Originally Posted by
sportsfanatic21
Looking forward to next year (assuming those that can come back, do come back)…
All 6 outfielders return, that’s a good start. Amedee and Torres are back. Obviously Debarge, Lafleur, Taylor, and Pastore are big losses. But it’s the nature of it. Roccaforte, Hood, Brock, etc were huge losses too. There are talented kids that have some experience there. Cuff, Robichaux, Zambo, etc. Some recruits will show up and who knows who may show up from the portal. And as Coach Deggs did this season (more HRs, less SBs) they will figure out an identity.
The good news is this. The top 2 guys in innings pitched, who also happen to be the top 2 in ERA are back. Thats a great start. Langevin may be gone to the draft, although it’s not a given, so let’s proceed with the thought that he is. Some have mentioned it, while others have crushed the kid, but having Jack Martinez back is huge. Go look at the stats page. He had 2 miserable outings in a weekend at MMP. Other than those two games, Martinez was 4-2 with a 3.30 ERA over 45.2 innings and 20 appearances…and with more strikeouts than innings pitched. That’s bordering on elite in college baseball. For reference, that ERA would be right behind Chase Morgan’s and in front of LP Langevin’s.
Dylan Theut should be healthy next season, being nearly a year and half removed from injury. That’s HUGE. Theut has made 32 career appearances with a stellar ERA of 2.37 across 49.1 innings, striking out 54 hitters. Those are ELITE numbers in college baseball.
Herrmann, Morgan, Martinez, and Theut. A year of gaining strength and working with Gunner for guys like McGehee and Holzhammer. Thats a hell of a foundation for next years staff. PLUS recruits/potential portal additions. Let’s not forget that Herrmann, Morgan, Langevin, Martinez, Holzhammer…all of those guys weren’t here last year. Add another group close to that and this could be an excellent pitching staff.
I also expect kids like Cash, Tollett, Brooks, and Tate Hess to make strides heading into next year. And with the glut of outfielders returning, I’m thinking Maddox Mandino should spend a whole lot more time working with Gunner as a pitcher. How many freshman, who spent the majority of the season as a position player, can come in throwing 90+ from the left side with a good slider and making 2 regional appearances after making 2 all year…including nonchalantly walking out there and striking out A&M’s 3 and 4 hole hitters to finish off an inning? The answer is not many. There’s a lot there to work with for Mandino as a full time pitcher.
The future is bright and this program has improved EVERY full season since 2018. I’m excited for what’s to come.