schnoor_jt_e54c?view=career&pos=p

(2) Robert Fontenberrry - a Left Handed starter with low WHIP, gets a K per inning, but people can seem to hit him. Named the JC pitcher of the year. I read that he especially effective on LHH. https://www.prccathletics.com/sports/bsb/2022-23/bios/schnoor_jt_e54c?view=career&pos=p

[The Federalist Engineer]

We also have Michael O'Brien as well. Our outfield isn't barren. Pulliam could also play out there. Also, where did this narrative start that we "lost" Sanford. We never had him. To my knowledge, he never even visited.

Ole Miss has fans and dudes that want to play there. Seems a perfect place for a guy with no academic major. I am more disappointed in losing a Purdue mechanical engineering student to the ACC than Sanford to OM. Luke Gaffney to Clemson, when we need a power hitter and a catcher/1B.

I am assuming MSU tried to recruit Gaffney.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Ole Miss has fans and dudes that want to play there. Seems a perfect place for a guy with no academic major. I am more disappointed in losing a Purdue mechanical engineering student to the ACC than Sanford to OM. Luke Gaffney to Clemson, when we need a power hitter and a catcher/1B.

I am assuming MSU tried to recruit Gaffney.

I'm assuming you're talking about the UNO kid with OM. No clue on Gaffney. I would feel certain we reached out to him, but there has to be return interest.

[Pancho]

Some of y'all say some ridiculous stuff on here. Pulliam played well mid-season, and earned an opportunity. Then he went into a funk late in the season and batted .117 over his last 34 at bats and he got benched. That's not hate. That's understanding where players are and what your lineup needs. BTW, when Larry went back to 2nd after the MO series, he hit .290 over the remaining games.

he sure doesn't make E's as consistent as Larry at 2B.

[BigDawg81]

I assume that we are done in the portal unless there is a game changer

[Homedawg]

I assume that we are done in the portal unless there is a game changer

I expect one more. But it's not for sure. To take two would have to be absolutely the top two on the board and still not sure if we have the room. But I would and figure it out later.

[Cooterpoot]

How many JC pitchers does MSU have coming? I know of two.

(1) JT Schnoor - a Right-Handed starter with a high K-Rate and low walks. https://www.prccathletics.com/sports/bsb/2022-23/bios/schnoor_jt_e54c?view=career&pos=p

(2) Robert Fontenberrry - a Left Handed starter with low WHIP, gets a K per inning, but people can seem to hit him. Named the JC pitcher of the year. I read that he especially effective on LHH. https://www.prccathletics.com/sports/bsb/2022-23/bios/schnoor_jt_e54c?view=career&pos=p

Got Walker from Jones, Davis from ICC, & the big dog Mannell from Kansas

[BigDawg81]

I expect one more. But it's not for sure. To take two would have to be absolutely the top two on the board and still not sure if we have the room. But I would and figure it out later. Yea, I was just told that there could be a commitment this week.

[The Federalist Engineer]

Got Walker from Jones, Davis from ICC, & the big dog Mannell from Kansas

This JC class looks pretty good.

Looked up Mannell, seems this dude is all business and duck hunting. Seems like the right type of mature kid for the program. He numbers look super solid unless Topeka strike zones are the size that Andrew Walling used before MSU, this is a great prospect.

https://247sports.com/college/mississippi-state/article/kevin-mannell-mississippi-state-baseball-commitment-interview-218857473/amp/

[Todd4State]

This JC class looks pretty good.

Looked up Mannell, seems this dude is all business and duck hunting. Seems like the right type of mature kid for the program. He numbers look super solid unless Topeka strike zones are the size that Andrew Walling used before MSU, this is a great prospect.

https://247sports.com/college/mississippi-state/article/kevin-mannell-mississippi-state-baseball-commitment-interview-218857473/amp/

Mannell is by far the best JUCO prospect. Actually started out at K-State. Fortenberry was really good but we'll see how and where he fits. Schnoor was overlooked in high school and may turn out to be Peyton Plumlee 2.0. Davis seems to be a reach honestly.

[Todd4State]

I assume that we are done in the portal unless there is a game changer

We seem to be in on pitchers like Matthew Dallas and we're still in the game with Cade Fisher apparently. I'm wait and see on those two. Not sure if they are an either/or or if we would take both or if we're just playing with house money.

I think we take another outfielder too if possible.

[Todd4State]

Ole Miss has fans and dudes that want to play there. Seems a perfect place for a guy with no academic major. I am more disappointed in losing a Purdue mechanical engineering student to the ACC than Sanford to OM. Luke Gaffney to Clemson, when we need a power hitter and a catcher/1B.

I am assuming MSU tried to recruit Gaffney.

With Highfill and likely Powell coming back it is going to be hard to get a catcher this portal cycle. We were very fortunate to find Long and Powell last cycle.

[Cooterpoot]

This JC class looks pretty good.

Looked up Mannell, seems this dude is all business and duck hunting. Seems like the right type of mature kid for the program. He numbers look super solid unless Topeka strike zones are the size that Andrew Walling used before MSU, this is a great prospect.

https://247sports.com/college/mississippi-state/article/kevin-mannell-mississippi-state-baseball-commitment-interview-218857473/amp/

The pitching does. There's one that's not going to help us and one I'm not sure about.

[StarkVegasSteve]

We seem to be in on pitchers like Matthew Dallas and we're still in the game with Cade Fisher apparently. I'm wait and see on those two. Not sure if they are an either/or or if we would take both or if we're just playing with house money.

I think we take another outfielder too if possible.

We want one more pitcher, but would take both if it was Dallas and Fisher.

[BigDawg81]

Fischer to Tennessee according to Kendall Rogers

[Todd4State]

Fischer to Tennessee according to Kendall Rogers

That's Andrew Fisher. Not Cade. (for now anyway)

[StarkVegasSteve]

Michigan St pitcher that was headed to Vandy is now headed back to Michigan St. Makes the Cade Fisher sweepstakes even more crowded.

[BigDawg81]

Dallas to Wake Forest

[BigDawg81]

Fisher committing tomorrow. I expect Tennessee

[Cooterpoot]

Fisher committing tomorrow. I expect Tennessee

I'll be surprised if we aren't done with the portal.

[BigDawg81]

Fisher to Auburn lololololol

[The Federalist Engineer]

Fisher to Auburn lololololol

He wants to be Foxxy's next victim. We can watch this mutt circle the drain.

Just get thatcher Hurd, if he does not like his draft position.

But if you are just collecting Mental Cases to rehab, there is Grayson Saunier still.

[Cooterpoot]

He wants to be Foxxy's next victim. We can watch this mutt circle the drain.

Just get thatcher Hurd, if he does not like his draft position.

But if you are just collecting Mental Cases to rehab, there is Grayson Saunier still.

Hurd sucks, let him go late in the draft

[Todd4State]

I'll be surprised if we aren't done with the portal.

I will be too. It feels like we're waiting on the draft fallout so we can see where we actually stand with NIL.

I'm sure we have a budget of some kind and we don't want a Luke Hill at Ole Miss situation next year.

[Todd4State]

He wants to be Foxxy's next victim. We can watch this mutt circle the drain.

Just get thatcher Hurd, if he does not like his draft position.

But if you are just collecting Mental Cases to rehab, there is Grayson Saunier still.

I'll be honest- Saunier wouldn't be bad. I might be biased because I thought he did a good job against us in the Governor's Cup. I think Parker might be able to get something out of him.

Hurd is a waste of time for us. He's going pro. And I don't want to be his safety net.

[The Federalist Engineer]

I'll be honest- Saunier wouldn't be bad. I might be biased because I thought he did a good job against us in the Governor's Cup. I think Parker might be able to get something out of him.

Hurd is a waste of time for us. He's going pro. And I don't want to be his safety net.

There are probably going to many, many players to pick from after the draft, even decommits.

The gap not filled was real hitters with D1 production and power. Luke Gaffney of Purdue and Jimmy Keenan of St John type players. Both went big programs in the ACC. If UTK, LSU, Arkansas, Florida, Auburn or UGA did not want them, they should have been our scraps to pickup.

[Todd4State]

There are probably going to many, many players to pick from after the draft, even decommits.

The gap not filled was real hitters with D1 production and power. Luke Gaffney of Purdue and Jimmy Keenan of St John type players. Both went big programs in the ACC. If UTK, LSU, Arkansas, Florida, Auburn or UGA did not want them, they should have been our scraps to pickup.

We're not going after scraps. Both of those guys are catchers and like last season Ross Highfill complicates that as far as the portal goes.

[Coach34]

There are probably going to many, many players to pick from after the draft, even decommits.

The gap not filled was real hitters with D1 production and power. Luke Gaffney of Purdue and Jimmy Keenan of St John type players. Both went big programs in the ACC. If UTK, LSU, Arkansas, Florida, Auburn or UGA did not want them, they should have been our scraps to pickup.

We have Highfill and Powell. We were in no way going to spend big money on a catcher

[Cooterpoot]

The heartache that's MSU baseball starts at 6:00 tonight. Prepare for it appropriately

[Todd4State]

The heartache that's MSU baseball starts at 6:00 tonight. Prepare for it appropriately

Usually the draft never goes as well as it could go but it's also never as bad as it could be.

[Homedawg]

As I thought nori gone. Let's hope Mershon listens to his handler

[The Federalist Engineer]

As I thought nori gone. Let's hope Mershon listens to his handler

Seems the end of season hurt DJ's status. Wonder how far it can go for a return.

If he comes back and has a Christian Moore season, he could make a lot of money with returning. Moore is making 4M more in bonus than 2nd rounders and the 2nd round is coming and going.

[The Federalist Engineer]

Just read Hunter Hines' MLB.com scout sheet, pretty brutal. It's like Elitedawgs wrote it.

[trob115]

Welcome back DJ!

Wishful thinking, but still a chance

[Cooterpoot]

Welcome back DJ!

Wishful thinking, but still a chance

No chance

[trob115]

Better chance than you think. He wants a 2 million signing bonus.

[The Federalist Engineer]

Welcome back DJ!

Wishful thinking, but still a chance

The bonus is now under 1-million.

Teams can pay whatever they want, if they really want the player

[Cooterpoot]

Better chance than you think. He wants a 2 million signing bonus.

He does want big money, and he can still get it, but you're correct. For some reason I was thinking he got in the portal. Guess it was flashbacks.

[maroonmania]

If DJ gets drafted in the first 10 rounds we will know he's gone for sure. If he won't agree to whatever the offer will be then they won't draft him and we can get him back.

[KOdawg1]

If DJ gets drafted in the first 10 rounds we will know he's gone for sure. If he won't agree to whatever the offer will be then they won't draft him and we can get him back.

If he makes it out of rounds 3-4, he won't go in 5-10. He'll be coming back at that point

[The Federalist Engineer]

If DJ gets drafted in the first 10 rounds we will know he's gone for sure. If he won't agree to whatever the offer will be then they won't draft him and we can get him back.

We've seen team trash 1st round picks, maybe someone drafts him and just offers $250K.

It's not like a college will beat that offer or would want to, considering the portal is closed.

That said, a player like DJ is actually why a team would draft a few seniors and offer them a Nintendo Switch or a used Iphone as a bonus. Then get a 1st rounder like DJ in the late rounds.

[Todd4State]

We've seen team trash 1st round picks, maybe someone drafts him and just offers $250K.

It's not like a college will beat that offer or would want to, considering the portal is closed.

That said, a player like DJ is actually why a team would draft a few seniors and offer them a Nintendo Switch or a used Iphone as a bonus. Then get a 1st rounder like DJ in the late rounds.

The thing is if his asking price is really high teams have bonus pools to that they typically don't want to go over. I'm not sure that a team would draft a bunch of senior signs to pool money to draft Dakota Jordan.

[BrunswickDawg]

He does want big money, and he can still get it, but you're correct. For one reason I was thinking he got in the portal. Guess it was flashbacks.

Right - he just declared for the draft, he didn't portal. Thing about DJ is, as talent as is he is, he is still raw and young. He could really use another year in college to mature at the plate so why throw big money at him this year?

Wouldn't it be interesting if DJ, Hines and Mershon all ended up coming back? Totally changes the trajectory for '25.

[BrunswickDawg]

The thing is if his asking price is really high teams have bonus pools to that they typically don't want to go over. I'm not sure that a team would draft a bunch of senior signs to pool money to draft Dakota Jordan.

MLB is getting smarter and smarter about the draft. Only 10 of the first 32 were HS kids - a complete flip from 5 years ago. Even more interesting is that of the 10 HS kids, only 2 were listed as pitchers.
MLB is investing less in player development in the US. They let the college programs sort it out while they gather up a couple of hundred Caribbean kids for 10 pesos a month at their academies in the DR.

[Cooterpoot]

So much for that tiny glimmer of hope

[Pancho]

Lemo gone wow us all now. just wait

[Bdawg]

So how bad did we get hurt? Think we lost a couple in late rounds. Did we expect them to be here? Will we get the KY bat?

[Cooterpoot]

So how bad did we get hurt? Think we lost a couple in late rounds. Did we expect them to be here? Will we get the KY bat?

Lost our top two recruits, kept a couple recruits we were scared we'd lose. Waiting on Mershon. Maybe Hines changes his mind and comes back if he gets taken late but not counting on it.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Lost our top two recruits, kept a couple recruits we were scared we'd lose. Waiting on Mershon. Maybe Hines changes his mind and comes back if he gets taken late but not counting on it.

Feel really good about Mershon. No one knows on Hines. He'll get drafted, but it's whether or not he's just ready to start pro ball.

[Cooterpoot]

Feel really good about Mershon. No one knows on Hines. He'll get drafted, but it's whether or not he's just ready to start pro ball.

90% Hines not returning unless he doesn't get drafted maybe

[Coach34]

Hines and family are in shock right now

[Cooterpoot]

Likely lost another recruit in Smith

[StarkVegasSteve]

Likely lost another recruit in Smith

15th is iffy. Depends on what the number is or if he thinks he can be a Khal Stephen and make that type of jump.

[The Federalist Engineer]

Hines and family are in shock right now

He and DJ did not look competitive down the stretch, the draft stock was probably not helped. They made Jay Woolfork look like a first Round pick.

Even Lemons said, "I can't make trades or call someone from the minors, got to roll out the same dudes"

[Cooterpoot]

Mershon drafted, hold onto your butts

[Homedawg]

He and DJ did not look competitive down the stretch, the draft stock was probably not helped. They made Jay Woolfork look like a first Round pick.

Even Lemons said, "I can't make trades or call someone from the minors, got to roll out the same dudes"

You miss the regional?? Dj was good..... Hines. Not so much.

[Cooterpoot]

15th is iffy. Depends on what the number is or if he thinks he can be a Khal Stephen and make that type of jump.

He's been a heavy draft lean is what I'm going by. Maybe NIL changes his mind.

[Leroy Jenkins]

Hines and family are in shock right now

Was it three back-foot sliders and a walk to the dugout? * j/k

[The Federalist Engineer]

You miss the regional?? Dj was good..... Hines. Not so much.

DJ was a projected first rounder until the last month. I did not miss the regional, he was good and he had the HR versus St John, the SECT was brutal, and sad for both players.

Does not matter now. But remember that even the STJ coach thought he was dog meat. Walked Mershon to face DJ. The MLB scouting report basically reads "He still needs to prove he can make consistent contact, because he swings through fastballs and chases breaking balls, weaknesses that contributed to a 29 percent strikeout rate this spring."

To be clear, I think DJ is good and would like to have him back. He is leaving one year too soon. Wonder what happens with HH. Maybe he can come back and hit 300 and 25 HRs in 2025.

[Commercecomet24]

Hines coming back for 25

[Bdawg]

Hines better put some weight back on before next year!

[Homedawg]

Hines better put some weight back on before next year!

You think weight is what did it?? Oh boy.

[Bdawg]

You think weight is what did it?? Oh boy.

Sorry you can’t tell sarcasm, unless you are being sarcastic youself. FFS.

[The Federalist Engineer]

Sorry you can’t tell sarcasm, unless you are being sarcastic youself. FFS.

Fat Hunter was Better. Just like Fat Lemons was better, averages 19 SEC wins when he looks pregnant. Fat Mullen was more loyal.

"Cassius has a lean and hungry look, He thinks too much; such men are dangerous"

- Shakespeare

[Cooterpoot]

If the rest of the lineup performs, Hunter can get back to his Soph numbers. Pitch identification and ability to hit the breaking pitch were poor this year but there was a crap ton of pressure.

[Bdawg]

Fat Hunter was Better. Just like Fat Lemons was better, averages 19 SEC wins when he looks pregnant. Fat Mullen was more loyal.

"Cassius has a lean and hungry look, He thinks too much; such men are dangerous"

- Shakespeare

Glad someone could see my point. It’s not like the 3 fat bodies you named were never talked about in this manner. God help us if Lebby starts a diet!!

[Commercecomet24]

If the rest of the lineup performs, Hunter can get back to his Soph numbers. Pitch identification and ability to hit the breaking pitch were poor this year but there was a crap ton of pressure.

I havent seen very many hitters with his talent just not be able to read spin at all. Either that or he's just completely guessing on every pitch and you can't get away with that at this level.

[Cooterpoot]

Making moves.....

[bulldogcountry1]

Go on.

[Cooterpoot]

Go on.

Lots of IFs still but not nearly as much as earlier this week

[DEDawg]

Lots of IFs still but not nearly as much as earlier this week

On what?

[Todd4State]

Lots of IFs still but not nearly as much as earlier this week

McCarthy?

[StarkVegasSteve]

McCarthy?

McCarthy has one more visit but most feel pretty good about where we're at. Still talking with Mershon and seeing what he is going to do.

[maroonmania]

McCarthy has one more visit but most feel pretty good about where we're at. Still talking with Mershon and seeing what he is going to do.

Could be late into next week to get anything definitive on Mershon. Angels have a lot of other deals to iron out before they can get to him.

[Cooterpoot]

McCarthy?

No, but he's coming barring a quick change of direction this weekend.

[The Federalist Engineer]

Ole Miss Pitcher Transfers:

(1) Doyle to Tennessee
(2) Saunier to Texas
(3) Quinn to Georgia

Looks like many knowledgeable coaches think these players have something to offer. Not saying MSU did offer or didn't offer. At least Quinn is the kid of a legacy and Saunier is from the Memphis area.

[Todd4State]

Ole Miss Pitcher Transfers:

(1) Doyle to Tennessee
(2) Saunier to Texas
(3) Quinn to Georgia

Looks like many knowledgeable coaches think these players have something to offer. Not saying MSU did offer or didn't offer. At least Quinn is the kid of a legacy and Saunier is from the Memphis area.

They have major coaching issues at Ole Miss.

[Cooterpoot]

You can't spell Lemonis without an L and he took another one. Boy oh boy at the misses this offseason.

[StarkVegasSteve]

You can't spell Lemonis without an L and he took another one. Boy oh boy at the misses this offseason.

Who have we really missed on? I can't think but of like 2-3 guys who actually visited and didn't end up signing.

[Cooterpoot]

Who have we really missed on? I can't think but of like 2-3 guys who actually visited and didn't end up signing.

We've gone after a ton of guys that told us no. The fact we can't even get visits is a problem in itself. Losing a CF hurts in an area of need too.

[StarkVegasSteve]

We've gone after a ton of guys that told us no. The fact we can't even get visits is a problem in itself. Losing a CF hurts in an area of need too.

Ehh....it hurts but we'll be ok. There's still a couple of guys out there. A Duke outfielder is going to graduate and enter the portal.

Devin Obee- .309 BA, .399 OBP, .599 SLG, .998 OPS. 16 HRs, 50 RBIs. K numbers are a little high with a 28% K rate, but still lower than Jordan or Hines last year.

[Todd4State]

We've gone after a ton of guys that told us no. The fact we can't even get visits is a problem in itself. Losing a CF hurts in an area of need too.

And have the fifth highest rated portal class in the country.

[State82]

Ehh....it hurts but we'll be ok. There's still a couple of guys out there. A Duke outfielder is going to graduate and enter the portal.

Devin Obee- .309 BA, .399 OBP, .599 SLG, .998 OPS. 16 HRs, 50 RBIs. K numbers are a little high with a 28% K rate, but still lower than Jordan or Hines last year.

Would not be a bad pick up. 6'-2" 215. Started every game for them. .309 with 16 homers is nothing to sneeze at.

[Bdawg]

You can't spell Lemonis without an L and he took another one. Boy oh boy at the misses this offseason.

Who did we miss on? KY outfielder?

[Todd4State]

Would not be a bad pick up. 6'-2" 215. Started every game for them. .309 with 16 homers is nothing to sneeze at.

ACC Tournament MVP as well. I hope we get him. He has better numbers than McCarthy.

[The Federalist Engineer]

Ehh....it hurts but we'll be ok. There's still a couple of guys out there. A Duke outfielder is going to graduate and enter the portal.

Devin Obee- .309 BA, .399 OBP, .599 SLG, .998 OPS. 16 HRs, 50 RBIs. K numbers are a little high with a 28% K rate, but still lower than Jordan or Hines last year.

Interesting numbers, was a big recruit originally

198 hitter in the conference (5 HR). So he must kill small school pitchers. Also, only one year of significant play. So maybe you get his best year.

MLB has 8 days left to sign the draftees. MSU has interesting players not yet signed. Wonder if we get lucky 3 times over and get a huge post draft boost.

UPDATE: Well damn, Cristian Moore signs for 1.5M less than his slot! Chris Cortez signs for 0.5M than his slot. The Angels are collect bucks for later draft picks. They did pay +0.7M for their 5th rounder. The Angles drafted Mershon in the 18th.

[The Federalist Engineer]

Who did we miss on? KY outfielder?

He signed with the Georgia Bulldogs

But maybe because Baby Bo is coming back? (I'm just being hopeful, I don't know anything.)

[Todd4State]

He signed with the Georgia Bulldogs

But maybe because Baby Bo is coming back? (I'm just being hopeful, I don't know anything.)

If Dakota Jordan is on our team next year I would honestly say that would be the most shocking returning player in all of my years of watching MSU baseball.

I wouldn't be surprised if Boras pushes it until the last minute because he is Scott Boras but I still expect Dakota to sign.

[Cooterpoot]

Jordan isn't coming back

[StarkVegasSteve]

If Dakota Jordan is on our team next year I would honestly say that would be the most shocking returning player in all of my years of watching MSU baseball.

I wouldn't be surprised if Boras pushes it until the last minute because he is Scott Boras but I still expect Dakota to sign.

Boras will push it to the last possible second to squeeze whatever he can out of the Giants, but Dakota is gone. Him coming back would be the most shocking thing I have seen in all my years of watching ANY Mississippi State athletics.

[Cooterpoot]

Going to be some good news coming soon I believe. Not sure how good yet, but good.

[Bdawg]

He signed with the Georgia Bulldogs

But maybe because Baby Bo is coming back? (I'm just being hopeful, I don't know anything.)

So how do we miss him to GA? It’s not like we don’t have an opening in CF! Money? Lemonis?

[Bdawg]

Going to be some good news coming soon I believe. Not sure how good yet, but good.

I hope so. Feels like Ive heard this before and hasn’t panned out. Someone coming back? Or portal?

[Cooterpoot]

I hope so. Feels like Ive heard this before and hasn’t panned out. Someone coming back? Or portal?

Either/Or

[Tripp McNeely]

Either/Or

So either Mersh is coming back, or we are getting Arquette? I'm good with that "either/or"!

[StarkVegasSteve]

So how do we miss him to GA? It’s not like we don’t have an opening in CF! Money? Lemonis?

Will Coggin and Nick Amirati, who were both at UK with Mingione are now at Georgia. That is the reason. Familiarity.

[Pancho]

What are Lemo's chances with Arquette? depends on Mershon?

[StarkVegasSteve]

What are Lemo's chances with Arquette? depends on Mershon?

Yes. I think he will definitely listen, but if Mershon is coming back then he won't come here.

[BrunswickDawg]

Will Coggin and Nick Amirati, who were both at UK with Mingione are now at Georgia. That is the reason. Familiarity.

I knew Coggin was at UGA - didn't realize they had stolen Nick from UK. That's a big get

[StarkVegasSteve]

I knew Coggin was at UGA - didn't realize they had stolen Nick from UK. That's a big get

They just got him. Will be interesting to see if Mingione can rebuild that staff. The players loved Ammo. I would have loved to have had him had Jake decided to move on in the offseason.

[Todd4State]

They just got him. Will be interesting to see if Mingione can rebuild that staff. The players loved Ammo. I would have loved to have had him had Jake decided to move on in the offseason.

I would take Ammirrati anyway with or without Jake.

[bulldogcountry1]

I would take Ammirrati anyway with or without Jake.

When he was a player, I said he would be a good coach one day. He just oozed leadership and doing things the right way.

I guess Lemonis, Jake, and Cheese are baseball's equivalent to the "country club" now.

[State82]

I would take Ammirrati anyway with or without Jake.

Yeah without a doubt.

[The Federalist Engineer]

Yes. I think he will definitely listen, but if Mershon is coming back then he won't come here.

The way that the LA Angeles are saving money on the bonuses thus far. They could afford 800K for Mershon, if they chose to offer that.

They must have identified Cristian Moore's strength drug because they are paying him 1.5M less than his slot.

[basedog]

The way that the LA Angeles are saving money on the bonuses thus far. They could afford 800K for Mershon, if they chose to offer that.

They must have identified Cristian Moore's strength drug because they are paying him 1.5M less than his slot.

Seems Mershon will know Thursday what money the Angels will offer. Could be $300k which trumps our NIL $250k.

[Todd4State]

Seems Mershon will know Thursday what money the Angels will offer. Could be $300k which trumps our NIL $250k.

If he takes our 250 and gets drafted again he will make more money in the long run even if it's after round 10.

[basedog]

If he takes our 250 and gets drafted again he will make more money in the long run even if it's after round 10.

It’s a gamble either way. It’s very possible if he comes back he could move up the draft board. With the Angels have available they could offer much more. Hope he comes back, very iffy now.

[Cooterpoot]

I get the feeling he's going to get what it takes to leave but that could just be gas. I'm fine with grabbing up a higher projected portal guy too if he does.

[Todd4State]

It’s a gamble either way. It’s very possible if he comes back he could move up the draft board. With the Angels have available they could offer much more. Hope he comes back, very iffy now.

Pretty calculated gamble if you ask me. Highly likely worst case scenario he ends up with the same 150K draft slot plus 250 NIL = 400K.

If he performs well enough to get in the top ten rounds which I think is possible then he could make bank.

[Coach34]

So how do we miss him to GA? It’s not like we don’t have an opening in CF! Money? Lemonis?

From what I heard- Cam Opener's Dad put out info the on the Kentucky guy that he and his family absolutely loved their trip to StarkVegas and were extremely impressed with Lemon and Crew. Cam's Dad coached him when he was younger and helped us in the process of recruiting him. He chose Georgia because they had a smaller field to help his power numbers, great money, and he loved Athens more than Starkville. Literally nothing more we could do.

Having a great stadium is not top 3 for alot of baseball guys in today's world

[Coach34]

The way that the LA Angeles are saving money on the bonuses thus far. They could afford 800K for Mershon, if they chose to offer that.

They must have identified Cristian Moore's strength drug because they are paying him 1.5M less than his slot.

The Angels just paid 2MM to an 11th rounder and their 3rd rounder announced he is going back to A&M because they didnt have the money for him. Would be shocking for Dirtbag not to return

[maroonmania]

The Angels just paid 2MM to an 11th rounder and their 3rd rounder announced he is going back to A&M because they didnt have the money for him. Would be shocking for Dirtbag not to return

Yea, if they don't sign their 3rd rounder then that slot value bonus pool money is down the drain for them for this year.

[The Federalist Engineer]

The Angels just paid 2MM to an 11th rounder and their 3rd rounder announced he is going back to A&M because they didnt have the money for him. Would be shocking for Dirtbag not to return

The 11th rounder was a UVA commit and the 34th rated HS player. And 105 rated draft player. So he's a 2nd round guy in talent. People must have feared the collegiate option.

Prager staying breaks the top-10 round logic. That they are MLB locks and pre-negotiated picks.

Prager's choice just means more for other picks like the 11th rounder. They also signed TAM's Chris Cortez for -500K slot value.

Rule: "Each pick among the top 10 rounds carries a slot value, and the individual amounts added together get each team’s total bonus pool. Teams are able to use that money however they like in the draft—i.e. each pick doesn’t automatically sign for the assigned slot value—with penalties incurring if teams go over their total bonus pools."

[Todd4State]

The 11th rounder was a UVA commit and the 34th rated HS player. And 105 rated draft player. So he's a 2nd round guy in talent. People must have feared the collegiate option.

Prager staying breaks the top-10 round logic. That they are MLB locks and pre-negotiated picks.

Prager's choice just means more for other picks like the 11th rounder. They also signed TAM's Chris Cortez for -500K slot value.

Rule: "Each pick among the top 10 rounds carries a slot value, and the individual amounts added together get each team’s total bonus pool. Teams are able to use that money however they like in the draft—i.e. each pick doesn’t automatically sign for the assigned slot value—with penalties incurring if teams go over their total bonus pools."

There aren't very many but there are usually at least a couple of guys in the top 10 rounds that don't sign every year. Prager was one of the very few.

[The Federalist Engineer]

Auburn is having a pretty good offseason. A huge recruit for them, Connor Gatwood does not want to bargain with the LAA Angles, going to school.

They signed 5 of the top 8 players in Alabama. The top Alabama HS player selected Alabama-Tuscaloosa but was drafted very high. Auburn are bringing 2 top-100 pitchers as college Freshmen. They also did good portal work. Butch without a good stadium, no tradition, no fanbase, and a last-place season. Is Cohen the driving force or Butch?

MSU got two very good Alabama recruits in 3B-Henry Allen and RHP-Braden Booth this year.

[maroonmania]

Prager's choice just means more for other picks like the 11th rounder.

This is actually not true. You can sign a Top 10 round guy for under slot and save money in your bonus pool for other draft picks BUT if you don't sign them at all then that slot money is subtracted from your overall bonus pool for this year which is a penalty. That's why so few guys in the Top 10 rounds don't sign. Usually a general agreement has been reached before a team will pick you because teams can't afford to not be signing their Top 10 round picks.

https://www.mlb.com/news/mlb-draft-overview-and-schedule#:~:text=If%20a%20player%20taken%20in,bonu s%20pool%20face%20a%20penalty.

[KB21]

This is actually not true. You can sign a Top 10 round guy for under slot and save money in your bonus pool for other draft picks BUT if you don't sign them at all then that slot money is subtracted from your overall bonus pool for this year which is a penalty. That's why so few guys in the Top 10 rounds don't sign. Usually a general agreement has been reached before a team will pick you because teams can't afford to not be signing their Top 10 round picks.

https://www.mlb.com/news/mlb-draft-overview-and-schedule#:~:text=If%20a%20player%20taken%20in,bonu s%20pool%20face%20a%20penalty.

Yeah. Perry Minasian with the Angles made one of two missteps on this. First, he drafted Ryan Prager without knowing what it would take to sign him, and then lost him when he went so over slot on an 11th round pick. Second, he gave Prager a number that was acceptable to OK the pick and then actually offered less after the 11th round pick signed. So, they have around $325 K or so that they can go over slot to sign Mershon with, which will put him in the $475,000 bonus range. Does he take it? Maybe. Will the Angels offer it, because it doesn't seem like they actually planned on offering him more than $50 K over slot initially?

[Commercecomet24]

This is actually not true. You can sign a Top 10 round guy for under slot and save money in your bonus pool for other draft picks BUT if you don't sign them at all then that slot money is subtracted from your overall bonus pool for this year which is a penalty. That's why so few guys in the Top 10 rounds don't sign. Usually a general agreement has been reached before a team will pick you because teams can't afford to not be signing their Top 10 round picks.

https://www.mlb.com/news/mlb-draft-overview-and-schedule#:~:text=If%20a%20player%20taken%20in,bonu s%20pool%20face%20a%20penalty.

This is correct. If they don't sign Prager(which he said he's going back to am), that slot money is down the drain

[Pancho]

Mershon update?

[The Federalist Engineer]

This is actually not true. You can sign a Top 10 round guy for under slot and save money in your bonus pool for other draft picks BUT if you don't sign them at all then that slot money is subtracted from your overall bonus pool for this year which is a penalty. That's why so few guys in the Top 10 rounds don't sign. Usually a general agreement has been reached before a team will pick you because teams can't afford to not be signing their Top 10 round picks.

https://www.mlb.com/news/mlb-draft-overview-and-schedule#:~:text=If%20a%20player%20taken%20in,bonu s%20pool%20face%20a%20penalty.

The money inside the top-10 is moveable. Prager's slot was 930K. That is "lost" but they signed the balance of the top-10 for almost 10.8M and they were slotted 12.8M, that's with Prager "allocated" 0.943M, still saved 2M. But they then they signed the 11th round kid for more. So they pay a penalty for getting the unexpected kid. Probably the 11th rounder is better than Prager, he just slipped to 11th because everyone expected him to attend college.

That said, they have spent too much on the post top-10, they are nearly 0.343M over, so they are presently 3% over. They have to pay a 257K tax.

They have 4 kids left unsigned, one being Mershon and another being an Auburn commit that is not going to sign. So 3 players they can sign but deep motivation to not increase their overage to 5%. They lose a draft pick in the future, if they do that.

[BigDawg81]

Looks like Mershon is in LA

[3dawgnight15]

Brother just tweeted that Mershons just landed in Cali

[KOdawg1]

He gone.

Go get the dude from Washington

[StarkVegasSteve]

Mershon's are meeting with the Angels. I would not expect him back.

[basedog]

Sounds like he is gone, can’t imagine flying to LA W/O a deal or agreement in place.

[maroonmania]

Mershon's are meeting with the Angels. I would not expect him back.

I think the odds are better than 50/50 that he is gone but it's been known all week that he would be having a meeting in LA with the Angels.

[The Federalist Engineer]

This is correct. If they don't sign Prager(which he said he's going back to am), that slot money is down the drain

Prager is betting on himself. 930K now as a 3rd rounder or be a 1st rounder next year. He had a tremendous post-TJ year, tough and resilient kid.

"Ultimately, I was put in a position where I felt really comfortable enough to bet on myself,” Prager stated. “The development that we have here is elite, and also, we were so close to winning a national championship. You feel like you have some unfinished business there.”

[maroonmania]

Prager is betting on himself. 930K now as a 3rd rounder or be a 1st rounder next year. He had a tremendous post-TJ year, tough and resilient kid.

"Ultimately, I was put in a position where I felt really comfortable enough to bet on myself,” Prager stated. “The development that we have here is elite, and also, we were so close to winning a national championship. You feel like you have some unfinished business there.”

Apparently the Angels even offered a little over slot at just above 1 mil and Prager wouldn't take it. HUGE risk for him to pass that up unless he is getting a ton of NIL money. A&M is going to get their 3rd rounder back which likely helps bolster us losing our 18th rounder. We just can't win for losing.

[trob115]

A few redsox writers are speculating that Conrad Cason might not sign. That would be a huge welcomed surprise.

[The Federalist Engineer]

A few redsox writers are speculating that Conrad Cason might not sign. That would be a huge welcomed surprise.

They are trying to steal a player. The LAA #11th pick getting 1.5M has probably spoiled the market. Unless they just overpay and pay the penalty.

Once Cason hits 100mph he's a top-5 overall pick. Plus I read his bat tool is really picking up. Just a freak athlete.

[maroonmania]

A few redsox writers are speculating that Conrad Cason might not sign. That would be a huge welcomed surprise.

Yea, MLB is going to learn that competing against NIL is going to make it much harder to sign guys that play for or have signed with schools that emphasize their baseball programs. A lot of guys would much rather make a little less 'immediate' money if they can still make money on a college campus versus throwing their youth away living the minor league baseball life. You really only get one shot at experiencing the college social life as part of becoming an adult.

[Todd4State]

Yea, MLB is going to learn that competing against NIL is going to make it much harder to sign guys that play for or have signed with schools that emphasize their baseball programs. A lot of guys would much rather make a little less 'immediate' money if they can still make money on a college campus versus throwing their youth away living the minor league baseball life. You really only get one shot at experiencing the college social life as part of becoming an adult.

Especially if it's a SEC school like MSU, LSU, Arkansas, or Tennessee. I bet we could offer the MLB round 11-20 minimum to at least our starting lineup, starting rotation, and top three relievers if we wanted to.

[ZedFedder]

When is the deadline to sign?

[MetEdDawg]

When is the deadline to sign?

I believe it's Thursday by 4 PM

[Todd4State]

I believe it's Thursday by 4 PM

Yeah. It's August 1st. So we'll know where we stand this week.

[The Federalist Engineer]

Jordan signs for 2M, 1.4M above slot

Cason signs for 1.25M, 1M above slot

[CaptainObvious]

Sounds like Slot doesn't mean a thing since they cut the number of rounds. If they draft you, they expect to sign you. If you don't sign, they just move to their next signee and offer more. The late round bonus is killing us now.

[State82]

Jordan signs for 2M, 1.4M above slot

Cason signs for 1.25M, 1M above slot

NIL can't compete with that kinda business.

[Cooterpoot]

We're likely losing our top three recruits. We'll see on Mershon but he's trying hard to leave. It won't take a Brinks truck for him.

[The Federalist Engineer]

We're likely losing our top three recruits. We'll see on Mershon but he's trying hard to leave. It won't take a Brinks truck for him.

Nori, Cason, and ... Travis Smith?

[Cooterpoot]

Nori, Cason, and ... Travis Smith?

Yep, Smith is like Merson, he wants to go pro. We'll see but the situation isn't positive. We can't get top recruits to campus like other schools, not all our fault but oh well.

[StateDawg44]

We can't get top recruits to campus like other schools, not all our fault but oh well.

Be prepared to hear how we do in fact get some top 150 players to campus each year even though we typically get zero contribution from them for their freshman year. Then hear about how they have to adjust.

Yes, obviously we get some top 150 players but we don't close on day one game changers often. It all boils down to money ultimately but these type of players never seem to work out for us. And yes you have to go after them but, it's all fluff at the end of the day.

[StarkVegasSteve]

The sad thing is that we are sitting here sweating a guy who was drafted in the 15th round and a guy who was drafted in the 18th round. Those guys don't ever sign....but somehow the two we have are just so ready for pro baseball. Like how do we get the shit luck that we do time and time again.

[Todd4State]

Be prepared to hear how we do in fact get some top 150 players to campus each year even though we typically get zero contribution from them for their freshman year. Then hear about how they have to adjust.

Yes, obviously we get some top 150 players but we don't close on day one game changers often. It all boils down to money ultimately but these type of players never seem to work out for us. And yes you have to go after them but, it's all fluff at the end of the day.

If your expectation is for freshmen to be immediate day one contributors you are going to be disappointed in general.

If your expectation is that they will develop into a high level player over three years which is typically what does happen then you will be a lot happier.

[Todd4State]

The sad thing is that we are sitting here sweating a guy who was drafted in the 15th round and a guy who was drafted in the 18th round. Those guys don't ever sign....but somehow the two we have are just so ready for pro baseball. Like how do we get the shit luck that we do time and time again.

That's about program culture to me. Guys like Mangum and Tanner Allen had a lot of pride in playing for MSU. LSU has a long history of guys that want to play for LSU. We have a longer history of guys who want to come to MSU but see it as a means to eventually go pro.

A player from Mississippi is probably more likely to have that kind of pride than say a guy from South Carolina.

[StarkVegasSteve]

That's about program culture to me. Guys like Mangum and Tanner Allen had a lot of pride in playing for MSU. LSU has a long history of guys that want to play for LSU. We have a longer history of guys who want to come to MSU but see it as a means to eventually go pro.

A player from Mississippi is probably more likely to have that kind of pride than say a guy from South Carolina.

Ehh....I also think the guys we are talking about (Smith and Mershon) have better pro potential than Mangum or Allen. They were both basically always going to be career minor leaguers and that's what they've basically projected as since college. Doesn't diminish the fact that they are great college players, but their pro potential was known by about their sophomore year.