Weekend Thoughts From Yet Another Weekend Win over the Rebels

[StarkVegasSteve]

The more things change, the more things stay the same. Through all our change, 5 different HCs in the last 9 series against OM, and we have won all but 1 of them, and should've won that one. We just seem to absolutely have Bianco's number at this juncture.


1. You cannot discount how big of a series win this was for us. Without it, we probably struggle to make the NCAAT because even with Mizzou's sweep, their RPI is still in the gutter. So job well done by Parker and the boys.

2. Ace Reese is even better than the player we thought we were getting. I think we knew we were getting a high ceiling player but I don't think we even knew how high the ceiling was on him. I spoke to his parents this weekend and know they want him to stay in Starkville and we need to make sure that happens. He also has been injured since March and has played through it.

3. Pico has lost it. I don't know what's going on but his last 5 starts have just not been good. He needs to find it again if we are going to have any type of postseason success.

4. As bad as Pico was on Friday in Game 1, Siary and Ligon were equally as good in Games 2 and 3. Siary turned into Brooks Auger in Game 2 Friday and Ligon looked like Rickey Vaughn. He couldn't find the zone, but always got out of the trouble. If we can get that out of those two, maybe a shade more control from Ligon, going forward then we could make some noise. Everyone has a good Friday guy in the tournament. The teams that make it have a good Saturday guy and enough of a Sunday guy to get it done.

5. We need Hines to snap out of it. He's gotten better since Lemonis was dismissed but he's still only hitting .274 and was 2-11 on the weekend with 2x as many Ks as hits.

6. Please for the love of God figure out the closer and setup guys. At this point, I would roll with McPherson in the closer role and either let Davis or Dotson be your setup guy. Hungate getting back would be a huge piece for us as well to get back. But we need to define something. We just don't seem like we know what to do with a late lead when it comes to the bullpen.

7. We returned back to some of our old ways this weekend. Left 24 on base and I think we left the bases loaded 3 times this weekend and left two on a few other times. We also had 4 errors this weekend.

8. We don't ABSOLUTELY HAVE to get a sweep this weekend. But we need one to feel comfortable. We definitely need the first two of the weekend or we're going to be all kinds of tense on Sunday.

9. I feel like we'll start seeing some names start leaking on who we're targeting within the next 10-14 days. I think things will start to come into focus a bit. I keep hearing Will Coggin's name A LOT. It seems like O'Conner's name has died down a bit but I think that's more of just him making that statement and some people taking it as gospel. Just like Wes Johnson, I would expect they both have some degree of interest in the job. I also did some digging around on the Eric Bakich and he is definitely a name to keep an eye on. Not saying that's the hire, but the door is cracked there in Clemson.


As always, HailState and GTHOM.

[BigDawg81]

The more things change, the more things stay the same. Through all our change, 5 different HCs in the last 9 series against OM, and we have won all but 1 of them, and should've won that one. We just seem to absolutely have Bianco's number at this juncture.


1. You cannot discount how big of a series win this was for us. Without it, we probably struggle to make the NCAAT because even with Mizzou's sweep, their RPI is still in the gutter. So job well done by Parker and the boys.

2. Ace Reese is even better than the player we thought we were getting. I think we knew we were getting a high ceiling player but I don't think we even knew how high the ceiling was on him. I spoke to his parents this weekend and know they want him to stay in Starkville and we need to make sure that happens. He also has been injured since March and has played through it.

3. Pico has lost it. I don't know what's going on but his last 5 starts have just not been good. He needs to find it again if we are going to have any type of postseason success.

4. As bad as Pico was on Friday in Game 1, Siary and Ligon were equally as good in Games 2 and 3. Siary turned into Brooks Auger in Game 2 Friday and Ligon looked like Rickey Vaughn. He couldn't find the zone, but always got out of the trouble. If we can get that out of those two, maybe a shade more control from Ligon, going forward then we could make some noise. Everyone has a good Friday guy in the tournament. The teams that make it have a good Saturday guy and enough of a Sunday guy to get it done.

5. We need Hines to snap out of it. He's gotten better since Lemonis was dismissed but he's still only hitting .274 and was 2-11 on the weekend with 2x as many Ks as hits.

6. Please for the love of God figure out the closer and setup guys. At this point, I would roll with McPherson in the closer role and either let Davis or Dotson be your setup guy. Hungate getting back would be a huge piece for us as well to get back. But we need to define something. We just don't seem like we know what to do with a late lead when it comes to the bullpen.

7. We returned back to some of our old ways this weekend. Left 24 on base and I think we left the bases loaded 3 times this weekend and left two on a few other times. We also had 4 errors this weekend.

8. We don't ABSOLUTELY HAVE to get a sweep this weekend. But we need one to feel comfortable. We definitely need the first two of the weekend or we're going to be all kinds of tense on Sunday.

9. I feel like we'll start seeing some names start leaking on who we're targeting within the next 10-14 days. I think things will start to come into focus a bit. I keep hearing Will Coggin's name A LOT. It seems like O'Conner's name has died down a bit but I think that's more of just him making that statement and some people taking it as gospel. Just like Wes Johnson, I would expect they both have some degree of interest in the job. I also did some digging around on the Eric Bakich and he is definitely a name to keep an eye on. Not saying that's the hire, but the door is cracked there in Clemson.


As always, HailState and GTHOM.
Like Kendall Rogers said to me, read the statement carefully from O?Connor and Johnson. They are still on the table.

[Coach34]

Ligon has great stuff. He's just weak mentally. You can see it. He held it together Saturday and had a good outing when we had to have it.

Errors happen but good lord but Catch-22's error was bad

Beans (Trout's official nickname) has been playing well. I have a friend who sends me a text every time he does something positive now.

Frei to me has been the biggest surprise. He is hitting around .400 from the left side. Playing him full time and putting Reeves at SS full time is when this season turned around. We are 9-6 since we made that move in SEC play.

We will throw off in G1 in Hoover. As the 13 or 12 seed- they play each other. Should we win- I'd skip Pico's spot. Let him have a full 2 weeks rest with some pens to get loose

Need the sweep- I've got Omaha steaks riding on it

[Santiago]

Ligon has great stuff. He's just weak mentally. You can see it. He held it together Saturday and had a good outing when we had to have it.

Errors happen but good lord but Catch-22's error was bad

Beans (Trout's official nickname) has been playing well. I have a friend who sends me a text every time he does something positive now.

Frei to me has been the biggest surprise. He is hitting around .400 from the left side. Playing him full time and putting Reeves at SS full time is when this season turned around. We are 9-6 since we made that move in SEC play.

We will throw off in G1 in Hoover. As the 13 or 12 seed- they play each other. Should we win- I'd skip Pico's spot. Let him have a full 2 weeks rest with some pens to get loose

Need the sweep- I've got Omaha steaks riding on it

Wish we use Hoover to get some pitchers rotation on the mound for an inning or two, and rest up some guys, like you suggest.

[Santiago]

How much noise on Bloomquist at ASU?
I was against Coggin, initially, just since he was an assistant, but now can see he might be a good portal coach and rebuild quickly. If he was to bring a really good pitching coach, or he gives up salary for the hire of other good coaches, then maybe it is good.

[AlSwearengen]

Pico's velocity is down. Unless the gun was off this weekend, he was topping out at 91 and staying around 90 most of the time. He is probably tired, maybe a little injured.

[StarkVegasSteve]

How much noise on Bloomquist at ASU?
I was against Coggin, initially, just since he was an assistant, but now can see he might be a good portal coach and rebuild quickly. If he was to bring a really good pitching coach, or he gives up salary for the hire of other good coaches, then maybe it is good.

The only person pushing Bloomquist is Bo Bounds. He got into a pissing match on Twitter last night with Todd about it. He's not coming here. He's at his alma mater and is happy. I have no idea why he's pushing that unless Bloomquist's has some connection to Bo.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Wish we use Hoover to get some pitchers rotation on the mound for an inning or two, and rest up some guys, like you suggest.

If we can sweep this weekend then we can do that. We can just pitch Sullivan Game 1 and treat it like a midweek.

[Santiago]

The only person pushing Bloomquist is Bo Bounds. He got into a pissing match on Twitter last night with Todd about it. He's not coming here. He's at his alma mater and is happy. I have no idea why he's pushing that unless Bloomquist's has some connection to Bo.

I saw that, and wondered because Bo has friends in the program. So perhaps that group are pushing their guy.

Coggin, Ammo, a top pitching coach maybe making more than Coggin(while Coggin proves it), would be a great staff actually.

[Coursesuper]

I saw that, and wondered because Bo has friends in the program. So perhaps that group are pushing their guy.

Coggin, Ammo, a top pitching coach maybe making more than Coggin(while Coggin proves it), would be a great staff actually.

Our program or ASU?

[StarkVegasSteve]

I saw that, and wondered because Bo has friends in the program. So perhaps that group are pushing their guy.

Coggin, Ammo, a top pitching coach maybe making more than Coggin(while Coggin proves it), would be a great staff actually.

You're not going to pay a pitching coach more than the HC.........

[DawgFromOxford]

You're not going to pay a pitching coach more than the HC.........

If our new head coach isn't humble enough to make less than his assistants then he's not the right guy!! ***

[Goldendawg]

Is Highfield the best we have available in the outfield at this time? Around the Mendoza line also. Why do we have so few real outfielders, poor roster management/recruiting by Lemonis and staff? Looks to me that promises were made by Lemonis that certain players would play no matter what per example catcher and shortstop and it has taken until very recently to play the best at several positions. That so many portal players are leading this team shows Lemonis HS classes were seriously over rated.

[confucius say]

Ligon has great stuff. He's just weak mentally. You can see it. He held it together Saturday and had a good outing when we had to have it.

Errors happen but good lord but Catch-22's error was bad

Beans (Trout's official nickname) has been playing well. I have a friend who sends me a text every time he does something positive now.

Frei to me has been the biggest surprise. He is hitting around .400 from the left side. Playing him full time and putting Reeves at SS full time is when this season turned around. We are 9-6 since we made that move in SEC play.

We will throw off in G1 in Hoover. As the 13 or 12 seed- they play each other. Should we win- I'd skip Pico's spot. Let him have a full 2 weeks rest with some pens to get loose

Need the sweep- I've got Omaha steaks riding on it

Agree on Frei and reeves. But putting Powell behind the plate full time has been huge. He's running the show back there and doing great.
If we start those 3 and sanders prior to conference play, we are playing for a host spot this weekend.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Is Highfield the best we have available in the outfield at this time? Around the Mendoza line also. Why do we have so few real outfielders, poor roster management/recruiting by Lemonis and staff? Looks to me that promises were made by Lemonis that certain players would play no matter what per example catcher and shortstop and it has taken until very recently to play the best at several positions. That so many portal players are leading this team shows Lemonis HS classes were seriously over rated.

I don't know about Highfill. I know if he wants to stay at this level, then outfield is his future. In regards to other possible choices. I mean the other choices would be Spalitta, O'Brien, Stevens(who I believe is injured), or Stallman.

I think a lot of it is unfortunately bad evals and not filling those holes in the portal.

[Santiago]

You're not going to pay a pitching coach more than the HC.........

I should have noted, just joking on that, but we do need to have a high paid staff.

[StarkVegasSteve]

I should have noted, just joking on that, but we do need to have a high paid staff.

We will. IF, and I have no knowledge that it will be but, if it is Coggin I imagine the salaries would be

Will-950-1.1

Ammo-350-600

PC-500-750

PC would be higher due to needing an elite PC because Coggin and Ammo handle the hitters.

[Coach34]

Is Highfield the best we have available in the outfield at this time? Around the Mendoza line also. Why do we have so few real outfielders, poor roster management/recruiting by Lemonis and staff? Looks to me that promises were made by Lemonis that certain players would play no matter what per example catcher and shortstop and it has taken until very recently to play the best at several positions. That so many portal players are leading this team shows Lemonis HS classes were seriously over rated.

We made promises to Cupp and Catch-22 that they would be the guys. That didnt work out and we waited too damn long to make the change
Juco was brought in for depth at 2B and turns out he is the best option there
We also thought Hunter was going to be drafted and leave. So thats why we took both Stallman and Sullivan. Hunter coming back created a logjam at 1st.
Frei didnt have a very good Fall and Reese was clearly going to be the guy at 3B. Then Frei began hammering the ball and we waited too long to move him to LF. Remember we tried him at 2B first before sending him to LF
We missed on a portal CF'er and there werent many good ooptions out there to begin with. O'Brien has yet to be able to hit SEC pitching

That's why I say it looks like Lemon just met the team on Feb 1st. We should have had some of these things worked out better before mid-Feb got here

[Coach34]

I should have noted, just joking on that, but we do need to have a high paid staff.

Our staff will make less than Vitello does by himself

[Saltydog]

Yeah well, pitch Sully and that'll definitely be a one and done in the tourney. Not sure how much winning a game or two helps us but it darn sure wouldn't hurt us either.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Our staff will make less than Vitello does by himself

I had a player parent try to tell me this weekend we would be paying our next HC 2 million. I looked at him and asked him how many coaches did he think made 2 million dollars in college baseball. He did not know the answer was 2.


It's good to know that even the newer members of the fanbase have the same delusion as some who have been here 20-30 years

[cheewgumm]

We don?t have to match Tenn $ to make a great hire.

That?s a good point- there are only 3.

We can be competitive without being #1.

[confucius say]

There's no need to pay anybody close to 2 million dollars unless we hire a proven commodity like O'Connor.
And If it's coggin ( I doubt it), don't pay him anywhere close to 1 million. You can pay him 700k. Maybe less. He makes 300k now.

Lemonis was paid 1.325 million.

[Santiago]

Our staff will make less than Vitello does by himself

Vitello was not paid that when hired.
Room to grow.

[Coach34]

Yeah if we hire a Top Asst i'm guessing it will be around 750-800K to begin with and added incentives

[StarkVegasSteve]

There's no need to pay anybody close to 2 million dollars unless we hire a proven commodity like O'Connor.
And If it's coggin ( I doubt it), don't pay him anywhere close to 1 million. You can pay him 700k. Maybe less. He makes 300k now.

Lemonis was paid 1.325 million.

There are two coaches that make over 2 mil. TWO. Tony Vitello and Tim Corbin. And honestly, only one of them deserves it. You can pay a hell of a salary to a coach and pay them 1.2-1.3. You don't have to go anywhere near 2.

[Tbonewannabe]

There are two coaches that make over 2 mil. TWO. Tony Vitello and Tim Corbin. And honestly, only one of them deserves it. You can pay a hell of a salary to a coach and pay them 1.2-1.3. You don't have to go anywhere near 2.

Corbin is getting paid for what he did when he had an advantage over every team in college baseball.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Corbin is getting paid for what he did when he had an advantage over every team in college baseball.

Correct. I'd argue that Vitello is the only one worth what he makes.

[Coach34]

Correct. I'd argue that Vitello is the only one worth what he makes.

Fun fact- we have won as many series this year as Tenn

[StarkVegasSteve]

Fun fact- we have won as many series this year as Tenn

That's an absolutely wild stat. Just shows how much those sweeps have killed us. Just give us one of those each and we are 14-13 with a great chance to host.

[confucius say]

TN has dropped off bigly.
Outside of Doyle, they are an average sec team.

[confucius say]

There are two coaches that make over 2 mil. TWO. Tony Vitello and Tim Corbin. And honestly, only one of them deserves it. You can pay a hell of a salary to a coach and pay them 1.2-1.3. You don't have to go anywhere near 2.

Correct. O'Connor is due to be at 1.5. That's the only guy in the discussion I would consider paying close to 2.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Correct. O'Connor is due to be at 1.5. That's the only guy in the discussion I would consider paying close to 2.

I mean I'd probably offer to match it or maybe go 1.6, but we can't go broke paying for a HC. I'd be willing to pay him what OM is paying Bianco. I think that's a shade over 1.6. That's about as high as we need to go.

[The Federalist Engineer]

Pico ... comparing the first 8 starts to the last 5....

(1) He has been a consistent 4 to 6 inning starter this season. No change.
(2) Early, he was a 15 pitch-per-inning guy, now hitting 19-to-20 pitches per inning, so the same inning load is pushing him to 105 pitches for the same 5 to 6 innings ... that he was doing that in 80 pitches....roughly 25% more effort.
(3) Opposition Batting Average Against was 0.214, now .288
(4) WHIP was about 1.00, now 1.6

I can't break it down this way. But they need to keep him under 80 pitches to get the same quality starts as before. Also, potentially rest him for Mizzou and of course the SECT?

Yeah, a borderline NCAA Regional team can't afford to rest people. But Sullivan would do just fine with SEC innings. We would waste his contributions by pitching him versus North Alabama. Maybe pitch Mannell, Pruitt, Burns, or Duke Stone vs North Alabama. Instruct the lads to induce contact and challenge people.

[State82]

Just shows how much those sweeps have killed us.

Exactly. One of the primary rules in this game. JUST. DON'T. GET. SWEPT.

[bulldogcountry1]

The more things change, the more things stay the same. Through all our change, 5 different HCs in the last 9 series against OM, and we have won all but 1 of them, and should've won that one. We just seem to absolutely have Bianco's number at this juncture.

3. Pico has lost it. I don't know what's going on but his last 5 starts have just not been good. He needs to find it again if we are going to have any type of postseason success.

7. We returned back to some of our old ways this weekend. Left 24 on base and I think we left the bases loaded 3 times this weekend and left two on a few other times. We also had 4 errors this weekend.

9. I feel like we'll start seeing some names start leaking on who we're targeting within the next 10-14 days. I think things will start to come into focus a bit. I keep hearing Will Coggin's name A LOT. It seems like O'Conner's name has died down a bit but I think that's more of just him making that statement and some people taking it as gospel. Just like Wes Johnson, I would expect they both have some degree of interest in the job. I also did some digging around on the Eric Bakich and he is definitely a name to keep an eye on. Not saying that's the hire, but the door is cracked there in Clemson.


As always, HailState and GTHOM.

3. He's probably just tired. He's never pitched this much in his life.

7. That stuff just isn't going to fix itself overnight. The difference is that Lemonis' teams these last 4 years just didn't have the metal toughness to overcome the mistakes. His personailty and/or style definitely had a negative effect of players.

9. I just don't understand why would would ever hire Johnson and not Coggin. Johnson left our staff in ruins, he hasn't stayed anywhere more than 4 seasons in his 17 seasons as a college coach, he's only in his second season as a HC (which is not impressive at 53), and a lot of his success is probably because of Coggin and Ammo.

[Todd4State]

The more things change, the more things stay the same. Through all our change, 5 different HCs in the last 9 series against OM, and we have won all but 1 of them, and should've won that one. We just seem to absolutely have Bianco's number at this juncture.


1. You cannot discount how big of a series win this was for us. Without it, we probably struggle to make the NCAAT because even with Mizzou's sweep, their RPI is still in the gutter. So job well done by Parker and the boys.

2. Ace Reese is even better than the player we thought we were getting. I think we knew we were getting a high ceiling player but I don't think we even knew how high the ceiling was on him. I spoke to his parents this weekend and know they want him to stay in Starkville and we need to make sure that happens. He also has been injured since March and has played through it.

3. Pico has lost it. I don't know what's going on but his last 5 starts have just not been good. He needs to find it again if we are going to have any type of postseason success.

4. As bad as Pico was on Friday in Game 1, Siary and Ligon were equally as good in Games 2 and 3. Siary turned into Brooks Auger in Game 2 Friday and Ligon looked like Rickey Vaughn. He couldn't find the zone, but always got out of the trouble. If we can get that out of those two, maybe a shade more control from Ligon, going forward then we could make some noise. Everyone has a good Friday guy in the tournament. The teams that make it have a good Saturday guy and enough of a Sunday guy to get it done.

5. We need Hines to snap out of it. He's gotten better since Lemonis was dismissed but he's still only hitting .274 and was 2-11 on the weekend with 2x as many Ks as hits.

6. Please for the love of God figure out the closer and setup guys. At this point, I would roll with McPherson in the closer role and either let Davis or Dotson be your setup guy. Hungate getting back would be a huge piece for us as well to get back. But we need to define something. We just don't seem like we know what to do with a late lead when it comes to the bullpen.

7. We returned back to some of our old ways this weekend. Left 24 on base and I think we left the bases loaded 3 times this weekend and left two on a few other times. We also had 4 errors this weekend.

8. We don't ABSOLUTELY HAVE to get a sweep this weekend. But we need one to feel comfortable. We definitely need the first two of the weekend or we're going to be all kinds of tense on Sunday.

9. I feel like we'll start seeing some names start leaking on who we're targeting within the next 10-14 days. I think things will start to come into focus a bit. I keep hearing Will Coggin's name A LOT. It seems like O'Conner's name has died down a bit but I think that's more of just him making that statement and some people taking it as gospel. Just like Wes Johnson, I would expect they both have some degree of interest in the job. I also did some digging around on the Eric Bakich and he is definitely a name to keep an eye on. Not saying that's the hire, but the door is cracked there in Clemson.


As always, HailState and GTHOM.

1. We own them. Should have won 3/4 this year over them including the Governor's Cup. The good news is we won but we were so sloppy I don't think Parker can get pushed for the job.

2. Ace is a potential first round pick next year and he will be better defensively at third base. I think he stays.

3. Pico is a guy that needs to have a full week to rest. Some of it may be because of his recovery from Tommy John. I think he has hit a wall and I wouldn't be surprised if we push him back a day against Mizzou.

4. Siary was out of his mind. He might end up like Auger and get drafted if he keeps pitching like that. Check that- he will get drafted. Ole Miss reminds me of Pedro Cerrano. They no like ball that curves. Ligon is what he is. He is always going to struggle with command. He would be a perfect midweek starter honestly but we whiffed too much in the portal.

5. Hines try to do too much and the coaches don't seem to do much about it or he won't listen to them. Neither one is good.

6. Not having defined roles is my biggest complaint about Parker. That and leaving guys in too long- and that might go hand in hand some.

7. We got lucky. If Siary doesn't become Clayton Kershaw for a game who knows how this series turns out? Ole Miss was very sloppy in game three as well. Fun game to watch but also a hard game to watch if you are a big time baseball fan.

8. We're going to have to play well to win. Or at least like we did against Ole Miss. No reason why we shouldn't win this series.

9. I think we have a first tier of candidates and then Will Coggin basically. I think that tier is O'Conner, Bakich, Wes Johnson, and Pollard from Duke. If we don't get one out of that group then I think we pivot to Coggin. Most likely I think we get someone out of that first tier before it even gets to Coggin. I could see some guys like Fitzgerald and Sabins emerge later in the process depending on how the postseason goes. So, I think this is far from over, nothing is a slam dunk but I think we're in a good spot and it won't really heat up until after the regionals.


The only person pushing Bloomquist is Bo Bounds. He got into a pissing match on Twitter last night with Todd about it. He's not coming here. He's at his alma mater and is happy. I have no idea why he's pushing that unless Bloomquist's has some connection to Bo.

Really bizarre conversation honestly. I live in NOLA so I'm used to handling drunks though.

Why would MSU hire a coach that has missed the postseason three times in four years at a blueblood when we just fired a coach who was on pace to make the postseason twice in the same period? Well according to Bo it's because George Horton told him he was a good coach.

It's a shame my Dad isn't a doctor who could buy me my own radio show because at least then Jackson would then be getting quality sports conversation rather than straight garbage.


I had a player parent try to tell me this weekend we would be paying our next HC 2 million. I looked at him and asked him how many coaches did he think made 2 million dollars in college baseball. He did not know the answer was 2.


It's good to know that even the newer members of the fanbase have the same delusion as some who have been here 20-30 years

That is an interesting figure he came up with though. He came up with that from somewhere. Probably not a reliable source but interesting nonetheless. Only because the player's parents typically have meetings with the AD in situations like ours so that they can know where things stand. Also, a lot of times the player's sources are their sons.

[Todd4State]

We will. IF, and I have no knowledge that it will be but, if it is Coggin I imagine the salaries would be

Will-950-1.1

Ammo-350-600

PC-500-750

PC would be higher due to needing an elite PC because Coggin and Ammo handle the hitters.

I could totally see Coggin keeping Parker. Which might be part of why you are hearing Coggin being pushed some right now.

[StarkVegasSteve]

1. We own them. Should have won 3/4 this year over them including the Governor's Cup. The good news is we won but we were so sloppy I don't think Parker can get pushed for the job.

2. Ace is a potential first round pick next year and he will be better defensively at third base. I think he stays.

3. Pico is a guy that needs to have a full week to rest. Some of it may be because of his recovery from Tommy John. I think he has hit a wall and I wouldn't be surprised if we push him back a day against Mizzou.

4. Siary was out of his mind. He might end up like Auger and get drafted if he keeps pitching like that. Check that- he will get drafted. Ole Miss reminds me of Pedro Cerrano. They no like ball that curves. Ligon is what he is. He is always going to struggle with command. He would be a perfect midweek starter honestly but we whiffed too much in the portal.

5. Hines try to do too much and the coaches don't seem to do much about it or he won't listen to them. Neither one is good.

6. Not having defined roles is my biggest complaint about Parker. That and leaving guys in too long- and that might go hand in hand some.

7. We got lucky. If Siary doesn't become Clayton Kershaw for a game who knows how this series turns out? Ole Miss was very sloppy in game three as well. Fun game to watch but also a hard game to watch if you are a big time baseball fan.

8. We're going to have to play well to win. Or at least like we did against Ole Miss. No reason why we shouldn't win this series.

9. I think we have a first tier of candidates and then Will Coggin basically. I think that tier is O'Conner, Bakich, Wes Johnson, and Pollard from Duke. If we don't get one out of that group then I think we pivot to Coggin. Most likely I think we get someone out of that first tier before it even gets to Coggin. I could see some guys like Fitzgerald and Sabins emerge later in the process depending on how the postseason goes. So, I think this is far from over, nothing is a slam dunk but I think we're in a good spot and it won't really heat up until after the regionals.



Really bizarre conversation honestly. I live in NOLA so I'm used to handling drunks though.

Why would MSU hire a coach that has missed the postseason three times in four years at a blueblood when we just fired a coach who was on pace to make the postseason twice in the same period? Well according to Bo it's because George Horton told him he was a good coach.

It's a shame my Dad isn't a doctor who could buy me my own radio show because at least then Jackson would then be getting quality sports conversation rather than straight garbage.



That is an interesting figure he came up with though. He came up with that from somewhere. Probably not a reliable source but interesting nonetheless. Only because the player's parents typically have meetings with the AD in situations like ours so that they can know where things stand. Also, a lot of times the player's sources are their sons.



I've always wondered how Bo even got on the air. Interesting nugget because I had no clue.

[SaintDawg]

I've always wondered how Bo even got on the air. Interesting nugget because I had no clue.

I went to high school with him. He was a year ahead. He was a jerk then and a jerk now. We never ran in the same circles, but I recall him being my first encounter with entitlement. He was very aware at a young age that he came from money because of Daddy. Only sport I recall him playing in school was basketball. Average at best.

[Coursesuper]

I went to high school with him. He was a year ahead. He was a jerk then and a jerk now. We never ran in the same circles, but I recall him being my first encounter with entitlement. He was very aware at a young age that he came from money because of Daddy. Only sport I recall him playing in school was basketball. Average at best.

I have worked all over the south in my career, Atlanta, Birmingham the Emerald Coast, NOLA and a very short stint in the Jackson area. In my line of work, mainly at country clubs I have found the most entitled bunch to be in our fair state, and it’s not even close.

[Leroy Jenkins]

Exactly. One of the primary rules in this game. JUST. DON'T. GET. SWEPT.

Since the beginning of time the formula has been, win your home series and don't get swept on the road.

[The Federalist Engineer]

We don?t have to match Tenn $ to make a great hire.

That?s a good point- there are only 3.

We can be competitive without being #1.

If you pay 2M you want a 600 winning percentage in the SEC. That's Schloss and that's what he gets, roughly. Florida does not pay Sully 2M and he gives them 599 winning percentage. Corbin is 580 but that was largely built with the Scholarship Hack.

By the way, Lemons was 480. Cohen is 440. That damn JC was a sneaky kind of sorry coach. He's the bad employee that you wish would die on vacation. Polk was 560. Ray Tanner 602 in the SEC.

Skip Bertman was 673 and he hired Nick Saban and 5 NCs. Nobody can touch him. He has no peers. Smoke Laval won 594 in the SEC, he's trash in LSU. Would have been a legend in Starkville. John Cohen is like the anti Bertman, horrible coach and AD, but JC probably thinks he's competent.

[R2Dawg]

Fun fact- we have won as many series this year as Tenn

Funny huh. People got drunk on Vitello and UT. They have only been relevant for what 3-4 years in baseball?

[shoeless joe]

If you pay 2M you want a 600 winning percentage in the SEC. That's Schloss and that's what he gets, roughly. Florida does not pay Sully 2M and he gives them 599 winning percentage. Corbin is 580 but that was largely built with the Scholarship Hack.

By the way, Lemons was 480. Cohen is 440. That damn JC was a sneaky kind of sorry coach. He's the bad employee that you wish would die on vacation. Polk was 560. Ray Tanner 602 in the SEC.

Skip Bertman was 673 and he hired Nick Saban and 5 NCs. Nobody can touch him. He has no peers. Smoke Laval won 594 in the SEC, he's trash in LSU. Would have been a legend in Starkville. John Cohen is like the anti Bertman, horrible coach and AD, but JC probably thinks he's competent.

Cohen was a really good baseball coach. the dude knew the game, knew how to coach the game, knew the type of players it took to play the game the way he wanted it to be played. i'm of the hope that our next coach is someone from the same mold.

however bad he absolutely screwed everything else up during his AD tenure it doesn't take away from his job as our coach IMO.

[Santiago]

Cohen was a really good baseball coach. the dude knew the game, knew how to coach the game, knew the type of players it took to play the game the way he wanted it to be played. i'm of the hope that our next coach is someone from the same mold.

however bad he absolutely screwed everything else up during his AD tenure it doesn't take away from his job as our coach IMO.

Totally agree. Evaluate players with the mental toughness that embrace the Dude atmosphere and intimidate the other teams.
I am either way on all our coaches except I hope we have that mindset from a coach, similar to Cohen.
For that alone, I can see why Coggin is an option on the list. Plus everywhere he has coached, the teams saw instant success with portal and HS evaluation of talent. Cohen had a hunger for a NC, and we need a coach likewise again like that where they will cut throats to get it.

[AlSwearengen]

On Parker, he has caught some shit this year b/c of the staff and maybe rightfully so, maybe not. That said, he has connections to Team USA and if i'm remembering correctly, we have commitments from at least 2 top pitchers as a direct result of his relationship with them from Team USA. That carries weight and he wouldn't be there if he wasn't highly thought of.

[The Federalist Engineer]

Cohen was a really good baseball coach. the dude knew the game, knew how to coach the game, knew the type of players it took to play the game the way he wanted it to be played. i'm of the hope that our next coach is someone from the same mold.

however bad he absolutely screwed everything else up during his AD tenure it doesn't take away from his job as our coach IMO.

You want a coach that does not win games but talks like he won multiple conference and national titles?

A lot is made of how bad Polk II was but Polk II was better than following Serrano at Tennessee. 4 single Digit win seasons in 6 years but No sweat for Vitello. Butch inherited an Auburn program with 3 regionals in 10 years, has a better W% than Cohen and the same Omahas. Also better than Mings inheritance at UK, 2 regionals in 8 years prior.

If Winning and results are the prime measure. Cohen provided Butch (Auburn) and Mingione (Kentucky) results to MSU. One more Omaha than Ming but much fewer wins. All that with MSU facilities, fan base, tradition, and support.

[Cowbell]

On Parker, he has caught some shit this year b/c of the staff and maybe rightfully so, maybe not. That said, he has connections to Team USA and if i'm remembering correctly, we have commitments from at least 2 top pitchers as a direct result of his relationship with them from Team USA. That carries weight and he wouldn't be there if he wasn't highly thought of.

I hope that Parker is atleast retained for this reason.

[Todd4State]

You want a coach that does not win games but talks like he won multiple conference and national titles?

A lot is made of how bad Polk II was but Polk II was better than following Serrano at Tennessee. 4 single Digit win seasons in 6 years but No sweat for Vitello. Butch inherited an Auburn program with 3 regionals in 10 years, has a better W% than Cohen and the same Omahas. Also better than Mings inheritance at UK, 2 regionals in 8 years prior.

If Winning and results are the prime measure. Cohen provided Butch (Auburn) and Mingione (Kentucky) results to MSU. One more Omaha than Ming but much fewer wins. All that with MSU facilities, fan base, tradition, and support.

Are you counting Cohen's first two years at MSU because he literally took over MSU at it's lowest point and had the least support possible and a team that did not want to play for him with no portal to use to process the deadweight out.

And despite that he took MSU to the CWS finals just five years after being hired and his program was built so well and sustainable that it reached our standards from 2016-2021 despite massive coaching turnover.

[shoeless joe]

You want a coach that does not win games but talks like he won multiple conference and national titles?

A lot is made of how bad Polk II was but Polk II was better than following Serrano at Tennessee. 4 single Digit win seasons in 6 years but No sweat for Vitello. Butch inherited an Auburn program with 3 regionals in 10 years, has a better W% than Cohen and the same Omahas. Also better than Mings inheritance at UK, 2 regionals in 8 years prior.

If Winning and results are the prime measure. Cohen provided Butch (Auburn) and Mingione (Kentucky) results to MSU. One more Omaha than Ming but much fewer wins. All that with MSU facilities, fan base, tradition, and support.

not real sure what you are saying with some of this. cohen won games with the types of players he knew would win games. he recruited the guys he needed and won with them. when the ball changed it took him one year to make that adjustment then we won the SEC.

The team that IMO was the epitome of what cohen did here was the '11 team. after all the damage done by polk he got some absolute gritty dirt bags and was a few outs away from taking down an outstanding florida team and going to omaha. he had a multi inning closer that was 87-88 and an arm slot guy. good grief...those are the the type players that we need and that we've historically won with from a mindset and toughness standpoint.

[The Federalist Engineer]

not real sure what you are saying with some of this. cohen won games with the types of players he knew would win games. he recruited the guys he needed and won with them. when the ball changed it took him one year to make that adjustment then we won the SEC.

The team that IMO was the epitome of what cohen did here was the '11 team. after all the damage done by polk he got some absolute gritty dirt bags and was a few outs away from taking down an outstanding florida team and going to omaha. he had a multi inning closer that was 87-88 and an arm slot guy. good grief...those are the the type players that we need and that we've historically won with from a mindset and toughness standpoint.

But think about this ...

Butch Inherited 1 winning SEC seasons in 10 years at Auburn, averaged an 12-18 record.
Mingo Inherited 2 winning SEC seasons in 10 years at UK, average 13-17 record (Mingo has a 480 Winning % at UK and Cohen was 426 at Kentucky)
Cohen Inherited 5 winning SEC seasons in 10 years (1-Omaha and 3 Supers), average 15-15 record
Vitello Inherited 0 winning SEC seasons in 10 years, average 10-20 record

Who had the toughest situation to start? All these dudes have better winning records than Cohen.

Who had the better record at Kentucky?

I enjoyed MSU nearly beating Florida in the 2011 Super, still mad at my wife for making me stay for an in-law visit. Totally wasted weekend with people I don't even like. Cohen was 8-13 at one point that season and benefited from having Tennessee (the Mizzou of the 1990's) on the schedule for a cheap Sweep. Otherwise he does not make a post season and I was in Atlanta for Georgia Tech losing to Austin Peay and MSU was able to snake a Regional win because AP had great weekend. Good for Cohen, MSU, and me as a fan in Atlanta but Cohen was fortunate. I think GT even had a hurt ace, so great timing.

Then that 2013 regional in Starkville. Mercer, South Alabama, and Central Arkansas coming to town. A regional final versus Central Arkansas was pretty sweet as a draw for a 16-14 SEC team. Still had to win in Charlottesville, though.

I think its ok to celebrate the 2011 and 2013 post season miracles, but Cohen was going nowhere without those moments, it bought him time to 2016 and slipping into Administrative work. In fact, Lemons looks like Joe Torre and completely unfairly treated if you compare him to Cohen on results.

[shoeless joe]

But think about this ...

Butch Inherited 1 winning SEC seasons in 10 years at Auburn, averaged an 12-18 record.
Mingo Inherited 2 winning SEC seasons in 10 years at UK, average 13-17 record (Mingo has a 480 Winning % at UK and Cohen was 426 at Kentucky)
Cohen Inherited 5 winning SEC seasons in 10 years (1-Omaha and 3 Supers), average 15-15 record
Vitello Inherited 0 winning SEC seasons in 10 years, average 10-20 record

Who had the toughest situation to start? All these dudes have better winning records than Cohen.

Who had the better record at Kentucky?

I enjoyed MSU nearly beating Florida in the 2011 Super, still mad at my wife for making me stay for an in-law visit. Totally wasted weekend with people I don't even like. Cohen was 8-13 at one point that season and benefited from having Tennessee (the Mizzou of the 1990's) on the schedule for a cheap Sweep. Otherwise he does not make a post season and I was in Atlanta for Georgia Tech losing to Austin Peay and MSU was able to snake a Regional win because AP had great weekend. Good for Cohen, MSU, and me as a fan in Atlanta but Cohen was fortunate. I think GT even had a hurt ace, so great timing.

Then that 2013 regional in Starkville. Mercer, South Alabama, and Central Arkansas coming to town. A regional final versus Central Arkansas was pretty sweet as a draw for a 16-14 SEC team. Still had to win in Charlottesville, though.

I think its ok to celebrate the 2011 and 2013 post season miracles, but Cohen was going nowhere without those moments, it bought him time to 2016 and slipping into Administrative work. In fact, Lemons looks like Joe Torre and completely unfairly treated if you compare him to Cohen on results.

not sure you can compare what cohen walked into without realizing what actually occurred with the polk drama.

and "post season miracles" is a little rough...the toughness and grit to battle through a long season and be playing well enough to beat other postseason teams is part of what makes me appreciate cohen as a coach. if we hire a guy with the foresight and the knowledge to recognize what it takes to win, recruit those type players, get them on campus, utilize them in a way to give them the best chance to win and be playing well enough at the end to make a run then i think everybody would be happy.

[confucius say]

not real sure what you are saying with some of this. cohen won games with the types of players he knew would win games. he recruited the guys he needed and won with them. when the ball changed it took him one year to make that adjustment then we won the SEC.

The team that IMO was the epitome of what cohen did here was the '11 team. after all the damage done by polk he got some absolute gritty dirt bags and was a few outs away from taking down an outstanding florida team and going to omaha. he had a multi inning closer that was 87-88 and an arm slot guy. good grief...those are the the type players that we need and that we've historically won with from a mindset and toughness standpoint.

I'd rather have the Sims and Bednar type players

[shoeless joe]

I'd rather have the Sims and Bednar type players

no doubt...but you're making my point.

they had that mentality and edge that allowed them to succeed in the biggest moments against highly talented opponents. and throwing 95+ didn't hurt. my whole point is that i want a coach that recognizes ALL the attributes and characteristics needed to win, recognizes the players that possess them, gets them on campus, and utilizes them in a way that allows them to be successful.

allen, jordan, tanner, dubrule, sims, bednar, etc...were all examples of exactly what i'm talking about. they had the mental game and the physical skillset.

[Santiago]

I have worked all over the south in my career, Atlanta, Birmingham the Emerald Coast, NOLA and a very short stint in the Jackson area. In my line of work, mainly at country clubs I have found the most entitled bunch to be in our fair state, and it?s not even close.

Big Fish in small ponds .