2009 Diamond Hogs' Commitment List (15)

[Hogtropolis™]

Incoming Recruits for 2010

*All of these recruits are assumed to have signed a LOI to play for the Diamond Hogs in 2010, but keep in mind that recruiting is not nearly as publicized in baseball as it is in football or basketball so it is possible it is not 100% accurate.  Also the stats are to the best of my knowledge, so if there are any updates or corrections that need to be made, please let me know.

Known Signees: 15
*Last date to sign is August 1, 2009

Name:	D.J. Baxendale
Hometown:	Sylvan Hills, AR (Sylvan Hills High School)
Position:	P/INF
Height:	6'2"
Weight:	175
Bats/Throws:	R/R
News:	Article Confirming Commitment
Notes:	* 2008 Batting: .438 avg., 4 HR, 48 RBI
	* 2008 Pitching: 12-1, 1 save, 0.68 ERA
	* 2009 Batting: .370 avg. (approx.), 5 HR, 38 RBI
	* 2009 Pitching: 12-0, 4 saves, 0.27 ERA (approx.)
	* Runs a 7.53 sixty.
	* Class 6A All-State in 2008.
	* Named the Top Underclassman in the State by the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for 2008.
	* Fastball runs 88-90.  Also throws 6 pitches for strikes.
	* Named the Gatorade Player of the Year in Arkansas in 2009.
	* Ranked the #2 draft prospect in Arkansas by Baseball America.
	* Named the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Baseball Player of the Year for 2009.
	* Named a 2009 Louisville Slugger High School All-American.
	* #406 (#1 in AR) in the PGCrossChecker rankings of the Top 2,000 High School Prospects for 2009.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Name:	Derrick Bleeker
Hometown:	Longmont, CO (Skyline High School)
Position:	SS/P
Height:	6'5"
Weight:	200
Bats/Throws:	R/R
News:	Article Confirming Commitment
Notes:	* 2008 Batting: .434 avg., 40 RBI
	* 2008 Pitching: 5-1
	* 2009 Batting: .540 avg., 5 HR, 36 RBI
	* 2009 Pitching: 5-2, 1 save, 1.36 ERA
	* Possible he will play both ways at Arkansas.
	* First Team All-Northern Conference and All-Region in 2008.
	* First Team All-Northern Conference in 2007.
	* Selected for the Colorado Rockies' Top 50 Senior High School All-Star game in 2009.
	* Named the Daily Camera's Baseball Player of the Year and All-Region in 2009.
	* #586 (#7 in CO) in the PGCrossChecker rankings of the Top 2,000 High School Prospects for 2009.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Name:	Franco Broyles
Hometown:	Fayetteville, AR (Fayetteville High School)
Position:	OF
Height:	6'1"
Weight:	185
Bats/Throws:	R/R
News:	Article Confirming Commitment
Notes:	* 2008 Batting: .347 avg., 2 HR, 24 RBI
	* 2009 Batting: .500 avg., 7 HR, 42 RBI, 27 SB
	* Class 7A All-State in '09.
	* Named The Morning News 2009 All-Area Baseball Player of the Year.
	* Named to the Northwest Arkansas Times' All-County Team.
	* Named the Northwest Arkansas Times All-7A-West Player of the Year.
	* Named to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette All-Arkansas Team.
	* Ranked the #9 draft prospect in Arkansas by Baseball America on June 8, 2009.
	* Drafted in the 43rd round (1,291 overall) by Colorado on 6/11/09.
	* Named a Third Team High School All-American by Baseball America.
	* Grandson of Frank Broyles.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Name:	Mike Bucchino
Hometown:	Ellisville, MO (St. Louis University High School)
Position:	1B/3B/P
Height:	6'3"
Weight:	245
Bats/Throws:	R/R
News:	Article Confirming Commitment
Notes:	* 2007 Batting: .182 avg. (2-11), 1 HR, 1 RBI
	* 2007 Pitching: 3-1, 2.74 ERA
	* 2008 Batting: .319 avg., 2 HR, 18 RBI
	* 2008 Pitching: 5-2, 2.95 ERA
	* Named to the 2009 Rawlings / Perfect Game Preseason Central Region All High School Senior Second Team for 2009.
	* Named All-Metro honorable mention in 2008.
	* #563 (#7 in MO) in the PGCrossChecker rankings of the Top 2,000 High School Prospects for 2009.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Name:	Ben Crumpton
Hometown:	Hot Springs, AR (Lakeside High School)
Position:	SS/P
Height:	5'11"
Weight:	180
Bats/Throws:	R/R
News:	Article Confirming Commitment
Notes:	* 2009 Batting: .583 avg., 2 HR, 19 RBI, 29-30 SB
	* Runs a 6.52 sixty.
	* Ranked the #6 draft prospect in Arkansas by Baseball America.
	* Drafted in the 36th round (1,080 overall) by Detroit.
	* #449 (#2 in AR) in the PGCrossChecker rankings of the Top 2,000 High School Prospects for 2009.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Name:	Trent Daniel (JUCO)
Hometown:	Bryant, AR (Bryant High School)/(U of A Fort Smith)
Position:	P
Height:	6'1"
Weight:	160
Bats/Throws:	R/L
News:	Article Confirming Commitment
Notes:	* 2007 Pitching:  6-2, 2.43 ERA
	* 2009 Pitching: (UAFS)  6-2, 5.69 ERA
	* Signed with Arkansas State out of high school, but decided to go to UAFS instead.
	* 7A All-State in 2007 & 2008.
	* Second Team All-Region in 2009.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Name:	Blake Drake (JUCO)
Hometown:	Louisville, KY (Eastern High School)/(Wabash Valley College)
Position:	P
Height:	6'7"
Weight:	185
Bats/Throws:	R/R
News:	Article Confirming Commitment
Notes:	* 2007 Pitching: 5 Wins
	* 2008 Pitching: 4-0, 5.73 ERA
	* 2009 Pitching: 3-4, 6.92 ERA
	* Originally signed with Louisville out of high school.
	* Named All-7th Region and All-District 28
	* Ranked the #25 draft prospect in Illinois by Baseball America for 2009.
	* Ranked the #17 Junior College Prospect by PGCrossChecker for 2009.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Name:	Randall Fant
Hometown:	Texarkana, TX (Texas High)
Position:	P/OF
Height:	6'4"
Weight:	185
Bats/Throws:	L/L
News:	Article Confirming Commitment
Notes:	* 2009 Batting: .391 avg., 21 RBI, 1 HR
	* 2009 Pitching: 10-2, 1.48 ERA, 1 save
	* First Team All-District 13-4A in 2009.
	* Drafted in the 21st round (648 overall) by Boston in 2009.
	* Ranked the #95 draft prospect in Texas by Baseball America for 2009.
	* Named Third Team 4A All-State by the Texas High School Baseball Coaches Association and the Texas Sports Writers Association in 2009.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Name:	Jason Fuqua (JUCO)
Hometown:	Baytown, TX (Sterling High School)/(Alvin Community College)
Position:	P
Height:	6'2"
Weight:	185
Bats/Throws:	L/L
News:	Article Confirming Commitment
Notes:	* 2008 Pitching: 6-1, 2.55 ERA
	* 2009 Pitching: 6-0, 1.50 ERA
	* Fastball clocked at 91 mph.
	* Used a redshirt at Texas A&M during the 2007 season.
	* First Team All-District 22-5A in 2006.
	* Named All-Region XIV in 2009.
	* Drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the 38th round (1,158 overall) in 2006.
	* Ranked the #9 Junior College Prospect in Texas by PGCrossChecker in January 2009.
	* Ranked the #37 Junior College Prospect by PGCrossChecker in January 2009.

[Hogtropolis™]

Name:	Garrett Methvin
Hometown:	Longview, TX (Spring Hill High School)
Position:	INF/P
Height:	6'0"
Weight:	185
Bats/Throws:	S/L
News:	Article Confirming Commitment
Notes:	* 2008 Pitching: 9-3, 1.71 ERA
	* 2009 Batting: .410 avg., 6 HR, 32 RBI
	* 2009 Pitching: 14-1, 1.27 ERA
	* Threw a no-hitter (19 K's) on 4/14/09.
	* District 17-3A MVP in 2008 & 2009.
	* First Team 3A All-State in 2009.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Name:	Jordan Pratt (JUCO)
Hometown:	Harrison, AR (Harrison High School)/(U of A Fort Smith)
Position:	P
Height:	6'2"
Weight:	215
Bats/Throws:	R/R
News:	Article Confirming Commitment
Notes:	* Pitching 2008:  3-2, 2.83 ERA
	* 2009 Pitching: 5-4, 5.00 ERA
	* Ranked the #198 Junior College Prospect (#2 in AR) by PGCrossChecker in January 2009.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Name:	Matt Reynolds
Hometown:	Tulsa, OK (Bishop Kelley High School)
Position:	SS
Height:	6'1"
Weight:	190
Bats/Throws:	R/R
News:	Article Confirming Commitment
Notes:	* 2007 Batting: .377 avg., 7 HR
	* Metro Lakes All-Conference in 2008.
	* Selected for the Chicago White Sox Area Code team during the summer of 2008 and named the #72 prospect.
	* Named to the 2009 Rawlings / Perfect Game Preseason West Region All High School Senior First Team for 2009.
	* Ranked the #14 draft prospect in Oklahoma by Baseball America for 2009.
	* #520 (#9 in Oklahoma) in the PGCrossChecker rankings of the Top 2,000 High School Prospects for 2009.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Name:	Kyle Robinson (JUCO)
Hometown:	Boca Raton, FL (Westminster Academy)/(Indian River State College)
Position:	OF
Height:	6'3"
Weight:	210
Bats/Throws:	R/R
News:	Article Confirming Commitment
Notes:	* 2008 Batting: .321 avg., 3 HR, 22 RBI
	* 2009 Batting: .416 avg., 8 HR, 43 RBI
	* Started the 2009 season with a 16 game hit streak had a hit in 38 of his first 40 games.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Name:	Erik Shannahan
Hometown:	Collinsville, IL (Collinsville High School)
Position:	SS/P
Height:	6'2"
Weight:	175
Bats/Throws:	R/R
News:	Article Confirming Commitment
Notes:	* 2007 Batting: .389 avg., (7-18), 4 RBI
	* 2007 Pitching: 4-4, 2.25 ERA
	* 2008 Batting: .391 avg., 16 RBI
	* 2008 Pitching: 6-1, 1.30 ERA, 3 saves
	* 2009 Batting: .423 avg., 29 RBI
	* 2009 Pitching: 3-4, 2.65 ERA
	* First Team All-Southwestern Conference in 2008.
	* First Team St. Louis All-Metro in 2008.
	* Named to the 2009 Rawlings / Perfect Game Preseason Central Region All High School Senior Second Team for 2009.
	* Third Team All-Southwestern Conference in 2009.
	* Named honorable mention in News-Democrat Large-School All-Area for 2009.
	* #716 (#27 in Illinois) in the PGCrossChecker rankings of the Top 2,000 High School Prospects for 2009.

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Name:	Matt Vinson
Hometown:	Alma, AR (Alma High School)
Position:	SS/OF
Height:	6'2"
Weight:	195
Bats/Throws:	S/R
News:	Article Confirming Commitment
Notes:	* 2008 Batting: .439 avg., 9 HR, 25 RBI
	* 2009 Batting: .400 avg., 3 HR
	* Runs a 6.52 sixty.
	* Was clocked throwing 97 mph from the OF at an Ole Miss camp.
	* Approximately .400 career batting average from freshman through senior year.
	* Class 5A All-State in 2008 and 2009.
	* Named to the 2009 Rawlings / Perfect Game Preseason Southeast Region All High School Senior Team as honorable mention.
	* Ranked the #14 draft prospect in Arkansas by Baseball America for 2009.
	* #602 (#3 in Arkansas) in the PGCrossChecker rankings of the Top 2,000 High School Prospects for 2009.

[Hogtropolis™]

I've got all the known signees listed.  If you know of anyone else that I don't have listed, please let me know and I will add them.  Also, if you have any extra information about any of the 16 already listed, please let me know that too.

I hope y'all enjoy this list.  I'll try to keep it updated to the best of my ability.

[Hogtropolis™]

Houston Pruitt.

He will be in the class of 2010 (playing in the 2011 season).  I'll get start a thread for that around the early signing period (early November).

Thanks though.

[#69]

so these are guys that are ready to play next spring, and decided not to go to the league?

[searkhogfan]

Franco is Frank's Grandson !  Not Nephew........

[Hawgzilla]

   Easley decided to go to Jr.College to be draft eligible again next year.........

[Hogtropolis™]

Franco is Frank's Grandson !  Not Nephew........

My mistake.  Sorry.  I've got it fixed now though.

   Easley decided to go to Jr.College to be draft eligible again next year.........

I searched around and confirmed that.  He is playing at Weatherford College next year.  Thank you very much for letting me know that.

[Hogtropolis™]

I just went back and added an article confirming each recruits commitment.  This looks like a very solid class and we should get quite a few players that are capable of contributing next season.

[thehill1414]

What is this class ranked nationally? I've heard Baxendale is supposed to be pretty good, but who are the projected other impact players, like Cox was last year?

[linze82]

thank you for your work hogtropolis

[Hogtropolis™]

What is this class ranked nationally? I've heard Baxendale is supposed to be pretty good, but who are the projected other impact players, like Cox was last year?

I haven't seen it ranked anywhere (which isn't to say it isn't ranked somewhere) but from reading through the various articles the coaches and others act like this is one of the better classes we've had in a while.

[olivebranchhog]

IMHO i think this class is even better than last years class. Methvin will be a weekend starter by the end of the year. Kid is about as solid as they come. I've heard he can get his 2-seem in the 92-93 range. Broyles is actually a very very athletic kid. And Vinson could be the best outfielder we have had in a long time. If I'm not mistaken he was the only prospect at the Ole Miss camp to be clocked at over 92. Amazingly strong arms coming to the hill next year. I stand firm behind Omaha or bust for next season. The talent is here....the only thing holding us back from a NC in the next 2 years is US. GO HOGS

[Kenny Dowell Loggains]

great list!

[Kenny Dowell Loggains]

looks as if we have some quality recruits coming in!

[rzrbackrob]

Great job Hogtropolis

[omahawg#17]

I like Jason Fuqua as well. I love getting JUCO people seems like they are just a little more developed and contribute more quickly... Like Jess Todd, i think Richards was a JUCO and Bolsinger, Forrest lol anyways... Garrett Methvin and D.J. Baxendale look to be great additions to the team. For us to win Omaha this year we need our new comers to contribute immediatley, they will mix with our returning starters well... We Just need at least two more pitchers that can bring it when they step up on the mound. Smyly Bolsinger Forrest Eibner are reliable pitchers.... Murphy will show up this season i think. I wanna see guys like kowalchuck, heatley, limbocker and cousineau emerge out of the bullpen this season. I could talk omahawg baseball all day lol :razorback:

[olivebranchhog]

From a very very very reliable source, Kowalchuck has gotten himself into amazing shape. Word is he has picked up 2-3 mph on his fastball. Anyone who has pitched before knows to gain like that over one summer, he's got to be busting his ass and more lol.

[omahawg#17]

Man kowalchuck will be a great middle relief pitcher. I can't wait until late February

[perfectgame]

the hs kids look good but the juco guys stat wise look very avg, i was looking at UALR's juco guys and they got some freakin studs in there, 1 of them a rawlings gold glover, and several all americans! the hogs not go after guys like that?

[futurehogdad]

What is this class ranked nationally? I've heard Baxendale is supposed to be pretty good, but who are the projected other impact players, like Cox was last year?

Rankings have shown up in November and December in past years

[coach, my back hurts]

the hs kids look good but the juco guys stat wise look very avg, i was looking at UALR's juco guys and they got some freakin studs in there, 1 of them a rawlings gold glover, and several all americans! the hogs not go after guys like that?

The coaches name escapes me, but he had Ouachita at a national power.  Granted, it was DII, but they had some players.  I wish i couldve seen them play.  I dont know how he'll do at UALR, but i bet he does pretty good.  They have a fairly nice baseball field.  Better than most, bu its in the ghetto tho.  But i think he'll do really good at UALR.  I doubt he is there for long.

[perfectgame]

i just read where UALR had a top recruiting class, looks like he's working his magic again

[Semper Hogelis]

I like it, I like it.  Thanks Hogtrop.

[chiefsfan]

the hs kids look good but the juco guys stat wise look very avg, i was looking at UALR's juco guys and they got some freakin studs in there, 1 of them a rawlings gold glover, and several all americans! the hogs not go after guys like that?

the Sun Belt in baseball is much more respectable as a conference.   UALR despite being perennial league celler dwellar has a good coach in Norwood who knows how to recruit and build.    Heck ASU which is always next to last, has a guy in Tommy Raffo who is bringing in highly rated freshman as well.   schools like Western Kentucky and ULL are able to outrecruit SEC schools for players fairly often

With scholarships like they are in D1.  you often are left with the option of taking a 30 percent scholarship and going to Arkansas or taking an 80 percent scholarship and heading to a mid major school

[dddollars]

looks like a good class

[jmingram911]

Franco is Frank's Grandson !  Not Nephew........

That is what he said...smart one

[Hogtropolis™]

I'm going to go ahead and unsticky this, but it can now be found in the Diamond Hog Dugout thread found stickied at the top of the forum now.

[HoneyNuttPetrinoos]

That is what he said...smart one

i think he edited after the fact