UK1679666180

I'd say Gausman, Wacha and Zimmer all have #2 starter upside. Appel is the only one with ace potential. Agreed with that. I like Correa and love Hawkins. I like David Dahl (prep outfielder from Alabama). Dahl is probably the most complete of all prep position guys, heard the Steve Finley comps. + bat speed, runner, arm, defender, etc. doesn't have the raw power of Hawkins who is right there w/Gallo as best in class. I like him too. I haven't been following Roache as much as I should do, hopefully he's on a hot streak.

I'd say Gausman, Wacha and Zimmer all have #2 starter upside. Appel is the only one with ace potential. Agreed with that. I like Correa and love Hawkins.

Supposedly, it is between K-State and UK for Howard.

I don't want to get over it, I haven't been following the Howard to UK rumors lately.

I had the same question. To some degree, it really doesn't matter early in the year. The starters rarely go 5 innings, so there are gobs of innings for a reliever. If a guy is pitching half-way well, he can pick up 2 or 3 innings at a crack in relief, and by May 15 you can hardly differentiate the starters from the relievers in terms of innings. It almost matters more as a reflection of how the org projects a guy. Good outing for Jokisch, nice to see Zych and Antigua and Cabrera and Beliveau do well. My guy Cruz was bad. Will look forward to UK's scouting on Francescon. I was impressed by him, size-wise there's not too much projection but he hides the ball well and has good command a good feel for pitching. He was 88-91 FB, 75-77 CB (1/7 break), and 80-82 CH. All but two strikeouts were on his breaking ball (the others were on his change), he did have swings and misses on FBs that were hittable, which is encouraging. His curve projects to ML avg., he doesn't have a feel for his change-up but has good arm action. Liria was 89-92, his slurve was 77-79, no change. Was on the side of the ball too much on the breaking ball, didn't show command or feel. Cruz was 86-89, flashed a plus breaking ball but never consistent. Shafer was 86-88 with a flat breaking ball (its not hard to jam Sano on Beloit and Shafer was able to not jam him and that ball is still going). I'll get to the position guys once I stop throwing up. The position guys, I'm a toolsy fan, for that I love Golden. Physical-wise he reminds me of Sosa with that shorter-stocky frame. He's a plus runner, didn't get a good read on arm strength, has plus bat speed, and can hit for power. He's very raw, didn't react well to breaking ball or jumps in the OF. He's going to be a boom or bust type. Devoss has a gap to gap type of approach, likely won't hit power, good eye at the plate, plus runner. There wasn't much there as far as position guys, Darvill has way too movement in his swing and needs to stronger, I see him ending in a utility type of role ala DJ Lemahieu. Hernandez has tools, plus runner, good range and actions, didn't make any poor throws. If he's able to bulk up and work on his approach, he could a utility type of guy. Hoilman has plus power and shorter swing for someone his size, there's some uppercut there. He's not athletic enough to play a corner OF spot. He's going to have to hit for power. For me, the only one I seen with a legit shot of becoming an everyday regular from Fri night was Golden. There are a bunch of guys that project to marginal roles but Golden was the one if everything pans out that he could be a starter. He'll have to learn how to hit off-speed stuff though.

I'll be there tonite in Beloit, ill get the velos, pop times, H to 1B, etc and everything in-between.

That's what it appears to be, there's mutual interest there. Like cal was struggling with recruiting anyways. When you lose possibly 6 1st rounders, it doesn't hurt. It's hard to say what he'll do given what has already been mentioned about UK's classes under Calipari, but if gives UK another outstanding recruiter and Howard a greater selling point to potential recruits.

That's what it appears to be, there's mutual interest there.

If UK is doing it (which I think they are), why would I want other schools to do the same and take away the competitive advantage? Given the amount of what is taken in by the NCAAs and the universities, I don't think it is fair that Thomas Robinson has the same perks as their best field hockey player given what he has brought to KU over other athletes.

They also do a hell of a job profiting (exploiting might be too extreme) off of them, too. I think they should salary cap how much they should pay similar how colleges distribute baseball schollies and also unable to leave until 21yo. I know it'll never happen, but IMO college b-ball would be much better.

I think it depends on the severity. Say Cousins cheated on tests like Rose, I think he stays. If its blatently obvious he's paying players, he's gone.

No, neither is set-up to develop a player like the NCAA can. The NBDL has a minimal salary and less exposure, Europe/overseas like Jennings did introduces odd contracts and unless you're a L. James type talent, an 18 yo is less likely to get exposure. Sabonis was one of the few to do that but he was once a generation.

No one here has said anything negative about going after one and dones, but there has been those rumblings throughout the media. I'm all for some sort of compensation for elite players in the two primary revenue generating sports. The NCAA is so hypocritical, it'll only grow if they do nothing with Penn St.

Being one and done had nothing to do with why UNC and others stopped recruiting him. Exactly. Agreed (in regards to Davis) but I don't see UCLA turning down Shabazz b/c he'll be top 5 next June. Despite Groce emphasizing graduating players, I see him going after the elite guys even though they won't last beyond 2 years.

Do you enjoy one and dones as a fan? One of the things I enjoy most about college basketball is the growth and improvement with players over four years (or five). Even if a team adds a one and done every couple years you mostly get that enjoyment. When the bulk of players getting minutes are turned over every year... I don't know. I don't think any team in their right mind would turn down Davis. I enjoy them putting the best team out there, they're not going to get there with the main core of team being there for 4 years (99 out of 100 times), MSU is the best at both but they seldom get the top 20 guys unless they're from MI.

I enjoy it when other programs are critical with programs that go after one and dones, I'm sure they'll turn down the next Anthony Davis. Let me know how that works out.

I guess he'll be going pro after one year anyway, but why go to a program that's a mess right now when you can go anywhere? I don't know. I thought there were questions about his eligibility anyway. Location, who knows what perks were involved, and he'll be their primary weapon. He's an amazing talent, I do expect him to miss some time though.

Agreed. It's one thing to admit there are shady dealings with your program, it's another to embrace it like that. I know UK is bending the rules in some manner as is every other top recruiting program, but the sanctions' microscope is going to be that much clearer as this progresses.

I have some volunteer work with an animal rescue group on Thurs. so I'll be there on Fri and Sat.

I'm pretty sure Shabazz isn't going to Kentucky. Telep said it is down to UCLA, UK, and Duke. There have rumblings about him playing overseas for a year. But there are rumors he will announce at UCLA so you're probably right.

If the weather allows, I'll be there for at least Thurs and Fri.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/ncaatourney07/news/story?id=2794878 OSU deserved the #1 seed b/c UF struggled at the end of the reg. season.

Florida was the #1 seed in '07.

I wish Wastra and Dobson were here still.

You know my drunk posts are far more detailed than that!