- Sep 8, 2014
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Just posted on another side that Brad Weitzel is no longer on the baseball staff. Major opening since Weitzel has been with O'Sullivan the whole 12 years at UF.
Does O'Sullivan promote the volunteer coach, Lars Davis?
Just posted on another side that Brad Weitzel is no longer on the baseball staff. Major opening since Weitzel has been with O'Sullivan the whole 12 years at UF.
That would make sense to me.Does O'Sullivan promote the volunteer coach, Lars Davis?
Roberto Pena, Santino Miozzi and Justin Alintoff are transferring out of the Gator baseball program. Pena came in as a highly touted freshmen and was in a tight battle with Cory Acton for the starting 3B job, which Acton eventually won. Alintoff was a sophomore who played his freshman year at Indian River CC. Miozzi. Miozzi was a junor who previously played at Florida SW CC.
Is this Sully pushing guys out?
Exactly right. UF coaches do exit interviews with all their players after the end of each season. They evaluate the prior year's performance and lay out expectations and how they fit in with the program going forward. From what I read and heard, Pena battled Acton pretty evenly for the 3b job, but O'Sullivan ultimately chose to go with Acton. With McConnell leaving, I thought Pena and Acton could handle the SS & 3B positions next year. That ain't gonna happen now. But with only 11.7 scholarships to divide among all those players, there has to be turnover every year, as UF is always going to bring in more new players than the number of those getting drafted and/or graduating. And if a guy is having to pay 50% or more of his college expenses, why would he stay at a school when he wasn't going to get the playing time he wants? Makes sense to move on. Best of luck to them all.This is part of college baseball every year. We have guys like Keenan Bell, Austin Bodrato and Baker who left last year. Before that it was Danny somebody who played a good bit as a frosh and transferred to scrotUM. Before that it was Eddie Demarias? (sp) who went to USCe and became a decent pitcher. it happens every year. I was half expecting Hunter MacMullen to leave b./c they had high hopes for him this past year and he disappeared. I also wanted to see Miozzi play more b/c he is a better defensive catch than Matt Damon, but I guess Sully wanted to Get Damon as much action as possible and he did improve. Miozzi probably wants to play. Alintoff did a nice job but he is limited with a high 80's fastball. Pena was disappointing to me. Seemed a bit out of shape, but he will land somewhere. this is typical turnover for college baseball and the limited schollies spread among 28 or so players.
So I did not see anywhere, so I presume Langworthy went undrafted or possible in the 40's rounds? Either way I presume he returns. So with the newest defections, how does it look for next year? Damon catching, Calilao at 1B, Young at 2b, Acton stay at 3b or move to SS? Langworthy in LF, Fabian in CF? Or maybe Young or Calilao go to RF and we shore up the infield defense on the right side? Do we have any highly regarded defensive infielders coming in b/c we could use a few good gloves. I am not surprised about Langworthy, but still can't see how Dalton got drafted in the 8th round? guess it proves the point that you have have potential in one category, they will take a chance on you a bit higher. Dalton may have some power but I don;t think he makes it to the bigs.
So I counted about 10 guys who will be gone either by leaving or graduating or signing early. I included Milchen and Garcia in that count? wonder if Greenfield hangs around b/c he played like none last year and he was expected to be decent. Seems like plenty of spots are available even tho the team was very young last year. Should be a lot better next year but not going to count my chickens b/c as we witnessed this year just b/c you had pitching experience in one year does not mean you take a step forward the following year.
Tyler Dyson signs signs with MLB:
Report: Tyler Dyson signs with Washington Nationals
Chuck Jeroloman joins baseball coaching staff.
Chuck Jeroloman Joins Gators Coaching Staff - Florida Gators
If Hickey turns out to be as good as advertised, he'll be the catcher and Smith will move to 1st or DH. He could even play 3rd if Acton goes to SS.So my first thought was this was awesome b/c he was a very good defensive catcher here and Matt Damon needs tremendous help in that area. but then I realized that was Brian, the brother, and not this guy. Perhaps he can coax Brian to a few practices to help out Damon.