2025 NCAA Baseball Portal Thread

[Thick]

That?s crazy! The portal is real!

[The Federalist Engineer]

I didn't know frei was eligible to come back. Damn, this team could be really good

2022- Frei redshirted at UNA
2023- UNA Player
2024- UNA Player
2025- MSU Player

So he has a 4th year left

[Todd4State]

List of Out-Bound by On3

That 2023 Recruiting Class is total Chernobyl meltdown. I remember people worried that firing Lemons in 23 would risk the recruits.

OF Fr. Landis Davila
RHP Jr. Gavin Black
SS So. Dylan Cupp
OF So. Nolan Stevens
OF So. Michael O’Brien
LHP So. Luke Dotson
LHP Jr. Robert Fortenberry
RHP Jr. Kevin Mannell
C Jr. Jackson Owen
C So. Steven Spalitta
C Jr. Ross Highfill
SS Fr. Lukas Buckner

Any time you have a coaching change turnover is gong to happen. Just the way it is. Probably for the best so you don't end up with a coach that wants to do one thing and has players that are brought in for something else. See Arnett.

I don't think the issue with that group is talent. It was Lemonis's lack of development.

[Coursesuper]

Any time you have a coaching change turnover is gong to happen. Just the way it is. Probably for the best so you don't end up with a coach that wants to do one thing and has players that are brought in for something else. See Arnett.

I don't think the issue with that group is talent. It was Lemonis's lack of development.

I do feel that there was very little depth in Lemons last couple of classes, they did bring in some good young pitching in the last one, but before that they didn?t produce much at all. There were some good portal pulls, but the overall from high school is lacking.

[Todd4State]

I do feel that there was very little depth in Lemons last couple of classes, they did bring in some good young pitching in the last one, but before that they didn?t produce much at all. There were some good portal pulls, but the overall from high school is lacking.

Almost all of the recent ones- Cupp, Stevens, Highfill had to deal with injuries as well at various points in their careers here. I wouldn't be surprised if they go on to have success elsewhere. There were definitely flashes of what could be from those players at times with also a lot of frustration. I think most fans would have been happy to keep Stevens and Dotson. Dotson it seems like there were some issues on what his role should be with the pitching staff and he clearly wants to start.

Larger issue to me was not evaluating the draft well. We lost too many guys like Dante Nori, Conrad Cason and then we had some guys that were massive long shots to come here like Noah Franco, William Schmidt, PJ Morlando, and I think Trent Grindlinger is likely going to end up in that category too.

I like Gautrau but a lot of that is on him. His connections to Boras didn't really help us out at all.

The result basically forced us to rely on the portal a lot of the time.

[KOdawg1]

Becker is visiting Texas

[maroonmania]

Becker is visiting Texas

Hope we can hang onto him. We are in real need of a SS given Cupp and Buchner both in the portal. Any chance JoJo Parker makes it to school? Could he be a day 1 starting SS?

[The Federalist Engineer]

Should MSU bring back Mikhai Grant? Saw his Twitter announcement about looking for an opportunity.

I would hate this dude in a Tennessee uniform in 2026. Throwing 101, closing SEC fridays, and drafted in the 1st round.

[KOdawg1]

Should MSU bring back Mikhai Grant? Saw his Twitter announcement about looking for an opportunity.

I would hate this dude in a Tennessee uniform in 2026. Throwing 101, closing SEC fridays, and drafted in the 1st round.
He's got some major mental issues. Like... big time.

Plus he brought a gun to Baton Rouge. He ain't coming back.

[maroonmania]

He's got some major mental issues. Like... big time.

Plus he brought a gun to Baton Rouge. He ain't coming back.

Yea, given the gun issue I'm not sure who would touch him.

[DownwardDawg]

He's got some major mental issues. Like... big time.

Plus he brought a gun to Baton Rouge. He ain't coming back.

I mean.... who doesn't bring a gun to Baton Rouge?!!!!!
Joking because I don't know the story.

[AlSwearengen]

Becker is visiting Texas

We need to pray on this one. We have nothing right now as far as the middle of the field. He would be the most important piece as far as that goes. Someone needs to tell him how much of a flake Schlossnagle is.

[HoopsDawg]

Hope we can hang onto him. We are in real need of a SS given Cupp and Buchner both in the portal. Any chance JoJo Parker makes it to school? Could he be a day 1 starting SS?

No shot on Jojo.

[The Federalist Engineer]

Yea, given the gun issue I'm not sure who would touch him.

Dang, I thought the issue was skipping Chemistry Labs or "D" in Calculus.

Yeah, let's go get the Friday night starter from Harvard or Princeton as a Grad transfer.

[KOdawg1]

We need to pray on this one. We have nothing right now as far as the middle of the field. He would be the most important piece as far as that goes. Someone needs to tell him how much of a flake Schlossnagle is.

Feels like he's just weighing his options but I would've liked to have shut this down right after his visit. You're right, he's probably our most important target because of the impact he'd have at his position. You're not going to go out and good a better SS than him.

[AlSwearengen]

I just came across a tweet by K. Rogers that he made when all of the Virginia players were hitting the portal in which he reported that Becker had entered the portal WITH a DO NOT CONTACT tag.

It is going to be extremely disappointing if we don’t land this guy when it looked like he was set on following O’Conner when he hit the portal. I guess the Do Not Contact tag could have meant he was headed to Texas after they had been tampering since mid season.

[Tater]

Chance and Stallman coming back.

At this point we're looking for 2nd/SS and another catcher or 2. Everywhere else should have a bat. Unsure who slides to 1st / DH but there's so many of those archetypes along with the corner OFs that it's just up to Oak to find the right defensive fit in fall.

Frei/Sully would be nice bats to bring back. We're very close to rolling out a 1-9 lineup that can absolutely mash. And the pitching rotation looks decent, just need a few more bullpen/midweek arms.

[Tater]

I just came across a tweet by K. Rogers that he made when all of the Virginia players were hitting the portal in which he reported that Becker had entered the portal WITH a DO NOT CONTACT tag.

It is going to be extremely disappointing if we don’t land this guy when it looked like he was set on following O’Conner when he hit the portal. I guess the Do Not Contact tag could have meant he was headed to Texas after they had been tampering since mid season.

He's the top player in the portal. He knows to test the market and see his value. It would be disappointing not to get him, but it won't be for any other reason than the kid simply liked what someone else was selling him more. State/Texsa/LSU in baseball are like Bama/Georgia/anOSU in football now. And we already won on Reese plus several others. So far the only guy we would fight for that we haven't been able to bring in is Dotson.

[maroonmania]

No shot on Jojo.

Well that's not good. Dang MLB. Sounds like we really need to get Becker. Is Sanders back at 2B for next season?

[Pancho]

JoJo might be a 1st rounder

[maroonmania]

He's the top player in the portal. He knows to test the market and see his value. It would be disappointing not to get him, but it won't be for any other reason than the kid simply liked what someone else was selling him more. State/Texsa/LSU in baseball are like Bama/Georgia/anOSU in football now. And we already won on Reese plus several others. So far the only guy we would fight for that we haven't been able to bring in is Dotson.

Or it could be that he already had a verbal agreement with Texas before the portal even opened and before he knew BOC was headed to Starkville. Not that Texas would tamper or anything, just sayin'.

[maroonmania]

JoJo might be a 1st rounder

I know the Parker twins come from a family that are not in need of money, but obviously if he goes first round he would almost surely sign even though I know he would like to play with his brother in college.

[AlSwearengen]

JoJo might be a 1st rounder

Funny thing is, back when they committed (years ago it seems) Jacob appeared to be the one that may end up being a high draft pick and was the no. 1 player in the state in this class. JoJo wasn’t exactly an after thought, but he didn’t get all that much attention.

[HoopsDawg]

Funny thing is, back when they committed (years ago it seems) Jacob appeared to be the one that may end up being a high draft pick and was the no. 1 player in the state in this class. JoJo wasn’t exactly an after thought, but he didn’t get all that much attention.

You are correct. Jojo blew up this past summer.

[HoopsDawg]

Or it could be that he already had a verbal agreement with Texas before the portal even opened and before he knew BOC was headed to Starkville. Not that Texas would tamper or anything, just sayin'.

FYI for anyone who may not know, a do not contact does Not mean a player knows where they are going. It simply means their agent will reach out to teams of their choosing. Pretty much every team in the country would take Becker.

[Cowbell]

The do not contact tag only means no more additional contact. He could have 10 schools to visit already and wants no more calls. It would be like Ace using it and just shopping the teams that already offered (tampered lol).

[Cowbell]

It will be interesting to see if Curiel enters the portal from LSU. If he is not drafted-eligible, that kid will be worth a fortune.

[HoopsDawg]

It will be interesting to see if Curiel enters the portal from LSU. If he is not drafted-eligible, that kid will be worth a fortune.

He's a draft eligible sophomore. Not many starters leave LSU.

[The Federalist Engineer]

Becker is a great get from UVA.

But Parker needs to get to work on some pitching.

Siary (Draft?)
Pico (Draft-Grad)
Ligon (Draft-Grad)
Sully (?)
Simmons (grad)
Dotson (Shell Shocked)
Loftin
Mannell (portal)
Hungate (grad)
Pruitt (performance issues)
Black (portal)
Williams (?)
Grant (portal)
Fortenberry (performance issues)
Schnoor (performance issues)

These are 15 roster pitchers that he and BOC need to replace. We can say that one UVA guy (Valicius?) replaced Ligon. I expect the 2026 sophomores to be better and good, but you are not guaranteed anything. Also the draft won't let Harmon and the Parker brother to Starkville. So HS recruiting might net MSU one decent pitcher. Dotson is ok, but that dude was never clutch, blew an Ole Miss game and the Regional Final. Nearly blew two others. I would love to see him at UGA blowing 3 or 4 SEC games for them.

[Coach34]

Davis announced he is returning but you have to think the draft will pluck him
Williams- draft
Pico de Gallo- draft
Liggs- draft
Siary- likely drafted

Dotson is also in the portal

[Todd4State]

Well that's not good. Dang MLB. Sounds like we really need to get Becker. Is Sanders back at 2B for next season?

I'm 99% sure Sanders will be back. I doubt he starts though if everything goes to plan.

[The Federalist Engineer]

The Alpha Catcher of the Portal Class is Carson Tinney of Notre Dame

Florida thinks they are the lead school. Posey Candidate this year. All ACC guy.

https://fightingirish.com/roster/carson-tinney/

[The Federalist Engineer]

Well Damn,

Eric Becker the UVA shortstop we like is the Brother of the #57 national recruit and present UVA commitment, Nicky Becker.

So Becker brings a 2B with him potentially. A 6ft-3 second baseman that can hit more than singles. The NJ Gatorade Player of the Year. Don't diss Jersey baseball, Derek Jeter and Mike Trout are Jersey Boys.

https://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2025/06/don-bosco-preps-nick-becker-is-the-2024-25-gatorade-nj-baseball-player-of-the-year.html

[AlSwearengen]

Well Damn,

Eric Becker the UVA shortstop we like is the Brother of the #57 national recruit and present UVA commitment, Nicky Becker.

So Becker brings a 2B with him potentially. A 6ft-3 second baseman that can hit more than singles. The NJ Gatorade Player of the Year. Don't diss Jersey baseball, Derek Jeter and Mike Trout are Jersey Boys.

https://www.nj.com/highschoolsports/2025/06/don-bosco-preps-nick-becker-is-the-2024-25-gatorade-nj-baseball-player-of-the-year.html

O’Conner has always done well with signing younger brothers of current or former players of his. The announcers made a big deal about it during one of Virginia’s games in the college World Series. It may have been when we were playing them.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Should MSU bring back Mikhai Grant? Saw his Twitter announcement about looking for an opportunity.

I would hate this dude in a Tennessee uniform in 2026. Throwing 101, closing SEC fridays, and drafted in the 1st round.

I highly doubt he is at an SEC program next spring. I don't know if anyone will pick him up honestly. As others said, he has some major mental issues to get settled before he can get back to the highest level of college baseball.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Becker is visiting Texas

I still feel pretty good about Becker. Obviously worrisome that a kid is visiting Texas, but our NIL offer will be very strong and it is a chance to reunite with O'Connor and the staff from UVA.

[Pedrioa is King]

Why did Grant get kicked off?

[StarkVegasSteve]

Why did Grant get kicked off?

Just PM'd you. Don't want to put the whole situation out in the open due to the nature of it.

[BigDawg81]

How we feeling with Davion Hickson? . He was 2-7 but ERA was good. I pretty sure Rice was just really bad. I think he only last like 2 or 3 innings against State early early in the season.

[ZedFedder]

Any ideas on non UVA guys we are on?

[The Federalist Engineer]

How we feeling with Davion Hickson? . He was 2-7 but ERA was good. I pretty sure Rice was just really bad. I think he only last like 2 or 3 innings against State early early in the season.

Like you say, Wins and Losses are team stats. Sometimes when your team sucks, you are left-in longer because the next guy is worse.

1-Batting average against was 220 and only 207 in the conference
2-90K to 35 BB in 73 Innings (shows durability)
3-Recruit pedigree is great, seems broken-in.
4-Got better during the season - in the last 31 innings, 39K and 9 BB.
5-Lost 4 games with fewer than 4 Earned Runs given up.

He's 21, so he might be drafted on potential anyway. Read something that IMG pitchers don't understand competing to win for a team and how to face people 3 or 4 times in a game. Kind of like Jackson Fristoe (not IMG) that would K someone for the 3rd Out, pump his fist, walk like a peacock back to the dugout, but he gave up 2 Runs, 2 Walks, Wild Pitch, and a Double. Because they are basically showcasers and show-dogs.

[The Federalist Engineer]

This dude was the 2nd highest rated recruit in Mississippi last year ... In the Portal from the Texas Longhorns.

https://www.perfectgame.org/players/playerprofile.aspx?ID=709243

Sam Richardson from Olive Branch.

[Cowbell]

Just PM'd you. Don't want to put the whole situation out in the open due to the nature of it.

Thank for doing this. I wish more of us as posters would handle things this way.

[Cowbell]

I still feel pretty good about Becker. Obviously worrisome that a kid is visiting Texas, but our NIL offer will be very strong and it is a chance to reunite with O'Connor and the staff from UVA.

This is accurate. In my opinion, if he doesn't choose us at this point, probably not the right chemistry piece considering all the factors.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Bradley Loftin into the portal. Not a shock. Still no clue what happened with him.

[DownwardDawg]

Thank for doing this. I wish more of us as posters would handle things this way.

Me too.

[Coursesuper]

Bradley Loftin into the portal. Not a shock. Still no clue what happened with him.

From what I can gather the family is very hard to deal with.

[basedog]

From what I can gather the family is very hard to deal with.

LOL, wish him luck. I knew this wasn’t gonna work out. Things I know is crazy.

[Coach34]

From what I can gather the family is very hard to deal with.

anddddddd he hasnt been able to get healthy

[KB21]

Bradley Loftin into the portal. Not a shock. Still no clue what happened with him.

He got Lemonitis.

[Medic601]

I glanced and didnt see a mention. How do we feel about Henry Ford from Virginia? I know Tennessee thinks they have him locked.

[HoopsDawg]

I glanced and didnt see a mention. How do we feel about Henry Ford from Virginia? I know Tennessee thinks they have him locked.

Going pro if he gets his number

[Coach34]

Going pro if he gets his number

which is very likely

[KB21]

He?s repped by Boras Corps, so his number is going to be very high. He?s a projected third round pick who probably has a first round number.

[Coach34]

He?s repped by Boras Corps, so his number is going to be very high. He?s a projected third round pick who probably has a first round number.

If he is drafted in the Top 3 rounds he is gone. They will get the money right

[KB21]

If he is drafted in the Top 3 rounds he is gone. They will get the money right

Yeah. That?s because if he is drafted, the team that takes him has already discussed the numbers with him and knows he will sign.

If a team calls and offers $900,000 but he wants $2.5 million, then he?s not going to be drafted.

[Coach34]

Yeah. That?s because if he is drafted, the team that takes him has already discussed the numbers with him and knows he will sign.

If a team calls and offers $900,000 but he wants $2.5 million, then he?s not going to be drafted.

yep- research how many Top3 rounds players didnt sign the last 5 years. It's an incredibly low number

[The Federalist Engineer]

Seems MSU having Kevin McMullan could be a huge help. Continue to develop with the coaching that has been successful for you.

[KB21]

Ford?s power numbers took a bit of a dive this year. If he comes to Mississippi State and hits 20 HRs in 2026, then he?s a first round lock. The difference in slot bonuses for the late first to the third round is $3.3 million vs $1 million.

[Todd4State]

Ford?s power numbers took a bit of a dive this year. If he comes to Mississippi State and hits 20 HRs in 2026, then he?s a first round lock. The difference in slot bonuses for the late first to the third round is $3.3 million vs $1 million.

I could see him benefiting from transferring to MSU and playing next year. He will still have draft leverage if he transfers in.

[Saltydog]

I'm a tad bit concerned we're only getting players from UVA........Maybe I'm just impatient...............

[AlSwearengen]

I wouldn't be surprised if Ford goes to tennessee, as he is from Chatanooga, I believe. And if his stats were down, he might be looking for a different perspective as far as a hitting coach. I'm just looking at any possible angle here.

Is he expected to visit us? Or has he already?

[Todd4State]

I wouldn't be surprised if Ford goes to tennessee, as he is from Chatanooga, I believe. And if his stats were down, he might be looking for a different perspective as far as a hitting coach. I'm just looking at any possible angle here.

Is he expected to visit us? Or has he already?

Don't believe he has visited us yet but I expect him to.

[Mjoelner34]

Ford would be awesome but I think we need Becker more than Ford.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Ford would be awesome but I think we need Becker more than Ford.

SS is a much more pressing need at this time. Ford is one of those guys that you obviously don't turn down, but the odds of him being on the roster Opening Day are just not great. A team will find the money to draft him and sign him.

[Coach34]

Last 5 MLB drafts 3 players in the 3rd round did not sign:

2022- Nolan McLean 1st pick of 3rd round- drafted in 3rd round the next season even lower with the 91st pick
2022- Brandon Sproat drafted mid- 3rd...went back to Fla had a worse season but ended up in the lower 2nd round in 2023
2024- Ryan Prager drafted 7th in the 3rd round- went back to A&M- now is not listed among the Top 200 prospects on MLB.com

3rd rounders are going to sign

[BigDawg81]

When and who is the next commitment?

[Saltydog]

New commit.......Ryder Woodson (utility) from NC State......Kinda makes me think we're not getting Becker but I could be wrong.........

https://x.com/ryder_woodson/status/1932916526736085077
https://x.com/MyDawgsPod/status/1932930428220158269

[Todd4State]

New commit.......Ryder Woodson (utility) from NC State......Kinda makes me think we're not getting Becker but I could be wrong.........

https://x.com/ryder_woodson/status/1932916526736085077
https://x.com/MyDawgsPod/status/1932930428220158269

He can play multiple positions and has two years of eligibility left. Good pick up!

[Pancho]

woof

[Cowbell]

The SS from Cal State Fullerton in the portal - hit .362 - that would be an incredible get for someone.

[Quaoarsking]

South Carolina is getting a lot of pickups in the portal. I could see a scenario where Mainieri wins there, and we're all like "oh yeah, of course he was going to be a winner."

[WSOPdawg]

It's hard to fathom Mainieri and his "schtick of throwing his players under the bus" being that attractive to today's younger generation. Gotta be strong NIL that's come out of nowhere to wow these transfers.

[Todd4State]

It's hard to fathom Mainieri and his "schtick of throwing his players under the bus" being that attractive to today's younger generation. Gotta be strong NIL that's come out of nowhere to wow these transfers.

I'm just surprised that he hasn't been fired yet after the hit piece that came out about a month ago.

[Todd4State]

The SS from Cal State Fullerton in the portal - hit .362 - that would be an incredible get for someone.

Moddox Latta. I'm assuming he would be a grad transfer. Really good K/BB ratio and stole 11 bases.

Sounds like a better version of Sawyer Reeves.

[BigDawg81]

Yea. I think he is a depth player that can play multiple positions. He fits the mold of a BOC player that are great athletes and can play multiple positions. I don?t think this affects anything.

[StarkVegasSteve]

I'm just surprised that he hasn't been fired yet after the hit piece that came out about a month ago.

Sounds like there wasn't enough evidence to do it with cause. That's the only way he was being fired this past year. That's just too much money to shell out with them already paying Kingston's buyout as well.

[The Federalist Engineer]

Looks like Kevin McMullan is on the case with multiple hot short-stop candidates ... Maddox Latta and Cuauthemoc (Temo) Becerra.

Latta the Cal State Fullerton Grad-Transfer SS, 360 Hitter with limited power. Steals bases and 483 On Base Percentage.

Becerra would be a Grad transfer from Stanford. Loads of experience and a 330 hitter. Not much power.

Maybe Latta, Becerra, and Becker are all UTex-MSU musical chairs.

[KB21]

Last 5 MLB drafts 3 players in the 3rd round did not sign:

2022- Nolan McLean 1st pick of 3rd round- drafted in 3rd round the next season even lower with the 91st pick
2022- Brandon Sproat drafted mid- 3rd...went back to Fla had a worse season but ended up in the lower 2nd round in 2023
2024- Ryan Prager drafted 7th in the 3rd round- went back to A&M- now is not listed among the Top 200 prospects on MLB.com

3rd rounders are going to sign

You are missing the point. Yes. Third rounders will sign more than likely because the number has been agreed to before they are ever drafted. This isn't a situation where the player is drafted in the third round and then the financial stuff is figured out. If Henry Ford has a mid first round bonus demand, then chances are no one is going to take him in the third round. I don't know what his demands are, but I would suspect that he's going to want at least late 1st round money, which is around $3.3 million.

[maroonmania]

You are missing the point. Yes. Third rounders will sign more than likely because the number has been agreed to before they are ever drafted. This isn't a situation where the player is drafted in the third . then the financial stuff is figured out. If Henry Ford has a mid first round bonus demand, then chances are no one is going to take him in the third round. I don't know what his demands are, but I would suspect that he's going to want at least late 1st round money, which is around $3.3 million.

Yea, very few guys drafted in the Top 10 rounds fail to sign because of exactly what you are saying. Was thinking there was even some kind of penalty if you fail.to sign those picks?

[Thick]

Just a heads up regarding HS catcher.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19FbUV2J2i/?mibextid=wwXIfr

[basedog]

Just a heads up regarding HS catcher.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19FbUV2J2i/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Nice things he said, good size kid also. Good get!

[Todd4State]

Just a heads up regarding HS catcher.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19FbUV2J2i/?mibextid=wwXIfr

He's a solid pick up. He'll be draft eligible after two years.

[The Federalist Engineer]

This dude is like a First World version of Luke Dotson

Dylan Loy of Tennessee, LHP, but this feels like this is a Texas, Arkansas, Georgia or LSU grudge transfer.

https://www.knoxnews.com/story/sports/college/university-of-tennessee/other-sports/2025/06/16/dylan-loy-tennessee-baseball-transfer-portal-pitcher/84228777007/

Comes with a National Championship Ring, 187 Batting Average Against, and 70 Innings of Experience.

If he goes to Arkansas, they can say they have a piece a Baseball National Championship ***

[38843dawg]

This dude is like a First World version of Luke Dotson

Dylan Loy of Tennessee, LHP, but this feels like this is a Texas, Arkansas, Georgia or LSU grudge transfer.

https://www.knoxnews.com/story/sports/college/university-of-tennessee/other-sports/2025/06/16/dylan-loy-tennessee-baseball-transfer-portal-pitcher/84228777007/

Comes with a National Championship Ring, 187 Batting Average Against, and 70 Innings of Experience.

If he goes to Arkansas, they can say they have a piece a Baseball National Championship ***

Word is he wants to start, supposedly.

[Coach34]

Jackson Owen gets out of the portal. Apparently we are having problems securing a couple of catchers

[Pancho]

where was Owen supposedly going?

[KOdawg1]

Jackson Owen gets out of the portal. Apparently we are having problems securing a couple of catchers

Or.. maybe the kid from Starkville got to know the new staff and changed his mind..

We still need to land a catcher but it's premature to say we're having issues. Now if we still don't have anyone in 2 weeks? Sure, be miserable.

[basedog]

Or.. maybe the kid from Starkville got to know the new staff and changed his mind..

We still need to land a catcher but it's premature to say we're having issues. Now if we still don't have anyone in 2 weeks? Sure, be miserable.

Owen had surgery this past season. He is known as a very good defensive catcher.

[Tripp McNeely]

Jackson Owen gets out of the portal. Apparently we are having problems securing a couple of catchers

We won't be able to get a backup catcher better than him (unless we waaaayyy overpay someone just catch on Sundays and the occasional weekday). Most folks who pay know the market are 100% okay with him as the #2, especially the way he was killing in the fall before getting hurt and having to sit out the season. You're reaching for something to be wrong if you think this is an issue. The key is still securing a starter, and we will likely get a stud there.

[basedog]

I’m wanting for Todd to talk about Owen, seems Owen has brought up by Todd in the fall practices.

[Todd4State]

I’m wanting for Todd to talk about Owen, seems Owen has brought up by Todd in the fall practices.

I thought he was a fall All Star and I was correct. When someone hits as many home runs as he did in the scrimmages it is definitely something to monitor. I always felt like he was behind Ross and Powell and he was. He also had some injuries this year as well.

To be honest I was actually a little surprised he entered the portal just because of the fact we were losing Highfill and Powell and the fact he grew up in Starkville and playing at MSU was his dream.

He wasn't great defensively last year. That said, I was never really impressed with Cheese as a catching coach and it will be interesting to see what Kirby does with him and the other catchers we add.

At the end of the day he is what he is- a walk-on caliber catcher who is a good team guy and you need a couple of those on the team.

[The Federalist Engineer]

"1906, when Buck Showalter went to Mississippi State"

Hilarious interview with the Parker brothers

https://x.com/MLBNetwork/status/1935076484336541868

[basedog]

I thought he was a fall All Star and I was correct. When someone hits as many home runs as he did in the scrimmages it is definitely something to monitor. I always felt like he was behind Ross and Powell and he was. He also had some injuries this year as well.

To be honest I was actually a little surprised he entered the portal just because of the fact we were losing Highfill and Powell and the fact he grew up in Starkville and playing at MSU was his dream.

He wasn't great defensively last year. That said, I was never really impressed with Cheese as a catching coach and it will be interesting to see what Kirby does with him and the other catchers we add.

At the end of the day he is what he is- a walk-on caliber catcher who is a good team guy and you need a couple of those on the team.

Good report, I read where he was a good defensive catcher, but like you stated he is the kind of guy teams need. Fact is not everyone we sign or walks on will be a starter. Also, the kid from Va who is a utility player, signed as a catcher, I think his name is James. More news will be coming soon.

[The Federalist Engineer]

Chone James and James Nunnallee are Catcher/Utlility background

[basedog]

Chone James and James Nunnallee are Catcher/Utlility background

Good deal, things will be getting better.

[maroonmania]

Good deal, things will be getting better.

Are we still thinking we get the Catcher from Seton Hall?

[basedog]

Are we still thinking we get the Catcher from Seton Hall?

I have no clue.

[3dawgnight15]

https://x.com/transferportal_/status/1935350245300519196?s=46

[The Federalist Engineer]

Seeing that Campbell Smithwick of Ole Miss, a Catcher and Mississippi Boy is in the Portal.

He hit 357 down the stretch, but we was struggling in the early season.

Highly rated recruit out of HS.

Not One Pass Ball last year. 5 Stolen Base Attempts and 4 Caught Stealing.

Probably going to Tennessee to live the Liam Doyle dream.

[HoopsDawg]

Decent chance we sign the ncstate catcher

[3dawgnight15]

https://x.com/transferportal_/status/1935431993619062987?s=46

[basedog]

https://x.com/transferportal_/status/1935431993619062987?s=46

Good pick up. BOC and staff gaining Mo!

[The Federalist Engineer]

Decent chance we sign the ncstate catcher

He hits pretty well but defense is not Highfill bad but not very good.

6 pass balls and 39 steal attempts and only 4 dudes caught. The Ole Miss kid is better on small sample size.

Ross would have had 20+ pass balls playing all season, 80 steals with 2 dudes caught.

[Todd4State]

Chone James and James Nunnallee are Catcher/Utlility background

I highly doubt that they catch here.

[Goldendawg]

Well, I see we got Bevis. Any chance his friend, Butthead enters the portal and can he play SS or C?******. Hail State in all sports and turn our FB program around this fall, 6-6 and competitive in all losses.

[Coach34]

Are we still thinking we get the Catcher from Seton Hall?

He is visiting Texas so we’ll see how that goes

[KOdawg1]

The NC State catcher is better

[Pancho]

The NC State catcher is better

than the seton hall catcher?

[KOdawg1]

than the seton hall catcher?

In my opinion yes.

.290 in the ACC is more impressive than .303 in the Big East, plus Sosa has better catching metrics. Milewski threw out 8 guys... and allowed 64 SBs

[Coach34]

In my opinion yes.

.290 in the ACC is more impressive than .303 in the Big East, plus Sosa has better catching metrics. Milewski threw out 8 guys... and allowed 64 SBs

Both are very suspect defensively. Sosa threw out 4/39. Sosa had 6 PB's and shared time at Catcher- SH guy had 8 PB's as the full-time guy. Both would be offensive catchers

[The Federalist Engineer]

SS is a competitive Portal Contest

Latte- CSF, Becker-UVA, Jarren Advincula-CAL, Becerra- Stanford, Hacopian - Maryland

All these boys are considering SEC jobs.

It will be interesting to see stats in June of 2026 to see who won the portal.

[The Federalist Engineer]

Both are very suspect defensively. Sosa threw out 4/39. Sosa had 6 PB's and shared time at Catcher- SH guy had 8 PB's as the full-time guy. Both would be offensive catchers

Hey Coach, what do we know about Ole Miss's Smithwick? In limited time, he threw out 4 of 5 baserunner and zero pass balls. Was a top Recruit. I'll take a Lotterhos 2.0, been a while since the last kid came from OM.

Smithwick played and started 20 games, no pass balls and nobody ran on him. The OM everyday starter hit 21 HRs, so the other dude was very good offensively and very adequate defensively. Both are sophomores, so the backup had to leave.

[Coach34]

I havent heard anything on him but that doesnt mean we arent on the case. As the rest of us- I'm curious to see what we pull. Because we have Top 5 money now. We have BOC who is supposed to be a Dude. So we should be pulling all-stars and shouldnt be losing every battle to Texas/LSU/Tenn and others

[KOdawg1]

Both are very suspect defensively. Sosa threw out 4/39. Sosa had 6 PB's and shared time at Catcher- SH guy had 8 PB's as the full-time guy. Both would be offensive catchers

Sosa has better pitch framing metrics

[Coach34]

Sosa has better pitch framing metrics

Awesome- link the numbers so we can see them

[Todd4State]

Hey Coach, what do we know about Ole Miss's Smithwick? In limited time, he threw out 4 of 5 baserunner and zero pass balls. Was a top Recruit. I'll take a Lotterhos 2.0, been a while since the last kid came from OM.

Smithwick played and started 20 games, no pass balls and nobody ran on him. The OM everyday starter hit 21 HRs, so the other dude was very good offensively and very adequate defensively. Both are sophomores, so the backup had to leave.

I honestly wouldn't mind adding him. I really wanted us to tamper with Fawley who they appear to be keeping.

Compared to the others he appears to be as good as anyone else.

[KOdawg1]

Milewski just followed basically our whole team so I'd say that's likely happening

[No BS Dawg]

Milewski just followed basically our whole team so I'd say that's likely happening

What did he follow them on?

[BigDawg81]

What did he follow them on?follow is X. He follows our coaches but i didn’t see any players. He also follows a lot of coaches from other schools.

[KOdawg1]

What did he follow them on?
Instagram.

[LibraryDawg]

Kirby just tweeted 3 sets of eyes.

[Chuck3124]

What?s the latest on Becker?? Does anybody know? Also TCU catcher to Florida. Maybe we can throw a bag at Tinney now?

[Pancho]

maybe Henry Ford, the draft risk?

[Coach34]

Cupp headed to Dallas Baptist

[AlSwearengen]

Per Twitter, Tyler Pitzer RHP commits. Previously at South Carolina. Hopefully, Parker can get his ERA under control.

[KOdawg1]

Per Twitter, Tyler Pitzer RHP commits. Previously at South Carolina.
#65 player in the portal

[BeardoMSU]

https://twitter.com/tylerpitzer3/status/1936443782053937398?t=2j5tguQFhcFSSbRjK4A8Mg&s=19

[Coach34]

Has some arm talent- but that 6.99 ERA and 28 BB's in 28 innings gonna have get fixed. Parker gotta get him more consistent

[AlSwearengen]

Has some arm talent- but that 6.99 ERA and 28 BB's in 28 innings gonna have get fixed. Parker gotta get him more consistent

I watched some YouTube video and he has some good stuff, fastball 94 and really nice curve. I was wondering what led to the high ERA but you answered that question.

[CaptainObvious]

Well apparently Parker knows him and thinks he can "fix" him so there you go.

[The Federalist Engineer]

Has some arm talent- but that 6.99 ERA and 28 BB's in 28 innings gonna have get fixed. Parker gotta get him more consistent

This one feels like a Fail. This dude gave up 10 runs in One Inning last year. So the ERA is better factoring that USCe gave up last year. That's 10 of 25 earned runs.

The 64 analytics ranking factor the draft in the ranking. We dont care about the electric arm, showcase pussies. I rather get a size XL mental giant from Wright State. These Manieri kids are bathed in Frenchness.

Parker should be busy enough with his sophomores. Burns especially. I hope this just an invitation to enroll, collect some Out State tuition, or be the BP monkey.

[ZedFedder]

Jurrangelo had an ERA in the 8s before Parker. Khal Stephen had an ERA of 5.2. If Parker knows this guy has the stuff, he may think he can make it happen.

[Cowbell]

This one feels like a Fail. This dude gave up 10 runs in One Inning last year. So the ERA is better factoring that USCe gave up last year. That's 10 of 25 earned runs.

The 64 analytics ranking factor the draft in the ranking. We dont care about the electric arm, showcase pussies. I rather get a size XL mental giant from Wright State. These Manieri kids are bathed in Frenchness.

Parker should be busy enough with his sophomores. Burns especially. I hope this just an invitation to enroll, collect some Out State tuition, or be the BP monkey.

Was 4-0 with a 0.48 ERA to start the season.

[BeardoMSU]

https://twitter.com/kevinmilewski_/status/1936488733966000302

[Todd4State]

Milewski is in!

[Cowbell]

This is more fun than the season was

[confucius say]

How good is he defensively as a catcher? I care about that more than his hitting.

[KOdawg1]

All that's really left is a SS and a couple of LH pitchers.

Depending on how the draft shakes out, we could easily have a Top 10 roster next year.

[ZedFedder]

Are we completely out on Becker and Ford?

[KOdawg1]

Are we completely out on Becker and Ford?

No.

[The Federalist Engineer]

Was 4-0 with a 0.48 ERA to start the season.

We'll see, maybe South Carolina had a Scott Foxhall type guy ruining the staff. All the Ole Miss guys got good in new homes...JT Quinn, Saunier, and Doyle.

I'll root for upside

[Todd4State]

We'll see, maybe South Carolina had a Scott Foxhall type guy ruining the staff. All the Ole Miss guys got good in new homes...JT Quinn, Saunier, and Doyle.

I'll root for upside

Terry Rooney who is South Carolina's pitching coach now is extremely old school and doesn't believe in modern baseball science like using pitching labs. As a result, their staff suffered.

This guy is almost a slam dunk to improve with us and he is dominating the Cape right now. His slider has elite spin and basically he wasn't throwing it enough at South Carolina plus he was left to rot against Auburn which accounted for almost half the runs he allowed.

[CaptainObvious]

Matt Williams, the first year pitching coach at Coastal was the guy who followed Parker at USCe. They took a step down in PC at Columbia.

[Pancho]

we currently have 11 commits from the 25 high school class and 3 of them are catchers, mershon, beliveau and wortham. it'll be sweet to sit and see who is drafted from this entire group of 11

[KOdawg1]

we currently have 11 commits from the 25 high school class and 3 of them are catchers, mershon, beliveau and wortham. it'll be sweet to sit and see who is drafted from this entire group of 11

Mershon is expected to be in the OF.

[Pancho]

Then how good are the other 2? They better receivers and better pop times than Ross and the fireman?

[Coach34]

Ford to Tennessee

[SPMT]

Ford to Tennessee

I?ll be the first to do the bittch post?.(even though I don?t feel that way at all).

We can?t get anyone that?s the top player. See cousins get Ford, Skenes, White. We don?t have an Anderson or Eyanson.

There we got that out of the way.

[The Federalist Engineer]

Ford to Tennessee

1B is presently Stallman, Frei, Bevis, and I wonder if Peter Mershon could play 1B. Looking at it, Sully never played the field at UC Upstate. Mershon is listed as a C/3B/OF and is 6ft 3in.

[AlSwearengen]

1B is presently Stallman, Frei, Bevis, and I wonder if Peter Mershon could play 1B. Looking at it, Sully never played the field at UC Upstate. Mershon is listed as a C/3B/OF and is 6ft 3in.

Is Valencious strictly an OF? I swear that I saw him listed as OF/1B. Unless he improves some, I don’t see Stallman playing a lot. It would be nice if Frei could play a good 1B.

[HoopsDawg]

Ford to Tennessee

I told the board this was going to happen 3 weeks ago. Pure leverage move by Ford. This doesn't qualify as a miss.

[3dawgnight15]

https://x.com/scoutstever/status/1937583216954867723?s=46

[basedog]

https://x.com/scoutstever/status/1937583216954867723?s=46

Very good pickup.

[Pancho]

whew, BOC is stacked with good LHP options

[No BS Dawg]

Great pick up and missed last year due to a knee and not his arm. His bio from the article on 24/7 is awfully impressive.

[Pancho]

He could literally be the best pitcher on the team.

[Todd4State]

He could literally be the best pitcher on the team.

The best thing is he gives us another potential rotation option which may allow us to use McPherson out of the bullpen.

[AlSwearengen]

I don’t know about the older portal pitchers that we have picked up, but the younger ones look to be pretty good on paper. Let’s hope they grow up fast.

[BigDawg81]

I think Hickson is visting on Friday. I hope we can lock him up on the visit.

[Thick]

Who?s Hickson?

[No BS Dawg]

I think Hickson is visting on Friday. I hope we can lock him up on the visit.

Davion Hickson from Rice? If so, would be another great get.

[No BS Dawg]

Who?s Hickson?

If Davion, appears to have been Rice?s best pitcher.

[KOdawg1]

Who?s Hickson?

Davion Hickson from Rice. He actually pitched against us earlier this year when we played them in the Houston, TX tournament.

He's the #18 ranked player in the portal. He's also a draft risk, but I think he's probably outside the Top 10 rounds as of today, so the odds are good he would pitch for us next year.

[Coach34]

This draft in July will have more effect on us than a draft has in a long time-we are sweating

[HoopsDawg]

This draft in July will have more effect on us than a draft has in a long time-we are sweating

I think we end up with only 5 high school signees after the draft.

Then we may lose 2 portal guys. Then 2-5 rostered guys.

[Todd4State]

I think we end up with only 5 high school signees after the draft.

Then we may lose 2 portal guys. Then 2-5 rostered guys.

5? Really?

[HoopsDawg]

5? Really?

Yes. I think the Parker twins are both gone. I also think Harmon and Bauer are gone. I say this with 99% confidence.

Then Beliveau is highly signable. Rhodes pitched great at the combine and can't really raise his stock much in college. And Mershon is liked by some teams. I think we keep only 1 of these 3.

Then you have Miller, Wortham, Frontino, and Swain who should all make it to school.

[The Federalist Engineer]

https://x.com/scoutstever/status/1937583216954867723?s=46

This is a "Boom"

This is a full "Boom Shakalaka"

https://y.yarn.co/1f01c645-bedf-4b10-8b62-3669021572e8_text.gif

[Coach34]

I think we end up with only 5 high school signees after the draft.

Then we may lose 2 portal guys. Then 2-5 rostered guys.

Yeah this draft is huge for us. Could be a killa

[The Federalist Engineer]

I think we end up with only 5 high school signees after the draft.

Then we may lose 2 portal guys. Then 2-5 rostered guys.

You are saying that Charlie Wortham and Richie Swain are not coming to college?

If this is true, we fired Lemonhead just in time.

Instead of all these good P4 transfers MSU would be fielding Pearl River, Hinds, and Itawamba All Stars in 2026. Probably some random dudes from Arizona Western Community College, some power hitting Nigerian catcher named Micheal Oyefesobi. Just like those horrible last Jackie Sherrill recruiting classes.

[The Federalist Engineer]

Davion Hickson from Rice? If so, would be another great get.

Would be great transfer, but it seems he's draft bound. He is eligble, talented and just had good year.

[Todd4State]

Yes. I think the Parker twins are both gone. I also think Harmon and Bauer are gone. I say this with 99% confidence.

Then Beliveau is highly signable. Rhodes pitched great at the combine and can't really raise his stock much in college. And Mershon is liked by some teams. I think we keep only 1 of these 3.

Then you have Miller, Wortham, Frontino, and Swain who should all make it to school.

Beliveau? I guess if he just wants whatever they offer him. Probably would be a bad decision on his part. Are you saying that you think Rhodes is going in the first or second round? Because I highly doubt that. Which means he can improve his stock in college. I mean he is a 6'1 185 pound RHP that tops out at 96. That doesn't exactly scream let's spend 3 million on this guy in this day and age. Unless he is poor as dirt or something and is fine taking whatever he gets.

You basically just laid out the absolute worst case scenario and I will say this about the MLB draft after following it for years- it's never as good as it could be and it's never as bad as it could be either.

And in this era where college players are taking more and more of a priority for MLB teams- the top recruiting class in the country which isn't us as you know is going to get more than five to school.

[HoopsDawg]

Beliveau? I guess if he just wants whatever they offer him. Probably would be a bad decision on his part. Are you saying that you think Rhodes is going in the first or second round? Because I highly doubt that. Which means he can improve his stock in college. I mean he is a 6'1 185 pound RHP that tops out at 96. That doesn't exactly scream let's spend 3 million on this guy in this day and age. Unless he is poor as dirt or something and is fine taking whatever he gets.

You basically just laid out the absolute worst case scenario and I will say this about the MLB draft after following it for years- it's never as good as it could be and it's never as bad as it could be either.

And in this era where college players are taking more and more of a priority for MLB teams- the top recruiting class in the country which isn't us as you know is going to get more than five to school.

If you've been reading my posts, you should just trust me. I told everyone weeks ago that we had no shot at Becker despite whatever Steve or Robbie or those guys were saying. I was the first to post that BOC would leave UVA. I also posted that Henry Ford was going to UT as soon as he hit the portal.

We will only keep 1 of those 3 players I mentioned. Mershon will be a draft eligible sophomore so he might make it to college but the Mershons were big fans of Lemonis and Gaut so it's iffy. Rhodes is iffy too. Neither will get 3 million but 1.5 million is a lot of money too. I think Beliveau would sign for mid-six figures. If any of these 3 are drafted in the first 10 rounds, they are gone

[CaptainObvious]

If you've been reading my posts, you should just trust me. I told everyone weeks ago that we had no shot at Becker despite whatever Steve or Robbie or those guys were saying. I was the first to post that BOC would leave UVA. I also posted that Henry Ford was going to UT as soon as he hit the portal.

We will only keep 1 of those 3 players I mentioned. Mershon will be a draft eligible sophomore so he might make it to college but the Mershons were big fans of Lemonis and Gaut so it's iffy. Rhodes is iffy too. Neither will get 3 million but 1.5 million is a lot of money too. I think Beliveau would sign for mid-six figures. If any of these 3 are drafted in the first 10 rounds, they are gone

Well aren't you just a ray of Sunshine!
We might as well go the way of Suwannee!
Anybody got any suggestions on what we could use the 3 major athletics facilities on campus for? Concerts at Dudy Noble? Rodeo at Davis Wade? Mud Wrestling at the Hump?

[captaindog]

If you've been reading my posts, you should just trust me. I told everyone weeks ago that we had no shot at Becker despite whatever Steve or Robbie or those guys were saying. I was the first to post that BOC would leave UVA. I also posted that Henry Ford was going to UT as soon as he hit the portal.

We will only keep 1 of those 3 players I mentioned. Mershon will be a draft eligible sophomore so he might make it to college but the Mershons were big fans of Lemonis and Gaut so it's iffy. Rhodes is iffy too. Neither will get 3 million but 1.5 million is a lot of money too. I think Beliveau would sign for mid-six figures. If any of these 3 are drafted in the first 10 rounds, they are gone

In consideration of that are you surprised P Mershon remained committed to our program?

[HoopsDawg]

In consideration of that are you surprised P Mershon remained committed to our program?

A little. But he had already decommitted from South Carolina. Probably didn't want to go thru that process again and the family loves MSU too. Also, if you are leaning pro's, there no point.

[basedog]

I am not worried about the draft, I wish all of them well plus it's better to sign draft able guys than not. It shows me BOC can recruit. Also it's a freaking rebuild year regardless of what we think. Things will come together and so of u naysayers don't understand what has to be done for the future.
I trust BOC and staff way more than what we have had in the past.

[The Federalist Engineer]

If you've been reading my posts, you should just trust me. I told everyone weeks ago that we had no shot at Becker despite whatever Steve or Robbie or those guys were saying. I was the first to post that BOC would leave UVA. I also posted that Henry Ford was going to UT as soon as he hit the portal.

We will only keep 1 of those 3 players I mentioned. Mershon will be a draft eligible sophomore so he might make it to college but the Mershons were big fans of Lemonis and Gaut so it's iffy. Rhodes is iffy too. Neither will get 3 million but 1.5 million is a lot of money too. I think Beliveau would sign for mid-six figures. If any of these 3 are drafted in the first 10 rounds, they are gone

If you are Gautreau, this is cool you are sharing. Are Sully and Frei staying?

[StarkVegasSteve]

I am not worried about the draft, I wish all of them well plus it's better to sign draft able guys than not. It shows me BOC can recruit. Also it's a freaking rebuild year regardless of what we think. Things will come together and so of u naysayers don't understand what has to be done for the future.
I trust BOC and staff way more than what we have had in the past.

Those don't exist in the portal era, especially with what we're giving him and the staff in terms of NIL and rev share. The goal is Omaha from Day 1. That's how it's always been at Mississippi State.

[HoopsDawg]

Those don't exist in the portal era, especially with what we're giving him and the staff in terms of NIL and rev share. The goal is Omaha from Day 1. That's how it's always been at Mississippi State.

It's definitely not a rebuild year. We are a couple of pieces away from an Omaha caliber roster

[HoopsDawg]

If you are Gautreau, this is cool you are sharing. Are Sully and Frei staying?

Neither are high draft picks or bonus babies. Just depends if they are ready to move on with their lives. My guess is both move on but if they return, it's a nice bonus. BOC has it covered if they do move on.

[basedog]

It's definitely not a rebuild year. We are a couple of pieces away from an Omaha caliber roster

Rebuilding is every year now days, but still you have to rebuild chemistry.
Big difference in a new HC versus one that is already in place a few years!

[HoopsDawg]

Rebuilding is every year now days, but still you have to rebuild chemistry.

That is true.

High school recruiting does have to be rebuilt. Lemonis was awful in this area. Going forward I expect us to have a core group of returning players every year with portal guys filling gaps. But that's going to take time.

[basedog]

That is true.

High school recruiting does have to be rebuilt. Lemonis was awful in this area. Going forward I expect us to have a core group of returning players every year with portal guys filling gaps. But that's going to take time.

Good response. Thanks and I agree.

[KOdawg1]

Aidan Teel is 430th in Baseball America's Top 500 prospects. That's middle of the 15th round. I think he comes to school, especially since he's only a sophomore

[KOdawg1]

Btw, Frei, Sullivan, Valincius, Bevis, Nate Williams, Siary, Ben Davis aren't listed.

Doesn't mean they don't get drafted late and sign. But I think we get several of those guys back.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Aidan Teel is 430th in Baseball America's Top 500 prospects. That's middle of the 15th round. I think he comes to school, especially since he's only a sophomore

We should be good with Teel. The only transfer we probably will have to worry about will be Bevis. I know he's not listed, but everyone believes he's a pretty big draft risk.

[Coach34]

Also it's a freaking rebuild year regardless of what we think.

**** that. We dont rebuild at State. We reload. We should have one of the best weekend rotations in the SEC- that alone means you arent rebuilding

[Coach34]

High school recruiting does have to be rebuilt. Lemonis was awful in this area.

Yes- 100%

[basedog]

**** that. We dont rebuild at State. We reload. We should have one of the best weekend rotations in the SEC- that alone means you arent rebuilding

You can blame King Bucket Coach, he was awful with recruiting as far as what you say about who we are. We are most definitely reloading. BOC > Bucket Coach

[Coach34]

You can blame King Bucket Coach, he was awful with recruiting as far as what you say about who we are. We are most definitely reloading. BOC > Bucket Coach

We arent rebuilding- the roster will be Omaha good. Now what does have to rebuilt is the HS recruiting portion of the program. Lemon did a really good job in the portal- but the HS portion killed him

[basedog]

We arent rebuilding- the roster will be Omaha good. Now what does have to rebuilt is the HS recruiting portion of the program. Lemon did a really good job in the portal- but the HS portion killed him

I agree

[AlSwearengen]

We arent rebuilding- the roster will be Omaha good. Now what does have to rebuilt is the HS recruiting portion of the program. Lemon did a really good job in the portal- but the HS portion killed him

for the most part. He was a year late getting if figured out and then last year, we didn't sign any weekend starters or an ace type pitcher, which we obviously needed. We did get some really good players out of the portal though.

[Tater]

**** that. We dont rebuild at State. We reload. We should have one of the best weekend rotations in the SEC- that alone means you arent rebuilding

I'll say it like this. With the money we're throwing around, my expectations are Omaha this year. Y2 and onward, natty appearance every year. In that sense Y1 does need a bit of building. But the worst rebuilding years at state moving forward need to be in Omaha anyways. No excuse.

[Activated Alpha]

Just here to post that C34 was wrong. Carry on

[Todd4State]

for the most part. He was a year late getting if figured out and then last year, we didn't sign any weekend starters or an ace type pitcher, which we obviously needed. We did get some really good players out of the portal though.

I think part of the problem was he believed too much in the players he already had. We should have absolutely gotten another catcher in the portal with Ross coming off of Tommy John surgery. That was a major risk. He was still recovering in the fall.

The first four weeks of the season are for figuring out what your players can do. And we had guys that ended up starting for us like Powell and Gatlin Sanders that didn't play much at all during the first four weeks of the season. And then he decided to let a couple of guys appear for the first time against Troy and that turned out to be a disaster.

[Todd4State]

I'll say it like this. With the money we're throwing around, my expectations are Omaha this year. Y2 and onward, natty appearance every year. In that sense Y1 does need a bit of building. But the worst rebuilding years at state moving forward need to be in Omaha anyways. No excuse.

My expectations haven't changed. We should at least be in a SR every year. I do agree that Omaha is the expectation and we should be in Omaha most years. If O'Connor wins a couple of NC's I would be very happy with his tenure as anyone else should be which I estimate to be 10-12 years if everything goes well.

I just want to also avoid what Mike Rooney was talking about earlier this year- the rock bottom WTF? seasons after we have a special season or time period. Happened under both Cohen (2015) and Lemonis (2022-2023, 2025). I mean- LSU isn't going to go from winning the NC to like 22 wins next year with a bunch of losses to random midweek teams like Air Force, Northern Kentucky, and Central Arkansas. Now if I am wrong about LSU I won't complain- LOL.

The good thing about it is- we have the NC monkey off of our back. It has been done here before now. There is no more "can we win one or can we not." Also, O'Connor has won one before as well. So, we know he is capable of winning one. I think that takes a lot of pressure off of everyone. Like, I can't imagine the pressure someone like a Link Jarrett has at Florida State or Bakich at Clemson and Van Horn probably has the most at Arkansas- he has been eliminated or lost NC's in some absolutely brutal ways or even a guy like Schlossnagle who has never won one and is essentially being measured up against college coaching legends like Augie Garrido.

[NWADAWG]

My expectations haven't changed. We should at least be in a SR every year. I do agree that Omaha is the expectation and we should be in Omaha most years. If O'Connor wins a couple of NC's I would be very happy with his tenure as anyone else should be which I estimate to be 10-12 years if everything goes well.

I just want to also avoid what Mike Rooney was talking about earlier this year- the rock bottom WTF? seasons after we have a special season or time period. Happened under both Cohen (2015) and Lemonis (2022-2023, 2025). I mean- LSU isn't going to go from winning the NC to like 22 wins next year with a bunch of losses to random midweek teams like Air Force, Northern Kentucky, and Central Arkansas. Now if I am wrong about LSU I won't complain- LOL.

The good thing about it is- we have the NC monkey off of our back. It has been done here before now. There is no more "can we win one or can we not." Also, O'Connor has won one before as well. So, we know he is capable of winning one. I think that takes a lot of pressure off of everyone. Like, I can't imagine the pressure someone like a Link Jarrett has at Florida State or Bakich at Clemson and Van Horn probably has the most at Arkansas- he has been eliminated or lost NC's in some absolutely brutal ways or even a guy like Schlossnagle who has never won one and is essentially being measured up against college coaching legends like Augie Garrido.


DVH must feel the pressure because you can see it on him any time UPig even gets close.

[The Federalist Engineer]

Heads up...

Cade O'Leary leaves MSU to Florida State

After

Duke Stone left two days ago

Nationally, 6000 players in the portal! Tennessee has 19 portal entries, is the Vitello empire crumbling? 19 dudes is not just 19 dudes. These guys represent massive recruiting effort and development. Kind of breathtaking that Vitello just loses the players that were scouted, evaluated, and recruited to just pluck strangers from other rosters.

[No BS Dawg]

Heads up...

Cade O'Leary leaves MSU to Florida State

After

Duke Stone left two days ago

Nationally, 6000 players in the portal! Tennessee has 19 portal entries, is the Vitello empire crumbling? 19 dudes is not just 19 dudes. These guys represent massive recruiting effort and development. Kind of breathtaking that Vitello just loses the players that were scouted, evaluated, and recruited to just pluck strangers from other rosters.

7 appearances and 6.2 innings pitched between OLeary and Stone. On paper it does not appear we lost much if anything. What was the story on those two this year? Injury? Just not good enough to be used ahead of others? FSU taking OLeary is a bit of a surprise seeing as how he threw two innings all year.

Tennessee will have a new roster next year!

[Commercecomet24]

We arent rebuilding- the roster will be Omaha good. Now what does have to rebuilt is the HS recruiting portion of the program. Lemon did a really good job in the portal- but the HS portion killed him

Yep, this 100%

[KOdawg1]

7 appearances and 6.2 innings pitched between OLeary and Stone. On paper it does not appear we lost much if anything. What was the story on those two this year? Injury? Just not good enough to be used ahead of others? FSU taking OLeary is a bit of a surprise seeing as how he threw two innings all year.

Tennessee will have a new roster next year!

O'Leary is pretty good. We wanted to keep him.

[The Federalist Engineer]

O'Leary is pretty good. We wanted to keep him.

Portal Hot Take on Tennessee...

The Portal has annihilated the value of the HS recruit for a program with a big NIL war chest?

(1) What is the value of spending months cultivating, recruiting, and kissing-up to families and players, if there is a 80% chance the kid simply will not be ready to play in year-1.
(2) If the kid does not play in Year-1, then they are butt-hurt and want to leave.
(3) If the kid is good, then they may still leave for more money or something else.
(4) Don't red-shirt anybody. Play them or Replace them.
(5) Just recruit the super-high end 14 year old's, that you won't be able to pry from Texas or Florida later. If they become a Parker Brother for the MLB draft, then you lose.

So the IQ-200 move by Vitello is to cut-bait early with the projects players. Bring in the new class and supplement with dudes that are collegiate performers.

Thus year-1 recruits are just a preferred Option on underclass performance. College baseball is for Performers and Minor League is for Projects.

Seems LSU did the same last year.

[3dawgnight15]

https://www.on3.com/college/mississippi-state-bulldogs/news/south-carolina-transfer-pitcher-brendan-sweeney-signs-with-mississippi-state/

[3dawgnight15]

Duke Stone coming back. Has potential, wonder what kind of feedback he got from the portal?

[The Federalist Engineer]

https://www.on3.com/college/mississippi-state-bulldogs/news/south-carolina-transfer-pitcher-brendan-sweeney-signs-with-mississippi-state/

Boom!

+8 ERA and more runs than Innings pitched. And SEC is batting +300 against. Why stop at 8 ERA? Gamecocks have two guys with mid teen ERAs. In the SEC 18 hits, 21 Runs, in 19 innings.

[AlSwearengen]

Boom!

+8 ERA and more runs than Innings pitched. And SEC is batting +300 against. Why stop at 8 ERA? Gamecocks have two guys with mid teen ERAs. In the SEC 18 hits, 21 Runs, in 19 innings.

Yeah, head scratcher for sure.

[Todd4State]

Boom!

+8 ERA and more runs than Innings pitched. And SEC is batting +300 against. Why stop at 8 ERA? Gamecocks have two guys with mid teen ERAs. In the SEC 18 hits, 21 Runs, in 19 innings.

South Carolina's pitching coach sucks. Now this guy may not amount to much while he is here but this is a guy Parker recruited before so I'll give him some benefit of the doubt for now.

[BigDawg81]

Do you know who had a 8+ ERA in his 1st in college and is now a top prospect in the Mariners organization? Loo

[BigDawg81]

Anybody hearing Ace Reese to the portal and headed to LSU?

[mparkerfd20]

Yeah there's so smoke. Hopefully it's just fog left over from all the rain.

[KOdawg1]

Ben Davis withdraws from the draft and is returning.

Huge bullpen piece.

[The Federalist Engineer]

I wonder if MSU in the game for Joey Volchko

This is the Paul Skenes, Chase Burns, or Eyason of this year.

LSU fans acting like Volchko is already a Raising Canes spokesman

[No BS Dawg]

I wonder if MSU in the game for Joey Volchko

This is the Paul Skenes, Chase Burns, or Eyason of this year.

LSU fans acting like Volchko is already a Raising Canes spokesman

He is not all that impressive on the 2025 Stanford stat sheet, but stat sheets do not pitch in games. What is it about him that makes him that coveted? Potential? Nasty stuff? Just curious because this is the first time I have heard his name. Maybe I am living under a rock too.

[The Federalist Engineer]

He is not all that impressive on the 2025 Stanford stat sheet, but stat sheets do not pitch in games. What is it about him that makes him that coveted? Potential? Nasty stuff? Just curious because this is the first time I have heard his name. Maybe I am living under a rock too.

Statistically he gives me the Thatcher Hurd vibes. He's supposed to be a top-15 draft pick.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GTQfufKWsAAfBbC?format=jpg&name=medium

Shows there is risk and danger of a bubble in Portal Pitchers. There is even a Texas State kid in the cape with an 18 ERA and 438 batting average against. Compared to this kid, I need to offer my services in the portal, there are some bust, shot-out prospects offering to take their waste-of-space to a new college.

Even a 100 hitting SS from Purdue. This dude should be issuing a public apology to Purdue Coaches and Fans, not flaunting portal availability

[No BS Dawg]

Statistically he gives me the Thatcher Hurd vibes. He's supposed to be a top-15 draft pick.

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/GTQfufKWsAAfBbC?format=jpg&name=medium

Shows there is risk and danger of a bubble in Portal Pitchers. There is even a Texas State kid in the cape with an 18 ERA and 438 batting average against. Compared to this kid, I need to offer my services in the portal, there are some bust, shot-out prospects offering to take their waste-of-space to a new college.

Even a 100 hitting SS from Purdue. This dude should be issuing a public apology to Purdue Coaches and Fans, not flaunting portal availability

Great stuff, Federalist. 100 mph says it all. Appreciate the knowledge and I agree with you about some guys in the portal. Some of these players are getting bad advice or have a seriously overinflated value of their abilities.

[maroonmania]

Looks like Hickson, the pitcher from Rice, is in the boat. We will see what happens with him in the draft.

[HoopsDawg]

Looks like Hickson, the pitcher from Rice, is in the boat. We will see what happens with him in the draft.

One of the most talented staffs we've had in a while.

[Quaoarsking]

I'm assuming he'll probably be one of our 3 weekend starters if he makes it to campus?

[No BS Dawg]

Depending on the draft, this pitching staff has the potential to be downright filthy. Very, very talented staff. Keep working BOC and staff!

[ZedFedder]

That is a big pickup.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Like others have said, this will be one of the more consequential drafts for us in recent memory. A lot of pieces that we need to make it campus.

[Coach34]

Like others have said, this will be one of the more consequential drafts for us in recent memory. A lot of pieces that we need to make it campus.

Yep. Lose 2-3 pieces it?s ok depending of course. Lose 6-7 guys? Really hurts the roster

I?m hoping most go the Ben Davis route. Why go in the 15th round and take a meager bonus when you could play SEC ball in palace with a good NIL package? That was huge for us and more need to do that

[The Federalist Engineer]

Depending on the draft, this pitching staff has the potential to be downright filthy. Very, very talented staff. Keep working BOC and staff!

I am just enjoying the Baseball Portal National Championship race.

I would put a banner in the outfield, "2025 Portal National Championship".... Then you worry about the draft.

[Cowbell]

I am just enjoying the Baseball Portal National Championship race.

I would put a banner in the outfield, "2025 Portal National Championship".... Then you worry about the draft.

I heard keenum ordered a banner that he calls the "Portal Governor's cup - We Own the Sip"

[BeardoMSU]

I heard keenum ordered a banner that he calls the "Portal Governor's cup - We Own the Sip"

Lolz, good one. Instead of a banner, he'd instead opt for billboards across the state (I'm joking, but not really).

[BeardoMSU]

Like others have said, this will be one of the more consequential drafts for us in recent memory. A lot of pieces that we need to make it campus.

Maybe the stars will align and we'll get lucky in the draft....

If we do, holy hell we gon be good.

[Coursesuper]

Maybe the stars will align and we'll get lucky in the draft....

If we do, holy hell we gon be good.

If they gel, gotta team build once we get them on campus. That said this iteration of msu baseball will have a great deal of potential.

[BeardoMSU]

If they gel, gotta team build once we get them on campus. That said this iteration of msu baseball will have a great deal of potential.

True, but i think our combination of staff, fan support (as in cheering fans at every game) , facilities, and program legacy, etc., gelling will come easy...or at least easier than at places that have to fake it in 1 or more of those categories.

[Homedawg]

Yep. Lose 2-3 pieces it?s ok depending of course. Lose 6-7 guys? Really hurts the roster

I?m hoping most go the Ben Davis route. Why go in the 15th round and take a meager bonus when you could play SEC ball in palace with a good NIL package? That was huge for us and more need to do that

Gonna lose 4 hs guys I feel certain. Others I feel good about. Just aren't many. Sullivan would be a kick to the nuts. Frei could go either way. Siary is idk. .... we shall see.

[Coach34]

Gonna lose 4 hs guys I feel certain. Others I feel good about. Just aren't many. Sullivan would be a kick to the nuts. Frei could go either way. Siary is idk. .... we shall see.

oh I know the HS guys- I was simply talking college guys. We really could lose a bunch of those guys if things went wrong

As much as NIL hurts us in football- we have stepped up to make it the opposite in baseball and that could save us

[basedog]

Regardless what happens in the draft, very impressive in what BOC and staff have put together in recruiting. Future looks really promising with this staff.

[Coach34]

Regardless what happens in the draft, very impressive in what BOC and staff have put together in recruiting. Future looks really promising with this staff.

I'm gonna disagree. Take out his guys from Va and his recruits to Va- and then add in alot of his portal class could be drafted and sign- we are firmly in a wait and see pattern.

The draft could rape us. Will it? I dont think so because of the money infusion we have gotten Lemon didnt have. We may be finally on the level of the SEC Big Boys that gets kids to campus in spite of the draft.

The draft and its effects will let us know where we are

[Quaoarsking]

O'Connor brings over a lot of players from Virginia: "This is a huge concern! He's just getting the guys who already know him!"
O'Connor doesn't bring over a lot of players from Virginia: "This is a huge concern! He's not getting the guys who already know him!"

Meanwhile we have the #1 rated portal class, which got even better today with a pitcher from Rice.

[Coach34]

and to explain it further- if BOC brought in a bunch of guys that end up being drafted and then sign- thats really bad recruiting.

So thats why I said we are in a wait and see situation

[Coach34]

O'Connor brings over a lot of players from Virginia: "This is a huge concern! He's just getting the guys who already know him!"
O'Connor doesn't bring over a lot of players from Virginia: "This is a huge concern! He's not getting the guys who already know him!"

Meanwhile we have the #1 rated portal class, which got even better today with a pitcher from Rice.

The only concern is the ones who are draft eligible.

If the ones in the #1 portal class go pro and sign- they arent in our class

[basedog]

My point was "regardless of draft" and future looks good with this staff. BOC and staff lots of support with money, fans and our tradition in baseball.

[Coach34]

My point was "regardless of draft" and future looks good with this staff. BOC and staff lots of support with money, fans and our tradition in baseball.

We made a good hire on paper and we shall see how things shake out this summer. I'm just hoping we hang on to Ace until the Deadline

[Goldendawg]

oh I know the HS guys- I was simply talking college guys. We really could lose a bunch of those guys if things went wrong

As much as NIL hurts us in football- we have stepped up to make it the opposite in baseball and that could save us

Are we getting the very best VA players except for the SS? The team didn't even make a regional last year. what happened?

[Coach34]

Are we getting the very best VA players except for the SS? The team didn't even make a regional last year. what happened?

Our new head coach severely underachieved in 2025. We’ll see how he responds in 2026. He’s a good coach and he should respond

[Quaoarsking]

Our new head coach severely underachieved in 2025. We’ll see how he responds in 2026. He’s a good coach and he should respond

This lie should be moderated and the poster sanctioned. It's literally been explained dozens of times how O'Connor did well in 2025 and only got screwed over by his athletic department, a dumbass murderer, bad luck, and a lazy and stupid selection committee.

[Activated Alpha]

Someone needs to shove crow up C34?s ass because he sure ain?t gonna open his mouth to eat it. He will open his mouth to spew some lies and hate, but not to eat his crow

[basedog]

BOC has proven he can recruit and win. I’m not concerned about our future. He has been on campus around a month, he has signed kids that were committed to him and now are following him. Says a lot about him. It would have been bad IF none signed with us.

Most successful hired coach ever for any sport in my lifetime. I don’t understand being so critical after a month on job and season hasn’t started.

[AlSwearengen]

Virginia went to Omaha in ‘09, ‘11, ‘14, ‘15, ‘21, ‘23, and ‘24, winning it all in ‘15. I’m not going to sweat whatever happened to Virginia last season.

Hopefully, we can get back on topic.

[Cowbell]

and to explain it further- if BOC brought in a bunch of guys that end up being drafted and then sign- thats really bad recruiting.


You used this exact line to talk about how Lemonis was a great recruiter...

[maroonmania]

I will still feel better when we sign a true SS. Even if we play Woodson and Sanders up the middle as starters we've got little to nothing behind either one of them should we have an injury or some other issue with one or the other.

[Cowbell]

Lolz, good one. Instead of a banner, he'd instead opt for billboards across the state (I'm joking, but not really).

I swear this has probably been mentioned by him

[BeardoMSU]

Our new head coach severely underachieved in 2025. We’ll see how he responds in 2026. He’s a good coach and he should respond

Lol, this plus the good hire "on paper" is just pathetic troll shit.

JFC, dude. Get a new hobby. I recommend one that involves family, your kids, golf, etc...

[maroonmania]

Lol, this plus the good hire "on paper" is just pathetic troll shit.

JFC, dude. Get a new hobby. I recommend one that involves family, your kids, golf, etc...

And it's about more than just recruiting. I expect our team to be much better coached under BOC in the fundamentals of defense and baserunning. If not I will be very disappointed.