re: Official 2011 baseball commitment thread

Don't be surprised if Matty Ott leaves for pro ball after this year

Bump for a few video updates.

From Baseball America's draft preview...

1. Story is rated the #39 player in the draft...

"Story is one of the few quality, surefire shortstops in the 2011 draft, with a better chance to stick at the position than Javier Baez and Levi Michael. Scouts who believe in Story's bat see him as close to a five-tool shortstop, so he could sneak into the end of the first round. He has smooth actions along with plus range and arm strength. He has shown a 90-92 mph fastball while occasionally closing games for Irving. Story has good pop for a middle infielder, though the 6-foot, 175-pounder generates his power by collapsing on his backside and using an uppercut. His quick hands generate plenty of bat speed and allow him to barrel balls, though he may need to tone down his swing against professional pitchers. He has above-average speed and runs the bases well. Though he has committed to Louisiana State, he's expected to turn pro if he gets selected before the start of the second round."

2. Eierman is rated as a 2nd-round pick...

"A product of a central Missouri town with a population of 2,100, Eierman boosted his draft stock by showing impressive raw tools on a bigger stage last summer. He made the rounds of the showcase circuit, posting the second-best 60-yard dash time (6.41 seconds) at the Area Code Games and launching balls in batting practice. Eierman has well above-average bat speed to match hit foot speed, though he'll have to make adjustments against better pitching. He has a long righthanded stroke with an inconsistent load, and he's too aggressive at the plate. If he can iron out his swing, he could be an average hitter with plus power. A shortstop for his high school team coached by his father John, Eierman won't stay in the infield in pro ball. He lacks the hands and actions for second base, and his average arm may not be enough for third. The 6-foot-1, 195-pounder has the tools to become a solid center fielder. A Louisiana State recruit, he'll need time to develop but has a high ceiling."

3. Jake Cave is rated as a 5th or 6th round pick as a left-handed pitcher.

4. Austin Nola is rated as a 5th or 6th round pick as a right-handed pitcher.

5. They don't have Cody Glenn ranked, which is interesting because he's a guy who's been ranked as high as the No. 22 recruit in the country.

In other words, kiss Story and Eierman goodbye. Cave, Nola and Glenn might actually make it here. And some of the other guys, like Magee, Baranik, Tasin, Bonvillain, Ray and Goody who have been rated as draft picks of note by one service or another at some point, aren't mentioned at all.

BA is often right, and just as often wrong. This isn't gospel. But it's some indication of where we are.

Also, there's word of a left-handed JUCO first baseman from somewhere they've got committed. No name yet, though.

They also had Gausman in the top 2 rounds last year.

I still believe Story and Cave turn pro.

Eierman's 50/50 at this point.

Baranik, Nola, Glenn, and Goody should all make their way to LSU in August.

All 7 are outstanding players who would see immediate playing time.

Yeah, Eierman has the athleticism that reminds me of our 2009 squad. I want that backkkk

Tasin is also another left handed bat which we definitely need more of. It doesn't seem like he fits the size description of the first baseman mentioned by Rantz during the Tennessee broadcast, but I guess we'll see. His PG profile from the Summer prior to his senior year lists him at 6'1 175, but he looked like he was about 13 years old. Maybe he has grown some.

Brent Bonvillain - LHP - 6'3" 185lbs

Numbers from High School - Thibodaux HS District 8 - 5A
Made the varisity team as freshmen, but did not pitch as a freshman and never pitched competitively before then.
22-5 over 3 seasons
17-1 in District competition over 3 seasons
350 total Ks in 3 seasons
157 ks in 72 innings as a senior
Did not record less than 10 ks in all district games as senior
Allowed only 4 homers over 3 seasons
Never allowed a triple over 3 seasons
Sophomore year - 2nd team District
Junior year - All Region, All District
Senior year - All State, All Region, All District
3 letters

Recorded 18ks in 7 innings during qualifying for Babe Ruth national tournament in South Carolina

Numbers from Nicholls
As a freshman at Nicholls in 30 innings (35ks), did not allow a triple or a homer, only allowed 3 doubles. Was only topping out at 88 mph. Developed size and 92 mph fastball over last year.
2 wins and 3 losses at Nicholls with one save


Numbers from Delgado
8-3 - 3 complete game shutouts
80 ip - 81 ks
3.4 Era
Only gave up 2 homers in a very small park at Meridian - 360 dead center
Allowed only 10 doubles and 2 triples.
All Region Miss-Lou Conference

Consistently throws a 2 seam cutter 88-92 mph
Has been clocked at 93 on the 2 seam
Does not throw a 4 seam but could run that up 95 mph
Has a nasty changeup at 79 mph
Has a nasty 12 to 6 curve
Has a devastating backdoor slider
Very hard to get big hits on because he locates extremely well with all of his pitches.
Throws about 60 to 70% strikes to balls when factoring in foul balls.
Not affraid to throw big breaking pitches even on 3-2 count because of the high number that land for call strike.
Great poise on the mound.

Because he is a late bloomer and did not attend National showcases very little is known about him at the national level.

Yeah he was .