Super Regionals

[Comebakatz3]

Arkansas is the beneficiary of some great luck. They didn't get to host a regional, but due to the fact that the Springfield Cardinals have a 3 game home stand this weekend the Missouri State team, a top 8 team, was not able to host the Supers and Arkansas gets to host. In game 1 last night they took advantage and won 18-8.

Louisville is currently down 2-1 in the top of the 9th inning of game 1.

 

[Comebakatz3]

Louisville ties it up with a home run in the bottom of the 9th.

 

[cats1068]

I tell you it makes me sick. I see Hairston, Taylor and Henzman playing big roles on U of L's team and the fact that they're from UK's backyard. I know I don't know all of the big recruits from around the country, but I do know the Lexington youth baseball pretty well and it's a shame that UK can't get these kids on campus. And add Buehler at Vandy, it really irks me even more. If things were good at UK, it wouldn't be so bad. But things aren't good. And you start getting better by just paying attention to your backyard. There's some good talent in Lexington these days.

 

[Comebakatz3]

CS Fullerton gets the win in the 10th! Cards threatened again, but the Titans closed the door. Odds are very high that the Titans take the series. Something like a 70 percent chance.

 

[BluegrassBlake]

I tell you it makes me sick. I see Hairston, Taylor and Henzman playing big roles on U of L's team and the fact that they're from UK's backyard. I know I don't know all of the big recruits from around the country, but I do know the Lexington youth baseball pretty well and it's a shame that UK can't get these kids on campus. And add Buehler at Vandy, it really irks me even more. If things were good at UK, it wouldn't be so bad. But things aren't good. And you start getting better by just paying attention to your backyard. There's some good talent in Lexington these days.

Plus the majority of the top prospects in the state for the next couple of classes have already commited to Louisville. Very frustrating.

 

[CloverforkCat]

Plus the majority of the top prospects in the state for the next couple of classes have already commited to Louisville. Very frustrating.

I think one of if, if not the highest rated players in the state for 2016 has committed to UK, that would be Easton McGee from out in the western part of the state.

 

[Comebakatz3]

Perfect game has 7 players committed out of the state of Kentucky in 2016. 2 are going to UK. 4 are going to Louisville and one to Murray State. Easton McGee looks to be the highest rated player at this point. In 2017 there are 4 players committed. 3 to UL and 1 to UK. Jordan Adell looks to be the best player in 2017 and he's going to UL.

In 2016 UK looks to have a strong class. We have a catcher with a 10.0 rating who seems to have plenty of power. We have three guys that throw 90mph and were 1st team Underclass. Not sure who will go or stay at this point, obviously, but it looks to be a pretty deep commitment class for us.

 

[Comebakatz3]

Question:

John Cohen has had some success at MSU. However, this year he had a terrible year. He has won just 56.5 percent of his games at MSU. Compare that to Ron Polk who won 66 percent of his games, and 59 percent in his second tenure, at MSU. Also compare it to Gary Henderson, who has won 56.5 percent of his games at UK. Cohen also won over 60 percent of his games at UK.

So, does MSU let him go anytime soon or stick with him? If so, when, and if so does UK consider bringing him back as head coach? Would you want him back?

 

[CloverforkCat]

Question:

John Cohen has had come success at MSU. However, this year he had a terrible year. He has won just 56.5 percent of his games at MSU. Compare that to Ron Polk who won 66 percent of his games, and 59 percent in his second tenure, at MSU. Also compare it to Gary Henderson, who has won 56.5 percent of his games at UK. Cohen also won over 60 percent of his games at UK.

So, does MSU let him go anytime soon or stick with him? If so, when, and if so does UK consider bringing him back as head coach? Would you want him back?

Interesting thought about Coach Cohen, he will bounce back next year most likely. If not, he might be in a little hot water, personally I would like to see him back at UK. However, a new stadium would be a must for him to return IMO.

 

[blufvr4evr]

Why not get on the people that are responsible for this seasons DEBACLE........POOR RECRUITING HENDO AND HIS POSSE........Barnhart and his poor management and promises not kept........new stadium.........we need a new coach to......the ones we have just not getting it done......to many fundamental, basic baseball errors in every game this year.....why aren't we on every kid in Lexington, Louisville etc; Eastern ky....Western ky.........DO THE PLAYERS HAVE A PROBLEM WITH HENDO........SAD

 

[CloverforkCat]

Why not get on the people that are responsible for this seasons DEBACLE........POOR RECRUITING HENDO AND HIS POSSE........Barnhart and his poor management and promises not kept........new stadium.........we need a new coach to......the ones we have just not getting it done......to many fundamental, basic baseball errors in every game this year.....why aren't we on every kid in Lexington, Louisville etc; Eastern ky....Western ky.........DO THE PLAYERS HAVE A PROBLEM WITH HENDO........SAD

Recruiting has not been poor, it has been very good. Player development, especially pitchers, has been not good. The new stadium is something that has to get done. I also am disapointed in losing Ky. kids to UofL, Vandy etc. Out of state recruiting is however, very good A J Reed, A Couisino, K Tom, E White, Z Brown, D Beggs etc. This should have been an NCAA tournament team no doubt, looking at the performances of teams that got picked ahead of UK, and bombed out, we should have been in the field. Next season will be like 2012 for Henderson IMO, he will have to make the tourney to keep his job.

 

[blufvr4evr]

Thank you CFC.........I'm just frustrated.........we do need to develop a better work ethic......maybe next year........

 

[Derek Terry]

Recruiting has not been poor, it has been very good. Player development, especially pitchers, has been not good. The new stadium is something that has to get done. I also am disapointed in losing Ky. kids to UofL, Vandy etc. Out of state recruiting is however, very good A J Reed, A Couisino, K Tom, E White, Z Brown, D Beggs etc. This should have been an NCAA tournament team no doubt, looking at the performances of teams that got picked ahead of UK, and bombed out, we should have been in the field. Next season will be like 2012 for Henderson IMO, he will have to make the tourney to keep his job.

If that's the case then he'll be looking for a new job. UK will struggle to make the NCAA tournament again next season.

 

[Comebakatz3]

There will be a lot of factors that determine whether UK has a decent year next year or if it is a total bust. First off, who goes and who stays? If UK loses Beggs then we will have to replace two weekend starters. Not a single pitcher looked to fit the bill of being able to fill those shoes. Heck, we couldn't even find a consistent midweek starter. If we are left with just Brown then it is going to be an extremely long and painful season. Second, who gets drafted where and will they still come to UK? Plummer looks to be an easy no answer. He'd make a great addition to the outfield and at the plate, but being listed as a top 15 prospect in all of baseball likely means he is gone. Shumpert is possible, but unlikely. His addition likely means that Heady/Mahan will have to fight it out at third base. Could also mean that Shelby moves to the outfield, but that seems unlikely in his 3rd year. You think have several pitchers that we have to have come in and play extremely well. Never good to rely on 2 freshmen to step up and pitch against the SEC, but we might have to. Third, what about JUCO kids? We've had success with them, but it's usually pretty hard to figure out who we are going to get until fall practice begins. Filling up our rotation with JUCO kids seems like a logical step. How good will they be? Last, we have some guys on our roster that have redshirted and they could step up. They are going to have to. Can they bounce back from injuries, etc. to become consistent competitors for us.

All in all, that is a whole lot that has to come together to make us pretty competitive. I think we have some talent, and I think we can be bringing some in. However, I think that it is going to be a pretty tough year for us. We'll need a couple more miracle recruits like Cousino and Reed to walk through the door if we plan on making the NCAA tournament next year.

 

[Tannerdad]

Well I hope we make the tourney but I don't want to see more extensions for Henderson if we do. He needs to do a consistant job for a change. As in consistently good, not mediocre.

 

[Mojocat]

For you guys that are familiar with the baseball Cats, what's the view of Conner Heady? He's from this area, and a friend of mine is friends with the Heady family, and from the talk I heard when the kid was a senior in high school, I thought he was going to do really well. Looks like he batted a little over .200 this year, which doesn't make me think he'll be a starting major league shortstop anytime soon. I just read his bio at UK, and I don't think the friend was exaggerating too much in her description (for example, "The No. 3 overall prospect in the state, the No. 1 shortstop in the state ... Also ranked as the 88th-best recruit in the nation and the No. 13 shortstop by Perfect Game USA ... Before the 2013 MLB Draft, was ranked as the ninth-best prospect (including college and high school) available in the state, ahead of UK greats Jerad Grundy and J.T. Riddle."......)......

 

[Comebakatz3]

Connor has a whole lot of work to do if he wants to play professionally for any length of time. He has been here two years and has not shown and proficiency at the plate. That might not be too bad if he were a defensive wizard, but he also had 20 errors this season. I think the kid came in highly regarded, but he just hasn't quite lived up to his potential. He is a good looking ball player and passes the eye test, but he'll be here for two more years and will have to improve a ton at the plate to get interest from pro baseball.

Also, UK is bringing in a lot of shortstops next year. Some might go pro, but a couple are likely to be here. If they come then they very well could push Heady for his starting position at short. Particularly Nicholas Shumpert would likely take it from him from day one, but Shumpert may be headed pro.

I don't mean to sound harsh, but I think that is pretty much just the reality of the situation.

 

[BluegrassBlake]

Nick Shumpert will not be at UK. I can 100% guarantee you that. He will be offered too much money to turn down. Chances are he will hear his name called fairly early at the draft tonight.

 

[Comebakatz3]

Yep it's highly unlikely but with his dad being an alum you have to think that may help our cause.

 

[CloverforkCat]

Yep it's highly unlikely but with his dad being an alum you have to think that may help our cause.

That is what I am hoping for, he could be a program changer. He will no doubt be drafted in the early rounds. Maybe dad will stress the benefits of college experience !

 

[Big_Blue_1018]

I really hope his Dad has some words of wisdom.

 

[Comebakatz3]

Cal State Fullerton denies Louisville a bid to the CWS!! Amazing game that ended in the 11th inning.

 

[Tannerdad]

A home run that grazes the foul pole and a perfect throw to nail a runner at second.

Wild finish

 

[Mojocat]

Connor has a whole lot of work to do if he wants to play professionally for any length of time. He has been here two years and has not shown and proficiency at the plate. That might not be too bad if he were a defensive wizard, but he also had 20 errors this season. I think the kid came in highly regarded, but he just hasn't quite lived up to his potential. He is a good looking ball player and passes the eye test, but he'll be here for two more years and will have to improve a ton at the plate to get interest from pro baseball.

Also, UK is bringing in a lot of shortstops next year. Some might go pro, but a couple are likely to be here. If they come then they very well could push Heady for his starting position at short. Particularly Nicholas Shumpert would likely take it from him from day one, but Shumpert may be headed pro.

I don't mean to sound harsh, but I think that is pretty much just the reality of the situation.

Makes sense, sounds entirely believable based on nothing but his stats. Thanks.

 

[Comebakatz3]

By the way, I think I have seen more suicide squeeze plays in this NCAA tournament than I've seen in my entire life.