I went out and watched the team today. Got to talking to some people and didn't catch everything but just a few notes:
-First, former pitcher Kyle Cody is back in town and finishing up his degree. Zack Brown was there today as well. Cody is in the Rangers organization and Brown is with the Brewers.
-As far as the team now, Kole Cottam hit a home run today. Can't remember who he hit it off of, but he looked good defensively as well. Overall had a solid freshman season last year and can definitely build on it this year.
-Few newcomers caught my eye. Colton Cleary, a left-handed pitcher who transferred from Cincinnati, threw a few innings today. Had some good stuff. Didn't realize he transferred in.
His bio at Cincinnati shows that he was a redshirt junior, so my guess is he graduated and transferred here which would allow him to play this year. Will try to confirm that. He's originally from Lexington so someone on this board might've seen him play in high school.
-Brett Marshall, a freshman from Trinity High School in Louisville, passes the look test. He's listed at 6-3/210 on the roster and I believe it. I didn't pick up the roster until I left so I didn't know it when I was watching, but he looks great physically as a freshman. Don't remember where he was in the field but he's listed as an infielder and pitcher.
I didn't catch much of anything from the other freshmen, but Joey Bellini played some second base and he made a really nice play early in the scrimmage. He went up the middle and made a nice backhand to throw the runner out.
-Justin Lewis and Logan Salow both pounded the strike zone. Sean Hjelle was icing his arm when I got there so I don't know if he'd already thrown today or not. I think Lewis will secure one of the spots in the rotation but we'll have to wait and see.
-Evan White is still at first base -- at least today. He played some outfield with Team USA this summer and Nick Mingione told me he'd consider playing him elsewhere but as of today he's still at first base.
-Riley Mahan played a little bit of shortstop and third base. Connor Heady was also playing shortstop if my memory is correct.
- Josh Smith threw quite a bit today. Lefty that I know some of the former coaches were high on. Didn't show much as a freshman but he got plenty of work today. Could be competing for a spot in the rotation but my guess is he's used out of the bullpen.
I'll do my best to answer any questions.
