2010 Diamond Hogs' Commitment/Signee List (16)

[Hogtropolis™]

*All information was obtained via Hognation at www.hognation.net

Quick List
Barrett Astin - P/3B
Sam Bates - OF/1B
Jimmy Bosco - OF
Dominic Ficociello - SS/3B/OF
Eric Fisher - 1B/OF/P
Bronson Gillam - 1B/3B/P
Jeff Harvill - P/OF
Cade Lynch - P
Brandon Moore - P
Houston Pruitt - OF/P
Jacob Rice - SS/OF
Nolan Sanburn - C/P/OF
Ryne Stanek - P
Colby Suggs - P/1B/3B
Pierce Trumper - P/SS/3B
Jake Wise - C/P


*Decommits are struck through.
*Players that signed an MLB contract are in red.

Known Commitments

Barrett Astin    P / 3B    6-1    185    R / R
Forrest City, AR Mustangs

Also a quarterback and punter on the football team.

2007 FB: 883 passing yards and 12 touchdowns.

All-Conference in football in 2007 and 2008.

6A-East All-Conference and 6A All-State Tournament team in 2008.

Played for the Forrest City Post 4 legion team in the summer of '08.

Invited to attend the Xi Summer Classic in 2008. Hit 91 on the gun.

2008 FB: 1,479 passing yards and 14 touchdowns.

#393 (#2 in Arkansas) in the Perfect Game rankings of the Top 500 High School Prospects for 2010 on February 20, 2009. #454 on June 30, 2009 and #372 on August 13, 2009. #357 on August 31 and #369 on November 12. #371 on February 11, 2010. #375 on March 10 and #395 on April 30.

Named to the Perfect Game Preseason Underclass All-American Teams Honorable Mention on March 17, 2009.

2009: 8-2 with a 1.08 ERA and 110 strikeouts. Three no-hitters and one perfect game (62 pitches).

Had two hits & one run and picked up the save on 3/9/09. Threw two innings and got a win on 3/10. Took a loss on 3/17 (complete game, three unearned runs, 10 K's). Got the win (CG, 9 K's, 5 hits) on 4/21. Also singled and scored in the game. Picked up a win on 5/1 after allowing six hits, walking three and striking out 13.

5A-East All-Conference, All-State and 5A-East All-Academic Team in 2009.

Invited to attend the Xi Summer Classic in 2009. Fastball was consistently 87-89 and up to 90.

Considered Arkansas, LSU, Oklahoma and Ole Miss.

Committed on July 22, 2009. Signed in November.

Throws a two-seam fastball, four-seam fastball, slider, curve and change.

Selected for the Chicago White Sox Area Code team during the summer of 2009.

Named Honorable Mention Rawlings Preseason All-American on March 17, 2010.

Got a win (7.0 ip, 1 run, 3 hits, 2 walks, 15 K's) on 4/20/10.

2010: 5-3 with a 1.16 ERA, 116 strikeouts and 60.1 innings in 9 starts (8 complete) as of 5/13.

5A All-State and All-State Tournament team in 2010.

Named to the East team for the Arkansas High School All-Star double header played at Baum Stadium.



Sam Bates     OF / 1B     6-4    215    L / R
Cabot, AR / Crowder College Roughriders

Also played basketball in HS.

Batted .401 with 6 homeruns and 88 RBI in American Legion ball from 2006-09. Batted .474 in '07 and .512 in '09.

2009: Batted .359 (65-181) with 12 doubles, 2 triples, 5 homeruns, 54 RBI, 19 walks, a .413 OBP and 12 errors in 56 games.

Named NJCAA All-Region in 2009.

Committed on April 21, 2010.

Will be a Junior.

2010: Batted .432 (82-190) with 20 doubles, 4 triples, 13 homeruns, 66 runs, 60 RBI, 29 walks and 7-9 stolen bases in 62 games.

Team made it to the JUCO World Series in 2010.

Named and NJCAA Third Team All-American.

Drafted by the Florida Marlins in the 39th round (#1,187) on June 9, 2010.



Jonathan Davis    C / INF / OF    5-11    190    R / R
Missouri City, TX (Hightower Hurricanes)

Attended the Perfect Game National Underclass Showcase in 2008. {Rated a 9}

PG REPORT: Very athletic frame, present strength throughout, good tone to lower half. Good setup behind plate, quick feet, has arm strength, throws carry through bag, tools play well in OF as well, versatile player. 6.95 runner with instincts on bases, high energy player. Square stance with slight crouch at plate, aggressive early in counts, balanced through contact, shows pop, natural lift in swing, gap to gap, good student.

Named Perfect Game Preseason Underclass All-American Honorable Mention on March 17, 2009.

Attended the Perfect Game World Showcase in 2009. {Rated a 9}

PG REPORT: Davis has a strong athletic build, quick actions, makes accurate throws, good fundamentals and arm strength. Short swing, has hand strength, open stance, hard game contact, stays on ball, raw power, good power potential, also runs well.

#401 in the Perfect Game rankings of the Top 500 High School Prospects for 2010 on November 12.



Jimmy Bosco     OF     5-10    180    L / R
Granite Bay, CA (Jesuit High School) / University of California Bears

Attended the Perfect Game 2007 Rising Junior National Showcase {Rated an 8.5}

PG REPORT: He has a compact, athletic body type and plays the game with a high level of energy. Bosco is the type of player that plays much larger than his size and has the ability to impact the game with his speed, hitting, and defense on any given day. He is a top of the order hitter with a quick bat and a line drive swing. There is some pop to the pull side on occasion and he can handle a good fastball. Bosco gets out of box well and can pressure the defense, both down the line and with aggressive turns around the bag. He is a 'pest' in a very positive sense and is the type of player that thrives in the college game. Defensively he gets good jumps and has a strong arm. His tools and insincts will allow him to play centerfield everyday at the D1 level and offensively he is a top of the order impact player.

2008: Batted .505 (school record) with 3 homeruns and 24 RBI.

Named First Team All-Sac-Metro and Delta River League MVP. Cal Hi Sports First Team All-State Underclassman.

Attended the Perfect Game 2008 National Showcase {Rated a 9.5}

PG REPORT: Bosco has an strong athletic build and is a very good outfielder who can run and throw. He has smooth outfield actions and gets great jumps on balls. He also shows arm strength from the outfield. He is a very good fastball hitter and has good strength in his swing. He has a smooth polished swing and attacks the ball showing good raw power. He has serious controlled bat speed and projects well at the plate. Bosco is a very good student and has made a verbal commitment to California.

Cal Hi Sports Second Team All-State in '09.

2010: Batted .321 (34-106) with 23 runs, 5 doubles, 2 triples, 5 homeruns and 20 RBI in 36 games.

Transferred after his freshman year at Cal (2010).



Dominic Ficociello    SS / 3B / OF    6-3    155    S / R
Fullerton, CA (Union Indians)

Also played football (QB).

2007: Batted .298 (28-94) with 20 runs, 15 RBI, 5 doubles, 1 homerun, 7 walks, 9 strikeouts and 5-6 stolen bases in 27 games.

2008: Batted .513 (20-39) with 10 runs, 7 RBI, 6 doubles, 4 walks, 3 strikeouts and 4-4 stolen bases in 12 games. Made one appearance on the mound (0.2 ip, 1 walk, 1 strikeout, 0 runs).

Attended the Perfect Game 2010 Grads National Showcase in 2008. {Rated an 8.5}

PG REPORT: Tall and thin, upright stance, balanced even swing, long through zone, good bat speed, good extension, slightly open stance, high hands, switch hitter, good actions, soft hands, had a sore arm during showcase, runs very well, Top Prospect.

Second Team All-League in football in '08.

2009: Batted .495 (48-97) with 32 runs, 36 RBI, 17 doubles, 10 homeruns, 14 walks, 8 strikeouts and 1-1 stolen bases in 29 games. Was 2-0 with a 0.78 ERA, 1 run, 2 walks and 12 strikeouts in 9.0 innings pitched. Also had one save in four games on the mound.

First Team All-Freeway League, Second Team All-County and First Team All-CIF Southern Section Division 4 in baseball in '09.

Selected for the Milwaukee Brewers Area Code team during the summer of 2009.

#259 in the Perfect Game rankings of the Top 500 High School Prospects for 2010 on August 31 and on November 12. #263 on February 11, 2010. #143 on March 10 and #152 on April 30.

#46 on Baseball America's Top 100 High School Prospects for 2010 in January '10. #49 on February 25.

#309 on the Perfect Game list of the Top 500 Prospects for the 2010 Draft on January 21, 2010. #178 on March 29 and #143 on May 17.

First Team 2010 Louisville Slugger Pre-Season High School All-American.

Named a Third Team Rawlings Preseason All-American on March 17, 2010.

# 77 on Baseball America's Top 200 overall Prospects for the draft on May 25.

Had two homeruns and four RBI on 4/21/10. Got a win (5.0 ip) to improve to 3-1 on the mound on 5/5. Had one double, three runs scored and three RBI on 5/21.

2010: .390 (34-77), 34 runs, 8 doubles, 9 homeruns, 27 RBI, 18 walks, 7 strikeouts, 13 errors and 14-14 stolen bases. 2-1 with a 1.31 ERA, 16.0 innings pitched, 10 hits, 4 walks and 14 strkeouts in 3 games started (1 complete).

Third team All-Orange County.

Selected to play in the Orange County All-Star baseball game.

Drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the 18th round (#703) on June 8, 2010.



Eric Fisher    1B / OF / P    6-2    185    L / L
Spring, TX (Klein Bearkats)
Attended the Perfect Game Sunshine South Showcase in 2009. {Rated an 8}

PG REPORT: Athletic build projects well. Tall stance, smooth easy swing, squares up well, gets hands positioned well, still lacks strength to drive ball consistently, will develop. Soft hands at first, more mobile than most 1B, runs 6.93. Also pitched, FB to 83 mph from H 3/4's release, long arm action, CB for strikes with tight spin, potential on the mound. Excellent student.

Threw a perfect 3.1 innings (5 K's) and went 4-4 with a homerun on 4/6/10. Had a three RBI double on 5/7.



Bronson Gillam    1B / 3B / P    6-4    225    S / R
Bossier City, LA (Evangel Christian Academy Eagles)

2007: Batted .398 (35-88) with 27 runs, 5 doubles, 1 triple, 11 homeruns, 51 RBI, 31 walks, 19 strikeouts and 4-5 stolen bases in 35 games. 7-6 with a 3.17 ERA in 57.1 innings on the mound. Gave up 60 hits, 52 runs (26 earned) and 35 walks to go with 81 strikeouts in 17 games (15 started, 2 complete).

1A All-State in 2007.

2008: Batted .362 (38-105) with 36 runs, 11 doubles, 6 homeruns, 40 RBI, 22 walks, 22 strikeouts and 2-2 stolen bases in 35 games. 4-4 with a 3.85 ERA and 2 saves in 43.2 innings. Gave up 37 hits, 34 runs (24 earned) and 23 walks along with 55 strikeouts in 16 games (6 started, 1 complete).

All-City and 2A All-State in 2008.

Attended the Perfect Game National Showcase in 2008. {Rated a 10}

PG REPORT: Bronson Gillam is a 2010 RHP/1B/3B with a 6'4'', 225 lb. frame from Bossier City, LA who attends Evangel Christian Academy. Tall strong build with big powerful legs. Pitches from 3/4 arm slot, easy fluid arm action, uses his lower body well to drive strongly to the plate, throws heavy FBs at 90 mph with some tailing action, 10 to 4 tilt on CB, showed good arm speed on CH as well. Also switch hits with power to all fields. Very good pitching and hitting prospect for 2010 class. Also a very good student.

#39 (#1 in Louisiana) in the Perfect Game rankings of the Top 500 High School Prospects for 2010 on February 20, 2009. #72 on June 30, 2009 and #108 on August 13, 2009. #113 on August 31 and #122 on November 12. #130 on February 11, 2010. #156 on March 10 and #165 on April 30.

Named to the Perfect Game Preseason Underclass All-American First Team on March 17, 2009.

2009: Batted .354 (.398?) with 6 homeruns. Went 13-1 (15-1?) with 114 strikeouts on the mound.

Went 3-4 with 1 homerun and got the win on the mound on 4/16/09. Threw a complete game (9 K's, 1 run, Win) on 4/30. Threw a complete game (5.0, 4 hits) on 5/7 to improve to 12-1. Hit a homerun on 5/12. Threw a complete game (3 hits, 1 unearned run, 8 K's, 7.0 innings, Win) in the state championship game on 5/13.

Won the 2A State Championship in '09.

Named the 2A All-State Outstanding Player by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association in 2009.

Attended the Perfect Game 2009 National Showcase in June. {Rated a 9.5}

PG REPORT: Extra large build, very good present strength. Full wind up, drifts to home plate, long loose arm action, high 3/4's release. FB touched 91, mostly upper 80's, cut FB is nasty at times, also throws 2-seam sinker at 85 mph. Flashes hard CB spin, inconsistent release on CB, primary FB pitcher with different looks, needs to fine tune command and he is at the top of the list. Shows big raw power at the plate, nice lift in left handed swing. Very good student.

Committed in late July '09. Signed in November. Expects to be a two-way player.

#204 on the Perfect Game list of the Top 250 Prospects for the 2010 Draft on August 10, 2009. #343 on the Top 500 list on January 21, 2010.

Named Honorable Mention Rawlings Preseason All-American on March 17, 2010.

Hit a homerun on 3/13/10. 4-4 with a homerun on 3/23. Two hits, one homerun on 3/25. 2-2 with a homerun on 3/30. Improved to 2-1 with a win (4.0 ip, 9 K) on 4/8. Got a win (7.0 ip, 3 hits, 1 run) on 4/20 to improve to 3-1.

2010: 5-1 with a 1.12 ERA and 48 strikeouts in 25.1 innings. Batted .446 with 12 homeruns, 37 RBI and a .942 slugging percentage.

Selected for the Louisiana High School Athletic Association All-Star game.

Honorable Mention 2A All-State in '10.

Named the Gatorade Player of the Year in Louisiana in 2010.



Jeff Harvill    P / OF    6-2    180    L / L
Keithville, LA (Evangel Christian Academy Eagles)

Also played football.

2007: Batted .200 (2-10) with 2 runs, 4 RBI, 3 walks and 5 strikeouts. 2-1 with a 2.58 ERA, 21.2 innings, 21 walks and 28 strikeouts in 11 games (2 starts) on the mound.

2008: Batted .250 (2-8) with 5 runs, 1 triple, 3 RBI, 3 walks, 3 strikeouts and 2-2 stolen bases. 4-2 with a 2.66 ERA, 44.2 innings, 29 walks and 46 strikeouts in 13 games (8 started, 1 complete) on the mound.

Attended the Perfect Game National Underclass Showcase in 2008. {Rated an 8.5}

PG REPORT: Slender athletic body, projects well. Quick compact arm action, accelerates delivery to the plate, good arm speed, hides ball well, high release point. FB touched 85 mph, mostly straight, occ cuts. CB has good velo, big 2 plane break, good pitch, developing change up. Good athlete, runs 6.95, has bat speed and solid hitting approach. Good student.

#454 in the Perfect Game rankings of the Top 500 High School Prospects for 2010 on February 20, 2009. #248 on June 30, 2009 and #300 on August 13, 2009. #262 on August 31 and #273 on November 12. #125 on February 11, 2010. #128 on March 10 and #136 on April 30.

2009: Went 2-0 and allowed 2 hits in 23 innings as the teams closer.

Got a save (1.2 innings, 4 K's) on 5/12/09.

Won the 2A State Championship in '09.

Honorable Mention 2A All-State in 2009.

Attended the Perfect Game Sunshine South Showcase in 2009. {Rated a 9.5}

PG REPORT: Nice athletic build, projects. Big leg raise delivery, H 3/4's release, good plane, FB 86-88, cuts FB at times with nasty late movement, CB sharp at times, tight spin, flat at other times. Advanced change up for age. Best rhythm when mixing pitches, tends to overthrow on FB counts. Quality athlete, very good defensive OF tools, some bat speed, sub 7.0 runner. Good student.

Fastball is 88-90 mph with a curveball, slider and changeup.

Committed on July 13, 2009. Signed in November.

Named a Third Team Rawlings Preseason All-American on March 17, 2010.

Hit a homerun on 3/16/10.

Battled injury most of the season.

Selected for the Louisiana High School Athletic Association All-Star game.

Drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 40th round (#1,221) on June 9, 2010.



Jared Lakind    P / 1B / RF    6-2    200    L / L
Cypress, TX (Cy-Woods Wildcats)

Honorable Mention All-District 17-5A in '08.

Fastball up to 90 mph on the mound.

#69 (#9 in Texas) in the Perfect Game rankings of the Top 500 High School Prospects for 2010 on February 20, 2009. #27 on June 30, 2009. #33 on August 13 and August 31. #36 on November 12. #37 on February 11, 2010. #41 on March 10 and #46 on April 30.

Named to the Perfect Game Preseason Underclass All-American First Team on March 17, 2009.

Made a verbal commitment on April 16, 2009. Signed in November.

2009: Batted .316 with 17 runs, 6 homeruns, 26 RBI and 4 stolen bases. Had a 2.33 ERA and 23 strikeouts in 16 innings on the mound.

Honorable Mention All-District 15-5A in 2009.

Attended the Perfect Game 2009 National Showcase in June. {Rated a 10}

PG REPORT: Strong well proportioned frame, projects even more strength. Outstanding swing/hitting mechanics, bat speed with minimal effort, plus balance, ball jumps hard off bat, high average type hitter, projects big time power, chance to have the entire package. Very good arm strength, right field potential, smooth defensive actions at 1B, arm strength really shows at 1B. Mid 80's FB here, have heard 90 mph before. Good student, verbal to Arkansas. Aflac All-American.

Selected to play in the Aflac All-American High School Baseball Classic in 2009. Game will be played at PETCO Park in San Diego on August 16.

Selected for the Texas Rangers Area Code team during the summer of 2009.

#88 on the Perfect Game list of the Top 250 Prospects for the 2010 Draft on August 10, 2009. #94 on the list of Top 300 on September 15. #151 on the Top 500 list on January 21, 2010. #325 on March 29.

Named to the houston5abaseball.com Pre-Season All-Houston First Team in '10.

Named a First Team Rawlings Preseason All-American on March 17, 2010.

Drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 23rd round (#687) on June 8, 2010.

[Hogtropolis™]

Cade Lynch     LHP     6-6    195    R / L
Jonesboro, AR (Valley View High School) / Panola Junior College Ponies

Won the state baseball championship in 2008 and 2009. Threw a no-hitter in the 2009 game.

4A All-State and MVP of the 2009 State Tournament.

Attended Panola Junior College in 2010.

2010: 3-4 with a 4.21 ERA, 62.0 innings, 56 hits, 43 runs (29 earned), 35 walks, 64 strikeouts and 5 homeruns allowed in 14 games (13 started).

Committed to Arkansas State in the summer of 2010, but changed his mind and committed to Arkansas in early August.



Brandon Moore    P    6-2    235    R / R
Van Buren, AR Pointers

Attended the Xi Summer Classic in 2008.

2009: 6-4 with a 1.70 ERA (1.30?), 27 walks and 71 strikeouts in 61.2 innings. Made 11 appearances, 10 starts, threw seven complete games and had two shutouts. Opponents batted .193 against him.

Class 7A All-State and All-State Tournament Team in '09 and '10.

Invited to attend the Xi Summer Classic in 2009. Did not attend.

Fastball has been clocked at 92. Very good slider.

Played for the Midwest Nationals in Springfield, Mo. in the summer of '09. Went 5-0 with a 1.17 ERA in 10 games. Had 8 starts, 4 complete games and 3 shutouts. Gave up 17 runs (7 earned) on 34 hits, walked 16 and struck out 38 in 42.0 innings. Also went 1-2 at the plate and made two errors in the field.

Selected for the Chicago White Sox Area Code team during the summer of 2009.

Committed on July 25, 2009. Signed in November.

Had offers from TCU & Oklahoma and interest from Nebraska & Missouri State.

#329 in the PGCrossChecker rankings of the Top 500 High School Prospects for 2010 on August 31, 2009. #350 on February 11, 2010. #354 on March 10 and #375 on April 30.

Named Honorable Mention Rawlings Preseason All-American on March 17, 2010.

Had a two-run double on 3/15/10. Hit a three-run homerun (5) on 4/12. Got the win (7.0, 8 hits, 5 runs, 1 walk) on 4/13. Got the win (5.0, 1 hit, 2 walks, 6 K) on 5/14 to improve to 7-3. Had three hits and two RBI on 5/15. Got a win (5.0 ip, 1 hit, 3 K) and had a triple & a homerun on 5/17.

Took the loss in the 7A State Championship game.

2010: Batting .448 with 6 doubles, 6 homeruns, 28 RBI, 13 walks (6 intentional) and a .757 slugging percentage as of 5/12.

2010 Final: 6-5 with a 1.60 ERA, 94 strikeouts and 15 walks in 61 innings. Batted .460 with 7 homeruns, 30 RBI and 26 runs.

Named to the East team for the Arkansas High School All-Star double header played at Baum Stadium.

Named the Gatorade Player of the Year in Arkansas in 2010.

Played for the Midwest Nationals in Springfield, Mo. in the summer of '10.



Justin O'Conner    SS / P    6-1    190    R / R
Muncie, IN (Cowan High School Blackhawks)

2008: 6-2 with a 2.02 ERA.

2009: Batted .521 with 19 homeruns, 54 runs, 8 doubles, 9 stolen bases and 61 RBI. Went 7-0 in 11 games, with a 0.30 ERA, 2 saves, 18 hits, 13 walks and 101 strikeouts in 46.2 innings on the mound.

First Team Class 1A All-State in '09.

Named the Muncie Star Press Baseball Athlete of the Year in '09.

Fastball has hit 96 mph.

Invited to the 18U USA National Team Trials in 2009. Made the cut to 32 from 144.

Attended the Perfect Game 2009 National Showcase in June. {Rated a 10}

PG REPORT: Square shouldered athletic build, outstanding present strength. Top level arm strength at SS, smooth quick release, hands work well, agile enough to stay at SS, arm strength/release are major defensive weapons. Open stance, short swing to ball, plus bat speed, hits them high/deep to all fields, ball jumps hard off bat, extends thru ball. Also pitched, 91-93 FB, has been mid 90's in past, better IF prospect now. Top level bat on excellent defensive MIF. Serious power. Very high draft potential. Aflac All-American.

Won the Perfect Game National Showcase Rawlings Home Run Championship with 15 homeruns at the Metrodome in June '09.

#8 in the Perfect Game rankings of the Top 500 High School Prospects for 2010 on August 13, 2009. #9 on August 31 and #10 on November 12. #9 on February 11, 2010, March 10 and April 30.

Selected to play in the Aflac All-American High School Baseball Classic in 2009. Game will be played at PETCO Park in San Diego on August 16. Finished second in the Home Run derby.

Finalist for the Aflac National Baseball Player of the Year award in '09.

Committed on August 21, 2009. Signed in November.

Chose Arkansas over Florida State and North Carolina.

Possible first round draft choice in the 2010 MLB draft.

#19 on the Perfect Game list of the Top 300 Prospects for the 2010 Draft on September 15. #29 in the Top 500 on January 19, 2010. #37 on March 29 and #32 on May 17.

#29 on Baseball America's Top 100 High School Prospects for 2010 on February 25. #25 on BA's Top 50 overall Prospects for the draft on May 13. #24 on May 25.

Named Third Team Preseason High School All-American be Baseball America on February 26, 2010.

Named a First Team Rawlings Preseason All-American on March 17, 2010.

2010: .479 with 8 homeruns, 44 RBI, 15 stolen bases and a 1.020 slugging percentage as of 5/30. 4-0 with 2 saves, a 1.22 ERA and 53 strikeouts in 23 innings as of 5/30.

Named the Gatorade Player of the Year in Indiana in 2010.

Drafted by the Tampa Bay Rays in the first round (#31) on June 7, 2010. Signed for $1,025,000.



Houston Pruitt    CF / P    6-0    174    R / R
Springdale, AR (Har-Ber High School Wildcats)

Plays safety & running back and had college offers for football. All-Time leader in tackles at Har-Ber (257).

2007 football: 103 tackles and 7 interceptions.

7A West All-Conference, All-Area and Democrat Gazette Super Soph in football in '07.

Invited to attend the Xi Summer Classic in baseball in 2008.

2008 football: 96 tackles and 4 interceptions.

All-State, 7A West All-Conference, All-Area and Hooten's 7A Super Team in football in '08.

2009: Batted .462 with 5 doubles, 6 homeruns, 20 walks, 32 RBI and 35 runs. 2-1 with 4 saves and 20 strikeouts on the mound.

7A All-State in baseball in '09.

Named to the Northwest Arkansas Times All-7A West baseball team (OF) in '09.

Offered on July 6, 2009. Committed on July 20. Signed in November. Recruited as a pitcher.

Invited to attend the Xi Summer Classic in 2009. Fastball was consistently 88-90 and up to 91. Ran a 6.81 60.

Named Preseason All-Arkansas for football by the Arkansas Democrat Gazette in '09.

2009 football: 58 tackles, 4 interceptions. 25 carries for 205 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Named the 7A-West Outstanding Back and 7A All-State.

Won the 7A State Football Championship in '09. Had one interception and one touchdown pass (7 yards).

Named the All-Northwest Arkansas Big 6 Football Player of the Year.

Named to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette All-Arkansas and All-Northwest Arkansas football teams and the Associated Press Arkansas Super Team.

#470 in the Perfect Game rankings of the Top 500 High School Prospects for 2010 on February 11, 2010. #474 on March 10 and #499 on April 30.

Named Honorable Mention Rawlings Preseason All-American on March 17, 2010.

Picked up a win (1-1) on 3/16/10 (7.0 ip, 0 runs, 3 hits, 8 K's). Got the win (7.0 ip, 12 K's, 4 runs, 6 hits) to improve to 2-1 on 3/30. Hit a homerun in game 2 on 3/30. Had a two-run triple in game 1 and a two-run homerun in game 2 on 4/6. Struck out 13 batters in a game on 4/21. Hit his third homerun on 4/23. Got a win (1 hit, 5 K's, 3 walks) to improve to 7-2 on the mound on 5/6. Also had two triples and two runs in the same game. Had two hits and two RBI on 5/15.

2010: Batted .365 with 4 homeruns and 7 doubles. 7-2 (4-3?) with a 2.83 ERA and 69 (63?) strikeouts in 55 (52?) innings.

Class 7A-West All-Conference, 7A All-State and All-State Tournament Team in 2010.

Named to the West team for the Arkansas High School All-Star double header played at Baum Stadium.

Named the All-Northwest Arkansas Big 6 Baseball Player of the Year.

Played for the Midwest Nationals in Springfield, Mo. in the summer of '10.


Robbie Ray     P / 1B     6-2    169    L / L
Brentwood, TN Bruins

Attended the Perfect Game 2006 Florida Pre HS Showcase.

PG REPORT: Projectable player, long and lean body, good movement on FB, good arm strength, balanced hitter, showed discipline on the outside pitches, solid follow.

Attended the Perfect Game 2007 Southeast Tennesse State Showcase. {Rated a 8}

PG REPORT: Pitches from a high 3/4 arm slot, smooth delivery, live arm, good arm speed, FB has life at 84 mph, tight SL at 71 mph, also has a 62 mph CB, keeps hitters off balance, fields position well, hits from an open stance, tall stance, low hands, makes consistent contact, good hands at 1B, solid footwork around the bag, strong arm at 79 mph.

Attended the Perfect Game 2007 Southeast Underclass Showcase. {Rated a 8}

PG REPORT: He has a tall, thin build with narrow shoulders and some projection. Ray has a tall delivery with a compact arm action and a mid 3/4's release point. He works only from the stretch and hides the ball very well in his delivery. Ray shows four quality pitches that he has feel and command for. His fastball was 79-82 mph with big running action away from right handed hitters. Ray liked throwing a big 65 mph curveball to backdoor righties and used a sharp 71 mph slider against left handers. His change up was quality as well. Ray knows how to pitch and keep hitters off balance. His arm action isn't especially projectable but he should gain velocity just on natural strength gains. Ray is a nice looking southpaw and should be followed closely.

11-AAA All-District Left Handed Pitcher of the Year and team Most Valuable Pitcher in 2008.

Attended the Perfect Game 2008 Southeast Tennesse State Showcase. {Rated a 9}

PG REPORT: Pitches with a loose and easy arm, short arm action, fluid delivery, FB has sink and run at 89 mph, tight CB at 72 mph, very good CH at 73 mph, good arm speed, great upside, hits from a straight stance, short stride, stays inside the ball well, hits through the ball, makes good contact, strong arm from 1B at 85 mph, good hands, solid around the bag.

2009: Batted .399 and had a 2.20 ERA.

11-AAA All-District Left Handed Pitcher of the Year in 2009. Also team MVP and Most Valuable Pitcher.

Attended the Perfect Game 2009 National Showcase in June. {Rated a 10}

PG REPORT: Lean athletic frame, good strength projection. Simple turn/throw delivery, pretty quick pace, ball leaves hand easy, clean arm action, pitches tall and throws downhill, repeats very well. Upper 80's fastball, will touch 90 mph, good lefty tail, varies spin/shape on CB, good feel, nice change that runs well, has mound presence/polish.

Played for Team USA in 2009. Won a Gold Medal.

#84 in the Perfect Game rankings of the Top 500 High School Prospects for 2010 on April 30.

Initially committed to Vanderbilt. Also had offers from Alabama and Georgia.

Signed with Arkansas on April 16, 2010.

Personal Website

2010: 7-0 with three no-hitters, one of which was a perfect game, a 0.53 ERA, 14 walks and 95 strikeouts in 53 innings as of 4/27.

11-AAA All-District Left Handed Pitcher of the Year in 2010.

Drafted by the Washington Nationals in the 12th round (#356) on June 8, 2010.



Jacob Rice    SS / OF    6-3    190    R / R
Tulsa, OK (Union High School Redskins)

Had 33 tackles in football (DB) in 2008. Won the 6A State Championship in 2008 & 2009.

2009: Batted .481 (51-106) with 46 runs, 8 doubles, 6 triples, 5 homeruns, 29 RBI, 26 walks, 12 strikeouts and 12 stolen bases.

Named First Team All-Metro by the Tulsa World.

Played for the Midwest Nationals in Springfield, Mo. in the summer of '09. Batted .301 (40-133) with 36 runs, 9 doubles, 5 triples, 9 homeruns, 41 RBI, 18 walks, 28 strikeouts, 4 errors and 5-7 stolen bases in 43 games. Went 1-0 with a 7.00 ERA in one game on the mound (1.0 ip, 1 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 1 K).

Selected for the Chicago White Sox Area Code team during the summer of 2009.

#117 in the Perfect Game rankings of the Top 500 High School Prospects for 2010 on August 13, 2009. #97 on August 31 and #110 on November 12. #117 on February 11, 2010. #118 on March 10 and #130 on April 30.

Committed in August 2009. Signed in November.

Named a Ferguson Jenkins Award winner in January 2010. Given to the top high school baseball players in Oklahoma.

Named a Third Team Rawlings Preseason All-American on March 17, 2010.

Won the 6A State Baseball Championship on May 17. Hit a homerun.

2010: Batted .338 with 7 homeruns.

Named All-Frontier Valley Conference in 2010.

Named First Team All-Metro by the Tulsa World.

Played for the Midwest Nationals in Springfield, Mo. in the summer of '10.



Nolan Sanburn    C / P / OF    6-1    170    R / R
Kokomo, IN Wildkats

2008: Batted .412 with 0 homeruns. Went 4-1 with a 4.13 ERA on the mound.

2009: Batted .583 with 5 triples, 5 homeruns, 29 RBI and 14 stolen bases in 28 games. Went 5-1 with a 2.54 ERA, 2 shutouts and 1 save on the mound. Had 47 strikeouts in 31.2 innings and 8 games.

Threw a no-hitter on 5/2/09. Also went 3-3 with a homerun and two RBI in the game. Threw a no-hitter and struck out 11 on 5/12.

Fastball has hit 92 mph.

Played in the East Coast Games in Florida in the summer of '09.

Selected for the Chicago White Sox Area Code team during the summer of 2009.

#168 in the Perfect Game rankings of the Top 500 High School Prospects for 2010 on August 13, 2009. #145 on August 31 and #163 on November 12. #171 on February 11, 2010. #182 on March 10 and #198 on April 30.

Committed in August 2009. Signed in November.

Named Honorable Mention Rawlings Preseason All-American on March 17, 2010.

Had 3 hits, 2 homeruns, 1 double and 7 RBI in a game around 4/12/10. Hit a two-run homerun on 4/14. 2-4 with one double, one run and one RBI on 4/21. Got a win (7.0, 3 runs, 4 hits, 3 walks, 6 K's) and went 2-4 at the plate on 4/26. Hit a two-run homerun (6) on 4/28. Got a win (6.0, 10 K, 2 hits, 1 run) and hit a homerun on 5/1. Threw a five inning no-hitter for the win (7 K, 2 walks) and had two hits on May 4. Got the win (7.0, 4 hits, 1 walk, 12 K) to improve to 5-0 on 5/13. Also hit a two-run homerun in that game. Threw a complete game (5 hits, 4 runs, 0 walks, 14 K) for his sixth straight win on 5/20. Had 12 strikeouts on 5/31. Got a win (7.0, 4 runs, 0 walks, 13 K's) on 6/5.

2010: 8-0 with 86 strikeouts. Batted .461 with 41 hits, 12 doubles, 17 stolen bases and 42 runs.

Drafted by the Detroit Tigers in the 34th round (#1,033) on June 9, 2010.

[Hogtropolis™]

Ryne Stanek    P    6-4    180    R / R
Overland Park, KS (Blue Valley HS Tigers)
2009: 5-0 on the mound.

All-Sun Honorable Mention in '09.

#213 in the Perfect Game rankings of the Top 500 High School Prospects for 2010 on June 30, 2009 and #253 on August 13, 2009. #263 on August 31 and #274 on November 12. #278 on February 11, 2010. #284 on March 10 and #25 on April 30.

Attended the Perfect Game 2009 National Showcase in June. {Rated a 9.5}

PG REPORT: Slender young build, minimal present strength. Clean delivery, drives to the plate, long loose arm action, 3/4's release, good out front. FB steady upper 80's, projects more in future. CB shows nice sharpness, big 2-plane break, potential plus pitch, tends to aim CB to LHH'ers, good feel for change up. Good 3 pitch mix with idea on command, should continue to get stronger. Showed ability with the bat, some power potential. Strong follow for next year's draft. Good student.

Selected for the Chicago White Sox Area Code team during the summer of 2009.

Named Honorable Mention Rawlings Preseason All-American on March 17, 2010.

#41 on Baseball America's Top 50 Prospects for the 2010 draft on May 13. #42 in the Top 200 on May 25.

#56 on the Perfect Game list of the Top 300 Prospects for the 2010 Draft on May 17.

Fastball was 91-96 at the start of the season in 2010.

2010: 5-1, 0.72 ERA, 48 innings and 71 strikeouts.

Won the 6A State Championship.

Drafted by the Seattle Mariners in the 3rd round (#99) on June 8, 2010.



Colby Suggs    P / 1B    6-0    215    R / R
Sulphur Springs, TX Wildcats

Also played football (Center).

Second Team All-District 13-4A in football in 2007, 2008 and 2009.

Had 17 strikeouts in 7 innings on 5/14/09.

Second Team All-District 13-4A baseball in '09

#141 in the Perfect Game rankings of the Top 500 High School Prospects for 2010 on June 30, 2009 and #153 on August 13, 2009. #159 on August 31 and #173 on November 12. #181 on February 11, 2010. #191 on March 10 and #222 on April 30.

Attended the Perfect Game Sunshine South Showcase in 2009. {Rated a 9.5}

PG REPORT: Extra strong build with surprising athletic looseness/quickness. Well coordinated fast paced delivery, arm is smooth and fast. FB to 91 mph, maintains velocity, CB has good spin and shape, SL showed potential, has command low in the K zone. Very good bat speed, ball jumps hard, home run potential, nice balanced swing, consistent hard contact. 6.84 runner, tools to play 3B at the next level. Good student.

Attended the Perfect Game 2009 National Showcase in June. {Rated a 10}

PG REPORT: Thick well proportioned build, very athletic/agile for size. Simple rear back and fire delivery, throws downhill, attacks K zone with FB's. Flashes plus FB velocity, many 93's, consistent 91-92 mph, with some life. Breaking ball better with SL velo/shorter break, will create CB shape/spin at times. Primary FB pitcher. Good athlete, shows bat speed/power at the plate, aggressive swing, 3B tools defensively, could be 2-way college player at the very highest level. Very good student.

Selected for the Oakland A's Area Code team during the summer of 2009.

Recruited as a pitcher/first baseman. Committed on July 28. Signed in November.

Also recruited by Texas, Oklahoma and Dallas Baptist.

Has hit 96 on the gun.

"I was raised a fan of Razorbacks because dad is from there," Suggs said. "It has always been my dream to be a Hog. Now I am going to Arkansas to play baseball... this is such a great thing, I can hardly believe it."

#489 on the Perfect Game list of the Top 500 Prospects for the 2010 Draft on January 21, 2010.

Named Honorable Mention Rawlings Preseason All-American on March 17, 2010.

2010: Batting .408 with 4 homeruns as of around 4/22. 4-4 with 86 strikeouts and a 1.71 ERA in 49 innings pitched.



Pierce Trumper    P / SS / 3B    6-1    185    R / R
Fort Collins, CO (Rocky Mountain High School Lobos)

2008: 3-2 with a 5.95 ERA, 20 walks and 19 strikeouts in 22.1 innings on the mound. Batted .211 (4-19) with 9 runs, 3 RBI, 8 walks and 1 strikeout.

Won the Colorado 5A State Championship.

Made a verbal commitment around August 31, 2008. Signed in November 2009.

Fastball sits 89-91. Slider 79-81.

Attended the Perfect Game 2009 National Underclass Showcase in January. {Rated a 10}

PG REPORT: Athletic build, large frame, body projects well, big upside, quick hands at the plate, good bat speed, uses the whole field, quiet approach, consistent solid contact, smooth infield actions, raw arm strength, arm works, solid delivery on the mound, sharp slider, good pitchability, big upside, solid student.

Could play both ways. Better hitter.

#116 (#2 in Colorado) in the Perfect Game rankings of the Top 500 High School Prospects for 2010 on February 20, 2009. #63 on June 30, 2009 and #70 on August 13, 2009. #79 on August 31 and #87 on November 12. #90 on February 11, 2010. #88 on March 10 and #91 on April 30.

2009: Batted .424 (25-59) with 16 runs, 16 RBI, 6 doubles and 2 homeruns.

Named to the Perfect Game Preseason Underclass All-American Third Team on March 17, 2009.

Attended the Perfect Game 2009 National Showcase in June. {Rated a 10}

PG REPORT: Well Proportioned athletic frame. Showed smooth clean actions at SS, sound fundamentals, quick release. Hits with good rhythm, slightly open stance, balanced swing, made consistent hard contact, showed good strength with bat. Pitched from a 3/4 arm slot, good arm action and repeats his delivery well, good movement on CH, late break on SL, all pitches were effective and showed big upside as a pitcher as well. Strong 2-way follow. Should create serious draft interest. Good student, verbal to Arkansas.

#206 on the PGCrossChecker list of the Top 250 Prospects for the 2010 Draft on August 10, 2009.

Honorable Mention 2010 Louisville Slugger Pre-Season High School All-American.

Named a Third Team Rawlings Preseason All-American on March 17, 2010.

2010: Batted .473 (43-91) with 35 runs, 12 doubles, 4 triples, 3 homeruns, 46 RBI, 7 walks, 6 strikeouts, 1-1 stolen base and 6 errors in 27 games. 1-0 with 2 saves, a 0.91 ERA, 8 walks, 7 strikeouts and 7.2 innings pitched in 8 games.


Ben Wells     P     6-2    220    R / R
Bryant, AR

His older brother, Justin, played for the Hogs from 2008-09.

Also signed with Crowder (MO) College.

Threw a five inning perfect game (6 K's) in the 7A State Championship game in 2010.

Named All-State and All-State Tournament (MVP) in 2010.

Signed with Arkansas on June 7, 2010.

Drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 7th round (#220) on June 8, 2010.



Jake Wise    C / P    6-1    190    R / R
Houston, TX (Cypress Falls Golden Eagles)

All-District 17-5A honorable mention in '08.

2009: 6 homeruns.

All-District 15-5A Second Team in '09.

Committed on August 17, 2009. Signed in November.

Chose Arkansas over Texas A&M.

Could also play third or outfield.

Named to the houston5abaseball.com Pre-Season All-Houston First Team in '10.

2010: 8 homeruns as of 4/15.

[Hogtropolis™]

http://www.pgcrosschecker.com/hsprospects/2009/college_commitments_09class.aspx?gyear=2009

That's a very good website to check out commitments of high school baseball.

[Hogtropolis™]

You can search for any player you are wondering about also at this link.

http://www.perfectgame.org/

[Ray Piggers]

How many of these guys that have signed will actually come to school instead of opting for the draft. If they all come, could this be considered one of the best classes to ever step foot on campus?

[Hogtropolis™]

How many of these guys that have signed will actually come to school instead of opting for the draft. If they all come, could this be considered one of the best classes to ever step foot on campus?

I don't really know the answer to that, but I have heard that DVH learned a lesson about recruiting kids that are too good (i.e. ones that will go pro out of high school) a few years ago.  I will be willing to bet that a majority of these kids will make it to campus.

And yes, this will be a VERY good class.  This class is the result of the CWS run last year.  The class we have that will be freshman right now were already in place before that CWS run.

[Ray Piggers]

Great News.


Yeah, baseball recruiting is almost like a year off. Regardless the 09 class is pretty good.

[improv]

How many of these guys that have signed will actually come to school instead of opting for the draft. If they all come, could this be considered one of the best classes to ever step foot on campus?

One of the coaches said the one to worry about going pro is O'Connor. I think Butler said it.


http://www.baseballrumormill.com/players/justin-oconnor/

[omahawg#17]

O'Connor would be HUGE for us.

[Ray Piggers]

FWIW O'Connor is rated over all everything Bryce Harper. According to that rumormill website. Zack Cox is on the watchlist. It's nice to the TOP players at the collegiate level associated with Arkansas. I mean O'Connor is an out of state recruit that chose us over Florida State and North Carolina. That speaks volumes to the level of our baseball program.

[omahawg#17]

Hogtropolis, it says O'Conner signed in November.. How solid is that? Will he come here, or go play in the big leagues?

[Hogtropolis™]

Hogtropolis, it says O'Conner signed in November.. How solid is that? Will he come here, or go play in the big leagues?

They can sign to play, but still go pro.  We'll just have to wait and see I guess.  If he's the one I'm thinking of, then there's a good chance he'll go pro.

I'm glad you posted in here.  I need to get this list updated.

[spudhog]

I don't really know the answer to that, but I have heard that DVH learned a lesson about recruiting kids that are too good (i.e. ones that will go pro out of high school) a few years ago.  I will be willing to bet that a majority of these kids will make it to campus.

And yes, this will be a VERY good class.  This class is the result of the CWS run last year.  The class we have that will be freshman right now were already in place before that CWS run.

DVH did learn his lesson on getting the all world players. Specifically talked about getting guys he know's will come to campus. IMO, it's made a big difference with our team the last few years. More balanced and less holes.

[bsking]

Sorry to bump and old thread but I have been trying to look into this years MLB draft.  From most places that I have seen, which only have 1st round projections, dont have have O'Conner on there.

My question is, where would you think that Justin would have to be drafted in order to land him on campus?

[improv]

Sorry to bump and old thread but I have been trying to look into this years MLB draft.  From most places that I have seen, which only have 1st round projections, dont have have O'Conner on there.

My question is, where would you think that Justin would have to be drafted in order to land him on campus?

My understanding is that it is less about what round and more about what position.  He wants to be a position player, not a pitcher.  I honestly think it takes first round money to keep him out of college.

[bsking]

My understanding is that it is less about what round and more about what position.  He wants to be a position player, not a pitcher.  I honestly think it takes first round money to keep him out of college.

Man, I've been reading up on this guy and he sounds like an absolute game changer.  Anyone know where he plans to fit in if he does sign?  Would he play both ways?

[PlayCallinBrotha]

I think his situation is similar to Eibner's, in that he still wants to play in the field. If he's drafted as a pitcher we might have a shot. That's how Eibner ended up at school.

This class is still solid, he'd be icing on the cake.

I understand they are looking to possibly sign 2 more. Anybody know who that might be?

[improv]

Man, I've been reading up on this guy and he sounds like an absolute game changer.  Anyone know where he plans to fit in if he does sign?  Would he play both ways?

Everything I have found tells me he will be a 2-way player, SS/P.  Game changer is exactly how i would describe him.

[omahawg#17]

All I know is that he told Van Horn that it would take some SERIOUS money for him to turn down college ball. I heard he has moved down some to like the 30th pick overall or something like that. It's like the Cox and Eibner situation, expect this kid is just a little better coming out of HS then they were. He would really pick up the slack in next years rebuilding process. I'm so excited about this class though...

[BroyledNutts]

When does the MLB draft occur?  When will we know about these guys?

It excites me that the kid from Fullerton is coming here...That kid's bio had Cal State written all over it...he's exactly what they try to get...and he's coming here...Thank you Omaha.

[Triple T]

Can we take this one season at a time? You guys are already getting me too excited for next year and this year is only halfway over. Haha.

[PigWig]

Can we take this one season at a time? You guys are already getting me too excited for next year and this year is only halfway over. Haha.

Next year's likely rotation:

Friday- Smyly
Saturday- Baxendale
Sunday- Fant

That should get you excited.

[Triple T]

Next year's likely rotation:

Friday- Smyly
Saturday- Baxendale
Sunday- Fant

That should get you excited.

Plus we'll be defending national champs.

[Hogtropolis™]

Next year's likely rotation:

Friday- Smyly
Saturday- Baxendale
Sunday- Fant

That should get you excited.

I'm not very confident that Smyly will be back next year.  He is draft eligible and so far he is having a very good year.

[BroyledNutts]

I think Smyly will be back...He has a lot of work to do on his control...I think he walks way too many batters...

With that said, I checked his draft status at PG and he's #99 overall as of April 1...so somebody sees something I don't.

[Hogtropolis™]

New recruits added are Sam Bates, Robbie Ray, and Ben Wells.

Jonathan Davis at some point decommitted.

As of right now the only player that I have seen that has signed and MLB contract is Justin O'Conner.

[Dalt21]

New recruits added are Sam Bates, Robbie Ray, and Ben Wells.

Jonathan Davis at some point decommitted.

As of right now the only player that I have seen that has signed and MLB contract is Justin O'Conner.

Trop, do you think Stanek and Ray will sign?

[AngryKhalil]

If we get out of this and all we lose is O' Connor I'd say we just did a heck of a job reloading.

[Hogtropolis™]

I haven't heard anything, but if I had to guess I would think Stanek is gone but that we'll get Ray to campus. Again, that is only a hunch. I wouldn't be suprised if Ray signed too.

I could be wrong, but I really don't see Stanek making it to campus.

[BroyledNutts]

Wasn't Eibner drafted 4th rd before he came to the hill? Maybe, if the baseball gods pity us, Stanek will follow in Eib's foot steps.

[Dalt21]

Wasn't Eibner drafted 4th rd before he came to the hill? Maybe, if the baseball gods pity us, Stanek will follow in Eib's foot steps.

Yes, 4th Round to the Astros.

[ListenHereMister]

Isn't there a 2010 commit's mom that posts on this site?

Maybe she could shed some light if her son will be going pro, or wearing the "A."

[Hogtropolis™]

I don't know who her son is, but from comments she's made it sounds like her son will make it to campus.

What I haven't been able to figure out is whether or not her son was drafted.

[Hogtropolis™]

I have this list updated to include all those who will should end up making it to campus.  We ended up with 16 total in this class (including transfers).

[Hogtropolis™]

Here's the list I added in the first post for those of you that don't ever go back and read the first post.

Quick List
Barrett Astin - P/3B
Sam Bates - OF/1B
Jimmy Bosco - OF
Dominic Ficociello - SS/3B/OF
Eric Fisher - 1B/OF/P
Bronson Gillam - 1B/3B/P
Jeff Harvill - P/OF
Cade Lynch - P
Brandon Moore - P
Houston Pruitt - OF/P
Jacob Rice - SS/OF
Nolan Sanburn - C/P/OF
Ryne Stanek - P
Colby Suggs - P/1B/3B
Pierce Trumper - P/SS/3B
Jake Wise - C/P

I also wanted to add that I am still very pleased with this class.  The guys that signed, you can't blame them for signing since they signed so much over slot.  We were never going to get O'Connor here and Ray and Wells were both long shots in my mind as well.  It did come as a surprise to me that Lakind signed though.

Even after we lost those 4, this incoming recruiting class is still very solid.  If Bax and Fant do turn out to two of our weekend rotation guys, Stanek will be a GREAT option to put with them and we have a LOT of other pitchers in this class as well.

We are still getting 5 guys (6 if you count Kuhn) that were drafted this past year.  Also, there were a few guys from my understanding that didn't get drafted because they made it very clear that they were not going pro out of high school.

This class is not as good as it could have been had none of the guys had gone pro, but it still has a few studs and some good role players in it.  I think we'll be very pleased with this class when they are sophomores and juniors (and some of them when they're freshmen).

[dotnet]

I don't really know the answer to that, but I have heard that DVH learned a lesson about recruiting kids that are too good (i.e. ones that will go pro out of high school) a few years ago.  I will be willing to bet that a majority of these kids will make it to campus.

I had heard/read this too.  Its dissapointing what happened to this class.  Its still a really good class, but it could have been exceptional. 

If Bax, Fant, and Stanek can improve though... Arkansas can have three stud SEC starters.  They all three have the potential.  With three pitchers who can all be lights out on any given day... you can make it to Omaha with that (or get bounced quick). 

Are there any pitchers who may step up this year like Smyly?  We all knew Smyly was going to be a weekend guy, but no one knew that he was going to be top of the line Friday starter.   

[Hogtropolis™]

I had heard/read this too.  Its dissapointing what happened to this class.  Its still a really good class, but it could have been exceptional. 

If Bax, Fant, and Stanek can improve though... Arkansas can have three stud SEC starters.  They all three have the potential.  With three pitchers who can all be lights out on any given day... you can make it to Omaha with that (or get bounced quick). 

Are there any pitchers who may step up this year like Smyly?  We all knew Smyly was going to be a weekend guy, but no one knew that he was going to be top of the line Friday starter.   

I know a lot of people will laugh at this, but watch out for Davenport.  He had a VERY good summer.

Here's his stats from this summer.

1-0, 1.49 ERA, 36.1 ip, 29 hits, 10 runs (6 earned), 8 walks and 32 K's in 7 games (5 started, 1 complete).

His team won the Alaska Baseball League Championship and he was named the team Co-MVP.

I'm not saying he'll be a quality Friday starter, but I think he has the potential to be a solid contributor as a weekend starter if the situation presents itself.

[Hogbody]

I'm still surprised Gillam didnt get drafted

[improv]

All the signings sting a little right now, but its gonna happen when you go after top tier talent.  Keeping Stanek is huge, and I think Suggs and Gillam are gonna be studs.

[BvilleHog37]

I know a lot of people will laugh at this, but watch out for Davenport.  He had a VERY good summer.

Here's his stats from this summer.

1-0, 1.49 ERA, 36.1 ip, 29 hits, 10 runs (6 earned), 8 walks and 32 K's in 7 games (5 started, 1 complete).

His team won the Alaska Baseball League Championship and he was named the team Co-MVP.

I'm not saying he'll be a quality Friday starter, but I think he has the potential to be a solid contributor as a weekend starter if the situation presents itself.

I'm not laughing. In fact, I was going to say the exact same thing about Geoffrey Davenport. He made a huge jump between his freshman year (when he hardly played at all) and sophomore year. If he continues his rate of progress, he can be a VERY reliable reliever or even a starter.

[Hogtropolis™]

I'm still surprised Gillam didnt get drafted

I was too.  From everything I heard, he was supposed to be one of the top 2 or 3 in our class.  He was one of the ones I was referring to when I mentioned that he didn't get drafted because he made it clear he was coming to college.  That is the only reason that I can think of that he didn't get drafted.