Well, first of all- I'm just going to pretend like there is no roster limit, and that no one leaves in the draft- by request- but the reality is there will be some people leaving via on their own, the draft or even being cut, so there will be some guys that won't be back. So really in a way this is almost more of a pre-fall roster look than anything else. The only walk-on that I've even heard a rumor of is an unidentified player from Wayne County, but I'm sure that there will be more. Great news! This is almost a team of all Cohen recruits, and I say great news because those who are tired of the "It's Polk's fault" excuse, well that will have very little, if any validity next year. If you look at the roster, it's almost half Cohen JUCO and almost half Cohen recruits- freshmen and sophomores. It's also good because that means that we have another good class coming in-we'll see where it's ranked in August I believe, and hopefully that means that we are one step closer to turning this thing around. This actually maybe fairly accurate in that I expect us to lose no more than two players in the draft, and most likely we will lose one.
OK- Here it goes!
Starting pitchers- Fri- Chris Stratton, Sat. Nick Routt, and Sunday Luke Bole. Others vying for starting spots- CC Watson, Devin Jones, Kendall Graveman, Chad Girodo, Daryl Norris, Tim Statz, Corey Collins, Victor Diaz and Matt Lane are probably going to be the main candidates for starting spots. I think one thing that has really killed us is the fact that the past two seasons, we have had two guys that we really counted on to be solid starters go awry- Rickey Bowen and this year Nick Routt with his injury. I think our struggles really kind of underscore the importance of having good weekend starters in the SEC. And as I have mentioned several times, Routt was definately without a doubt the fault of the pitching coach. And because of that, or at least in part because of that, this is a big year for Butch Thompson if he does indeed return. The pitchers must continue to show improvement, and they likely will if for no other reason that they are more experienced. If they do not improve, I agree that Butch should not be brought back. I think that the pitching staff will be very scrutinized next year. So, health is a big key next year for our staff. We can not afford to lose Stratton or Routt next year. If they come back and Routt is healthy, I think we have a foundation of a good starting rotation. But again, Routt's health will be highly scrutinized. Basically from the freshmen, I want to see improvement in general from this year to next. I do like the talent and the potential of the pitching staff, though. I honestly can't remember the last time we had this many guys with the ability to throw this hard- probably 2001 or so.
Bullpen- Closer- Ben Bracewell. Others- Micheal Dixon, Wes Rea, Evan Mitchell, Paxton Pace, Ross Mitchell,Jared Miller, Jamie McMahon, Devin Jones, and Caleb Reed and most of the others vying for the starting spots not named Routt or Stratton. One of- if not the most improved part of our team this past year was our bullpen. I think a lot of that is Ben Bracewell emerging as a closer and just having more talent in general. One thing to watch with Ben is how he comes back from surgery next year. I think Devin Jones and Caleb Reed are going to be even better next year as juniors, and Devin has a legit shot at being drafted next year because he throws so darn hard. I think the leftovers from the starting rotation battle will also help form a quality bullpen as well, and I think overall experience will again help, and just as the starters will be scrutinized, the bullpen also will as well. One guy that really might help out a lot is Micheal Dixon IF he can come back healthy. Unfortunately, as I was typing these names, that's kind of a recurrent theme for a lot of these guys. I think Paxton Pace could really make a difference for us IF he is healthy as well. The good news is it looks like we have a lot of options and we have a lot of guys who can bring a lot of different things to the table. It is up to Butch to put it all together, though. So, that will definately be watched next year.
Catcher- Cody Freeman- Sr. Wes Thigpen- Sr., Brett Bozeman JUCO, Kolby Byrd RS Fr., Garrett Pitts Fr., and Dallas Hannah RS Fr. One small, minor problem that we have this year is our catching is a little thin. It hasn't really been an issue because we haven't had injuries, and the guys we have have performed. Next we will be pretty good as far as depth. We return two starters who will be seniors in Freeman and Thigpen, and I would like to see both hit a little bit better next year, and I would like to see Freeman improve defensively. Bozeman is very similar to Thigpen- he is supposed to be a catch and throw guy, and he may have a little bit more power than Wes. Kolby Byrd is a good defender, but he is RS to try to learn how to become a better hitter. Pitts is from Fairhope, and is often menitoned as a guy that could get moved to catcher. I suspect that he will RS to learn the position, because unless I'm mistaken, he has been a middle infielder most of his career in high school. Hannah is a walk-on that can play a lot of positions that I think will be a role player. This will probably be a strength of our team.
First base- JUCO mytery recruit #2 (Will Brenton?), Wes Rea, Corey Dickerson, Jarrod Parks, Nick Vickerson, Daryl Norris. We're not going to be able to just replace Conner Powers next year. That's just the truth. I really like Wes Rea a lot though. I remember asking one of my baseball friends on the coast about what he thought about Rea, and he sent me an e-mail back that simply said "I think he's a freak of nature". So, that was good enough for me. He does need to lose weight, but I'm not really that concerned about a big guy at first base- John Kruk, Prince Fielder, Boog Powell, and Cecil Fielder- it can be done. I don't expect Rea to duplicate Powers numbers as a freshmen though. I think the main two guys that will be competing will be Rea and JUCO mystery recruit number two, but the others could certainly end up seening some time there depending on what happens around the infield.
Second base- Adam Frazier, Chase Luwallen, Sam Frost, Frank Rawdow, Vickerson, Taylor Stark, DeMarcus Henderson, and Jonathan Ogden. For as much as he has been criticized, and rightfully so, Sam Frost is really hit the ball better lately- and now I just jinxed him for the rest of the year. That said, I think we will definately upgrade at this position next year, and I really like Frazier as the second baseman of the future. I think Luwallen is the likely shortstop because he allegedly has a better arm, so that's why I went with him there. Frazier is a really good contact hitter, and I think that will help him make the transition from high school to college as a hitter a little easier. I want to see how Frost does next year and see how much improvement he makes, because I'm, still not sold on his bat. I think he actually has some value for us in terms of being a role player because he can play defense- and I expect that to improve- he can run, and he can bunt. Rawdow could certianly get the job if he is healthy as well. The only way that Vickerson gets it is if we can't find another spot for him anywhere else.
Third base- Jarrod Parks and Daryl Norris, Rawdow, Luwallen, Vickerson, Henderson, Stark, Brayden Jones and Ogden. I know the staff really likes Daryl Norris, and as many of you know, I am not quite as sold on him as the coaches are as far as being an immediate impact guy. I won't complain if I'm wrong about that though. I still have to think that the coaches are going to go with Parks here, unless he just can't hit. It just makes sense- he's a senior who is a good defender. Norris is one of, if not the highest rated HS recruit that we have in this class. I think he will be a good player in time, but I don't know if that time is next year. I think what will most likely what will happen is Parks will step up and be solid and Norris will see some time here and be a DH/role guy for us. The others are possibilities in the case that neither Parks not Norris work out.
Shortstop- Chase Luwallen, Ogden, Frazier, Vickerson, Henderson, Stark, and Rawdow. I think this will end up being a Luwallen/Ogden/Frazier battle. I think Luwallen will win because even though he is a freshmen, I think he will outhit Ogden. And while Luwallen may not be as good defensively as Ogden or have as much power, he is not shabby defensively himself. Not enough to the point where it would warrant playing Ogden everyday. The coaches thing that Ogden will hit next year, and I have absolutely no clue why. He didn't hit in high school, JUCO or this year either. I think if Ogden can figure out how to hit- like maybe cutting down on his swing some- and Luwallen may push him to that- then I would say that he would definately start. I think Ogden will play a good bit next year, but I'm thinking more of as a role player- defensive replacement, bunter, pinch runner type than anything else.
Right field- Nick Vickerson, DeMarcus Henderson, Taylor Stark, Brent Brownlee, CT Bradford, Cody Abraham, Brayden Jones, David Bishop, Trey Johnson. Among others. I think Vickerson will start here if he plays in the field next year. He has a strong arm, but an erratic arm which hurts him on the infield. I think his bat definately has to be in the lineup though. And he is a good athlete- good enough to go from infield to outfield. Another guy to watch here is DeMarcus Henderson. Every time someone talks about him, one word always seems to come up- and that's "toolsy" (I have a feeling that I just gave him a nickname) And yes, he has the ability to be a five tool guy. He played QB at Wayne County, and a lot of people think that he could take off just focusing on baseball, and this season his stock has really risen. BUT he is also kind of raw. So, he could either set the world on fire, or he could just as easily look like he just picked up a bat for the first time. In time, I think he will be a very good player for us, though by the time he is a junior.
Center field- Jaron, CT Bradford, Brownlee, Abraham, Stark. If there is a position that is locked down, it's Jaron Shepherd in CF. I think he had a lot of trouble adjusting, but now that he has gotten his feet wet, he has become a solid contributer. I really expect a big season from him should he return. He is a solid defender, has great speed and will be a force on the basepaths, and now he is hitting. His range is about as good as you could want as well. CT Bradford is probably our CF of the future. From what I have heard, he is a really good bunter, he is a really good defender who can run, has a great arm, and is a true leadoff hitter. I don't know if he will start for us next year, but he certainly will be in the mix, and I think he will play a good bit as a freshmen whether he starts or not. Bradford is frequently mentioned as a draft prospect as well. Brownlee might be the CF IF he is healthy and if Jaron doesn't come back and he beats out CT.
Left Field- Corey Dickerson, and all of the others listed above. Again, I'm not big on JUCO guys, but I really do think Dickerson is legit. He went JUCO because of his grades, and he had big numbers in high school. He is another potential five tool guy according to the scouts. I think the biggest question with him besides will he actually go to MSU is how quickly will be adjust to the SEC? With Conner Powers leaving, we really need for him to pan out. I think our left fielder of the future is probably Cody Abraham. He is really hitting well in the Houston high school leagues- .520 which is what he is hitting now is really impressive. He has good speed, a good arm, and is a good defender. I think he may develop some power as he fills out, but I don't think he will be more than a 5-10 home run guy by the time he is a junior.
What of next year? We need to have a winning season and this staff has to show overall progress, because people are already starting to get restless, and rightfully so. Personally, I do think that Cohen is a good coach, and a very good recruiter. Nonetheless, he has to win because people are not going to accept a five-six year rebuilding job, and that includes me as well. I really am encouraged by the talent this was brought in last year in the form of pitching, and alos the talent that is being brought in this year. But the bottom line is this- Cohen must win next year and the team has to show progress. Next year, he will have his players in in some form or fashion- JUCO or out of high school. So, this is how I feel about the team personally, and I'm playing AD here. If he doesn't have a winning season next year, and he needs to make the SEC Tournament, or at the very least a regional, I would tell him to make some kind of staff changes- which probably would mean Butch Thompson and maybe Mingione depending on what happens. If the pitching doesn't progress, then it's a no brainer. I've heard way too many good things about Lane Burroughs for me to believe that he is the problem in any form or fashion. That would take Cohen to year four- which means that his first class would be juniors, and his second class would be sophomores, and there would be no one left from the previous staff. And I would let him know in no uncertain terms that he better figure out a way to make it to the postseason or he would be gone. I think that is more than fair- and some people would say fire him if he doesn't make it next year, and I really don't have that big of an issue with that to be honest with you because next year is mostly his guys to. I reserve the right to change my mind should we lose to a SWAC team again, or have another 11 game losing streak. The way I see it, either we are going to win with Cohen, or someone else is going to win with his recruits and it really doesn't matter to me one way or the other as long as we make a good hire for the next coach.
So, there it is! I think one thing we can all agree on is that we all want what's best for MSU and that hopefully better days are ahead. I really hope we can take MSU baseball to a level that it has never seen before in terms of perstige and excellence. That would be a great day indeed- looking forward to the day when I am tased for running onto the field at Omaha after we win the National Championship, and spending a night in prison.
God bless you Bulldog fans!
The World Famous Todd4State.
OK- Here it goes!
Starting pitchers- Fri- Chris Stratton, Sat. Nick Routt, and Sunday Luke Bole. Others vying for starting spots- CC Watson, Devin Jones, Kendall Graveman, Chad Girodo, Daryl Norris, Tim Statz, Corey Collins, Victor Diaz and Matt Lane are probably going to be the main candidates for starting spots. I think one thing that has really killed us is the fact that the past two seasons, we have had two guys that we really counted on to be solid starters go awry- Rickey Bowen and this year Nick Routt with his injury. I think our struggles really kind of underscore the importance of having good weekend starters in the SEC. And as I have mentioned several times, Routt was definately without a doubt the fault of the pitching coach. And because of that, or at least in part because of that, this is a big year for Butch Thompson if he does indeed return. The pitchers must continue to show improvement, and they likely will if for no other reason that they are more experienced. If they do not improve, I agree that Butch should not be brought back. I think that the pitching staff will be very scrutinized next year. So, health is a big key next year for our staff. We can not afford to lose Stratton or Routt next year. If they come back and Routt is healthy, I think we have a foundation of a good starting rotation. But again, Routt's health will be highly scrutinized. Basically from the freshmen, I want to see improvement in general from this year to next. I do like the talent and the potential of the pitching staff, though. I honestly can't remember the last time we had this many guys with the ability to throw this hard- probably 2001 or so.
Bullpen- Closer- Ben Bracewell. Others- Micheal Dixon, Wes Rea, Evan Mitchell, Paxton Pace, Ross Mitchell,Jared Miller, Jamie McMahon, Devin Jones, and Caleb Reed and most of the others vying for the starting spots not named Routt or Stratton. One of- if not the most improved part of our team this past year was our bullpen. I think a lot of that is Ben Bracewell emerging as a closer and just having more talent in general. One thing to watch with Ben is how he comes back from surgery next year. I think Devin Jones and Caleb Reed are going to be even better next year as juniors, and Devin has a legit shot at being drafted next year because he throws so darn hard. I think the leftovers from the starting rotation battle will also help form a quality bullpen as well, and I think overall experience will again help, and just as the starters will be scrutinized, the bullpen also will as well. One guy that really might help out a lot is Micheal Dixon IF he can come back healthy. Unfortunately, as I was typing these names, that's kind of a recurrent theme for a lot of these guys. I think Paxton Pace could really make a difference for us IF he is healthy as well. The good news is it looks like we have a lot of options and we have a lot of guys who can bring a lot of different things to the table. It is up to Butch to put it all together, though. So, that will definately be watched next year.
Catcher- Cody Freeman- Sr. Wes Thigpen- Sr., Brett Bozeman JUCO, Kolby Byrd RS Fr., Garrett Pitts Fr., and Dallas Hannah RS Fr. One small, minor problem that we have this year is our catching is a little thin. It hasn't really been an issue because we haven't had injuries, and the guys we have have performed. Next we will be pretty good as far as depth. We return two starters who will be seniors in Freeman and Thigpen, and I would like to see both hit a little bit better next year, and I would like to see Freeman improve defensively. Bozeman is very similar to Thigpen- he is supposed to be a catch and throw guy, and he may have a little bit more power than Wes. Kolby Byrd is a good defender, but he is RS to try to learn how to become a better hitter. Pitts is from Fairhope, and is often menitoned as a guy that could get moved to catcher. I suspect that he will RS to learn the position, because unless I'm mistaken, he has been a middle infielder most of his career in high school. Hannah is a walk-on that can play a lot of positions that I think will be a role player. This will probably be a strength of our team.
First base- JUCO mytery recruit #2 (Will Brenton?), Wes Rea, Corey Dickerson, Jarrod Parks, Nick Vickerson, Daryl Norris. We're not going to be able to just replace Conner Powers next year. That's just the truth. I really like Wes Rea a lot though. I remember asking one of my baseball friends on the coast about what he thought about Rea, and he sent me an e-mail back that simply said "I think he's a freak of nature". So, that was good enough for me. He does need to lose weight, but I'm not really that concerned about a big guy at first base- John Kruk, Prince Fielder, Boog Powell, and Cecil Fielder- it can be done. I don't expect Rea to duplicate Powers numbers as a freshmen though. I think the main two guys that will be competing will be Rea and JUCO mystery recruit number two, but the others could certainly end up seening some time there depending on what happens around the infield.
Second base- Adam Frazier, Chase Luwallen, Sam Frost, Frank Rawdow, Vickerson, Taylor Stark, DeMarcus Henderson, and Jonathan Ogden. For as much as he has been criticized, and rightfully so, Sam Frost is really hit the ball better lately- and now I just jinxed him for the rest of the year. That said, I think we will definately upgrade at this position next year, and I really like Frazier as the second baseman of the future. I think Luwallen is the likely shortstop because he allegedly has a better arm, so that's why I went with him there. Frazier is a really good contact hitter, and I think that will help him make the transition from high school to college as a hitter a little easier. I want to see how Frost does next year and see how much improvement he makes, because I'm, still not sold on his bat. I think he actually has some value for us in terms of being a role player because he can play defense- and I expect that to improve- he can run, and he can bunt. Rawdow could certianly get the job if he is healthy as well. The only way that Vickerson gets it is if we can't find another spot for him anywhere else.
Third base- Jarrod Parks and Daryl Norris, Rawdow, Luwallen, Vickerson, Henderson, Stark, Brayden Jones and Ogden. I know the staff really likes Daryl Norris, and as many of you know, I am not quite as sold on him as the coaches are as far as being an immediate impact guy. I won't complain if I'm wrong about that though. I still have to think that the coaches are going to go with Parks here, unless he just can't hit. It just makes sense- he's a senior who is a good defender. Norris is one of, if not the highest rated HS recruit that we have in this class. I think he will be a good player in time, but I don't know if that time is next year. I think what will most likely what will happen is Parks will step up and be solid and Norris will see some time here and be a DH/role guy for us. The others are possibilities in the case that neither Parks not Norris work out.
Shortstop- Chase Luwallen, Ogden, Frazier, Vickerson, Henderson, Stark, and Rawdow. I think this will end up being a Luwallen/Ogden/Frazier battle. I think Luwallen will win because even though he is a freshmen, I think he will outhit Ogden. And while Luwallen may not be as good defensively as Ogden or have as much power, he is not shabby defensively himself. Not enough to the point where it would warrant playing Ogden everyday. The coaches thing that Ogden will hit next year, and I have absolutely no clue why. He didn't hit in high school, JUCO or this year either. I think if Ogden can figure out how to hit- like maybe cutting down on his swing some- and Luwallen may push him to that- then I would say that he would definately start. I think Ogden will play a good bit next year, but I'm thinking more of as a role player- defensive replacement, bunter, pinch runner type than anything else.
Right field- Nick Vickerson, DeMarcus Henderson, Taylor Stark, Brent Brownlee, CT Bradford, Cody Abraham, Brayden Jones, David Bishop, Trey Johnson. Among others. I think Vickerson will start here if he plays in the field next year. He has a strong arm, but an erratic arm which hurts him on the infield. I think his bat definately has to be in the lineup though. And he is a good athlete- good enough to go from infield to outfield. Another guy to watch here is DeMarcus Henderson. Every time someone talks about him, one word always seems to come up- and that's "toolsy" (I have a feeling that I just gave him a nickname) And yes, he has the ability to be a five tool guy. He played QB at Wayne County, and a lot of people think that he could take off just focusing on baseball, and this season his stock has really risen. BUT he is also kind of raw. So, he could either set the world on fire, or he could just as easily look like he just picked up a bat for the first time. In time, I think he will be a very good player for us, though by the time he is a junior.
Center field- Jaron, CT Bradford, Brownlee, Abraham, Stark. If there is a position that is locked down, it's Jaron Shepherd in CF. I think he had a lot of trouble adjusting, but now that he has gotten his feet wet, he has become a solid contributer. I really expect a big season from him should he return. He is a solid defender, has great speed and will be a force on the basepaths, and now he is hitting. His range is about as good as you could want as well. CT Bradford is probably our CF of the future. From what I have heard, he is a really good bunter, he is a really good defender who can run, has a great arm, and is a true leadoff hitter. I don't know if he will start for us next year, but he certainly will be in the mix, and I think he will play a good bit as a freshmen whether he starts or not. Bradford is frequently mentioned as a draft prospect as well. Brownlee might be the CF IF he is healthy and if Jaron doesn't come back and he beats out CT.
Left Field- Corey Dickerson, and all of the others listed above. Again, I'm not big on JUCO guys, but I really do think Dickerson is legit. He went JUCO because of his grades, and he had big numbers in high school. He is another potential five tool guy according to the scouts. I think the biggest question with him besides will he actually go to MSU is how quickly will be adjust to the SEC? With Conner Powers leaving, we really need for him to pan out. I think our left fielder of the future is probably Cody Abraham. He is really hitting well in the Houston high school leagues- .520 which is what he is hitting now is really impressive. He has good speed, a good arm, and is a good defender. I think he may develop some power as he fills out, but I don't think he will be more than a 5-10 home run guy by the time he is a junior.
What of next year? We need to have a winning season and this staff has to show overall progress, because people are already starting to get restless, and rightfully so. Personally, I do think that Cohen is a good coach, and a very good recruiter. Nonetheless, he has to win because people are not going to accept a five-six year rebuilding job, and that includes me as well. I really am encouraged by the talent this was brought in last year in the form of pitching, and alos the talent that is being brought in this year. But the bottom line is this- Cohen must win next year and the team has to show progress. Next year, he will have his players in in some form or fashion- JUCO or out of high school. So, this is how I feel about the team personally, and I'm playing AD here. If he doesn't have a winning season next year, and he needs to make the SEC Tournament, or at the very least a regional, I would tell him to make some kind of staff changes- which probably would mean Butch Thompson and maybe Mingione depending on what happens. If the pitching doesn't progress, then it's a no brainer. I've heard way too many good things about Lane Burroughs for me to believe that he is the problem in any form or fashion. That would take Cohen to year four- which means that his first class would be juniors, and his second class would be sophomores, and there would be no one left from the previous staff. And I would let him know in no uncertain terms that he better figure out a way to make it to the postseason or he would be gone. I think that is more than fair- and some people would say fire him if he doesn't make it next year, and I really don't have that big of an issue with that to be honest with you because next year is mostly his guys to. I reserve the right to change my mind should we lose to a SWAC team again, or have another 11 game losing streak. The way I see it, either we are going to win with Cohen, or someone else is going to win with his recruits and it really doesn't matter to me one way or the other as long as we make a good hire for the next coach.
So, there it is! I think one thing we can all agree on is that we all want what's best for MSU and that hopefully better days are ahead. I really hope we can take MSU baseball to a level that it has never seen before in terms of perstige and excellence. That would be a great day indeed- looking forward to the day when I am tased for running onto the field at Omaha after we win the National Championship, and spending a night in prison.
God bless you Bulldog fans!
The World Famous Todd4State.
