(06-06-2017 11:57 AM)Eagle9 Wrote:  Recruiting wise, we signed a small class. Only losing 3 seniors plus whatever we lose to the draft. In my opinion the headliner is Eric Hoard from Jones. Big first baseman, may have to DH on our level. Intimidating presence at the plate. Hit over 20 bombs last year and around 15 this year. Has some feel for hitting too. Hit around .400 this year. He'll fill a hole in our lineup nicely.

Also signed Fred Franklin, the center fielder from Jones. Can really run. If he doesn't go pro I would think he'll play center field. Hits pretty well and has some power. Probably a .280 with 5 home runs and 15-20 steal type player. Good Center Field defender. Chance to be a better biter than that but I'm just guessing based on the looks I've had at him.

We've signed 3 LH pitchers which is a big need. Don't really know much about any of them though.

Luke Reynolds, a transfer from State that sat out this year, will make a big impact next year. People around the team say he might be the best pure hitter on the team and has power also.

Our lineup will be lethal again. The question will be pitching depth. State had like 8 pitchers out for the year with injuries and everybody said their staff was razor thin. They still had about 8 90+ MPH guys to throw out there. We have maybe 7 total at full strength. They had about 15 before all their injuries. Velocity isn't everything. But if I have a choice between a staff with 15 90 MPH guys or one with 7, I'm taking the one with 15 every single time.

There are several ways to look at it. But if I'm a player on this team and all a record 50 wins gets me is sent home at my hometown regional, I'm getting the F*CK out of here at the first sign of a solid draft pic and signing bonus.