(01-31-2019 09:34 AM)waltgreenberg Wrote:  Wow, Kendall and D1Baseball have Rice finishing second to USM in CUSA, with Canterino as Pitcher of the Year, and Rice priojected to earn a post-season bid...

https://d1baseball.com/season-preview/20...ews-c-usa/

It's very clear that Kendall has not yet spoken to Bragga this Spring, as his summary of Rice is out of date and somewhat inaccurate...

Quote:Rice

For the first time in a long time, there’s a new era in West University with Tennessee Tech’s Matt Bragga taking over for legendary head coach Wayne Graham. Two things were apparent from watching the Owls during fall workouts — the pitching staff has a chance to be special, and Bragga will need to work his TTU-like magic with the offense. There are some noticeable holes in that department.

Let’s start with the good on the mound, where the Owls will have one of the nation’s premier arms leading off every weekend in righty Matt Canterino. Canterino has a strong body and had a very good summer. Though the Owls made him have a very low-key fall, he still impressed the coaching staff with his stuff and approach. Canterino will sit in the low-to-mid 90s with his fastball, while his calling card is a filthy power curveball in the low-80s. Many scouts think Canterino is a reliever at the next level, but he’ll have his opportunity to prove he can start this spring. Physical righty Addison Moss is another intriguing starter for the Owls. Moss finished last season with an ERA just north of three, and he was impressive in a scrimmage against Texas A&M this past fall. There, Moss was 89-93 with his fastball, while also showing a sharp 81-83 mph slider. Moss has some additional juice on his fastball, too, getting up to 94-96 in the fall. However, those are likely gun readings you’ll see in shorter stints from the junior. For now, senior righty Jackson Parthasarathy will round out the rotation. Parthasarathy has had some injury issues at times during his Rice career but impressed the staff in the fall with a fastball 86-80 mph, along with a curveball with some depth. Things could change, but righty Roel Garcia is slated to be the midweek starter in lieu of the bullpen role he’s had in the past. Garcia, too, has had trouble staying healthy, but has an especially live arm with a fastball into the mid-90s.

In the bullpen, righty Kendal Jefferies is a quality, durable arm, while their success at the back-end of games could hinge on the success of righty Garrett Gayle. Gayle has a huge arm, getting up to 95-97 mph with his fastball. However, command has been a major issue in the past, and that can’t continue if he wants to have an important role this spring. Lefties Evan Kravetz, Brandon Deskins and Zach Esquivel have some intrigue. Kravetz will sit in the mid-to-upper 80s and has decent stuff from a huge frame, while Deskins has some funk and was impressive against A&M this past fall with a fastball/slider combo. There’s also Esquivel, who like Deskins, has some funk about his delivery. Last but not least, keep an eye on young righties Dalton Wood and Drake Greenwood. Wood was 91-94 mph with his fastball, along with a slider and changeup this past fall, while Greenwood, too, sat in the low 90s and showed an ability to get into the mid-90s with the offering. Options are abound for the new Rice staff this season.

The Owls certainly leave something to be desired from an offensive standpoint, but it’s comforting to know the offense is Bragga’s forte from his previous stop at Tennessee Tech. Catcher Justin Collins is expected to have a breakout season. Collins showed flashes of a strong freshman campaign last season, but like most first-year guys, was a little inconsistent. He was a one-man wrecking crew during fall workouts and will hit for a much better average, along with power. Junior third baseman Braden Comeaux has athleticism and will bring a mature approach to the table, while Bradley Gneiting and Trei Cruz both are solid players. Gneiting has some improved pop his bat, while Cruz is an athletic player who steps in the box with plenty of confidence. Dominic DiCaprio is back after a disappointing 2018 campaign and will provide some power in the lineup, while Bragga is excited about sophomore outfielder Dominic Cox. Cox hit just .180 last season, but he’s athletic and has made significant strides with the bat.

TL:DR
ALso, I heard Graham may make it out to the opening series. Did he have a change of heart about being honored in any way?

(01-31-2019 11:16 AM)Throwing Chade Wrote:  

(01-31-2019 09:34 AM)waltgreenberg Wrote:  Wow, Kendall and D1Baseball have Rice finishing second to USM in CUSA, with Canterino as Pitcher of the Year, and Rice priojected to earn a post-season bid...

https://d1baseball.com/season-preview/20...ews-c-usa/

It's very clear that Kendall has not yet spoken to Bragga this Spring, as his summary of Rice is out of date and somewhat inaccurate...

Quote:Rice

For the first time in a long time, there’s a new era in West University with Tennessee Tech’s Matt Bragga taking over for legendary head coach Wayne Graham. Two things were apparent from watching the Owls during fall workouts — the pitching staff has a chance to be special, and Bragga will need to work his TTU-like magic with the offense. There are some noticeable holes in that department.

Let’s start with the good on the mound, where the Owls will have one of the nation’s premier arms leading off every weekend in righty Matt Canterino. Canterino has a strong body and had a very good summer. Though the Owls made him have a very low-key fall, he still impressed the coaching staff with his stuff and approach. Canterino will sit in the low-to-mid 90s with his fastball, while his calling card is a filthy power curveball in the low-80s. Many scouts think Canterino is a reliever at the next level, but he’ll have his opportunity to prove he can start this spring. Physical righty Addison Moss is another intriguing starter for the Owls. Moss finished last season with an ERA just north of three, and he was impressive in a scrimmage against Texas A&M this past fall. There, Moss was 89-93 with his fastball, while also showing a sharp 81-83 mph slider. Moss has some additional juice on his fastball, too, getting up to 94-96 in the fall. However, those are likely gun readings you’ll see in shorter stints from the junior. For now, senior righty Jackson Parthasarathy will round out the rotation. Parthasarathy has had some injury issues at times during his Rice career but impressed the staff in the fall with a fastball 86-80 mph, along with a curveball with some depth. Things could change, but righty Roel Garcia is slated to be the midweek starter in lieu of the bullpen role he’s had in the past. Garcia, too, has had trouble staying healthy, but has an especially live arm with a fastball into the mid-90s.

In the bullpen, righty Kendal Jefferies is a quality, durable arm, while their success at the back-end of games could hinge on the success of righty Garrett Gayle. Gayle has a huge arm, getting up to 95-97 mph with his fastball. However, command has been a major issue in the past, and that can’t continue if he wants to have an important role this spring. Lefties Evan Kravetz, Brandon Deskins and Zach Esquivel have some intrigue. Kravetz will sit in the mid-to-upper 80s and has decent stuff from a huge frame, while Deskins has some funk and was impressive against A&M this past fall with a fastball/slider combo. There’s also Esquivel, who like Deskins, has some funk about his delivery. Last but not least, keep an eye on young righties Dalton Wood and Drake Greenwood. Wood was 91-94 mph with his fastball, along with a slider and changeup this past fall, while Greenwood, too, sat in the low 90s and showed an ability to get into the mid-90s with the offering. Options are abound for the new Rice staff this season.

The Owls certainly leave something to be desired from an offensive standpoint, but it’s comforting to know the offense is Bragga’s forte from his previous stop at Tennessee Tech. Catcher Justin Collins is expected to have a breakout season. Collins showed flashes of a strong freshman campaign last season, but like most first-year guys, was a little inconsistent. He was a one-man wrecking crew during fall workouts and will hit for a much better average, along with power. Junior third baseman Braden Comeaux has athleticism and will bring a mature approach to the table, while Bradley Gneiting and Trei Cruz both are solid players. Gneiting has some improved pop his bat, while Cruz is an athletic player who steps in the box with plenty of confidence. Dominic DiCaprio is back after a disappointing 2018 campaign and will provide some power in the lineup, while Bragga is excited about sophomore outfielder Dominic Cox. Cox hit just .180 last season, but he’s athletic and has made significant strides with the bat.

TL:DR
ALso, I heard Graham may make it out to the opening series. Did he have a change of heart about being honored in any way?

The only inaccuracy I saw was about Roel Garcia (which Kendall Rogers just tweeted about a little while ago).

When did Esquivel become a lefty?

I think Coach Bragg has tremendous respect for Coach Graham and probably was the main force of him coming out.

(01-31-2019 11:18 AM)ExcitedOwl18 Wrote:  

(01-31-2019 11:16 AM)Throwing Chade Wrote:  

(01-31-2019 09:34 AM)waltgreenberg Wrote:  Wow, Kendall and D1Baseball have Rice finishing second to USM in CUSA, with Canterino as Pitcher of the Year, and Rice priojected to earn a post-season bid...

https://d1baseball.com/season-preview/20...ews-c-usa/

It's very clear that Kendall has not yet spoken to Bragga this Spring, as his summary of Rice is out of date and somewhat inaccurate...

Quote:Rice

For the first time in a long time, there’s a new era in West University with Tennessee Tech’s Matt Bragga taking over for legendary head coach Wayne Graham. Two things were apparent from watching the Owls during fall workouts — the pitching staff has a chance to be special, and Bragga will need to work his TTU-like magic with the offense. There are some noticeable holes in that department.

Let’s start with the good on the mound, where the Owls will have one of the nation’s premier arms leading off every weekend in righty Matt Canterino. Canterino has a strong body and had a very good summer. Though the Owls made him have a very low-key fall, he still impressed the coaching staff with his stuff and approach. Canterino will sit in the low-to-mid 90s with his fastball, while his calling card is a filthy power curveball in the low-80s. Many scouts think Canterino is a reliever at the next level, but he’ll have his opportunity to prove he can start this spring. Physical righty Addison Moss is another intriguing starter for the Owls. Moss finished last season with an ERA just north of three, and he was impressive in a scrimmage against Texas A&M this past fall. There, Moss was 89-93 with his fastball, while also showing a sharp 81-83 mph slider. Moss has some additional juice on his fastball, too, getting up to 94-96 in the fall. However, those are likely gun readings you’ll see in shorter stints from the junior. For now, senior righty Jackson Parthasarathy will round out the rotation. Parthasarathy has had some injury issues at times during his Rice career but impressed the staff in the fall with a fastball 86-80 mph, along with a curveball with some depth. Things could change, but righty Roel Garcia is slated to be the midweek starter in lieu of the bullpen role he’s had in the past. Garcia, too, has had trouble staying healthy, but has an especially live arm with a fastball into the mid-90s.

In the bullpen, righty Kendal Jefferies is a quality, durable arm, while their success at the back-end of games could hinge on the success of righty Garrett Gayle. Gayle has a huge arm, getting up to 95-97 mph with his fastball. However, command has been a major issue in the past, and that can’t continue if he wants to have an important role this spring. Lefties Evan Kravetz, Brandon Deskins and Zach Esquivel have some intrigue. Kravetz will sit in the mid-to-upper 80s and has decent stuff from a huge frame, while Deskins has some funk and was impressive against A&M this past fall with a fastball/slider combo. There’s also Esquivel, who like Deskins, has some funk about his delivery. Last but not least, keep an eye on young righties Dalton Wood and Drake Greenwood. Wood was 91-94 mph with his fastball, along with a slider and changeup this past fall, while Greenwood, too, sat in the low 90s and showed an ability to get into the mid-90s with the offering. Options are abound for the new Rice staff this season.

The Owls certainly leave something to be desired from an offensive standpoint, but it’s comforting to know the offense is Bragga’s forte from his previous stop at Tennessee Tech. Catcher Justin Collins is expected to have a breakout season. Collins showed flashes of a strong freshman campaign last season, but like most first-year guys, was a little inconsistent. He was a one-man wrecking crew during fall workouts and will hit for a much better average, along with power. Junior third baseman Braden Comeaux has athleticism and will bring a mature approach to the table, while Bradley Gneiting and Trei Cruz both are solid players. Gneiting has some improved pop his bat, while Cruz is an athletic player who steps in the box with plenty of confidence. Dominic DiCaprio is back after a disappointing 2018 campaign and will provide some power in the lineup, while Bragga is excited about sophomore outfielder Dominic Cox. Cox hit just .180 last season, but he’s athletic and has made significant strides with the bat.

TL:DR
ALso, I heard Graham may make it out to the opening series. Did he have a change of heart about being honored in any way?

The only inaccuracy I saw was about Roel Garcia (which Kendall Rogers just tweeted about a little while ago).

It's not Rice related but Missouri's football, baseball and softball teams were placed on NCAA probation today and are ineligible for postseason competition in the upcoming 2019 seasons.

(01-31-2019 04:31 PM)Fort Bend Owl Wrote:  It's not Rice related but Missouri's football, baseball and softball teams were placed on NCAA probation today and are ineligible for postseason competition in the upcoming 2019 seasons.

Drake Greenwood and Pat Hallmark got out in time.

(01-31-2019 11:18 AM)ExcitedOwl18 Wrote:  

(01-31-2019 11:16 AM)Throwing Chade Wrote:  

(01-31-2019 09:34 AM)waltgreenberg Wrote:  Wow, Kendall and D1Baseball have Rice finishing second to USM in CUSA, with Canterino as Pitcher of the Year, and Rice priojected to earn a post-season bid...

https://d1baseball.com/season-preview/20...ews-c-usa/

It's very clear that Kendall has not yet spoken to Bragga this Spring, as his summary of Rice is out of date and somewhat inaccurate...

Quote:Rice

For the first time in a long time, there’s a new era in West University with Tennessee Tech’s Matt Bragga taking over for legendary head coach Wayne Graham. Two things were apparent from watching the Owls during fall workouts — the pitching staff has a chance to be special, and Bragga will need to work his TTU-like magic with the offense. There are some noticeable holes in that department.

Let’s start with the good on the mound, where the Owls will have one of the nation’s premier arms leading off every weekend in righty Matt Canterino. Canterino has a strong body and had a very good summer. Though the Owls made him have a very low-key fall, he still impressed the coaching staff with his stuff and approach. Canterino will sit in the low-to-mid 90s with his fastball, while his calling card is a filthy power curveball in the low-80s. Many scouts think Canterino is a reliever at the next level, but he’ll have his opportunity to prove he can start this spring. Physical righty Addison Moss is another intriguing starter for the Owls. Moss finished last season with an ERA just north of three, and he was impressive in a scrimmage against Texas A&M this past fall. There, Moss was 89-93 with his fastball, while also showing a sharp 81-83 mph slider. Moss has some additional juice on his fastball, too, getting up to 94-96 in the fall. However, those are likely gun readings you’ll see in shorter stints from the junior. For now, senior righty Jackson Parthasarathy will round out the rotation. Parthasarathy has had some injury issues at times during his Rice career but impressed the staff in the fall with a fastball 86-80 mph, along with a curveball with some depth. Things could change, but righty Roel Garcia is slated to be the midweek starter in lieu of the bullpen role he’s had in the past. Garcia, too, has had trouble staying healthy, but has an especially live arm with a fastball into the mid-90s.

In the bullpen, righty Kendal Jefferies is a quality, durable arm, while their success at the back-end of games could hinge on the success of righty Garrett Gayle. Gayle has a huge arm, getting up to 95-97 mph with his fastball. However, command has been a major issue in the past, and that can’t continue if he wants to have an important role this spring. Lefties Evan Kravetz, Brandon Deskins and Zach Esquivel have some intrigue. Kravetz will sit in the mid-to-upper 80s and has decent stuff from a huge frame, while Deskins has some funk and was impressive against A&M this past fall with a fastball/slider combo. There’s also Esquivel, who like Deskins, has some funk about his delivery. Last but not least, keep an eye on young righties Dalton Wood and Drake Greenwood. Wood was 91-94 mph with his fastball, along with a slider and changeup this past fall, while Greenwood, too, sat in the low 90s and showed an ability to get into the mid-90s with the offering. Options are abound for the new Rice staff this season.

The Owls certainly leave something to be desired from an offensive standpoint, but it’s comforting to know the offense is Bragga’s forte from his previous stop at Tennessee Tech. Catcher Justin Collins is expected to have a breakout season. Collins showed flashes of a strong freshman campaign last season, but like most first-year guys, was a little inconsistent. He was a one-man wrecking crew during fall workouts and will hit for a much better average, along with power. Junior third baseman Braden Comeaux has athleticism and will bring a mature approach to the table, while Bradley Gneiting and Trei Cruz both are solid players. Gneiting has some improved pop his bat, while Cruz is an athletic player who steps in the box with plenty of confidence. Dominic DiCaprio is back after a disappointing 2018 campaign and will provide some power in the lineup, while Bragga is excited about sophomore outfielder Dominic Cox. Cox hit just .180 last season, but he’s athletic and has made significant strides with the bat.

TL:DR
ALso, I heard Graham may make it out to the opening series. Did he have a change of heart about being honored in any way?

The only inaccuracy I saw was about Roel Garcia (which Kendall Rogers just tweeted about a little while ago).

He corrected Garcia after I responded early in the morning. Also, Esquivel is not a lefty and DiCaprio missed almost all of last year due to injury (as opposed to Kendall's comment that he had a disappointing year). He also doesn't think Dunlap or Edwards are going to be key contributors (which he reply to one of my comments). Also, funny that Kendall would give a shout out to Dalton Wood, whom I've heard little to nothing about.

Just went and looked at your Twitter exchange- Kendall is your #2 target behind Trump on Twitter... Can't you cut him some slack? Just trying to do his job :) ! LOL

(01-31-2019 04:57 PM)ExcitedOwl18 Wrote:  Just went and looked at your Twitter exchange- Kendall is your #2 target behind Trump on Twitter... Can't you cut him some slack? Just trying to do his job :) ! LOL

Actually, Kendall and I are good friends. We meet up whenever we're both at Reckling.

(01-31-2019 05:11 PM)waltgreenberg Wrote:  

(01-31-2019 04:57 PM)ExcitedOwl18 Wrote:  Just went and looked at your Twitter exchange- Kendall is your #2 target behind Trump on Twitter... Can't you cut him some slack? Just trying to do his job :) ! LOL

Actually, Kendall and I are good friends. We meet up whenever we're both at Reckling.

Just giving you a hard time.

Very positive preview considering we have a new regime in place.

I have a feeling we will surprise a lot of people.

(02-01-2019 11:06 AM)RiceOwl Wrote:  Very positive preview considering we have a new regime in place.

I have a feeling we will surprise a lot of people.

It's going to depend on the pitching. I'm curious to see how quickly Bragga and Barton start stretching out our starters. They've already started having the relievers pitch 2 - 3 times a week. Today the starters begin their second outing of the Spring, with one final outing next week before opening weekend. Ideally, you want Canterino, Moss, Parthasarathy, Greenwood and Deskins to be stretched to 5 innings before the Rhode Island series.

(01-31-2019 05:14 PM)ExcitedOwl18 Wrote:  

(01-31-2019 05:11 PM)waltgreenberg Wrote:  

(01-31-2019 04:57 PM)ExcitedOwl18 Wrote:  Just went and looked at your Twitter exchange- Kendall is your #2 target behind Trump on Twitter... Can't you cut him some slack? Just trying to do his job :) ! LOL

Actually, Kendall and I are good friends. We meet up whenever we're both at Reckling.

Just giving you a hard time.

Wait Walt doesn't like Trump??? I figured he was a hardcore conservative.

Canterino (who struggled), Jefferies and Wood each pitched 3 innings today, which included one "situational" inning each. Comeaux hit our 7th HR of the Spring, while Duluc continues to impress with a couple singles. From my perspective, however, the big news of the day was the first appearance of Dom DiCaprio, and he responded with a 2-RBI single and BB.

Does anyone know what's up with Cade Edwards. I hear he's finally healthy, but I've yet to see his name appear in Roger Tower's recaps. Could be he's still rusty and has yet to get a hit?

https://rubpa.rice.edu/Content.aspx?id=4294977754

Did anyone go to the fanfest and Reckling and stay for the intrasquad? Roger left after 3 1/2 innings to go to the WBB game....

https://rubpa.rice.edu/Content.aspx?id=4294977754

Importantly, both Moss and Kravetz had strong second outings. Evan, in particular, was dominant with 6 strikeouts in his 3 scoreless innings of work. Moss gave up a lone single in his 3 innings, but did walk a couple.

Strong outings by both Parthasarathy (7 Ks in 4 IP) and Deskins in Sunday's intrasquad. Frazier (2 singles, double) and Antonio Cruz (single, HR) the hitting stars of the day. And Cade Edwards finally makes an appearance in Roger's recap!...

https://rubpa.rice.edu/Content.aspx?id=4294977754

Matt Canterino makes his second preseason all-american team. This time it's the writers' 3rd team (after Baseball America selected him 2nd team all-american)...

http://www.collegebaseballdaily.com/2019...vu9dCjwkPQ

Baseball America out with their CUSA preview, and it's more of the same-- we're picked to finish 4th, Wallner and Canterino is named as preseason POY and Pitcher of the Year...

https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/...l-preview/

Quote:Pitcher of the Year: Matt Canterino, RHP, Rice

Canterino has been an absolute workhorse for the Owls in his first two seasons. Over 190 combined innings, he has a 3.60 ERA, 227 strikeouts compared to just 71 walks and a .191 opponent batting average. From his freshman to sophomore season, he also showed impressive development. From one year to the next, he lowered his ERA from 4.12 to 3.06 and decreased his walk total from 49 to 22, all while increasing his strikeout total and lowering his opponent batting average. His competitiveness, a fastball in the low-to-mid 90s, and a devastating spike curveball make the righthander not only the best bet for conference pitcher of the year, but also the best bet to be the first Conference USA pitcher off the board in the 2019 draft.

Quote:It will be a season of new experiences for Rice (26-31-2). Not only do they have a new coach in Matt Bragga, who takes over the program after Wayne Graham’s contract wasn’t renewed, but this will be the first time since 1995 that they will come into the season without having made a postseason appearance the season prior. A return to the postseason isn’t out of the question in Bragga’s first season, as the Owls will boast a quality one-two punch in the rotation in Canterino and righthander Addison Moss (2-4, 2.43), a flame-throwing closer in Garrett Gayle (2-2, 4.54), and some raw talent in the lineup in players like Braden Comeaux (.319/.390/.412), Trei Cruz (.279/.392/.438) and Justin Collins (.265/.373/.382). Having a fully healthy Dominic DiCaprio (.190/.296/.286) back after an injury-compromised 2018 season is a huge key as well.

In today's scrimmage (rain-shortened 7 inning affair), the offense prevailed over our second tier pitchers, though both Wood and Lewis had quality outings. Offensive stars were Comeaux (HR #2, single sac fly), Duluc (HR #3, triple, 2 BBs), Frazier (HR) and Beaulaurier (HR, triple, double, BB)...

https://rubpa.rice.edu/Content.aspx?id=4294977754

Canterino goes for his final outing before opening day tomorrow. Opening Day is just one week away.

Kel Bordwine is a guy who's been a relative disappointment after getting off to a strong start last fall.