LSU had 5 underclassmen drafted. Who comes back? Verdugo-9th round M. Clark-12th round Coleman-14th round B. Martin-17th round J. Brown-39th round
I think we lose Verdugo & Clark. I think Ochinko could play first. Not sure what 3rd looks like but have faith in PM to put the best player there. Pitching should be fine when if Ranaudo steps up and is healthy. Austin Ross could help fill in as well. We should be just fine next year, with the nucleus of freshman we have returning. Team chemistry should be great. No worries :tigerhead:tigbas:
Verdugo is the only one on the fence in my mind...my bet is he comes back. No way Clark goes with the way he ended this season. He is a lock 1st round draft pick next year...will probably go around the same spot as USC's Justin Smoak went this year. Tasting the CWS will bring him back for another run and an improvement in his stock.
And what tells you that??? If you've paid attention to drafts in the past...a majority of underclassmen (juniors and those not inked) taken after round 10 usually stick around another year, especially those that play for powerhouse programs. IF, the season would have ended the way it began, maybe they bolt. However, all these guys were out of the spot light most of the season. Their stock has already improved over where they went in this years draft. The only players who have tough decisions here are pitchers...you never know what they are thinking b/c arm problems play a factor. That is why Verdugo may be on the fence (still thinks he stays). I just think Coleman and Martin have too much to gain by sticking around and for Brown, its a no brainier. Unless they all have visions of being career minor leaguers. Matt Clark is a top 10 draft pick next year. That = millions of $$$ plus a shot at the CWS for staying one more year in college. He is a 1st baseman...low impact position is low risk. Thats just the way Ive seen it play out in the past.
Clark told a Cali paper before Omaha he was going to sign and Maineri said the same before the last game against UNC. He will be close to his home town which is the biggest selling point. He will not be back next year.
not sure what MC told any Cali papers but I dont recall CPM saying anything about it. also, not buying the close to home town selling point in MLB. players in the minors get shipped around multiple times yearly....im sure he is smart enough to know he may not last very long in Cali, weeks arent even guaranteed with the July trading dealine. this is probably the same reason DJ didnt jump all over Detroit right out of HS. dunno...we shall see
Not blowing smoke but just stating what was said by Clark and PM. Here I found the quote from PM: You can still not agree with his decision but I am not holding too much hope. http://media.www.lsureveille.com/me...ri.Expects.Clark.To.Leave.Early-3382521.shtml
This is kinda ironic, b/c I just got blogging about this on the blog no more than 10 mins ago. But yeah, I see them all staying outside of Clark.
you must not have seen this year's draft. only 2 Seniors were drafted in the first round...the first at #20 and they were both pitchers. seniors are almost always drafted lower because teams know they have to sign. they have no leverage. http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/events/draft/y2008/drafttracker.jsp
