Looking Ahead

[Skinnycajun]

I am not saying this is the most important issue, but the thing I'm most interested in seeing next year is what the staff does, if anything, to put a premium on reaching base.

To date, we are 265th in the country in walks and 211th in OB%. We finished 6th in the country in stolen bases and 10th in stolen bases per game. Scoring 169th. So despite the constant pressure we put, a batting average in the top 1/3 of the country (88th) and a slugging % just outside the top 1/3 (101), we still scored fewer runs per game than over half the teams in the country.

Our deadly speed coupled with an inability to get on base felt to me like a world renowned Cajun chef working in a Chinese restaurant at times. I'm fully aware a Deggs lead team is not going to lead the nation in walks. There's too much movement and guys swinging to protect stealers and for hit and runs, but just AVERAGE stats in those first two categories I mentioned could push this offense in to a new stratosphere.

I'll say it till I die. Pitch count offensively and defensively is our death knell.

[Skinnycajun]

Learn how to hit from rocco. Pitch with a tempermant like Bonds.

[CajunT]

I have proven to be no draft wizard, but Brock sure looks like a professional baseball player to me.

Neither am I, just read some of the latest projections on MLB.com draft prospects and Perfect Game.

[Dad04]

I agree. Moving would impart too much risk for little reward. He can pad his stats at the familiar place with familiar staff and familiar teammates. He goes into the draft on a high.

I think there are too many variables that can throw things off with a change. Baseball players more than any other athletes are superstitious. If you are on a hot streak, you don’t change anything on or off the field. What does he really have to gain by going to a bigger school? He has the exposure now. He has the ability to compete on a national stage now. He should be a favorite for conference player of the year next season. He’s in an advantageous, and maybe more importantly, a more comfortable spot now.

Players are finely tuned athletic machines, one coach said. He is this () close to wrapping up a stellar college career, got everything going in one direction with unfinished business here.

[Dad04]

Neither am I, just read some of the latest projections on MLB.com draft prospects and Perfect Game.

They are much better at it than I. That much I know. I know we are better with Brock than without. Major coup if we keep him.

[LifeTimeCajun]

I am not saying this is the most important issue, but the thing I'm most interested in seeing next year is what the staff does, if anything, to put a premium on reaching base.

To date, we are 265th in the country in walks and 211th in OB%. We finished 6th in the country in stolen bases and 10th in stolen bases per game. Scoring 169th. So despite the constant pressure we put, a batting average in the top 1/3 of the country (88th) and a slugging % just outside the top 1/3 (101), we still scored fewer runs per game than over half the teams in the country.

Our deadly speed coupled with an inability to get on base felt to me like a world renowned Cajun chef working in a Chinese restaurant at times. I'm fully aware a Deggs lead team is not going to lead the nation in walks. There's too much movement and guys swinging to protect stealers and for hit and runs, but just AVERAGE stats in those first two categories I mentioned could push this offense in to a new stratosphere.

Back in 2013 we were that ultra aggressive team. Very similar to this years club. 2014 we had controlled aggression and increased our OBP and BB…less swinging, but when we did it was meaningful. Next year could be the same. Some of it comes with maturity. Some of it may be comfort. But i wouldnt mind that kind of production again.

[TammanyCajun]

Any probability DeBarge hits the portal since he’s so young?

[KajunKrazy]

(EXIT MEETINGS--They start with the players today. We'll know by next week if anyone is leaving, whether it be their decision or the coaching staff's choice. It's possible some guys may be asked to go JUCO in order to get more AB's. There's not a doubt in my mind, IF that happens, those guys are in future plans. Coach loves this team and the players)


Jay are you suggesting the coaches would send some kids to JuCo to get some at bats and then bring them back here with a little experience? I was told on here that never happens and coaches never do that and kids like Peyton Lejeune once they leave they never come back. That can't be what you are suggesting right?

[JayWalker]

Any probability DeBarge hits the portal since he’s so young?

Guys, you need to understand something.

While anything is possible, believe it or not, some of these young men LOVE being Ragin' Cajuns.

Rocco and DeBarge are two of them. I don't think they are going anywhere.

Just because we have good players other schools might be interested in, doesn't mean players will entertain the thought.

[LifeTimeCajun]

Jay,
Can you speak to how NIL is affecting baseball if any? I know its not to the level of football, but how relevant is it in spring sports outside of what we saw with Arkansas softball? I realize thats an outlier. Just curious.

[VObserver]

I am not Jay; but if I were you I would worry much more about the NCAA increasing the scholarship limit to the roster limit in sports like baseball and softball. When that happens, lots of programs like ours will go by the wayside; hopefully we will pony up the money necessary to compete for players.

[JayWalker]

I am not Jay; but if I were you I would worry much more about the NCAA increasing the scholarship limit to the roster limit in sports like baseball and softball. When that happens, lots of programs like ours will go by the wayside; hopefully we will pony up the money necessary to compete for players.

VO, question for you.

I know you haven't been much of a baseball guy over the years and I think I recall the style of play had something to do with that. Has that changed under Deggs?