Jacob Shempert from Houston, MS. Supposed to be a top 3 player in Mississippi. The Swan says that he's a catcher.
Cohen gets a 2012 baseball commitment
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Jacob Shempert from Houston, MS. Supposed to be a top 3 player in Mississippi. The Swan says that he's a catcher.
heard of him. Anyone got any info? I'm not sure a verbal commitment is to binding when you are a sophomore.
Looks to be a decent pickup. I heard Cohen on Dawgstalk last week and he said that they were expecting commitments from 2 sophomores and 2 more junior college players. Im assuming Shempert was one of the sophomores. He said that you only offer and take a commitment from a sophomore if you are absolutely sure that he will be a player.
Someone else might want to chime in, but I believe that's what he said. He had Lane Burroughs on the show with him and they talked about how they felt good about Norris turning down pro ball and coming to MSU. They are very high on him. They are also very high on CT Bradford and Cory Dickerson from MCC.
but he plays on a baseball team that is not all that good- apologies to whoever knows the coach there. It's a 4A team that plays a difficult schedule, but again they're not all that good. He has 6 home runs this year, and is hitting .348, and has thrown out 42% of baserunners that have tried to steal on him.
His pitching stats aren't very good- his ERA is in the 3's which is high for a prospect, although he is just a So.
Apparently, as a freshmen, he went to some showcase in Florida and was throwing 85-87 and was topping out at 89 there. I'm not sure that this guy is a pitcher, but he clearly has a good arm, which is something you want your catcher to have. Looks to me like he has some power, but needs to work on his average. Throwing out 42% of baserunners that have tried to steal on this guy is pretty impressive, I don't care what league you're in.
Since this guy is a So., I'll give him a little bit of a pass for now on the hitting, but it's definately something that I will be watching, and I'll go ahead and say that this looks like a pretty good pick up- but I want to see what he does his junior and senior years.
His pitching stats aren't very good- his ERA is in the 3's which is high for a prospect, although he is just a So.
Apparently, as a freshmen, he went to some showcase in Florida and was throwing 85-87 and was topping out at 89 there. I'm not sure that this guy is a pitcher, but he clearly has a good arm, which is something you want your catcher to have. Looks to me like he has some power, but needs to work on his average. Throwing out 42% of baserunners that have tried to steal on this guy is pretty impressive, I don't care what league you're in.
Since this guy is a So., I'll give him a little bit of a pass for now on the hitting, but it's definately something that I will be watching, and I'll go ahead and say that this looks like a pretty good pick up- but I want to see what he does his junior and senior years.
For two SEC baseball programs to offer you as a 16 year old sophomore, you have to have a high ceiling and the coaches see large potential with you.
I'm not as high on Daryl Norris as the coaching staff is. Don't get me wrong- I think he is a good player, but I'm not sure that he is going to be a weekend guy/middle of the order third baseman as a freshman. It is likely that he will turn down the draft because he has struggled this year. His ERA is 2.28, which is high for an elite prospect, and he is hitting .450 with 8 home runs, but struggled for a lot of the year. Personally, I think he will be a weekend starter for us, but I'm not sold on him at third.
Now that said. the guy I'm personally high on is Wes Rea. This is a guy who I think could be a dual position guy. My baseball friends from the coast all talk about what a freak show this guy is. I really think he is our first baseman next year, and for those who wonder where our power is going to come from, I think it could be this guy. He has a hurt shoulder, and STILL hit 10 home runs, and that was a few weeks ago. He hit .512 as a Jr. He obviously has a good arm, and he is a pretty good defender at first. I think he is the most underrated player in the state for whatever reason- people think he is overweight, he's a football player, plays for a 6A school that didn't make the playoffs, the shoulder- I don't know. But he's a guy that could definately play first, and potentially close for us depending on how his shoulder heals. Admittedly, he ain't a five tool player because he isn't going to steal a whole lot of bases, but I'll certainly would take him with four tools. The guy can play.
I will concur with the coaching staff on CT Bradford and Dickerson, although again with Dickerson he's a JUCO, and he's going to have to prove it to me in the SEC.
I really like Adam Frazier, Chase Luwallen, and DeMarcus Henderson as well.
If I was Cohen- screw the JUCO's. I wouldn't even give them the time of day. Offer a buttload of money to Kaleb Barlow. I know he wants to go JUCO, but I would give him an offer he couldn't refuse- full scholarship, hookers and free chat. I think he's worth it. Stick him at third base. Next offer Hunter Renfroe of Copiah Academy and there's your catcher. If one of those two didn't work, go after Jackson Posey and then plan C is R J Johnson from Starkville. At least R J is a LH bat we could use in RF and be serviceable.
Then in three years, our team would look like this:
Closer- Bracewell- Jr.
Set-up LH- CC Watson- Jr.
Set-up RH- Wes Rea- So.
Submarine- Caleb Reed- Sr. (OK, I like submarine guys, just go with it.)
Fri- Stratton- Jr.
Sat- Routt- Sr. (Yes, I think he's a four year guy)
Sun.- Bole- Jr.
Midweek- Norris- So.
Catcher- Hunter Renfroe- So.
Catcher- Kolby Byrd- RS So.
1B- Wes Rea- So.
2B- Adam Frazier- So.
3B- Kaleb Barlow- So.
SS- Chase Luwallen- So.
RF- DeMarcus Henderson- So.
CF- CT Bradford- So.
LF- Brownlee- Sr.
DH- Luke Bole- Jr.
PH- Brayden Jones- So.
PR- Frost- Jr.
Util- Taylor Stark- So.
Typical lineup
1. Bradford LH
2. Luwallen LH
3. Rea RH
4. Bole LH
5. Barlow RH
6. Renfroe RH
7. Henderson RH
8. Frazier LH
9. Brownlee RH
This is how we would look if I were the coach. With Cohen's players and a couple of others that I assume like hookers. We're really not that far from it being a reality, unfortunately two of the better players- Barlow and Renfroe aren't in the fold.
Now that said. the guy I'm personally high on is Wes Rea. This is a guy who I think could be a dual position guy. My baseball friends from the coast all talk about what a freak show this guy is. I really think he is our first baseman next year, and for those who wonder where our power is going to come from, I think it could be this guy. He has a hurt shoulder, and STILL hit 10 home runs, and that was a few weeks ago. He hit .512 as a Jr. He obviously has a good arm, and he is a pretty good defender at first. I think he is the most underrated player in the state for whatever reason- people think he is overweight, he's a football player, plays for a 6A school that didn't make the playoffs, the shoulder- I don't know. But he's a guy that could definately play first, and potentially close for us depending on how his shoulder heals. Admittedly, he ain't a five tool player because he isn't going to steal a whole lot of bases, but I'll certainly would take him with four tools. The guy can play.
I will concur with the coaching staff on CT Bradford and Dickerson, although again with Dickerson he's a JUCO, and he's going to have to prove it to me in the SEC.
I really like Adam Frazier, Chase Luwallen, and DeMarcus Henderson as well.
If I was Cohen- screw the JUCO's. I wouldn't even give them the time of day. Offer a buttload of money to Kaleb Barlow. I know he wants to go JUCO, but I would give him an offer he couldn't refuse- full scholarship, hookers and free chat. I think he's worth it. Stick him at third base. Next offer Hunter Renfroe of Copiah Academy and there's your catcher. If one of those two didn't work, go after Jackson Posey and then plan C is R J Johnson from Starkville. At least R J is a LH bat we could use in RF and be serviceable.
Then in three years, our team would look like this:
Closer- Bracewell- Jr.
Set-up LH- CC Watson- Jr.
Set-up RH- Wes Rea- So.
Submarine- Caleb Reed- Sr. (OK, I like submarine guys, just go with it.)
Fri- Stratton- Jr.
Sat- Routt- Sr. (Yes, I think he's a four year guy)
Sun.- Bole- Jr.
Midweek- Norris- So.
Catcher- Hunter Renfroe- So.
Catcher- Kolby Byrd- RS So.
1B- Wes Rea- So.
2B- Adam Frazier- So.
3B- Kaleb Barlow- So.
SS- Chase Luwallen- So.
RF- DeMarcus Henderson- So.
CF- CT Bradford- So.
LF- Brownlee- Sr.
DH- Luke Bole- Jr.
PH- Brayden Jones- So.
PR- Frost- Jr.
Util- Taylor Stark- So.
Typical lineup
1. Bradford LH
2. Luwallen LH
3. Rea RH
4. Bole LH
5. Barlow RH
6. Renfroe RH
7. Henderson RH
8. Frazier LH
9. Brownlee RH
This is how we would look if I were the coach. With Cohen's players and a couple of others that I assume like hookers. We're really not that far from it being a reality, unfortunately two of the better players- Barlow and Renfroe aren't in the fold.
JacksonDevilDog said:
This is something that you're going to start seeing more and more of. Teams trying to get commitments from younger players trying to jump the gun before other schools get the chance to recruit them.
Hey Todd,<div>Just curious. I know you aren't high on JUCO players but why do you think JUCO guys will struggle more than high school guys coming into the SEC? I have seen Wes Rea and Dickerson play and Dickerson has by far the better bat. Not all JUCO competition is bad and has to be better than high school. Wes is adequate at first base but his defense is poor. He missed two routine balls in the last game I saw him play. Just kinda wondered where you come from on this?</div>
are going to do you much good is one that would get drafted too high toend up incollege. There might be an exception like cohen had with the guy at kentucky who was drafted high out of juco and didn't get the deal he wanted and went to kentucky for one season. The guy hit in the 400's and hit over 20 homers. Then, you only have them for one year and they get drafted really high again and are gone. Maybe the theory is to sign a shitload of them and maybe a couple pan out and are good players. I don't know at this point. The bottom line is, we are going to have to have patience. Cohen may suck as a coach, but we won't know for sure for awhile longer.
I think you are beating a dead horse with ever thinking Bole is going to be a dual position guy, for whatever reason Cohen just doesnt agree with you.
Cohen disagreed with Asst Coach 6pack about Jet Butler playing 2nd for a while, and has since changed his tune. Also to mention, up until now, Cohen was starting Reed over Whitney, but Todd4 and many others that make up Asst Coach 6pack openly suggested starting Whitney and bringing Reed out of the pen. Now we read Cohen may start Whitney friday night.
Never say never when it comes to the many factions of Asst Coach 6pack, and how great his ideas are.
Never say never when it comes to the many factions of Asst Coach 6pack, and how great his ideas are.
is multifaceted.
First of all, JUCO's have to adjust to the SEC, and I think that's a big reason why a lot of them struggle. The SEC a higher level of play than JUCO. Look at Jaron Shepherd. He is just now starting to hit. Same with Wes Thigpen (maybe). They are more mature, but their first season is an adjustment.
Secondly, all JUCO's in Mississippi except for Meridian CC are D-II schools. They have division in JUCO just like four year schools. So, unless you are getting someone from Meridian you're not only getting a JUCO- you're getting one that is from an even lower division.
The thing about JUCO is the players are more mature, but most of the prospects are in MLB, D-I, Delta State, etc. There are a few left, but they're few and far between.
On top of that, of you're MSU, you get them for 1-2 years, and one of those years is an adjustment year, or the guy is good enough to go pro. We're getting one year out the guy, hopefully.
I would rather get a guy like Jared Miller that we are RS that might help us out for 2-3 years than one.
I've seen Wes play as well. He obviously had a bad night when you saw him. For a guy his size, he can move. Dickerson probably does have a better bat right now, but he is also two years older.
First of all, JUCO's have to adjust to the SEC, and I think that's a big reason why a lot of them struggle. The SEC a higher level of play than JUCO. Look at Jaron Shepherd. He is just now starting to hit. Same with Wes Thigpen (maybe). They are more mature, but their first season is an adjustment.
Secondly, all JUCO's in Mississippi except for Meridian CC are D-II schools. They have division in JUCO just like four year schools. So, unless you are getting someone from Meridian you're not only getting a JUCO- you're getting one that is from an even lower division.
The thing about JUCO is the players are more mature, but most of the prospects are in MLB, D-I, Delta State, etc. There are a few left, but they're few and far between.
On top of that, of you're MSU, you get them for 1-2 years, and one of those years is an adjustment year, or the guy is good enough to go pro. We're getting one year out the guy, hopefully.
I would rather get a guy like Jared Miller that we are RS that might help us out for 2-3 years than one.
I've seen Wes play as well. He obviously had a bad night when you saw him. For a guy his size, he can move. Dickerson probably does have a better bat right now, but he is also two years older.
I hope Robbie is right. I have seen video of Luke hitting and he has a really good swing. Anyone that hits 20 in high school, I'm definately wanting to see what they can do with a bat in their hands. Especially if they're left handed.
he is supposed to be able to pitch in the fall. He has been cleared to play first base this year.
RobbieRandolph said:
the least stubborn stubborn person I know.
Oh, and don't forget putting Ryan Duffy in the lineup everyday.
he's notclose to being one of the best 2 or 3 players in the state without some improvement.But, he has plenty of time to do it, too....we're talking almost 2 1/2 years left to develop.
He hasvery good size for a sophmore, he has a pretty good arm, and he has some power. If I remember corectly, he also hits from the left side...got to see him when their team came to Saltillo for a Spring Break Tourney earlier this year.
He hasvery good size for a sophmore, he has a pretty good arm, and he has some power. If I remember corectly, he also hits from the left side...got to see him when their team came to Saltillo for a Spring Break Tourney earlier this year.
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Goatdawg
Guest
Cohen praised Butler last year for his ability to turn the double play at 2nd. It was BUTLER who didn't want to play 2nd. He let his attitude get in the way, Cohen benched him, now people get pissed at Cohen.
Some of you are just stupid.
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Goatdawg
Guest
that some guys go JUCO because of grades and some go because they just plain suck and don't get opportunities at big schools?
Dickerson is in the former. It's really simple.
Dickerson is in the former. It's really simple.
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Goatdawg
Guest
When you're one of the best players in the South, people are going to try everything to get you out, yes? Stands to reason why his stats might drop a tad his senior year.
Goatdawg said:
and that's why I'm a little more encouraged about Dickerson should we get him. It's still an adjustment, though.
Goatdawg said:
But I want the guys that aren't getting pitches to hit that are still hitting them out. That's why I like Rea.
if he supposedly doesn't have the sack to play second, why was he willing to play third? Second is much easier.