This and we're kinda of a throwback team. Lot of talented kids out there that want that culture.
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So Jack Walker is not considering the draft? Solid offers from other power houses?
Mabye it's just me but I'm not that impressed with Jess Davis. Good glove, sure but we're going to need some sticks and if he's only hitting .258 against the competition he's been facing what's he gonna hit in the SEC. We've got a decent glove in Skinner but he can't hit. Why bring in the same thing?
Davis had an off year this year because of some nagging injuries but he played every game and stole 28 bases. Last year he hit 290, year before hit 296, has good obp doesn't strike out much and stole 48 bases the year he hit 296(stole 6 last year in the shortened season).
I've got an in at UAB. I'll see what I can find out......
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We can safely assume Lemonis has evaluated Davis and accept his decision.
I realize the concerns but Team Lemonis deserves leeway at this juncture. Commerce is a humble gentleman that prolly is one of the most knowledgeable baseball person on this board.
I guess I just have a different perspective than this HS coach. I don't think a guy should ever skip his college experience unless he is being offered life changing money out of HS that he risks never seeing again if he doesn't take it. I say that because you only get one chance to have the college experience (sorry, online education is not the same) and better develop as a well rounded human being. There is much more to life than just baseball EVEN for baseball players trying to play professionally. Going straight out of HS to the minor league life where you are just playing baseball and traveling all the time with mostly guys much older and only focused on sports is really not the best way for an 18 to 20 year to mature into life, its just not.
Goodness, there are 'many' kids turning down millions out of HS? I find that hard to believe but if its happening at all it must be primarily happening at a place like Vanderbilt that can basically provide 'extra benefits' legally while offering a prestigious degree. I know they have gotten several first rounders to come to school. As far as I know, JT Ginn is the only player in our entire baseball history that has ever turned down that kind of money to come to MSU.
so are some of you guys saying that the Dawgs could be better next year
Depends on development of a few guys. Obviously TA and Rowdey are big losses that will be tough to replace, but we were a young team this year for the most part. Guys like LoTan, KJ, Kellum, and Forsythe get a summer and an off-season to get stronger and develop more as hitters. I think it will again come down to what our pitching staff looks like. We need Fristoe and Cade Smith to both take a step up next year and be weekend starters for us.
Not sure that'll be the case.....I know we're hyped but let's be realistic, we have nobody to replace TA, RJ and WB......Sure, we have some serviceable guys that will get better but those are some big shoes to fill......
Our lineup should be quite good, but we don't know if it will be good or very good. And we really have no idea what our rotation will look like or how good it will be. We should be a solid team at absolute worst and the potential is there to be very good, but we really just have no way of knowing at this point what kind of team we'll have.
It will be good, especially pitching- Fristoe, Cade, and Tepper are a high talent group AND you have a healthy Brandon.
You might get Harding and MacLeod back. With Sims, that's a very talented front 7.
If KC Hunt clicks In as expected, then it's another special pitching staff.
By the way, this is true for every team in the nation. Vandy without Leiter/Rocker, Hogs without Wiklander/Kopps, etc
BTW at the beginning of the season we did not have Bednar penciled in. Let the chips fall and Lemo will figure it out. Can?t tell you how many times an Ace starts the year as Ace yet finished in the pen. Young arms coming in are stout. Same with the position players.
Yeah Lemonis adjusted everything from the pitching staff to the lineup til he got what he wanted. Love the fact he's not afraid to tinker early and play a lot of guys to find out what they can do and where they fit. He really does play the long game and sees things down the road instead of instant gratification. It's been amazing to watch him manage the roster and lineup.