2021 MSU Baseball...

[HoopsDawg]

The story of the team is going to pitching. Tons of quality arms: MacLeod, Cerantola, Bednar, Sims, Stone Simmons, Cade Smith, Mikey Tepper, Cameron Tullar, and Jackson Fristoe-WOW! Then we still have the old veterans: Price, Self, Koestler and others.

I have to wonder if we will find enough offense to make a deep run. Lost 2 big bats and haven't really recruited well with position players. Kellum Clark is the only freshman I can see making an impact. And then we were fortunate to pick up Dubrule. Need another OF bat to step up and a good DH.

[80 Dawg]

The story of the team is going to pitching. Tons of quality arms: MacLeod, Cerantola, Bednar, Sims, Stone Simmons, Cade Smith, Mikey Tepper, Cameron Tullar, and Jackson Fristoe-WOW! Then we still have the old veterans: Price, Self, Koestler and others.

I have to wonder if we will find enough offense to make a deep run. Lost 2 big bats and haven't really recruited well with position players. Kellum Clark is the only freshman I can see making an impact. And then we were fortunate to pick up Dubrule. Need another OF bat to step up and a good DH.


...has declared his intentions to hang up the cleats.

[KOdawg1]

C- Logan Tanner
1B- Josh Hatcher
2B- Scotty Dubrule
3B- Kellum Clark
SS- Kamren James
LF- Brandon Pimentel
CF- Rowdy Jordan
RF- Tanner Allen
DH- Luke Hancock/Kace Garner/Landon Jordan

That lineup wouldn't lead the SEC in hitting, but it's adequate enough. Especially with the arms we've got.

[HoopsDawg]

...has declared his intentions to hang up the cleats.

Nice first post. No, you're thinking of David Dunlavey.

[trob115]

Koestler will be back.

[HoopsDawg]

C- Logan Tanner
1B- Josh Hatcher
2B- Scotty Dubrule
3B- Kellum Clark
SS- Kamren James
LF- Brandon Pimentel
CF- Rowdy Jordan
RF- Tanner Allen
DH- Luke Hancock/Kace Garner/Landon Jordan

That lineup wouldn't lead the SEC in hitting, but it's adequate enough. Especially with the arms we've got.

Like I said, need another OF and a DH to step up. We aren't the only loaded team with arms. UF is stacked.

[80 Dawg]

Nice first post. No, you're thinking of David Dunlavey.

You are right, I was thinking of Dunleavy. Sorry about that.

[Tripp McNeely]

C- Logan Tanner
1B- Josh Hatcher
2B- Scotty Dubrule
3B- Kellum Clark
SS- Kamren James
LF- Brandon Pimentel
CF- Rowdy Jordan
RF- Tanner Allen
DH- Luke Hancock/Kace Garner/Landon Jordan

That lineup wouldn't lead the SEC in hitting, but it's adequate enough. Especially with the arms we've got.

Why wouldn?t it lead the SEC in hitting?? Who?s lineup is OBVIOUSLY better? That lineup and our staff will get us back to Nebraska

[Noxdog]

Like I said, need another OF and a DH to step up. We aren't the only loaded team with arms. UF is stacked.

For Kace Garner on either spot.

Dude rakes.

[HoopsDawg]

For Kace Garner on either spot.

Dude rakes.

Good to hear. I'm not very familiar with him other than I know he is an older kid and is coming from Juco. It's been a minute since we've had an impact Juco bat.

[KOdawg1]

Why wouldn?t it lead the SEC in hitting?? Who?s lineup is OBVIOUSLY better? That lineup and our staff will get us back to Nebraska

No one's is far and away better, but there are a lot of unknowns. Can Pimentel show us something different than he did in his opportunities this year? Besides the HR vs Oregon State, he was abysmal. Can Kellum Clark come in and immediately contribute as a true freshman? Does Scotty Dubrule have to adjust to SEC pitching? Can Rowdy Jordan avoid his seemingly annual mega-slump? Can the lineup collectively replace Foscue and Westy's power?

I absolutely think we can get to Omaha. In fact, I think it's likely. But I'm not going to act like we're all squared away yet. We've got to answer some questions first.

[HoopsDawg]

You are right, I was thinking of Dunleavy. Sorry about that.

No problem. When your first post is incorrect info, I've got to haze you a little bit.

[ScoobaDawg]

All I know is we freaking loaded and have an amazing staff to sort it out. Wow..it's gonna be a year.

[smootness]

Remember that there will be other loaded teams as well. This 5-round draft benefited others as well.

[chef dixon]

Going to miss Foscue. Dude turned into a monster

[Randolph Dupree]

Remember that there will be other loaded teams as well. This 5-round draft benefited others as well.

This. FL is going to be really stout and so will others. We will still be good but, right now, I am less confident in our Omaha odds than I have been at any point since before 2016. Going to need some folks to step up but without the advantage of getting summer league reps. Really could've used one of the 4 draftees staying (I'm counting Blaze in that but not Hendrick....that guy was never coming to campus).

Also, FWIW, I don't think Blaze Jordan is coming to State but I can't see a scenario where I send my 17 year old
son to A ball for anything less that $4M. I think I saw where the slot for his draft spot was like $667K. That's pretty good money but after taxes, paying agents etc it's not what I would consider life changing. So, if he goes at slot, he will get $67k this year and the $300k each of the next two years. That's not a bad living but is that really in his best interest? It's going to be a huge adjustment athletically, and personally....

[ShotgunDawg]

This. FL is going to be really stout and so will others. We will still be good but, right now, I am less confident in our Omaha odds than I have been at any point since before 2016. Going to need some folks to step up but without the advantage of getting summer league reps. Really could've used one of the 4 draftees staying (I'm counting Blaze in that but not Hendrick....that guy was never coming to campus).

Also, FWIW, I don't think Blaze Jordan is coming to State but I can't see a scenario where I send my 17 year old
son to A ball for anything less that $4M. I think I saw where the slot for his draft spot was like $667K. That's pretty good money but after taxes, paying agents etc it's not what I would consider life changing. So, if he goes at slot, he will get $67k this year and the $300k each of the next two years. That's not a bad living but is that really in his best interest? It's going to be a huge adjustment athletically, and personally....

Goodness, $4 mil?

I don't believe you. I believe you'd do it for $2mil

[Randolph Dupree]

Goodness, $4 mil?

I don't believe you. I believe you'd do it for $2mil

You're probably right...but you see my point...it would have to life changing money to let my son make that leap at such a young age.

[maroonmania]

This. FL is going to be really stout and so will others. We will still be good but, right now, I am less confident in our Omaha odds than I have been at any point since before 2016. Going to need some folks to step up but without the advantage of getting summer league reps. Really could've used one of the 4 draftees staying (I'm counting Blaze in that but not Hendrick....that guy was never coming to campus).

Also, FWIW, I don't think Blaze Jordan is coming to State but I can't see a scenario where I send my 17 year old
son to A ball for anything less that $4M. I think I saw where the slot for his draft spot was like $667K. That's pretty good money but after taxes, paying agents etc it's not what I would consider life changing. So, if he goes at slot, he will get $67k this year and the $300k each of the next two years. That's not a bad living but is that really in his best interest? It's going to be a huge adjustment athletically, and personally....

To each his own, but I personally wouldn't throw away my college years at 17 for that kind of money to live the minor league experience. Even if he gets $800K he will be lucky to clear half of that. And lately it seems you actually have a better chance of making the majors coming through high level college ball first. But like some have said, he's had going pro on his mind since he was barely a teenager and he really has little to no interest in going to college. I do think he cost himself a good bit of money by reclassifying. Had he come out next year as a SR and actually have gotten to play his SR year in HS, he likely would have been drafted a decent bit higher. Just a bad year for him to come out.

[maroonmania]

Going to miss Foscue. Dude turned into a monster

Yep, Foscue to me is a much bigger loss in the lineup that Westburg. Love Westburg's speed but he had a lot of trouble really doing much with his bat when we faced high level SEC pitching. Lots of Ks. I think we can replace him in the lineup, Foscue not so much.

A lot next year depends on the how Pimentel does (assuming he remains the starting LF). He was hyped a good bit from Fall ball but looked lost during the season for the most part before it ended. If he gets it together then we will have a strong hitting outfield with 2 guys starting for their 4th year and Pimentel. I think the IF has more question marks at the plate but there is potential in Hatcher, Dubrule and James. Not sure what to expect out of 3rd base at this point (probably Clark or Jordan). As for Catcher, I think Logan Tanner is going to be a stud and Hancock is a very good player as well. Those 2 should have that position covered well. I was surprised Logan Tanner was not on KOdawg1's lineup listing at all. Hopefully that was an oversight and there isn't something going on with him I'm not aware of.

[KOdawg1]

Yep, Foscue to me is a much bigger loss in the lineup that Westburg. Love Westburg's speed but he had a lot of trouble really doing much with his bat when we faced high level SEC pitching. Lots of Ks. I think we can replace him in the lineup, Foscue not so much.

A lot next year depends on the how Pimentel does (assuming he remains the starting LF). He was hyped a good bit from Fall ball but looked lost during the season for the most part before it ended. If he gets it together then we will have a strong hitting outfield with 2 guys starting for their 4th year and Pimentel. I think the IF has more question marks at the plate but there is potential in Hatcher, Dubrule and James. Not sure what to expect out of 3rd base at this point (probably Clark or Jordan). As for Catcher, I think Logan Tanner is going to be a stud and Hancock is a very good player as well. Those 2 should have that position covered well. I was surprised Logan Tanner was not on KOdawg1's lineup listing at all. Hopefully that was an oversight and there isn't something going on with him I'm not aware of.

I have Logan Tanner starting at catcher


C- Logan Tanner
1B- Josh Hatcher
2B- Scotty Dubrule
3B- Kellum Clark
SS- Kamren James
LF- Brandon Pimentel
CF- Rowdy Jordan
RF- Tanner Allen
DH- Luke Hancock/Kace Garner/Landon Jordan

[maroonmania]

Yea, my bad, somehow missed C and misread DH as C. Senior moment I guess.

[Saltydog]

Don't forget Pico Kohn. He's got a large frame (lefty) and he's consistently around 90 right now. He gets a couple more MPH on the fastball and he could get a few innings.

[AlSwearengen]

Don't forget Pico Kohn. He's got a large frame (lefty) and he's consistently around 90 right now. He gets a couple more MPH on the fastball and he could get a few innings.

Am I wrong in thinking that Kohn is in the 2021 class?

[HoopsDawg]

Am I wrong in thinking that Kohn is in the 2021 class?

No, you are correct.

[Todd4State]

Brayland Skinner and Brad Cumbest will compete for outfield spots as well. Skinner may move Rowdey back to left field.

[HoopsDawg]

Never heard of Skinner

[smootness]

It will help us that next year will likely see offense less productive across the board. Hitters will have gone more than a year since seeing live pitching, which will hurt development and also lead to significant rust. Meanwhile, pitchers will have been able to throw like normal and will be better rested.

Next year will probably be all about the pitching.

[Todd4State]

Never heard of Skinner

JUCO outfielder from Northwest Mississippi CC. He's a late bloomer. Fast, centerfield type. He may or may not start but he will be in the mix for the other outfield spot.

[Todd4State]

It will help us that next year will likely see offense less productive across the board. Hitters will have gone more than a year since seeing live pitching, which will hurt development and also lead to significant rust. Meanwhile, pitchers will have been able to throw like normal and will be better rested.

Next year will probably be all about the pitching.


The good news for us is we have some veteran hitters like Hatcher, Allen, Rowdey, Debrule will be a senior and then Hancock and Landon Jordan will be third year guys.

[The Federalist Engineer]

From NC and Omaha perspective: Love the pitching and the left handed hitting depth, but we have a glaring weakness with right handed hitting. A crafty lefty from Long Beach could basically no hit us with Foscue and Westy. LBSU is ok, but we were also stopped by a little lefty from Texas Southern, Loza

Kamren James will be a future #1 and Logan Tanner is good but after that we have no givens: Leggett, Cumbest, and an array of Freshmen prospects.

From a NC paradigm we need to get some transfers that can hit, basically guys that would have been 6th to 10th round picks like these type of guys

JC Correa - Lamar SS
Jamal OGuinn - USC 3B

Undrafted but good players that bat Right Handed, upperclassmen, on Sorry D1 teams. Looking at the “undrafted” list, there are many such kids

[maroonmania]

From NC and Omaha perspective: Love the pitching and the left handed hitting depth, but we have a glaring weakness with right handed hitting. A crafty lefty from Long Beach could basically no hit us with Foscue and Westy. LBSU is ok, but we were also stopped by a little lefty from Texas Southern, Loza

Kamren James will be a future #1 and Logan Tanner is good but after that we have no givens: Leggett, Cumbest, and an array of Freshmen prospects.

From a NC paradigm we need to get some transfers that can hit, basically guys that would have been 6th to 10th round picks like these type of guys

JC Correa - Lamar SS
Jamal OGuinn - USC 3B

Undrafted but good players that bat Right Handed, upperclassmen, on Sorry D1 teams. Looking at the “undrafted” list, there are many such kids

Agree that lefty pitching is going to likely give us fits next year. Very, very few proven RH bats in the entire lineup.