I don't think Jason Richards should get overlooked as a possibility at 2B. Tons of walks and good power. The article seemed to value SB, but Richards' value was probably greater under modern metrics.

Of course, the power has to be discounted some since he played during some peak power seasons (due to the bats used). The same can be said for Damon Thames at SS, whose offensive prowess might be a bit overstated against earlier or later players who used less potent bats. The article mentions Eric Arnold (who also played a good bit of 3B), but I think Janish or Friday might be better options than Arnold to compete with Thames.

(01-17-2019 09:47 AM)mrbig Wrote:  I don't think Jason Richards should get overlooked as a possibility at 2B. Tons of walks and good power. The article seemed to value SB, but Richards' value was probably greater under modern metrics.

Of course, the power has to be discounted some since he played during some peak power seasons (due to the bats used). The same can be said for Damon Thames at SS, whose offensive prowess might be a bit overstated against earlier or later players who used less potent bats. The article mentions Eric Arnold (who also played a good bit of 3B), but I think Janish or Friday might be better options than Arnold to compete with Thames.

Speaking of stolen bases, Donald Allen is Rice's all-time leader with 86; he also was a pretty good football player for the Owls (although he didn't play football all 4 years like baseball IIRC), in addition to being a great guy.

But I was always a big fan of Jason Richards, too, and especially the walk-up song he chose for when he came up to the plate as the lead-off hitter (Wanna be Startin' Somethin' by Michael Jackson)

We have way too many choices to pick just 9. We would have trouble picking the top 49.

(01-17-2019 11:15 AM)OptimisticOwl Wrote:  We have way too many choices to pick just 9. We would have trouble picking the top 49.

If someone makes a top-1000 list, let me know. I would have an outside chance at making that list!

(01-17-2019 12:13 PM)mrbig Wrote:  

(01-17-2019 11:15 AM)OptimisticOwl Wrote:  We have way too many choices to pick just 9. We would have trouble picking the top 49.

If someone makes a top-1000 list, let me know. I would have an outside chance at making that list!

When we had 999 selected, there would still be argument over which of 3 or 4 to include nex.

(01-17-2019 01:59 PM)OptimisticOwl Wrote:  

(01-17-2019 12:13 PM)mrbig Wrote:  

(01-17-2019 11:15 AM)OptimisticOwl Wrote:  We have way too many choices to pick just 9. We would have trouble picking the top 49.

If someone makes a top-1000 list, let me know. I would have an outside chance at making that list!

When we had 999 selected, there would still be argument over which of 3 or 4 to include nex.

Has Rice really had 1000 baseball players since the founding of the university? Current rosters are (I believe) limited to 35 players. 10 players per class year (rough average) for 100 years (rough average) is 1000 players. But I bet the early teams were smaller than the current roster allows.

I initially wrote top-500 players for my joke, but then realized there were more than 500 players and that I wouldn't make that list...

(01-17-2019 02:19 PM)mrbig Wrote:  

(01-17-2019 01:59 PM)OptimisticOwl Wrote:  

(01-17-2019 12:13 PM)mrbig Wrote:  

(01-17-2019 11:15 AM)OptimisticOwl Wrote:  We have way too many choices to pick just 9. We would have trouble picking the top 49.

If someone makes a top-1000 list, let me know. I would have an outside chance at making that list!

When we had 999 selected, there would still be argument over which of 3 or 4 to include nex.

Has Rice really had 1000 baseball players since the founding of the university? Current rosters are (I believe) limited to 35 players. 10 players per class year (rough average) for 100 years (rough average) is 1000 players. But I bet the early teams were smaller than the current roster allows.

I initially wrote top-500 players for my joke, but then realized there were more than 500 players and that I wouldn't make that list...

Whether we aim to name 9, 49, 99, or 400, when we near the bubble, it will be same. Multiple candidates for lmited spots.

(01-17-2019 02:28 PM)OptimisticOwl Wrote:  

(01-17-2019 02:19 PM)mrbig Wrote:  

(01-17-2019 01:59 PM)OptimisticOwl Wrote:  

(01-17-2019 12:13 PM)mrbig Wrote:  

(01-17-2019 11:15 AM)OptimisticOwl Wrote:  We have way too many choices to pick just 9. We would have trouble picking the top 49.

If someone makes a top-1000 list, let me know. I would have an outside chance at making that list!

When we had 999 selected, there would still be argument over which of 3 or 4 to include nex.

Has Rice really had 1000 baseball players since the founding of the university? Current rosters are (I believe) limited to 35 players. 10 players per class year (rough average) for 100 years (rough average) is 1000 players. But I bet the early teams were smaller than the current roster allows.

I initially wrote top-500 players for my joke, but then realized there were more than 500 players and that I wouldn't make that list...

Whether we aim to name 9, 49, 99, or 400, when we near the bubble, it will be same. Multiple candidates for lmited spots.

Kind of like the incessant issues for a College Football playoff --- it wont matter if 2, 4, 6, 8, or 10. There will always be a vehement disagreement on whom was extended the invitation.

Not sure what criteria are used, but if it’s beat players for Rice, a few other names for consideration...

Chris Kolkhorst
Austin Davis
David Aardsma

(01-17-2019 05:07 PM)Tomball Owl Wrote:  Not sure what criteria are used, but if it’s beat players for Rice, a few other names for consideration...

Chris Kolkhorst
Austin Davis
David Aardsma

Davis should have been the 3rd OFer selected, IMO, as he was a 4-year starter and is the all-time hit leader at Rice. As I've said, no disrespect to Aardsma, who was our national championship hero, but even in 2003, he was so-so until the post-season when he became lights out. If a single reliever were to be included on the list, as it should, I don't know how it could be anyone but CSC.

If we're going to do this let's play all time line-up in batting order and staff for 1 last game keeping strictly to position played:

Chris Kolkhorst LF
Jose Cruz Jr. CF
Anthony Rendon 3B
Lance Berkman 1B
Bubba Crosby DH
Damon Thames SS
Enrique Cruz 2B
Danny Lehmann C
Austin Davis RF

Jeff Niemman: SP
Bobby Bell: Set Up
David Aardsma: Closer

I only go back to the late 80's but beat this team!

(01-17-2019 05:16 PM)waltgreenberg Wrote:  

(01-17-2019 05:07 PM)Tomball Owl Wrote:  Not sure what criteria are used, but if it’s beat players for Rice, a few other names for consideration...

Chris Kolkhorst
Austin Davis
David Aardsma

Davis should have been the 3rd OFer selected, IMO, as he was a 4-year starter and is the all-time hit leader at Rice. As I've said, no disrespect to Aardsma, who was our national championship hero, but even in 2003, he was so-so until the post-season when he became lights out. If a single reliever were to be included on the list, as it should, I don't know how it could be anyone but CSC.

I'll go w Aardsma as he helped win the only title. CSC, no offense, gave up the walk-off double to LSU. Winning the CWS trumps all, IMO.

(01-17-2019 09:08 PM)mebehutchi Wrote:  If we're going to do this let's play all time line-up in batting order and staff for 1 last game keeping strictly to position played:

Chris Kolkhorst LF
Jose Cruz Jr. CF
Anthony Rendon 3B
Lance Berkman 1B
Bubba Crosby DH
Damon Thames SS
Enrique Cruz 2B
Danny Lehmann C
Austin Davis RF

Jeff Niemman: SP
Bobby Bell: Set Up
David Aardsma: Closer

I only go back to the late 80's but beat this team!

I’d take that lineup any day, against any college team.

(01-17-2019 04:32 PM)tanqtonic Wrote:  

(01-17-2019 02:28 PM)OptimisticOwl Wrote:  

(01-17-2019 02:19 PM)mrbig Wrote:  

(01-17-2019 01:59 PM)OptimisticOwl Wrote:  

(01-17-2019 12:13 PM)mrbig Wrote:  If someone makes a top-1000 list, let me know. I would have an outside chance at making that list!

When we had 999 selected, there would still be argument over which of 3 or 4 to include nex.

Has Rice really had 1000 baseball players since the founding of the university? Current rosters are (I believe) limited to 35 players. 10 players per class year (rough average) for 100 years (rough average) is 1000 players. But I bet the early teams were smaller than the current roster allows.

I initially wrote top-500 players for my joke, but then realized there were more than 500 players and that I wouldn't make that list...

Whether we aim to name 9, 49, 99, or 400, when we near the bubble, it will be same. Multiple candidates for lmited spots.

Kind of like the incessant issues for a College Football playoff --- it wont matter if 2, 4, 6, 8, or 10. There will always be a vehement disagreement on whom was extended the invitation.

Or as Yogi Berra supposedly said: They should move first base back a few feet to eliminate all those close plays.

(Different topic, but topologically the same problem.)

(01-17-2019 02:19 PM)mrbig Wrote:  

(01-17-2019 01:59 PM)OptimisticOwl Wrote:  

(01-17-2019 12:13 PM)mrbig Wrote:  

(01-17-2019 11:15 AM)OptimisticOwl Wrote:  We have way too many choices to pick just 9. We would have trouble picking the top 49.

If someone makes a top-1000 list, let me know. I would have an outside chance at making that list!

When we had 999 selected, there would still be argument over which of 3 or 4 to include nex.

Has Rice really had 1000 baseball players since the founding of the university? Current rosters are (I believe) limited to 35 players. 10 players per class year (rough average) for 100 years (rough average) is 1000 players. But I bet the early teams were smaller than the current roster allows.

I initially wrote top-500 players for my joke, but then realized there were more than 500 players and that I wouldn't make that list...

Wise move, Big. Using the latest Rice Baseball Fact Book, I did a rough-ish estimate of the total number of Rice baseball letter winners: 713.

:-)

(01-18-2019 01:48 PM)Almadenmike Wrote:  

(01-17-2019 02:19 PM)mrbig Wrote:  

(01-17-2019 01:59 PM)OptimisticOwl Wrote:  

(01-17-2019 12:13 PM)mrbig Wrote:  

(01-17-2019 11:15 AM)OptimisticOwl Wrote:  We have way too many choices to pick just 9. We would have trouble picking the top 49.

If someone makes a top-1000 list, let me know. I would have an outside chance at making that list!

When we had 999 selected, there would still be argument over which of 3 or 4 to include nex.

Has Rice really had 1000 baseball players since the founding of the university? Current rosters are (I believe) limited to 35 players. 10 players per class year (rough average) for 100 years (rough average) is 1000 players. But I bet the early teams were smaller than the current roster allows.

I initially wrote top-500 players for my joke, but then realized there were more than 500 players and that I wouldn't make that list...

Wise move, Big. Using the latest Rice Baseball Fact Book, I did a rough-ish estimate of the total number of Rice baseball letter winners: 713.

:-)

So let's rate the top 700, and when we get to 698, we can argue the merits for inclusion of the last 15.

I think Big easily makes the top 500. I would vote for him.

(01-18-2019 04:21 PM)OptimisticOwl Wrote:  

(01-18-2019 01:48 PM)Almadenmike Wrote:  

(01-17-2019 02:19 PM)mrbig Wrote:  

(01-17-2019 01:59 PM)OptimisticOwl Wrote:  

(01-17-2019 12:13 PM)mrbig Wrote:  If someone makes a top-1000 list, let me know. I would have an outside chance at making that list!

When we had 999 selected, there would still be argument over which of 3 or 4 to include nex.

Has Rice really had 1000 baseball players since the founding of the university? Current rosters are (I believe) limited to 35 players. 10 players per class year (rough average) for 100 years (rough average) is 1000 players. But I bet the early teams were smaller than the current roster allows.

I initially wrote top-500 players for my joke, but then realized there were more than 500 players and that I wouldn't make that list...

Wise move, Big. Using the latest Rice Baseball Fact Book, I did a rough-ish estimate of the total number of Rice baseball letter winners: 713.

:-)

So let's rate the top 700, and when we get to 698, we can argue the merits for inclusion of the last 15.

I think Big easily makes the top 500. I would vote for him.

I appreciate that. I struck out on 4 pitches in my only career at-bat, but at least I didn’t take up a partial scholarship!

(01-18-2019 06:38 PM)mrbig Wrote:  

(01-18-2019 04:21 PM)OptimisticOwl Wrote:  

(01-18-2019 01:48 PM)Almadenmike Wrote:  

(01-17-2019 02:19 PM)mrbig Wrote:  

(01-17-2019 01:59 PM)OptimisticOwl Wrote:  When we had 999 selected, there would still be argument over which of 3 or 4 to include nex.

Has Rice really had 1000 baseball players since the founding of the university? Current rosters are (I believe) limited to 35 players. 10 players per class year (rough average) for 100 years (rough average) is 1000 players. But I bet the early teams were smaller than the current roster allows.

I initially wrote top-500 players for my joke, but then realized there were more than 500 players and that I wouldn't make that list...

Wise move, Big. Using the latest Rice Baseball Fact Book, I did a rough-ish estimate of the total number of Rice baseball letter winners: 713.

:-)

So let's rate the top 700, and when we get to 698, we can argue the merits for inclusion of the last 15.

I think Big easily makes the top 500. I would vote for him.

I appreciate that. I struck out on 4 pitches in my only career at-bat, but at least I didn’t take up a partial scholarship!

A bad player would have struck out in 3 pitches.

(01-18-2019 09:06 PM)OptimisticOwl Wrote:  

(01-18-2019 06:38 PM)mrbig Wrote:  

(01-18-2019 04:21 PM)OptimisticOwl Wrote:  

(01-18-2019 01:48 PM)Almadenmike Wrote:  

(01-17-2019 02:19 PM)mrbig Wrote:  Has Rice really had 1000 baseball players since the founding of the university? Current rosters are (I believe) limited to 35 players. 10 players per class year (rough average) for 100 years (rough average) is 1000 players. But I bet the early teams were smaller than the current roster allows.

I initially wrote top-500 players for my joke, but then realized there were more than 500 players and that I wouldn't make that list...

Wise move, Big. Using the latest Rice Baseball Fact Book, I did a rough-ish estimate of the total number of Rice baseball letter winners: 713.

:-)

So let's rate the top 700, and when we get to 698, we can argue the merits for inclusion of the last 15.

I think Big easily makes the top 500. I would vote for him.

I appreciate that. I struck out on 4 pitches in my only career at-bat, but at least I didn’t take up a partial scholarship!

A bad player would have struck out in 3 pitches.

In my defense, strike 2 was way outside (think Savery in the CWS), but we were up big and the ump called it a strike. I wasn’t going down looking...