You might be right about Pogue and Nesbit but hooony your wrong. Not only do I expect big things from them but for us to have a big year we need them. I think Sully May bring them along slowly but both will be beyond 12 months in late February. Maybe just a hope but thinking both could be huge in April and May.
Good analysis of the baseball newcomers: GatorsTerritory - Florida Gators 2021 Baseball Recruiting Class
A nice write-up that keeps it simple and to the point. I noticed their list does not include Ryan Larsen. I'm so confused on this guy. Some think he is in cause he wasn't drafted. Then he is gone again or forgotten. I'm beginning to think he's going to be a no show, transcript problems, or more likely he's going elsewhere. If anyone has connections to this guy it'd be nice to get some insider info.
shane— Not to disappoint but it’s been my experience with power pitchers and for many years that their time table back to true game speed is an 18-24 months window. Soft tossing lefty’s come around a little sooner.
Are you thinking of Kyle Larsen, not Ryan Larsen? Kyle was drafted in the 18th round by the Rangers and signed with them on August 1 for $575,000! Incredible since the slot value is very small. Only 1 other guy signed from the 18th round got more than $125,000, most for less, and that guy's bonus was $300,000. Larsen did good for himself. https://www.star-telegram.com/sports/mlb/texas-rangers/article253180603.html Rangers sign three players selected in 2021 MLB Draft
Once and for all KYLE Larsen is removed from the signee list. LOL Hopefully Ryan does well for himself as well, whoever he may be. Thanks Ocalaman for keeping me straight.
We did have a Ryan Larson on the team a few years back. Pretty good player, too. Ryan Larson - Baseball - Florida Gators
My wife and I nicknamed Ryan, Smirks. You could see his big white smile from the outfield. He was my wife's favorite that year. Deacon Liput got Smirks off the bus after one of the BAMA games in 2017 to take a picture with him. Both were very nice young men. The BAMA ballpark is beautiful.
Looks like Thompson and Langford could be really good this year. But again its just summer league. Gators Summer Baseball Recap - Florida Gators
Thompson is the real deal and I expect big numbers from him. His swing and lanky frame reminds me of John Olerud who had an outstanding 17-year career in the Bigs.
If he gets a starter spot it will be interesting to see where he plays. I doubt it will be catcher so either 3rd or 1st???
With Calilao, Armstrong, Rivera, Halter, Jud Fabian, Thompson & Guscette seeming to be locks for the starting lineup, that leave only 2 spots available in the batting order. I'm sure Langford will get a shot, as will Tucker Talbott, our only other returning hitter. Freshmen Derec Fabian, Rene Lastres, Michael Robertson and Ty Evans will be competing for playing time as well and it will be interesting to see who wins those final 2 position slots. Probably have a bunch of moving/rotating spots in the pre-conference schedule.
Agreed completely with several players getting their look or shot. I would expect to see a lot of rotating of positions/players this fall as Sully and staff evaluate their new roster. I would probably hold off on “locks for the starting lineup” for a bit too. Competition is healthy for everyone and I expect to see plenty of opportunities for returning as well as new players. Fall ball ought to be interesting IMHO.
I've read that Thompson was a pretty good infielder in HS so give him a shot at 3rd. He has a rifle for an arm... I'd like to see Armstrong work on his D and solidly secure 1st base- big guy, big target for off line throws and he was a pitcher so should have high athletic skills. Calilao in RF... that leaves LF as a spot to fill. But I agree there will be healthy competiton and mix and match for several positions. This team will score runs but pitching-- especially starters -- may be the fly in the ointment.
77— You make a big point with regards to pitchers, especially starting pitchers. It is my opinion that we have a newly filled roster that has an impressive list of pitching prospects (for the D-1 level). It will be very interesting to see who develops into pitchers. Time will tell and I expect it to be a great ride.
I did say "seeming to be" locks, so I was qualifying my statement. But your point is valid nevertheless. One example would be Lastres competing with Guscette and the transfer from Coastal Carolina, Riopelle, for the catcher job.