Parrott Blog: Justin Robichaux update, catching up with ex-Cajuns

[LifeTimeCajun]

What I was meaning to say was, i would like to see kids enter college and complete 3 yrs and then become eligible for draft. Again, there will always be those special kids that have it and are on the fast track. Kinda like the kid this yr that skipped hs senior yr, enrolled in juco and was the first pick in the draft. But there aren't very many like that. I guess I just enjoy college baseball and would prefer seeing kids go to college and learn and develop rather than try to go out of hs and be done after 3 or 4 yrs in single A ball.

No one under 21 draft eligible? What happens to the phenom, who can't spell his own name? Do you make him suffer financially for three years of remedial English and Algebra because less talented players make bad decisions?

It's too bad and so sad some kids futilely chase the dream with the odds being 98% they will not get to the big leagues, but the statistical evidence is thjere for everyone to see. To some it is not about the destination, but the journey, anyway. We can't, nor should we, protect everyone from themselves. Baseball is a very capitalistic business model. It is commission only. Do well and you get paid. Don't do well (and get old... like 23) and get helped into a new career.

It takes years for the best players to learn how to play professional baseball well and you are old at 30. Eliminating everyone under 21 isn't going to help pro ball.

MLB needs hundreds of players to fill minor league rosters to play with and against the prospects of the baseball world. Mike Piazza was a 62nd round draft pick. He wouldn't have been drafted this year, anyway.

I want to see the best players in the world play against each other. I don't care if they are from Cuba or are 17 years old. Stepping away from soap box now.

igeaux.mobi

[Parrott]

Former Cajun outfielder Les Smith hit a grand slam in his first pro at-bat for Detroit's Single-A Lakeland Tigers on Wednesday. He went 2-for-4 (also hit a double) with four RBIs in Lakeland's 7-4 win over Daytona.

[Dad04]

Small correction. Smith is in the Gulf Coast rookie league, two levels below Lakeland (High A), same location, though. Lakeland FSL High A has been playing for two months. juco and HS and 16 year-old latin players usually start in GCL with 12 noon games in front of 5 or 6 "fans". The games are routinely stopped for coaching and pitchers routinely limited to FB for instructional purposes. The games are more scrimmage than game-like.

[Parrott]

Smith's grand slam was against the Gulf Coast Yankees. I've been on vacation and didn't pay much attention to the original post.

According to what I heard today, he has been promoted to the Connecticut Tigers in the short-season Single-A New York-Penn League. That's the same league where Marze is playing right now.


igeaux.mobi

[CajunT]

_ Small correction. Smith is in the Gulf Coast rookie league, two levels below Lakeland (High A), same location, though. Lakeland FSL High A has been playing for two months. juco and HS and 16 year-old latin players usually start in GCL with 12 noon games in front of 5 or 6 "fans". The games are routinely stopped for coaching and pitchers routinely limited to FB for instructional purposes. The games are more scrimmage than game-like. _

Hey Dad04, I guess it wasn't just about getting closer to home was it? Okay,just having a little fun!

[Dad04]

Josh I'm not busting you. It's just that there is a HUGE difference between GCL and Florida State League level of competition. I was a little surpised he started in GCL and not surprised he was quickly promoted. I guess he signed so fast GCL was his only option at the time. I expect him to get to high A Lakeland, maybe this year.

[Parrott]

No, I know that. I'm a little frustrated I missed it originally. Should have left it alone until after my vacation. Funny thing, I noticed my mistake right before your post when I heard he had been promoted.


igeaux.mobi

[Dad04]

He is talented. I wouldn't be surprised if he got to AA sometime. He'll need to develop more and get some breaks his way to get higher, imo. What do you think? Enjoy your time off!!

[cajunfan32]

_
@lifetimecajun: I haven't blogged on it yet because I've been working on another basketball recruiting story. Yes, the Cajuns are expected to recruit another pitcher. Should have more on that soon. _

So is there any new news on the basketball recruiting?

[LifeTimeCajun]

Josh any word on Dishler or his progress in summer ball


igeaux.mobi

[Parrott]

Vacation is almost over, but it was great to see family again.

Smith has talent. He's always been strong in the field and was one of nation's top JUCO hitters this season. There's been talk of him moving to third base, but that was before the draft. With continued health, I expect him to find success in pro ball. Have seen guys with less talent make it to the big leagues. He's a good kid, and I wish him all the best.

He is talented. I wouldn't be surprised if he got to AA sometime. He'll need to develop more and get some breaks his way to get higher, imo. What do you think? Enjoy your time off!!

igeaux.mobi

[Parrott]

Spoke with Tony a second ago. No signing update yet.

Josh any word on Dishler or his progress in summer ball


igeaux.mobi

igeaux.mobi