Jtilley said:
CLTWolf said:
Jtilley said:
CLTWolf said:
wilmwolf80 said:
I typically think of middle infielders as being pretty versatile guys as well. Just because a guy played SS at his previous school doesn't mean he couldn't play, say CF for us. But as you say, a lot of unknowns at this point.
For some reason I initially had it in my head he meant HS kids. Of course for most HSs, the best player on the team plays SS. But you nailed it, lots of kids that play SS can play middle INF, corner INF and OF positions as well.
I went back to look, doesn't look like we're after a ton of MIF types. And some we might not be after much, just made the initial "twitter" contact.
Trevor Candelaria - OF Davidson. Played CF and RF, mainly RF
Caleb Denny - He's an OF. Played all 59 games in RF for Oral Roberts
Colby Thomas - Also an OFer for Mercer. 40 games in RF and 1 in CF
Bill Knight - 58 games in CF for Mercer. Did play 5 games at 3B his FR year. ha
Towns King - This kid has played all over. 1B, 2B, LF, CF and RF as well.
Dylan Ditzenberger - Dylan has played every position on the diamond except for C. He even pitched 4.2 innings in the Texas Collegiate League back in 2018. haha
Santi Montiel - SS only
Carter Trice - Has played 73 games at 2B, 36 games in RF, 3 in LF, 5 at 3B and 2 at SS. I think he's an OF but can play in the INF in a pinch. All those games at 2B came last year after the original starter was injured.
Jack Pineda - 23 games at 2B and 86 at SS
Safe to say we're looking for help in the OF as well as kids that can possibly play 2B but other positions as well. That's just my guess (the 2B part), of course.
*I looked quickly so I might've missed some names.
I can't keep up with all the names and honestly it could have been in my subconscious or something, just seemed like a lot of the people the staff or names being mentioned were MIF.
But you're right, the best kid in HS typically always plays SS and move in college.
I would think Hood is gone since it is his leverage year, that would basically open up 2B, SS (or 3rd if you think Green can handle either).
Groover played 2nd some at Charlotte but I don't see him moving to the middle.
Trice seems pretty versatile as well but I have no clue about his defense.
That's why I went back and looked b/c I thought the same in my "subconscious" as well.
According to baseball reference, Gino played in 37 games at first, 14 games at 2nd and 6 in RF. I think he could be a candidate for DH (just my opinion). Eli Serrano is my prototype 1B being tall and left handed.
From what I've been reading, I think Trice is an OF and only played 2nd out of necessity. Having said that, watch him pop up at 3rd next year. haha
We all thought Devonte was gone last year too...(in regards to being drafted/leverage year)
The draft is so hard to predict with who signs and who doesn't so I agree with you there 100%. We can make best guesses but we still miss on a few every year in HS and our guys.
This year seems even more challenging on who will come back or sign. Villiman is the only sure fire IMO unless a medical pops up or something. Hood would be my second best guess then the rest are toss ups or should probably come back for a year.
I agree on Gino as well, his best position is "Hitter". I am interested to see if he plays field anymore next year since it is his draft year.
I don't know enough about Trice or the incoming freshman to predict, other than I would assume Gupton has best shot at CF with his speed alone but who knows.
The draft situation is tough this year. Serrano looks to be the highest predicted in-coming player we have, about the same as Villaman. Gupton, I think we have a better chance to get on campus, predicted 8-12th. Zayas is a project in later rounds. It depends on what the drafting club is looking for. Villaman, Hood 8-10 (and gone if so), Highfill about the same (will he leave here or come back for first round money next year after the injury, or will the drafting team offer a big bonus over slot to sign him?), Piloli around 15th and I think he leaves, Willasden 16-17th maybe he is gone, but Soles had no projection in two of the more reliable services.
So if they all leave, we need a lot. If they don't, we will need arms and a player or two more other than Trice.
I actually saw Groover play 2B a couple games in Charlotte. His hands are good, range is good, feet aren't bad and arm is average. I do think he can handle second, if needed. He is playing outfield this summer, so he is trying to show versatility, we all know he can hit. Where will Nixon, Marcy and especially Green play?
I have seen Waldschmidt and Nolan play, both can play but where for us is the question, how do they fit. And who is the SS, I don't see many of those names other than the Vandy guy, Carter Young. His stats are down and I think he is coming off a shoulder injury. Steady defense, a little pop, but decreasing average every season. Why is he leaving?
So lots of questions I think that can't be answered yet but lots of teams in that boat. Patience, I think, is the answer.
CLT, Justin, Pack2010, jtilley and others- thanks for the research, saves me time.