The Portal and baseball

[The Federalist Engineer]

Next year is 9-months away but just making this observation...

(1) Stephens saved the MSU season.
(2) Holman and Jump were worth every penny for LSU, or they would have suffered a catastrophe season. Worse than MSU after 2021 and maybe worse than Auburn
(3) Montgomery made TAM a National Championship contender.

Had MSU been able to swing Holman and Montgomery. MSU would have won the SEC, shared with Tennessee and Kentucky. Hosted a regional. That close.

Next season, the ability to sign Holman, Montgomery, or Skenes will be much better. Imagine trying to sell Skenes on last place and Foxy. Imagine selling Holman after 2-horror seasons and a fired PC. With Montgomery, he did not like us for many reasons, everybody likes Austin's Taco and Selfie scene. But you are also a solid last place team.

If MSU can get 2 or 3 Stephens prospects and 1 glamour Skenes/Holman prospect, you are suddenly top-10. You can say that Justin Parker will find 4 or 5 ready dudes from Stevens, Pico, Ligon, Dotson, Loftin, Holcombe, Booth, O'Leary, Grant, Black, and Siary. You just need 6 or 7 total dudes for a college baseball season. You fix Holcombe, Stevens, Ligon, and Loftin you are very legit. I wonder if MSU gets Hardin back.

Lemons better get busy pulling the St Johns catcher. Lemons might even drag his nuts on Butch's Auburn or Bianco's roster. All those Foxed up Auburn pitchers may actually be stars with good coaching. Joseph Gonzalez was a big recruit, now a 10 ERA shell-shock patient. JT Quinn might call his dad for a path out-off Oxford, something like that.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Next year is 9-months away but just making this observation...

(1) Stephens saved the MSU season.
(2) Holman and Jump were worth every penny for LSU, or they would have suffered a catastrophe season. Worse than MSU after 2021 and maybe worse than Auburn
(3) Montgomery made TAM a National Championship contender.

Had MSU been able to swing Holman and Montgomery. MSU would have won the SEC, shared with Tennessee and Kentucky. Hosted a regional. That close.

Next season, the ability to sign Holman, Montgomery, or Skenes will be much better. Imagine trying to sell Skenes on last place and Foxy. Imagine selling Holman after 2-horror seasons and a fired PC. With Montgomery, he did not like us for many reasons, everybody likes Austin's Taco and Selfie scene. But you are also a solid last place team.

If MSU can get 2 or 3 Stephens prospects and 1 glamour Skenes/Holman prospect, you are suddenly top-10. You can say that Justin Parker will find 4 or 5 ready dudes from Stevens, Pico, Ligon, Dotson, Loftin, Holcombe, Booth, O'Leary, Grant, Black, and Siary. You just need 6 or 7 total dudes for a college baseball season. You fix Holcombe, Stevens, Ligon, and Loftin you are very legit. I wonder if MSU gets Hardin back.

Lemons better get busy pulling the St Johns catcher. Lemons might even drag his nuts on Butch's Auburn or Bianco's roster. All those Foxed up Auburn pitchers may actually be stars with good coaching. Joseph Gonzalez was a big recruit, now a 10 ERA shell-shock patient. JT Quinn might call his dad for a path out-off Oxford, something like that.

1. If we just sign Montgomery. Khal Stephen, yes that is STEPHEN. NO S. He was head and shoulders better than Holman and it isn't even close. If we sign Braden Montgomery, who was never coming here because he didn't want to play in MS, we would have been the overall number 1 seed. There's ZERO doubt.

2. We are always going to struggle to land that crown jewel prospect out of the portal. Unfortunately C34 is correct. Being a school in MS puts you behind the 8 ball, we have to blow people away with NIL offers to be able to get those kind of players.

3. The St. Johns catcher is not coming here to sit behind Ross Highfill.

4. We also need to be looking for pieces that FIT OUR TEAM. Now this year that is a little different because we need a lot, but we don't have unlimited funds. We have to be smart with the money we got. Dakota doesn't clear up as much as some people seem to believe. He had a national NIL deal with Adidas that paid him a pretty penny.

[Saltydog]

Next year is 9-months away but just making this observation...

(1) Stephens saved the MSU season.
(2) Holman and Jump were worth every penny for LSU, or they would have suffered a catastrophe season. Worse than MSU after 2021 and maybe worse than Auburn
(3) Montgomery made TAM a National Championship contender.

Had MSU been able to swing Holman and Montgomery. MSU would have won the SEC, shared with Tennessee and Kentucky. Hosted a regional. That close.

Next season, the ability to sign Holman, Montgomery, or Skenes will be much better. Imagine trying to sell Skenes on last place and Foxy. Imagine selling Holman after 2-horror seasons and a fired PC. With Montgomery, he did not like us for many reasons, everybody likes Austin's Taco and Selfie scene. But you are also a solid last place team.

If MSU can get 2 or 3 Stephens prospects and 1 glamour Skenes/Holman prospect, you are suddenly top-10. You can say that Justin Parker will find 4 or 5 ready dudes from Stevens, Pico, Ligon, Dotson, Loftin, Holcombe, Booth, O'Leary, Grant, Black, and Siary. You just need 6 or 7 total dudes for a college baseball season. You fix Holcombe, Stevens, Ligon, and Loftin you are very legit. I wonder if MSU gets Hardin back.

Lemons better get busy pulling the St Johns catcher. Lemons might even drag his nuts on Butch's Auburn or Bianco's roster. All those Foxed up Auburn pitchers may actually be stars with good coaching. Joseph Gonzalez was a big recruit, now a 10 ERA shell-shock patient. JT Quinn might call his dad for a path out-off Oxford, something like that.

Meh.....We didn't have a great portal haul after winning a NC.....We got Yeager and Jess Davis....Based on the past I see no reason to think we'll get anyone who will be able to turn this dumpster fire into an even average sec team next year.....Pitching could be decent but we still won't be able to hit.....

[HoopsDawg]

Lemonis better be thankful for the portal bc our roster is a mess. We are likely losing 8 of the 9 starters vs UVA. And possibly our top 7 arms.

I can't remember an MSU roster in worse shape.

[Tbonewannabe]

Pitching: Pico, Ligon (maybe), Loftin (if healthy), not sure who else can start. Pico has maybe Friday night stuff but probably more of a Saturday starter. Loftin and Ligon are both who knows what.

Hitting : Mershon hopefully is back and then Pulliam and Highfill. The rest is a complete question mark. I don't trust any of the big time freshman hitters that couldn't get on the field at DH this year. I also don't trust us to get enough out of the portal to make a Regional next year.

Added : forgot that Chance is back. Good enough to be on the field.

Parker is a dude with his development of that pitching staff into a legit SEC staff. Best coaching job in a long time. Remember, the 2022 staff was statistically the WORST in MSU history.

I don't trust Geautro with developing any hitters.

[Tbonewannabe]

Lemonis better be thankful for the portal bc our roster is a mess. We are likely losing 8 of the 9 starters vs UVA. And possibly our top 7 arms.

I can't remember an MSU roster in worse shape.

Yep and if we somehow lose Mershon then we are replacing pretty much almost our entire offense.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Pitching: Pico, Ligon (maybe), Loftin (if healthy), not sure who else can start. Pico has maybe Friday night stuff but probably more of a Saturday starter. Loftin and Ligon are both who knows what.

Hitting : Mershon hopefully is back and then Pulliam and Highfill. The rest is a complete question mark. I don't trust any of the big time freshman hitters that couldn't get on the field at DH this year. I also don't trust us to get enough out of the portal to make a Regional next year.

Added : forgot that Chance is back. Good enough to be on the field.

Parker is a dude with his development of that pitching staff into a legit SEC staff. Best coaching job in a long time. Remember, the 2022 staff was statistically the WORST in MSU history.

I don't trust Geautro with developing any hitters.


Pitching: Mikhai Grant is back who would've been a weekend starter for us this year had he not gotten hurt. Pico is back and fully healthy. Siary, Cheatham, Dohm(only a JR so a possibility), Hardin, Black, Ligon, Loftin(maybe), Stevens(depending on what they do with him). That's not an empty cupboard. We need some pieces definitely, but not empty

Hitting: Mershon(unlikely but possible), Hines(a little more possible), Downs, Cupp, Chester, Highfill, O'Brien, Stevens, Chance, Pulliam, McKenzie. We have some work to do in the portal there no doubt. But again, not bare.

We will just have to see. We get an early jump on the portal guys and we need to take advantage of it.

[StateDawg44]

We get an early jump on the portal guys and we need to take advantage of it.

I have zero confidence that Lemo will do anything with the slight head start he's earned himself. Still, a lot of time to pass and players to hop in the portal the next few weeks but as many holes as we need to fill.... there's got to be some players already in the portal that would benefit us.

I also keep seeing people say we need to be shopping for power. Hell, we need to be shopping for contact and just simply slapping the ball in the gap as much as we need power.

[StarkVegasSteve]

I have zero confidence that Lemo will do anything with the slight head start he's earned himself. Still, a lot of time to pass and players to hop in the portal the next few weeks but as many holes as we need to fill.... there's got to be some players already in the portal that would benefit us.

I also keep seeing people say we need to be shopping for power. Hell, we need to be shopping for contact and just simply slapping the ball in the gap as much as we need power.

Agreed 100%. You definitely need the power, but you also need the guys who can get doubles and triples for you. That's why I added those names to the transfer portal thread. Those are guys we need to $$convince$$ to jump in the portal

[Todd4State]

The only player I would take from Ole Miss is Andrew Fisher.

[Cooterpoot]

I'm guessing Downs and Chance are the only possible starters back from the position/DH players yesterday. Highfill should be back. Cupp I assume is back. Stevens should be back. After that, it's a huge nothing unless Spalitta, OBrien, McKenzie really make massive jumps.
Pitching gets back Grant and I'd think Pico is back and then you've got the Black and a couple others possibly back (lots of iffy there).
We'll need to blow massive NIL on a roster this year and we're about to begin a steady cycle of it too. It's going to be interesting to say the least.

[StarkVegasSteve]

The only player I would take from Ole Miss is Andrew Fisher.

I would take Luke Hill

[HoopsDawg]

We are looking at something like:

LF: Chance
CF: Portal
RF: Portal

C: Highfill/Powell
1B: Stevens
2B: Pulliam
SS: Cupp
3B: Portal
DH: McKenzie/Portal

Weekend rotation:
1.Pico-hopefully
2. Portal
3. Portal

Not going to pencil in guys coming off arm injuries

Not a great freshman class coming in bc this is the class that had so many decommit after 2022 season. Nori would start in CF but he's a likely draft pick.

A whole lot of work to be done. And it's not like other schools aren't recruiting the portal too. DVH has already said he's going after Outfielders.

[Coach34]

Meh.....We didn't have a great portal haul after winning a NC.....We got Yeager and Jess Davis....Based on the past I see no reason to think we'll get anyone who will be able to turn this dumpster fire into an even average sec team next year.....Pitching could be decent but we still won't be able to hit.....

We didnt go hard in the portal after the Natty. One thing I've criticized Lemon on is his allegiance to guys he has recruited over portal guys.

Thats got to change

[Coach34]

Guys acting like our freshman suck need to remember Hunter Renfroe batted about .160 as a freshman

[Coach34]

Pitching: Pico, Ligon (maybe), Loftin (if healthy), not sure who else can start. Pico has maybe Friday night stuff but probably more of a Saturday starter. Loftin and Ligon are both who knows what.

Hitting : Mershon hopefully is back and then Pulliam and Highfill. The rest is a complete question mark. I don't trust any of the big time freshman hitters that couldn't get on the field at DH this year. I also don't trust us to get enough out of the portal to make a Regional next year.

Added : forgot that Chance is back. Good enough to be on the field.

Parker is a dude with his development of that pitching staff into a legit SEC staff. Best coaching job in a long time. Remember, the 2022 staff was statistically the WORST in MSU history.

I don't trust Geautro with developing any hitters.

Is Downs leaving? People seem to forget he batted about .290 this year and hit .400 in the Regional

[Saltydog]

Didn't Highfill have TJ surgery. If so, I wouldn't pencil him in anywhere.

[BrunswickDawg]

Guys acting like our freshman suck need to remember Hunter Renfroe batted about .160 as a freshman

I think this issue is that too many of them are unknowns. Renfroe was at least known from his HS prowess where as a lot of the freshman who didn't play much are from out of state.
I will say, if he stays, Luke Dotson was a dominate HS pitcher in GA and I think he can make jump.

[Tbonewannabe]

Is Downs leaving? People seem to forget he batted about .290 this year and hit .400 in the Regional

Forgot to mention Downs, he did pretty well in the regional but was on the bench for most of the year. Not sure if I remember correctly but it seems like he had a high strikeout percentage along with no extra base hits.

We have Mershon (the guy that drives the offense), Chance who almost everyone agrees is a SEC bench player or at best platoon guy, Downs (outfielder with no power), Highfill (coming off injury but is at least a quality SEC starter), Pulliam (decent freshman year), Cupp (all defense but couldn't hit shit OOC pitching).

Outside of Mershon, not sure if we have anyone that would start for an SEC team, maybe Highfill.

[Young dawg]

In the portal we need to focus on getting some dirtbags. For example everyone love watching Mershon because of the way that he grinds out at bats and plays great defense. He is also a threat on the base paths. He is a guy that finds a way to make things happen if you can find 9 guys that grind out at bats and play solid defense and hopefully make some things happens on the bases it doesn?t matter what level you are playing at you are going to be hard to beat.

[Saltydog]

We also need some bangers. We need some guys that get extra base hits and thump a few outta the park. Look at how small we are in comparison to a lot of the teams we play. We got a lot of singles but we couldn't score a lot of runs.

[StarkVegasSteve]

We also need some bangers. We need some guys that get extra base hits and thump a few outta the park. Look at how small we are in comparison to a lot of the teams we play. We got a lot of singles but we couldn't score a lot of runs.

No doubt. It's like DVH said yesterday in his post game presser. You definitely need guys who can hit homers, but you also need guys that can split the gap and pile up doubles.

[Young dawg]

100% need some guys that can change the game with a swing of the bat. Just also need to make sure that we get some guys that are consistently on base for them to drive in

[StarkVegasSteve]

100% need some guys that can change the game with a swing of the bat. Just also need to make sure that we get some guys that are consistently on base for them to drive in

You need a good mix, which is exactly what DVH said. You need 2 or 3 Mershon type players, 2 or 3 Hujsak type players, and a couple of Jordan type players. That is a perfect mix.

[Duckdog]

3/4 of you mofos bitched and moaned about how shitty we were going to be at the beginning of the season. Now, everybody worth a damn is leaving etc etc etc. This shit has gotten plumb dumb as hell in here.

[SPMT]

You need a good mix, which is exactly what DVH said. You need 2 or 3 Mershon type players, 2 or 3 Hujsak type players, and a couple of Jordan type players. That is a perfect mix.

This is what every top team wants but is almost impossible to achieve consistently. That?s a multi NC in back to back years type team.

[schddog72]

Guys acting like our freshman suck need to remember Hunter Renfroe batted about .160 as a freshman

Well, he ain't batting much better than that right now!! He would be all-pro if he could ever learn to hit a curveball. Unfortunately, that hasn't happened and is likely not to happen.

[the_real_MSU_is_us]

to the guys listing every FR as if that means we have something to work with... just because you have a name to write down, doesn't mean we have an SEC player on our hands.

To C34s point, yes some guys develop. I would be irrational to assume than NOBODY out of our current Fr class turn into SEC hitters.

BUT, it's also true that if a guy can't beat out Larrys .250 at 2B, or Downs, or Chance, or Kohler at 3B... then they are unlikely to be improvements over those guys next year either. SOme develop, some don't, most make moderate improvements.

Like take last year. Jordan was a STUD; where's that guy this Fr class? Mershon was a dirtbag who could play, where that guy in the Fr class? Loftin/Loo/Holcomb/Siary/Hardin were ALL more talented than any Fr pitcher we got to see this year.

So sure, you can say a name like "Chester" as if that means we're OK, but we obviously aren't. It's going to take 5+ Portal contributors on the Kahl or Ledbetter level to save the team next year

[the_real_MSU_is_us]

3/4 of you mofos bitched and moaned about how shitty we were going to be at the beginning of the season. Now, everybody worth a damn is leaving etc etc etc. This shit has gotten plumb dumb as hell in here.

If it's dumb, it should be easy to list all these 'worth a damn' players that are returning

[Todd4State]

3/4 of you mofos bitched and moaned about how shitty we were going to be at the beginning of the season. Now, everybody worth a damn is leaving etc etc etc. This shit has gotten plumb dumb as hell in here.

This is accurate.

[The Federalist Engineer]

3/4 of you mofos bitched and moaned about how shitty we were going to be at the beginning of the season. Now, everybody worth a damn is leaving etc etc etc. This shit has gotten plumb dumb as hell in here.

You are actually right about this. Also people forget that all schools graduate players.

If you are a MSU recruit you were a high school baller. Probably the best dude in your town and a team captain for your HS.

1B- Stevens is a top national recruit, plus there is always a fat kid that can't play OF in the portal
2B- Cupp is a top national recruit
SS- Mershon is a top national player we hope he stays another year
3B- Allen is a Freshman and top national recruit, hope the draft does not bite
OF- Reynolds is a big recruit
OF- Nori if he is not a top MLB pick could make it on-campus
OF- Chance is a dirtbag we all say we like
C- Get the St John Catcher, Neely. He or Highfill could be DH when not catching, if Highfill can hit better than 230. people talking about Highfill like he is Bryce Harper. He was a big recruit but we have not seen that production just yet. All the positions need competition

MSU also has new dual threat studs like a guy named Cason and another guy Booth, Mr Alabama baseball. Cason is a developing hitter, means he is not expected to hit day-1 but is actually a potential 1st round RHP. Might be like starting over with JC as a freshman.

Might take a few games to develop these players. But also not factoring the portal other than the best collegiate Catcher in the NYC metro area. Plus I don't know who will be the new fat-boy 1B and 3B transfers. Tulane, for example, has a big-boy 1B that hits 300 on RH and LH. Compared to MSU's 1B-man, More 2B, More Total Bases, Higher OBP, and rarely Ks. We got Nate Lowe from JC, Ledbetter from Samford, Yeager from Mercer.

Put all the field players in the Iron Dog program, drink Isopure, and develop mash power.

[SPMT]

Well, he ain't batting much better than that right now!! He would be all-pro if he could ever learn to hit a curveball. Unfortunately, that hasn't happened and is likely not to happen.

Learn to hit a curveball lol. How many curveballs that are legit get hit.

Reeks of someone who hasn?t played or at least been around higher level players.

You couldn?t hit my 14 year olds curveball.

[Leeshouldveflanked]

You are actually right about this. Also people forget that all schools graduate players.

If you are a MSU recruit you were a high school baller. Probably the best dude in your town and a team captain for your HS.

1B- Stevens is a top national recruit, plus there is always a fat kid that can't play OF in the portal
2B- Cupp is a top national recruit
SS- Mershon is a top national player we hope he stays another year
3B- Allen is a Freshman and top national recruit, hope the draft does not bite
OF- Reynolds is a big recruit
OF- Nori if he is not a top MLB pick could make it on-campus
OF- Chance is a dirtbag we all say we like
C- Get the St John Catcher, Neely. He or Highfill could be DH when not catching, if Highfill can hit better than 230. people talking about Highfill like he is Bryce Harper. He was a big recruit but we have not seen that production just yet. All the positions need competition

MSU also has new dual threat studs like a guy named Cason and another guy Booth, Mr Alabama baseball. Cason is a developing hitter, means he is not expected to hit day-1 but is actually a potential 1st round RHP. Might be like starting over with JC as a freshman.

Might take a few games to develop these players. But also not factoring the portal other than the best collegiate Catcher in the NYC metro area. Plus I don't know who will be the new fat-boy 1B and 3B transfers. Tulane, for example, has a big-boy 1B that hits 300 on RH and LH. Compared to MSU's 1B-man, More 2B, More Total Bases, Higher OBP, and rarely Ks. We got Nate Lowe from JC, Ledbetter from Samford, Yeager from Mercer.

Put all the field players in the Iron Dog program, drink Isopure, and develop mash power.

Less than 25 percent chance Mershon stays and 50/50 Cupp stays

[somebodyshotmypaw]

Next year is 9-months away but just making this observation...

(1) Stephens saved the MSU season.
(2) Holman and Jump were worth every penny for LSU, or they would have suffered a catastrophe season. Worse than MSU after 2021 and maybe worse than Auburn
(3) Montgomery made TAM a National Championship contender.

Had MSU been able to swing Holman and Montgomery. MSU would have won the SEC, shared with Tennessee and Kentucky. Hosted a regional. That close.

Next season, the ability to sign Holman, Montgomery, or Skenes will be much better. Imagine trying to sell Skenes on last place and Foxy. Imagine selling Holman after 2-horror seasons and a fired PC. With Montgomery, he did not like us for many reasons, everybody likes Austin's Taco and Selfie scene. But you are also a solid last place team.

If MSU can get 2 or 3 Stephens prospects and 1 glamour Skenes/Holman prospect, you are suddenly top-10. You can say that Justin Parker will find 4 or 5 ready dudes from Stevens, Pico, Ligon, Dotson, Loftin, Holcombe, Booth, O'Leary, Grant, Black, and Siary. You just need 6 or 7 total dudes for a college baseball season. You fix Holcombe, Stevens, Ligon, and Loftin you are very legit. I wonder if MSU gets Hardin back.

Lemons better get busy pulling the St Johns catcher. Lemons might even drag his nuts on Butch's Auburn or Bianco's roster. All those Foxed up Auburn pitchers may actually be stars with good coaching. Joseph Gonzalez was a big recruit, now a 10 ERA shell-shock patient. JT Quinn might call his dad for a path out-off Oxford, something like that.

We have Stevens and Stephen. We do not have a player named Stephens on the roster. So I assume you mean Khal Stephen.

The taco and selfie scene in Austin was not a draw to Montgomery. He is at Texas A&M, not the University of Texas.

[Duckdog]

Why wouldn't mershon stay? He's pretty damn small and his size is going to hurt his draft. It is what it is. Stay one more year get payed a damn good bit of money to hang out at college and play baseball.

[Brobi-wan]

Guys acting like our freshman suck need to remember Hunter Renfroe batted about .160 as a freshman

Michael Braswell at LSU batted right around .200 freshman year

[Brobi-wan]

Why wouldn't mershon stay? He's pretty damn small and his size is going to hurt his draft. It is what it is. Stay one more year get payed a damn good bit of money to hang out at college and play baseball.

I don’t understand this one either. If Mershon stays I feel like we move Pulliam to the outfield and let him and Cupp have the infield.

[somebodyshotmypaw]

Michael Braswell at LSU batted right around .200 freshman year

And Charlie Condon actually redshirted his freshman year.

[Coach34]

You are actually right about this. Also people forget that all schools graduate players.

If you are a MSU recruit you were a high school baller. Probably the best dude in your town and a team captain for your HS.

1B- Stevens is a top national recruit, plus there is always a fat kid that can't play OF in the portal
2B- Cupp is a top national recruit
SS- Mershon is a top national player we hope he stays another year
3B- Allen is a Freshman and top national recruit, hope the draft does not bite
OF- Reynolds is a big recruit
OF- Nori if he is not a top MLB pick could make it on-campus
OF- Chance is a dirtbag we all say we like
C- Get the St John Catcher, Neely. He or Highfill could be DH when not catching, if Highfill can hit better than 230. people talking about Highfill like he is Bryce Harper. He was a big recruit but we have not seen that production just yet. All the positions need competition

MSU also has new dual threat studs like a guy named Cason and another guy Booth, Mr Alabama baseball. Cason is a developing hitter, means he is not expected to hit day-1 but is actually a potential 1st round RHP. Might be like starting over with JC as a freshman.

Might take a few games to develop these players. But also not factoring the portal other than the best collegiate Catcher in the NYC metro area. Plus I don't know who will be the new fat-boy 1B and 3B transfers. Tulane, for example, has a big-boy 1B that hits 300 on RH and LH. Compared to MSU's 1B-man, More 2B, More Total Bases, Higher OBP, and rarely Ks. We got Nate Lowe from JC, Ledbetter from Samford, Yeager from Mercer.

Put all the field players in the Iron Dog program, drink Isopure, and develop mash power.

Thanks for the quality post. Need more of these around here

[Commercecomet24]

Less than 25 percent chance Mershon stays and 50/50 Cupp stays

Cupps not going anywhere, Mershon may go but we'll see on that, depends on the money(as always).

[Commercecomet24]

Learn to hit a curveball lol. How many curveballs that are legit get hit.

Reeks of someone who hasn?t played or at least been around higher level players.

You couldn?t hit my 14 year olds curveball.

Will Clark said it himself, "Best way to hit the breaking ball is don't miss the fastball".

[Cooterpoot]

If Mershon leaves and the draft goes as expected, we won't make a regional without some big time portal gets. We're getting killed on both the pitching and position side of things. FR won't help the situation much either. It 100% comes down to the portal if we want to make post season.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Cupps not going anywhere, Mershon may go but we'll see on that, depends on the money(as always).

Cupp won't go anywhere. His parents want him in Starkville. Unless there's been a change of heart since mid season, his parents want him here for 3 years to be developed and then be a top 3 round pick. I believe his hitting will shoot up next year. He has all the tools, but just got behind with the injury this year and was never able to catch back up.

Mershon is interesting. We would have to probably throw a decent NIL offer at him, although he has a national NIL deal with Adidas that helps offset some of our stuff. But I think if he could come back and show just a tad bit more power, maybe like 6-7 HRs next year then he would be a guaranteed Top 100 pick.

In a perfect world you're able to shift Mershon to 2B and Cupp will play SS.

[Coach34]

Cupps not going anywhere, Mershon may go but we'll see on that, depends on the money(as always).

Dirtbag's brother is only a Jr this year- not a Sr. So that eliminates them playing together

[Coach34]

Something else I heard- Powell plans on returning now that the NCAA granted an extra year to guys like him

[Todd4State]

Cupp won't go anywhere. His parents want him in Starkville. Unless there's been a change of heart since mid season, his parents want him here for 3 years to be developed and then be a top 3 round pick. I believe his hitting will shoot up next year. He has all the tools, but just got behind with the injury this year and was never able to catch back up.

Mershon is interesting. We would have to probably throw a decent NIL offer at him, although he has a national NIL deal with Adidas that helps offset some of our stuff. But I think if he could come back and show just a tad bit more power, maybe like 6-7 HRs next year then he would be a guaranteed Top 100 pick.

In a perfect world you're able to shift Mershon to 2B and Cupp will play SS.

And we can put Pulliam in the outfield.

The biggest thing we really need in the portal are corner INF/OF guys and pitching. We're always going to need new pitching every year so that kind of goes without saying.

[StarkVegasSteve]

And we can put Pulliam in the outfield.

The biggest thing we really need in the portal are corner INF/OF guys and pitching. We're always going to need new pitching every year so that kind of goes without saying.

Yea the biggest thing is finding corner infielders, at least one more OF, a weekend starter, a closer, and probably 3-4 additional pitchers. It's definitely doable, but we're going to have to be much more portal heavy. Also, if there's a difference maker bat then get him and figure out the position once he gets here. He could always DH

[Commercecomet24]

Dirtbag's brother is only a Jr this year- not a Sr. So that eliminates them playing together

Oh yeah, for sure, i meant him leaving for mlb

[Commercecomet24]

Something else I heard- Powell plans on returning now that the NCAA granted an extra year to guys like him

I heard the same thing several weeks ago and looks like it gonna happen. Means we could move Highfill possibly to the outfield where he could use his speed and athleticism more.

[StarkVegasSteve]

I heard the same thing several weeks ago and looks like it gonna happen. Means we could move Highfill possibly to the outfield where he could use his speed and athleticism more.

How will Highfill's arm be. We already have Chance out there. I don't think we can afford another average or injured arm out there. Not a knock on Chance, he just doesn't have the best arm.

[Cooterpoot]

How will Highfill's arm be. We already have Chance out there. I don't think we can afford another average or injured arm out there. Not a knock on Chance, he just doesn't have the best arm.

Chance is projected in the top 10 rounds in some places. He's probably gone if he lands in that top 10 rounds. (Sounds weird saying it)

[StarkVegasSteve]

Chance is projected in the top 10 rounds in some places. He's probably gone if he lands in that top 10 rounds. (Sounds weird saying it)

Wow....had not seen him anywhere near that range, but if he's in that range, with leverage, he needs to go. He can't improve his stock enough that it would offset the pennies on the dollar signing bonus he would have to sign as a senior.

[Coach34]

Chance is projected in the top 10 rounds in some places. He's probably gone if he lands in that top 10 rounds. (Sounds weird saying it)

No way in hell that happens

[SPMT]

Will Clark said it himself, "Best way to hit the breaking ball is don't miss the fastball".

And I?ve never heard a college, minor or mlb player say otherwise. Obviously a hanging one is different, but I?ve seen some young kids with very good breakers that are hard enough to catch much less hit.

[Commercecomet24]

How will Highfill's arm be. We already have Chance out there. I don't think we can afford another average or injured arm out there. Not a knock on Chance, he just doesn't have the best arm.

Highfill had an excellent arm pre surgery no reason to think he won't be back to normal and most people come back with more velo. Now me mentioning him moving to the outfield is just a thought I had but he could probably be the dh next year and spell Powell behind the plate every now and then is probably what will wind up happening.

[Commercecomet24]

Chance is projected in the top 10 rounds in some places. He's probably gone if he lands in that top 10 rounds. (Sounds weird saying it)

Weirder things have happened I supposed but I just don't see it. His arm is to weak and he doesn't have a tremendous amount of power to play a corner outfield spot in pro ball. I guess it could happen but I would be surprised. I'll have to check with some scout buddies and see what they think.

[Commercecomet24]

And I?ve never heard a college, minor or mlb player say otherwise. Obviously a hanging one is different, but I?ve seen some young kids with very good breakers that are hard enough to catch much less hit.

Yeah a spinner is just a bp fastball so those don't count lol. But a sure enough breaking ball, nobody digs that. Hit the fastball, it's why hitters try so hard to get fastball counts.

[basedog]

No way in hell that happens








By: Travis Rae, Associate Director/Communications
STARKVILLE – Mississippi State redshirt sophomore outfielder Bryce Chance was named to the 2024 Academic All-District Baseball Team, College Sports Communicators announced Tuesday.

The recognition is bestowed on the nation's top student-athletes for their combined performances on the diamond and in the classroom.

Since enrolling at Mississippi State, Chance has been named a Dean's Scholar twice and been named to the President's Scholar list once.

On the field, Chance has been a reliable bat in the Bulldog lineup. Chance has collected 62 hits, 36 RBIs, 36 runs and 11 doubles to grab a .286 batting average on the season. Of his 62 hits, 18 went for extra bases, including six homers.

In 217 at-bats, Chance has struck out 18 times this season to become the toughest batter to strike out in the SEC. In SEC games, Chance hit .333 during the season, the second-best mark on the team. He had six homers during the season, with four coming in SEC play.

During his time with Mississippi State, Chance has collected 95 hits, drove in 58 runs, and posted a .300 batting average.

[SPMT]

By: Travis Rae, Associate Director/Communications
STARKVILLE – Mississippi State redshirt sophomore outfielder Bryce Chance was named to the 2024 Academic All-District Baseball Team, College Sports Communicators announced Tuesday.

The recognition is bestowed on the nation's top student-athletes for their combined performances on the diamond and in the classroom.

Since enrolling at Mississippi State, Chance has been named a Dean's Scholar twice and been named to the President's Scholar list once.

On the field, Chance has been a reliable bat in the Bulldog lineup. Chance has collected 62 hits, 36 RBIs, 36 runs and 11 doubles to grab a .286 batting average on the season. Of his 62 hits, 18 went for extra bases, including six homers.

In 217 at-bats, Chance has struck out 18 times this season to become the toughest batter to strike out in the SEC. In SEC games, Chance hit .333 during the season, the second-best mark on the team. He had six homers during the season, with four coming in SEC play.

During his time with Mississippi State, Chance has collected 95 hits, drove in 58 runs, and posted a .300 batting average.

That?s good stuff. We need him.

[basedog]

That?s good stuff. We need him.

Good team player. Fact is our best Sec hitter with average and fewest strikeouts in the Sec. Smart kid also.

[Coach34]

Never said he wasnt a good kid. He's just not a Top 10 round draft pick.

[basedog]

Never said he wasnt a good kid. He's just not a Top 10 round draft pick.

I understand, but we need players next year, he may not be a MLP and lord knows it?s a hard thing to achieve. We?ve had many stars that didn?t make it and we?ve had some guys make it that weren?t stars.
We was pretty consistent this past year especially batting around 6th. May not have strong arm but decent outfielder who didn?t hurt us defensively.

[Commercecomet24]

I understand, but we need players next year, he may not be a MLP and lord knows it?s a hard thing to achieve. We?ve had many stars that didn?t make it and we?ve had some guys make it that weren?t stars.
We was pretty consistent this past year especially batting around 6th. May not have strong arm but decent outfielder who didn?t hurt us defensively.

I want Bryce back next year. He gives us a solid player and a position we don't have to worry about having to find a replacement and would also hope with another year of growth he could give us 10-12 hrs next year.

[basedog]

I want Bryce back next year. He gives us a solid player and a position we don't have to worry about having to find a replacement and would also hope with another year of growth he could give us 10-12 hrs next year.

I like the fact he doesn’t strike out much. Anyone who does this gives us a baserunner. He is just a good team player. Love his demeanour. Not too high or not too low.

I agree 24

[TNDawg35]

Yea the biggest thing is finding corner infielders, at least one more OF, a weekend starter, a closer, and probably 3-4 additional pitchers. It's definitely doable, but we're going to have to be much more portal heavy. Also, if there's a difference maker bat then get him and figure out the position once he gets here. He could always DH

If Black can do what he did against UVA, he needs to be the closer.

[basedog]

If Black can do what he did against UVA, he needs to be the closer.

I liked him before the regional series, he did have a bad game or two, but his stuff looks electric. Not sure why he wasn't used more.

[Cooterpoot]

Weirder things have happened I supposed but I just don't see it. His arm is to weak and he doesn't have a tremendous amount of power to play a corner outfield spot in pro ball. I guess it could happen but I would be surprised. I'll have to check with some scout buddies and see what they think.

I agree, and really, I don't see it but I've seen several different draft projections and he falls in around that 9/10 round in a couple. He better jump on if he does.
I think we're getting a steal with Mershon not going top 10 rounds. He's a top shelf college MIF. Hope someone doesn't bump him up.

[Cooterpoot]

Our pen will be better next year IMO. Parker is going to have a closer and I expect to pull some damn solid pitching. What he did this year was miraculous! We're going to steal some pitching.
Now the position side, I trust our evals like a Taco Bell fart and we'll hit on one but with so many spots needed, especially big time hitters, I struggle to believe we fix everything.

[Commercecomet24]

I agree, and really, I don't see it but I've seen several different draft projections and he falls in around that 9/10 round in a couple. He better jump on if he does.
I think we're getting a steal with Mershon not going top 10 rounds. He's a top shelf college MIF. Hope someone doesn't bump him up.

I agree on all, especially mershon

[StarkVegasSteve]

I agree on all, especially mershon

I think if Mershon falls below Rd.3/4 range then he'll come back. He's got ultimate leverage right now and if he comes back and has another good season he could be a Top 75-100 pick. The power numbers would probably need to come up to go higher.

[Commercecomet24]

I think if Mershon falls below Rd.3/4 range then he'll come back. He's got ultimate leverage right now and if he comes back and has another good season he could be a Top 75-100 pick. The power numbers would probably need to come up to go higher.

Yeah he's in a really good spot, leverage wise.

[Coach34]

Our pen will be better next year IMO. Parker is going to have a closer and I expect to pull some damn solid pitching. What he did this year was miraculous! We're going to steal some pitching.
Now the position side, I trust our evals like a Taco Bell fart and we'll hit on one but with so many spots needed, especially big time hitters, I struggle to believe we fix everything.

We had a ton of talent and Parker did his job. Nothing miraculous about it. He did get most of the guys to use their talent. That's what a PC does. Foxhall being bad just makes him look even better

[Goldendawg]

I liked him before the regional series, he did have a bad game or two, but his stuff looks electric. Not sure why he wasn't used more.

If we will let him stay in the game when he is dealing.

[Coach34]

If we will let him stay in the game when he is dealing.

Hindsight is 20/20

Lemon/Parker didnt make the WRONG move bringing Davis in. Davis had been our guy and they had a lefty with power up. It wasnt the wrong move- but it didnt work out.

However, you also cant coach solely based metrics and match-ups. Sometimes its got to be your gut and what your eyes tell you. I agree that he was dealing and I probably would have stayed with him as well- especially with a righty coming up right behind the lefty.

[Goldendawg]

Per Genespage, Forsythe and Cheatum hit the portal.

[Coach34]

Good luck to them

[Goldendawg]

Hindsight is 20/20

Lemon/Parker didnt make the WRONG move bringing Davis in. Davis had been our guy and they had a lefty with power up. It wasnt the wrong move- but it didnt work out.

However, you also cant coach solely based metrics and match-ups. Sometimes its got to be your gut and what your eyes tell you. I agree that he was dealing and I probably would have stayed with him as well- especially with a righty coming up right behind the lefty.

Yeah, I think there is far too much reliance on analytics and far too little eyes/gut feelings in today's sports. How in the world did great coaches of the past make great decisions and win games in all sports without computers and these type programs?

[Commercecomet24]

Hindsight is 20/20

Lemon/Parker didnt make the WRONG move bringing Davis in. Davis had been our guy and they had a lefty with power up. It wasnt the wrong move- but it didnt work out.

However, you also cant coach solely based metrics and match-ups. Sometimes its got to be your gut and what your eyes tell you. I agree that he was dealing and I probably would have stayed with him as well- especially with a righty coming up right behind the lefty.

I agree. While black was dealing and has great stuff, he's been up and down all year. We brought in our best bullpen arm who's been lights out all year to try and keep it a one run game, but as you said just didn't work out. Can't blame anyone Davis just didn't have it. I might've brought Davis in too, but you have to be in that dugout to make that call. As you said it's a feel for the gane at that point. Davis just didn't have it.

[TStationDawg]

I liked him before the regional series, he did have a bad game or two, but his stuff looks electric. Not sure why he wasn't used more.

I AGREE!!!!!!!!!!!!! We always have a pitcher (or other players) that get buried and forgotten about it seems. Drives me crazy.

[Homedawg]

I agree. While black was dealing and has great stuff, he's been up and down all year. We brought in our best bullpen arm who's been lights out all year to try and keep it a one run game, but as you said just didn't work out. Can't blame anyone Davis just didn't have it. I might've brought Davis in too, but you have to be in that dugout to make that call. As you said it's a feel for the gane at that point. Davis just didn't have it.

Thank you!! 100%

[Cooterpoot]

We had a ton of talent and Parker did his job. Nothing miraculous about it. He did get most of the guys to use their talent. That's what a PC does. Foxhall being bad just makes him look even better

No we didn't. Our top FR was out, one of our top prospects was hurt, our potential closer was hurt, Pico out over half the year, Dohm lost early on, and a lot of guys that could never throw strikes if their lives depended on it (see two leaving already). He brought in Stephen and got several guys better.

[Coach34]

Sure we did.

Jerk throws 97 with run. Borderline 1st round
Dohm was a Top 150 before the season
Purdue is now a solid draft pick
Hardin will get drafted also
Auger will get drafted

And that’s just this season. Having 5 draft picks for 1 draft on your staff is a damn talented staff

[Turfdawg67]

So I was kinda half joking, a while back, when I said that Auburn would have Yella Wood stickers on their helmets or become know as The Auburn Tigers presented by Yella Wood. Now it's being okay'd by the NCAA for them to buy a spot on Auburn's football field... lol.

Next up: My "joke" about a players union... and its eventual strike.

[BrunswickDawg]

So I was kinda half joking, a while back, when I said that Auburn would have Yella Wood stickers on their helmets or become know as The Auburn Tigers presented by Yella Wood. Now it's being okay'd by the NCAA for them to buy a spot on Auburn's football field... lol.

Next up: My "joke" about a players union... and its eventual strike.

Joke - but a union is inevitable. This deal made by the NCAA is screwing up big time by creating this framework without the involvement of the players. I know that unions are bad word in the south - but the professional sports anti-trust exemptions have been given partly because of the collective bargaining provided by the players association. That sets a major precedent for the sports world that will come back and bite the NCAA and the colleges in the ass. And before I get called a commie lefty, it's not about being pro-union - for me it's about ending the massive change and instability right now. This settlement will get challenged in court by a player and the NCAA will lose again.

[Brobi-wan]

Joke - but a union is inevitable. This deal made by the NCAA is screwing up big time by creating this framework without the involvement of the players. I know that unions are bad word in the south - but the professional sports anti-trust exemptions have been given partly because of the collective bargaining provided by the players association. That sets a major precedent for the sports world that will come back and bite the NCAA and the colleges in the ass. And before I get called a commie lefty, it's not about being pro-union - for me it's about ending the massive change and instability right now. This settlement will get challenged in court by a player and the NCAA will lose again.


We can’t call you a commie on here. We will get banned. Lmoa, but all joking aside, I’m for whatever fixes the constant turnover. There needs to be some loyalty and accountability and not just almost adults being mercenaries.

[Cooterpoot]

Sure we did.

Jerk throws 97 with run. Borderline 1st round
Dohm was a Top 150 before the season
Purdue is now a solid draft pick
Hardin will get drafted also
Auger will get drafted

And that?s just this season. Having 5 draft picks for 1 draft on your staff is a damn talented staff

All pitching lol. Jordan is our only legit position player (hat tip to Huge sack) and his nuts draw up with a runner on 2B.

[Coach34]

I’m pretty sure you will also see Jordan, Hines, HugeSak, and Mershon drafted also

That will be 9 draft picks on this year’s roster

[CaptainObvious]

I’m pretty sure you will also see Jordan, Hines, HugeSak, and Mershon drafted also

That will be 9 draft picks on this year’s roster

I do not think that means what you think that means.

[Coach34]

I do not think that means what you think that means.

means the reason we finished in the Top 5 of the SEC was because we had talent. Injuries took its toll and we still overcame them

[Quaoarsking]

I’m pretty sure you will also see Jordan, Hines, HugeSak, and Mershon drafted also

That will be 9 draft picks on this year’s roster

Lemonis underachieved for the 3rd straight year. He'll probably make it 4 next year.

[CaptainObvious]

Lemonis underachieved for the 3rd straight year. He'll probably make it 4 next year.

THIS is what that means!

[TNDawg35]

Frei just committed…