I mentioned yesterday that Tech was picked 7th in the C-USA preseason poll after winning 36 games a year ago. Considering what is returning, I think that spot is probably pretty accurate.
The roster is currently at 44 and must be down to 35 by opening day. Of those 44 guys, 27 are new to the program. Burroughs brought in 15 from the junior college ranks and 12 true freshmen.
On the mound, Tech returns Graham Ahlrich, Josh Carpenter, Tyler Follis, Kyle Griffen, Kent Hasler, Matt Miller, Tanner Propst, Casey Sullivan, Kolton Vermillion, Aaron Sheppard and Doc Wilkerson.
Ahlrich, Griffen, Hasler, Miller, and Sullivan all played key roles for Tech a year ago which bodes well for 2018. Sullivan battled back problems for much of 2017, but he is really good when he is on.
Hopefully Follis can take a step forward in 2018 as he definitely has the potential to be a good one. A strong midweek role would be nice for the sophomore.
Propst, Vermillion, and Wilkerson all redshirted in 2017. Vermillion due to injury. Propst is a left hander that had a really strong fall world series.
From a position player standpoint, Tech is really inexperienced. Dalton Skelton is the only returning starter at SS. Parker Bates also played a role on a veteran laden 2017 team.
Mason Mallard missed 2017 due to Tommy John surgery but was in line to start in CF before the injury.
Dustin Mitchell, Mason Robinson, and Seth White also return. Mitchell and Robinson both played limited roles while White redshirted a year ago. Seth is the son of Ruston High School head coach Toby White.
Looking at the newcomers, Tech must find a great deal of position players that are ready to go from the get go, but from what I’ve heard, they should be pretty good offensively.
Chris Clayton, Cole Warken, and Tanner Huddleston all had strong falls. They comes from the junior college ranks. Those three could make up the catcher, first base, and third base positions opening night.
Grant Jones or Graham Hackbarth are in the mix for the second base job. Both are junior college transfers.
Freshman, Steele Netterville, from Byrd HS in Shreveport, had a really strong fall world series, and I heard he hit 12 home runs this fall. He will likely factor into the outfield mix.
I think the offense is going to be fine, the junior college talent that was brought in is solid.
Tech lacked depth on the mound in 2017. Tech has to find 10 arms that can come in and pitch a high level. Three starters in conference play are difficult to find. Does this roster have three? We’ll see. I am confident in the abilities of Hasler, Sullivan, Ahlrich, Miller, and Griffen. I do think that Sullivan, Ahlrich, and Griffen are best suited for relief roles.
There are a plethora of junior college arms that will have an opportunity to claim a role on the pitching staff. Those names include: Braxton Smith, Logan Bailey, Ben Stiglets, Quinton Logan and David Leal.
Freshmen Connor Neuman was really impressive in the fall world series. He along with Jonathan Fincher and Josh Banes will work to carve out a role as well.
Practice begins tomorrow afternoon, I’ll be out there getting my first view of the team. I’m excited to see this year’s product. For me, it’s a big year for Burroughs. I felt like last year’s team underperformed to an extent, so this team needs to outperform expectations.
I’ll answer any questions that you guys may have.
The roster is currently at 44 and must be down to 35 by opening day. Of those 44 guys, 27 are new to the program. Burroughs brought in 15 from the junior college ranks and 12 true freshmen.
On the mound, Tech returns Graham Ahlrich, Josh Carpenter, Tyler Follis, Kyle Griffen, Kent Hasler, Matt Miller, Tanner Propst, Casey Sullivan, Kolton Vermillion, Aaron Sheppard and Doc Wilkerson.
Ahlrich, Griffen, Hasler, Miller, and Sullivan all played key roles for Tech a year ago which bodes well for 2018. Sullivan battled back problems for much of 2017, but he is really good when he is on.
Hopefully Follis can take a step forward in 2018 as he definitely has the potential to be a good one. A strong midweek role would be nice for the sophomore.
Propst, Vermillion, and Wilkerson all redshirted in 2017. Vermillion due to injury. Propst is a left hander that had a really strong fall world series.
From a position player standpoint, Tech is really inexperienced. Dalton Skelton is the only returning starter at SS. Parker Bates also played a role on a veteran laden 2017 team.
Mason Mallard missed 2017 due to Tommy John surgery but was in line to start in CF before the injury.
Dustin Mitchell, Mason Robinson, and Seth White also return. Mitchell and Robinson both played limited roles while White redshirted a year ago. Seth is the son of Ruston High School head coach Toby White.
Looking at the newcomers, Tech must find a great deal of position players that are ready to go from the get go, but from what I’ve heard, they should be pretty good offensively.
Chris Clayton, Cole Warken, and Tanner Huddleston all had strong falls. They comes from the junior college ranks. Those three could make up the catcher, first base, and third base positions opening night.
Grant Jones or Graham Hackbarth are in the mix for the second base job. Both are junior college transfers.
Freshman, Steele Netterville, from Byrd HS in Shreveport, had a really strong fall world series, and I heard he hit 12 home runs this fall. He will likely factor into the outfield mix.
I think the offense is going to be fine, the junior college talent that was brought in is solid.
Tech lacked depth on the mound in 2017. Tech has to find 10 arms that can come in and pitch a high level. Three starters in conference play are difficult to find. Does this roster have three? We’ll see. I am confident in the abilities of Hasler, Sullivan, Ahlrich, Miller, and Griffen. I do think that Sullivan, Ahlrich, and Griffen are best suited for relief roles.
There are a plethora of junior college arms that will have an opportunity to claim a role on the pitching staff. Those names include: Braxton Smith, Logan Bailey, Ben Stiglets, Quinton Logan and David Leal.
Freshmen Connor Neuman was really impressive in the fall world series. He along with Jonathan Fincher and Josh Banes will work to carve out a role as well.
Practice begins tomorrow afternoon, I’ll be out there getting my first view of the team. I’m excited to see this year’s product. For me, it’s a big year for Burroughs. I felt like last year’s team underperformed to an extent, so this team needs to outperform expectations.
I’ll answer any questions that you guys may have.
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