UK and Summer Collegiate Baseball

[mrschwump]

Made a quick run thru some summer collegiate baseball rosters this morning. These leagues are still 3-4 weeks away from starting their seasons so most rosters are incomplete, there's a lot of changes moving forward as many factors can figure in before reaching the start of the summer season. But it's was encouraging to find Hagenow, Stupp, Lee, Rider and Rhodes on Cape Cod rosters. I'm sure others will be added to other leagues as we progress.

My son(LHP) played for a mid-major some 20 years ago. He was fortunate to play in the Northwoods, Valley and Coastal Plains leagues in the summer during his college career. He enjoyed those summers, his mother and I enjoyed taking in games. It gave him a chance to compete with and against many players from different parts of the country both from "name" programs and not so well known programs. If you live anywhere near where these leagues compete I greatly encourage you to take in games this summer, it's great fun and very competitive baseball.

 

[Comebakatz3]

I have tried to compile a list of all of them in the past and it is a huge undertaking trying to find out where the 40 or so guys are playing. Some years UK releases a list, so maybe they will do that again.

I know for the Cape Cod league the players sign contracts with certain teams as early as the fall. Not sure if that is the case with other leagues, you might be able to shed more like on that @mrschwump?

An important aspect of this will also be the transfer portal and how many of these kids we even get back.

 

[mrschwump]

I have tried to compile a list of all of them in the past and it is a huge undertaking trying to find out where the 40 or so guys are playing. Some years UK releases a list, so maybe they will do that again.

I know for the Cape Cod league the players sign contracts with certain teams as early as the fall. Not sure if that is the case with other leagues, you might be able to shed more like on that @mrschwump?

An important aspect of this will also be the transfer portal and how many of these kids we even get back.

There generally is a contract in the better leagues. You mention trying to compile a list...I've been surprised by the short list of UK players involved in these leagues in recent years. Many reasons for that of course...injuries, some players need summer school for eligibility purposes, pitchers maybe pitched a high number of innings and need a break, some guys may not be injured but may be worn down. Still, I'd think young guys who got little PT in spring or who need ABs/IPs would be expected to play,

 

[mrschwump]

Took a gander at mlb.com's Top 200 amateurs for the July '21 draft. All I can say is...UGH! Only UK player getting a mention is John Rhodes at 131. But more alarming is HS seniors. Nary a UK mention. Two KY players and they're going to U6. Vandy and UF have signed monster classes, Miss ST/LSU/Arkansas/TN/GA have decent classes. Of course, draft could wreck havoc with those classes. Point is, apparently UK isn't even an after thought...the gap between UK and good SEC teams is Grand Canyon in length and depth.

 

[SeanCain]

Took a gander at mlb.com's Top 200 amateurs for the July '21 draft. All I can say is...UGH! Only UK player getting a mention is John Rhodes at 131. But more alarming is HS seniors. Nary a UK mention. Two KY players and they're going to U6. Vandy and UF have signed monster classes, Miss ST/LSU/Arkansas/TN/GA have decent classes. Of course, draft could wreck havoc with those classes. Point is, apparently UK isn't even an after thought...the gap between UK and good SEC teams is Grand Canyon in length and depth.

Yep I’ve said this many times. UK’s recruiting under Mingione has been poor at best. Recruiting has never been SEC level as far back as I can remember. We’ve had some outstanding players ever so often but overall classes have been poor. If UK was truly all in this would be it for Mingione...but it won’t be.

 

[enjyretirement2020]

Yep I’ve said this many times. UK’s recruiting under Mingione has been poor at best. Recruiting has never been SEC level as far back as I can remember. We’ve had some outstanding players ever so often but overall classes have been poor. If UK was truly all in this would be it for Mingione...but it won’t be.

I’ve looked and most that have left have thrived at other places. Hmmmmmmm

 

[enjyretirement2020]

Took a gander at mlb.com's Top 200 amateurs for the July '21 draft. All I can say is...UGH! Only UK player getting a mention is John Rhodes at 131. But more alarming is HS seniors. Nary a UK mention. Two KY players and they're going to U6. Vandy and UF have signed monster classes, Miss ST/LSU/Arkansas/TN/GA have decent classes. Of course, draft could wreck havoc with those classes. Point is, apparently UK isn't even an after thought...the gap between UK and good SEC teams is Grand Canyon in length and depth.

Rhodes? Batting what .236 and .230 in conference. Saw where he had a good year last year, but only played @ 20 games? Didn't see SEC pitching.

No disrespect to him, but there are some players that are better overall. Just because UK wants to swoon and bang their chest over a player in the media doesn't mean he is the only quality player. Maybe they see something I don't but 131? Really? I know it's about projectability, but I just don't see it.

 

[enjyretirement2020]

Made a quick run thru some summer collegiate baseball rosters this morning. These leagues are still 3-4 weeks away from starting their seasons so most rosters are incomplete, there's a lot of changes moving forward as many factors can figure in before reaching the start of the summer season. But it's was encouraging to find Hagenow, Stupp, Lee, Rider and Rhodes on Cape Cod rosters. I'm sure others will be added to other leagues as we progress.

My son(LHP) played for a mid-major some 20 years ago. He was fortunate to play in the Northwoods, Valley and Coastal Plains leagues in the summer during his college career. He enjoyed those summers, his mother and I enjoyed taking in games. It gave him a chance to compete with and against many players from different parts of the country both from "name" programs and not so well known programs. If you live anywhere near where these leagues compete I greatly encourage you to take in games this summer, it's great fun and very competitive baseball.

At the games I have heard that Grace, Hill, Anu and a few others are on Cape rosters. I've also heard several pitchers do not have assignments yet.

 

[mrschwump]

At the games I have heard that Grace, Hill, Anu and a few others are on Cape rosters. I've also heard several pitchers do not have assignments yet.

Those guys weren't on the rosters I saw but it's very likely those rosters aren't complete. Like I said, they're still 3-4 weeks away from their season starting so a lot can happen.

 

[Comebakatz3]

Rhodes? Batting what .236 and .230 in conference. Saw where he had a good year last year, but only played @ 20 games? Didn't see SEC pitching.

No disrespect to him, but there are some players that are better overall. Just because UK wants to swoon and bang their chest over a player in the media doesn't mean he is the only quality player. Maybe they see something I don't but 131? Really? I know it's about projectability, but I just don't see it.

Rhodes likely signed a contract before the spring season even began. We will see how Rhodes turns out. I think he put a lot on his plate and last year really hurt him as he had to try to live up to lofty expectations. Coaches also didn't do him many favors, IMO.

 

[Comebakatz3]

Waynesboro Generals -
Seth Logue
Wyatt Hudepohl
Jace Felker

Kenosha Kingfish -
Kirk Liebert

 

[BluegrassBlake]

Logue and Hudepohl will both be pitching a lot of innings next year.

 

[mrschwump]

Waynesboro Generals -
Seth Logue
Wyatt Hudepohl
Jace Felker

Kenosha Kingfish -
Kirk Liebert

Rhodes/Ritter at Cotuit in Cape and Lee at Falmouth in Cape. Cape still 3 weeks away from starting. Saw Church somewhere but don't recall where...could've been Coastal Plains.

 

[CliffDweller25]

Nolan McCarthy, Austin Strickland and Devin Burkes were all set to play in Kalamazoo in the Northwoods league.

 

[Comebakatz3]

Nolan McCarthy, Austin Strickland and Devin Burkes were all set to play in Kalamazoo in the Northwoods league.

To your point:

 

[enjyretirement2020]

Saw where Hill is in the PG collegiate league playing for Amsterdam....he is still listed as Kentucky? Anyone know what is going on there? Thought I read where he was going back to Cotuit in the Cape Cod league.

 

[mrschwump]

Saw where Hill is in the PG collegiate league playing for Amsterdam....he is still listed as Kentucky? Anyone know what is going on there? Thought I read where he was going back to Cotuit in the Cape Cod league.

Who knows, Cape season didn't start until yesterday, June 20. Hill isn't on Cotuit roster but transaction page shows no movement with him. Could've come off that roster before they started, summer leagues over sign rosters.

 

[Comebakatz3]

Saw where Hill is in the PG collegiate league playing for Amsterdam....he is still listed as Kentucky? Anyone know what is going on there? Thought I read where he was going back to Cotuit in the Cape Cod league.

I think there is a Cape Cod League rule that limits the number of players that can be on a team or in the league or something to that effect and since Hill hasn't officially transferred (to my knowledge) he would still count as being a part of Kentucky. So, that may have played a factor with him.

 

[mrschwump]

I think there is a Cape Cod League rule that limits the number of players that can be on a team or in the league or something to that effect and since Hill hasn't officially transferred (to my knowledge) he would still count as being a part of Kentucky. So, that may have played a factor with him.

Used to be no more than 4 from any one school, current Cotuit roster shows 2 active, Rhodes/Ritter. That 4 total also includes things such as interns(summer leagues used to have intern trainers), admin or whatever.

 

[enjyretirement2020]

Used to be no more than 4 from any one school, current Cotuit roster shows 2 active, Rhodes/Ritter. That 4 total also includes things such as interns(summer leagues used to have intern trainers), admin or whatever.

Looks like Plastiak is on Cotuit also

 

[Comebakatz3]

Looks like Plastiak is on Cotuit also

I think Anu was also supposed to be on there, but there might be a hiccup that is keeping him officially off.

 

[enjyretirement2020]

I think Anu was also supposed to be on there, but there might be a hiccup that is keeping him officially off.

Ran into a guy close to the program at a restaurant last night and he stated that Hill and Anu were never informed they had to be enrolled in a graduate program in order to report to Cape Cod. It's a Cape Cod rule for graduates.

Since Hill is transferring, he couldn't be accepted into a grad program until he committed to a new school. Anu has to do the same. So, it looks like Plastiak in turn took Hills' spot on the Cotuit roster. Maybe Anu is still waiting to apply or be accepted into his program? He was not sure on what his current status is.

 

[Comebakatz3]

Ran into a guy close to the program at a restaurant last night and he stated that Hill and Anu were never informed they had to be enrolled in a graduate program in order to report to Cape Cod. It's a Cape Cod rule for graduates.

Since Hill is transferring, he couldn't be accepted into a grad program until he committed to a new school. Anu has to do the same. So, it looks like Plastiak in turn took Hills' spot on the Cotuit roster. Maybe Anu is still waiting to apply or be accepted into his program? He was not sure on what his current status is.

Similar to what I heard, but I am not sure what Anu's status is currently. This is a weird situation. One would think that if UK believed Anu would be back at UK that they'd do everything they could to get him into grad school and the paperwork expedited so he missed very little, if any, Cape baseball. It would benefit them both.

The fact that they didn't make sure he was enrolled to begin with (along with Hill before knowing Hill would transfer) is concerning and strange. Makes you want to try to read some tea leaves regarding some decisions from both parties.

 

[Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh]

Similar to what I heard, but I am not sure what Anu's status is currently. This is a weird situation. One would think that if UK believed Anu would be back at UK that they'd do everything they could to get him into grad school and the paperwork expedited so he missed very little, if any, Cape baseball. It would benefit them both.

The fact that they didn't make sure he was enrolled to begin with (along with Hill before knowing Hill would transfer) is concerning and strange. Makes you want to try to read some tea leaves regarding some decisions from both parties.

The way it was explained to me from those close was that the Cape was used as leverage to get them to commit to grad school at UK.

 

[Comebakatz3]

The way it was explained to me from those close was that the Cape was used as leverage to get them to commit to grad school at UK.

Would not surprise me. My understanding that the players were not made aware of this until after the season ended.

So, Anu seemingly not being in a big rush to enroll in grad school (or that UK hasn't pushed it through quickly if he has) might be an indicator that he moreso has an eye on professional ball. Of course, this is just pure speculation based upon the scenario and not on any actual information.

 

[enjyretirement2020]

Similar to what I heard, but I am not sure what Anu's status is currently. This is a weird situation. One would think that if UK believed Anu would be back at UK that they'd do everything they could to get him into grad school and the paperwork expedited so he missed very little, if any, Cape baseball. It would benefit them both.

The fact that they didn't make sure he was enrolled to begin with (along with Hill before knowing Hill would transfer) is concerning and strange. Makes you want to try to read some tea leaves regarding some decisions from both parties.

It does make you think what was the plan, or if there even was a plan for these players. He said that some players got their own assignments and some still have no place to go. One would think that is what you want is for your guys to go play somewhere.

 

[Comebakatz3]

It does make you think what was the plan, or if there even was a plan for these players. He said that some players got their own assignments and some still have no place to go. One would think that is what you want is for your guys to go play somewhere.

Really makes you wonder on some of these players. It is hard to know but seems like UK has some starters that may not have found summer homes for whatever reason.

I think most of the time the coaches are contacted by summer league coaches and they work deals to help get players into certain teams/leagues. I suppose players could be contacted individually, but I think it is usually through coaches that the players are recruited for summer ball. This can, of course, be good and bad.

 

[mrschwump]

Really makes you wonder on some of these players. It is hard to know but seems like UK has some starters that may not have found summer homes for whatever reason.

I think most of the time the coaches are contacted by summer league coaches and they work deals to help get players into certain teams/leagues. I suppose players could be contacted individually, but I think it is usually through coaches that the players are recruited for summer ball. This can, of course, be good and bad.

I want to point out that when my son was in school the semester started earlier than it does now. He played in 3 different summer leagues, Northwoods, Coastal Plains and Valley. He was placed by September of the year prior to the summer campaign, well before his spring season and by his coach. There are many reasons guys don't play, most stem from recovering from an injury, fatigue or academics.

I've surfed many summer rosters the past few weeks and while it seems UK may have more participants than the past few years it's only by a modest amount. FWIW, U6 and EKU probably have twice the numbers UK has participating.

 

[Comebakatz3]

I want to point out that when my son was in school the semester started earlier than it does now. He played in 3 different summer leagues, Northwoods, Coastal Plains and Valley. He was placed by September of the year prior to the summer campaign, well before his spring season and by his coach. There are many reasons guys don't play, most stem from recovering from an injury, fatigue or academics.

I've surfed many summer rosters the past few weeks and while it seems UK may have more participants than the past few years it's only by a modest amount. FWIW, U6 and EKU probably have twice the numbers UK has participating.

Thanks! I was going to tag you and say that you could probably give more insight than I could and then I changed everything I was going to say and forgot to add it back.

I have heard similar to this with players getting contracts for summer leagues basically signed the fall before the season starts. Of course, those are subject to change, but I was surprised at how early they were done.

Good point about the injuries and other reasons. I haven't cruised the rosters like I do in some years, kind of hoping that UK will come out with a list like they do sometimes. Seems like when I make a list they come up with one just afterwards. Still, the stories I have seen haven't listed a whole lot, but we're also kind of an older team, so that might play a factor.

 

[enjyretirement2020]

I think Anu was also supposed to be on there, but there might be a hiccup that is keeping him officially off.

Now Plastiak has been moved to the Draft league.....

 

[Comebakatz3]

Now Plastiak has been moved to the Draft league.....

I don't know why he is there now. I feel like UK coaches botched the Cape Cod league and really kind of screwed some players over with that. Hill won't be at UK anymore, but he'd likely be in the Cape but for coaches failing to tell him and Anu that he needed to be a grad student and but for them giving his spot to Plastiak, who isn't even using it?!

I also heard (and this isn't necessarily true, but just passing along the rumor), that they wanted Kessler back on Cotuit as well, but that our coaches told them Kessler didn't want to play summer ball this year when, in fact, he did want to and wanted to play in the Cape.

Whole thing just seems like a mess.

 

[mrschwump]

I don't know why he is there now. I feel like UK coaches botched the Cape Cod league and really kind of screwed some players over with that. Hill won't be at UK anymore, but he'd likely be in the Cape but for coaches failing to tell him and Anu that he needed to be a grad student and but for them giving his spot to Plastiak, who isn't even using it?!

I also heard (and this isn't necessarily true, but just passing along the rumor), that they wanted Kessler back on Cotuit as well, but that our coaches told them Kessler didn't want to play summer ball this year when, in fact, he did want to and wanted to play in the Cape.

Whole thing just seems like a mess.

Kessler now in portal today, 6/23, as reported elsewhere.