I think Coppola goes if given the opportunity. Especially considering that he's injury prone. I saw a mock draft the other day that had him going in the top 150. Next season could potentially be a disaster.
Thank goodness we have Ashton Wilson coming back! They need to get this kid into the Cape this summer!
If Yost heals up fine and makes it back Feb/March, we could have the foundation for next year's OF with Wilson, Robertson, and Yost. Lots of pieces to figure out before then. I still hope we get to see Brookins get a chance to develop. He seems to have plenty of potential whenever he gets his chance. If Yost picks up where he left off I could see him and Wilson batting 1-2 next year by mid season.
Those four are a good foundation. Russell has potential, too, and Caden McDonald will be a factor at 1B and maybe OF. I assume Evans' injury isn't enough to make his draft point unreasonably low, but it's not impossible he'll be back. It's certain one or two frosh OF will show up, plus at least one experienced transfer. We blind optimists know it will be hard for our OF to be as strong as they were in recent years with Wyatt, Jud, Sterlin Thompson and Jacob Young, but it's reasonable to expect next year's OF to be more consistently productive than this year.
Whether Robertson is back next year or not, he deserves some credit. Since game 2 at Georgia, Robertson is batting 11 for 33 (.333) with 8 RBIs. That's pretty good production out of the 9 hole hitter. With an average over 250 on the season after ending last year at 230, I hope he is back next year. Once again it proves hitting can be contagious.
I’m coming around! Many thanks for all that you do for this board! What a season this has been! Now on to the final chapter….
Glad to see Nick's writeup giving some cred to Robertson as well. Here's a small taste. "Michael Robertson over the last 10 games (starting with game 2 at Georgia) is hitting .350 with 11 RBI and seven runs. He’s been a huge part of Florida’s postseason success in the nine-hole.
Plan on this guy being in the starting lineup. Quality addition. https://247sports.com/college/flori...cruiting-blake-cyr-kevin-osullivan-232580101/
This is a big factor. Not sure where he would be drafted or for what position. I would have to imagine that his power production would go up if he played first base/DH most days. Catcher takes a lot out of you in the Florida heat and humidity.
Not saying it will turn out this way but don't forget Ashton Wilson practiced most every day in the fall as a back up 1st baseman, behind Cags and sometimes Heyman. I mentioned it in another thread but want to make sure its considered here. My point is Wilson is versatile as a 1st basemen or corner OF. If Robertson is back, Cyr in left, and Yost heals up sooner than expected, I wouldn't be surprised if Wilson ends up at 1st. As long as he is producing like he is now, Sully will probably let him play wherever he wants.
Heyman doesn't have many professional tools. As of today I'd bet on him being a 4 year college player, whether it's here or elsewhere.
Yes, but most people thought he would sign as a free agent, as many players do who are draft eligible. His decision to return was a big boost to the Gator team in 2023 and his significant improvement in the field and at the plate made him a bunch of money. I doubt Ty Evans will get drafted high enough to get a signing bonus, if drafted at all. Therefore, I asked the question of @Matherly thought Evans might do the same thing Rivera did. Valid question.
Rivera had the covid year to use too, and another year of leverage. Ty doesn’t. Don’t underestimate that leverage. If he can negotiate a decent deal this year, there’s no reason to come back unless he just really likes college. If he can’t negotiate a decent contract, then you come back and try to show you’re a different player than you’ve been the last three years.