The article below documents what we have watched unfold this season with Anthony Renaudo. My question is, is there any chance Ranaudo stays another year if his game does pick up for the rest of the season? If helium signifies those on the rise, it's fairly apparent what lead balloon means, right? All it takes is a bad performance at a key time or an injury concern -- even if it's unfounded -- or some questions about a player's character to make him plummet on Draft boards. There probably isn't a perceived elite player with more question marks around him right now than Louisiana State's Anthony Ranaudo. The junior entered the spring at or near the top of any Draft list and was generally thought of as the top college pitcher. But a funny thing happened on the way to his coronation. First, he got hurt. Anytime a pitcher has elbow issues, it's going to be a cause for concern. Ranaudo missed several starts with the injury. When he came back, he was brought back slowly, for obvious reasons, but all things looked like they were headed in the right direction. Then came a big matchup against Ole Miss lefty Drew Pomeranz. Rain delayed it a day, and most wished it never had taken place. The marquee game was a disaster for both pitchers, and Ranaudo didn't make it out of the second inning, allowing nine runs on nine hits. Everyone can have an off day, and most scouts were anxious to see what Ranaudo would do the following week. They didn't get a long look as the big right-hander went just two innings at Florida, allowing four runs on six hits. Next came Vanderbilt, which lit up Ranaudo for six runs on five hits over 2 2/3 innings. For a player who was thought to be a top-five pick, at the very least, an 8.26 ERA is not exactly what was expected. Those who have seen Ranaudo frequently don't think he's still hurt. But his command, particularly in leaving balls up in the zone, has really hurt him. So this weekend's start against Kentucky takes on a lot more weight than just any SEC outing. Draft Notebook: Tago on the rise | MLB.com: News
he got hurt in the fla game when he got hit hard on the leg. and i cant help but wonder if there is something still going on with his elbow. the velocity is there, but the control isnt. if something is wrong, that requires "fixing", it might be best if he come back his sr year and prove he still has it. proves that the injury wasnt something that will effect him permanently, raising his draft stock again. of course, that is all speculation. but he hasnt been the same lately, so it seems to me something is wrong. i just do not know what that something might be.
he missed all of summer due to overload in the CWS and then most of the beginning of spring with the elbow, so he just doesn't have enough reps. I think it would be in his best interest to show the scouts he can dominate again. Because as of now, I'm seeing a guy who got injured in 2/3 years and who right now can't get anyone in the SEC out. That, to me, doesn't translate into big money (if I'm a GM). But I can also see the kid's reasoning that another injury next year and he might not get drafted at all, so I can see it both ways.
why? if it is something psychological, then the entire team is at fault here. i don't think it's any more psychological than it is physical -- more likely a combo of both. he just flat-out doesn't have his stuff this season and i think it's because of, like casey said, a lack of reps/innings pitched. who knows, maybe it is in his head. I think that he will benefit from just going pro after this year if it is psychological. the professionals might know how to better coach him up. but then maybe he doesn't get the attention he would need. either way, it's a terrible situation for him.
Personally, I think it's because he thinks about the injury. I mean, I don't know for sure, because I obviously don't know him. But that's just my opinion. He's an outstanding ball player and I'm sure he knows that, but the whole injury thing came about and then the not so well performance at ole miss after the rain delay. That's all I can figure.
i fully agree. and yes, the whole team seems to have a psychological block. one area starts getting it together and seems another area comes down with a case of "oh no, you di'nt". seems to be contagious.
i just went to lsusports.net to look at the latest stats. ranaudo is no longer listed with the starters. LSU - Season Statistics we are in deep kimchee when ranaudo and ott are both struggling. bertuccini, as a reliever, is the one with the best era. by far.
