Just a quick thought

[Kybluedude]

I don’t watch the team as much as you guys but was impressed by our young catcher, Devin Burkes, in the tourney.

He brings energy and enthusiasm. Not 100% sure of him defensively but he’s an offensive threat and moves well for a catcher. Looks like a good building block.

Quick behind the plate. Lanky. Has power. Can run pretty well. Liked his style.

 

[SeanCain]

I agree. He looked really good in the SEC tournament. Hopefully he sticks around for next year.

 

[Comebakatz3]

I don’t watch the team as much as you guys but was impressed by our young catcher, Devin Burkes, in the tourney.

He brings energy and enthusiasm. Not 100% sure of him defensively but he’s an offensive threat and moves well for a catcher. Looks like a good building block.

Quick behind the plate. Lanky. Has power. Can run pretty well. Liked his style.

What happens with Burkes moving forward will be interesting. UK was somewhat forced to play him because Rubalcaba just got worn down from playing so much and Liebert got banged up as well. So, Burkes finally got the call to give Rubalcaba a spell and he took full advantage of that opportunity. Now what will be interesting is what happens next year. Rubalcaba has eligibility left, as does Liebert. Neither has proven that they have the bat to go pro. So, do they return? Do they go pro anyway? Do they transfer? If they return then how will we juggle playing 2 or 3 next season? Could we see Burkes move positions or DH? Does the staff smarten up and begin to give the starting catcher more days off, or do they continue to have just 1 starter at the most wearing position?

A lot could happen there.

 

[Ghost of Cliff Hagan]

thought i saw on twitter or maybe it was on here that liebert and hudepohl are in the transfer portal so its burkes vs rubalcaba vs incoming freshman/transfer

 

[Derek Terry]

thought i saw on twitter or maybe it was on here that liebert and hudepohl are in the transfer portal so its burkes vs rubalcaba vs incoming freshman/transfer

This is accurate, per D1Baseball's transfer tracker. Those are the only UK guys in the portal at this point in time.

 

[sluggercatfan]

I agree. He looked really good in the SEC tournament. Hopefully he sticks around for next year.

Only a freshman...unless he goes to portal. Could be one of the leaders on next year's squad. Hoping all pitchers that can return. Pretty sure there's a good shot Estep returns.

 

[BluegrassBlake]

This is accurate, per D1Baseball's transfer tracker. Those are the only UK guys in the portal at this point in time.

Do you anticipate another mass exodus? The team chemistry seemed much better this year compared to last.

 

[SeanCain]

This is accurate, per D1Baseball's transfer tracker. Those are the only UK guys in the portal at this point in time.

Derek I think I can speak for everyone that we’re glad you’re here. I for one appreciate your insight into the program.

 

[Comebakatz3]

Do you anticipate another mass exodus? The team chemistry seemed much better this year compared to last.

Don't have to have a mass one in the same way because we're already losing a ton to no more eligibility.

 

[Derek Terry]

Do you anticipate another mass exodus? The team chemistry seemed much better this year compared to last.

A few more guys might leave but I'm not expecting it to be like last year when some contributors left. I would agree the team chemistry was better this year.

 

[Comebakatz3]

A few more guys might leave but I'm not expecting it to be like last year when some contributors left. I would agree the team chemistry was better this year.

I would imagine that it will be the relatively normal effects of the depth chart. An example, could be someone like Pitre deciding to transfer if Ritter returned. Pitre might see that he can't get time at SS and that maybe Felker is preferred at 2B, and he doesn't want to wait another year or have limited PT, so he moves on.

** I want to disclaim this by saying that all of that is an example and I have no idea whether any of it is or would happen. Pitre was just first into my head **

 

[Crazycat68]

I would imagine that it will be the relatively normal effects of the depth chart. An example, could be someone like Pitre deciding to transfer if Ritter returned. Pitre might see that he can't get time at SS and that maybe Felker is preferred at 2B, and he doesn't want to wait another year or have limited PT, so he moves on.

** I want to disclaim this by saying that all of that is an example and I have no idea whether any of it is or would happen. Pitre was just first into my head **

Don’t know anything about Pitre. Got any info on him Comebak?

 

[Comebakatz3]

Don’t know anything about Pitre. Got any info on him Comebak?

I don't. I was just speculating with him because he played this year some, but Ritter and Felker were ahead of him. If those both return then where does that leave him?