I'm dedicated to keeping this going this time. Neal and I have different styles, but hopefully you'll find things in both that are appealing and entertaining.
The NFL Draft begins Thursday night, but it's also time to start looking at the MLB Draft and how Ole Miss may be impacted this June. The past few years have been a mixed bag, and there are several names to watch this time around. Below I give some brief details on incoming signees and current players. The current players have met with some teams, and the coaching staff should be meeting with signees to discuss things any day now.
I should be able to update this stuff better in a week or so, but here are some details to whet your appetite.
Ti'quan Forbes - The Columbia, Miss., shortstop is rated No. 19 nationally by Perfect Game, and I expect him to sign and never even provide drama about making it to campus. Some disagree, and I guess we'll see, but I haven't focused much on him. I'll be absolutely stunned if he makes it to Oxford. Easily the most likely to sign.
Foster Griffin - The 6-foot-5 left-handed pitcher from Orlando, Fla., is up to 94 or 95 with his fastball and has vaulted to No. 14 nationally by Perfect Game. He's a stud, plain and simple. Very likely he's a first round pick, and I expect him to receive a seven-figure offer. Scuttlebutt is that his number will be in the $2 million range, and a high price tag is the shot Ole Miss has here, but it's not probable. I think a club will do almost anything to sign him. I'm not nearly as bullish as I am with Forbes though.
Tate Blackman - The Altamonte Springs, Fla., shortstop was the No. 1 middle infielder nationally before a leg injury a couple years ago. He's back up to No. 61 nationally overall and is a plus bat and also a solid shortstop. He's a 6.65 60-yard runner and also clocked at 85 MPH across the infield. I don't expect him to be taken in the top two rounds, so this is the one to really follow for some drama. I'd lean toward gone, but I wouldn't be about to fall over. It all depends on how bad he wants to sign. He might have to come off his number to start professionally right now.
Clay Casey - The Southaven, Miss., outfielder is up to No. 113 nationally. He blew up in a couple wood bat tournaments with Dulin's Dodgers and has been inconsistent at times but really good this spring. He has 13 home runs and will get a fairly high look in June, but he's smart with a 30 or so on his ACT, and I think he'll be on campus. Watch for his name and maybe worry a little, but at least right now I think you'll be pleased with the result.
With the current players, Ole Miss doesn't need to lose Auston Bousfield and Braxton Lee, and the Rebels don't need to lose Christian Trent and Sam Smith. I'm not going to be as detailed here. You know their games, but I have some thoughts and opinions on the draft with them.
I think Chris Ellis is gone. Pretty positive.
I think Sikes Orvis is back. He won't sign for peanuts I don't think, and he doesn't profile as a high pick.
I expect Christian Trent back. He has leverage as a draft eligible sophomore, and Ole Miss can plug him in on Friday night next year.
It's closer with Sam Smith. I'd say almost 50-50 with a slight edge to back for his senior season.
I think Braxton Lee gets a decent deal and signs. I don't expect him back.
The Rebels have a better chance, in my opinion, to get Bousfield back. My guess would be 35 percent back, 65 percent gone, but it's not a slam dunk. We'll see. Bousfield is a hell of a college player, but scouts don't see him in center, and then you question the pro tools in corner outfield spots. In saying that, I've watched him for three seasons. He's better than Alex Presley, and I wouldn't be shocked at all to see him in the Big Leagues.
My gut says Josh Laxer signs if given the opportunity, thought that's strictly my feeling. I've actually heard different recently, but for now I'll go with that.
In the right situation I wouldn't be shocked if Hawtin Buchanan signed. I don't know if he'll get that or not.
****** Ole Miss is safely in the projections to host a regional and flirting with a national seed. Here are some quick thoughts on the baseball team with two weekends left in the regular season.
Sam Smith threw 68 innings last season, and he's at 67.2 innings this season, so I get the thought that the last two weeks have been because of fatigue, but his velocity as been fine. I think he was just due a bad start and it happened Sunday. Last week I give Kentucky credit.
Preston Overbey is hitting .195 in conference play. We all know the numbers, but I think some of the irritation is misguided. I don't expect to change minds, but Overbey is the best defensive option at second base. Dalton Dulin has really struggled at the position, has difficulty transitioning double plays and would potentially make as many miscues on balls at him. That's not being negative toward Dulin. We'll see where he gets with experience, but right now I do think Overbey is who you have to ride with. He has the potential to get hot with power. Brantley Bell just doesn't have the experience at second base. He's never played it before. Blast away. It's OK. You don't have to agree with me. I just don't at all think this is as simple as it's made out to be.
I hate win-loss records, but Trent and Ellis are a combined 14-0. It means they aren't getting run off the mound at all. That's a huge stat. Trent's SEC ERA is 1.90. Best Saturday starter in the league.
Bousfield should be an All-America selection. Orvis has surpassed every expectation and is following the perfect blueprint while adding 15 percent production. Will Allen should be commended for his work in the offseason. He lost 20 pounds catching every game two years ago. Now he's held his body together and is hitting .359. Awesome work ethic and dedication.
JB Woodman is the next superstar. He does things you can't teach. He's a natural opposite-field, up-the-middle hitter. That'll play well.
Give Scott Weathersby a hand. He's been phenomenal in his middle relief role and has gained Mike Bianco's trust.
Ole Miss has scored at least six runs 25 times and held opponents to two runs or less 20 times. That's a hell of a stat with these new bats.
****** The second baseball episode of The Season came out this past week, and it should be required viewing. It followed the LSU series and highlighted a good bit of Bianco before and during games. The RebelVision people are brilliant at what they do, and while baseball doesn't lend itself to the dramatic elements like football, I was impressed with the production.
But the best part was seeing Mike talk to his team and also coach in situations. There's a lot of talk on the message board about right or wrong calls and the way things should be done. I enjoy those conversations, and there are a lot of differences of opinion. I think the episode could give some an appreciation of how decisions aren't as simple as they believe. There are some advanced reasons for things at the college level. Also Mike's handling of umpire AJ Lostaglio during a mound visit was excellent.
******* I talked to Bo Wallace this past week for a couple magazine stories I'm freelance writing for different publications. Wallace said his arm is at 80 percent compared to where it was pre-injury, and as you know, he's heading to California to work with Tom House for a few days and then completing a House-prescribed throwing program. It's all about arm strength this summer. The weight room is helping tremendously because Wallace's body just broke down last season he didn't get enough offseason strength training. But all that isn't really the point of this post.
Wallace always shows up for interviews. He's respectful - even when reporters from Alabama baited him, answers questions, is punctual and gives honest replies. He won our inaugural media award and received a plaque from the media for all the things I just mentioned. Needless to say we've talked to him a lot. But I'm not sure I've ever been more impressed with him. And that's coming from someone who delved into his story and road to Oxford. He seemed extremely focused on his last chance to create his legacy. He thinks the Rebels can win now. He's throwing with Sammie Epps on occasion. He watches Markell Pack's film. He has an eye on the personal record books in the correct way, as motivation more than anything else. He felt the pain from the MSU game, lived with the heckling and the reminders and used it as fuel. It's a few months away, but I expect a big senior season. The right amount of shoulder chip is there, and it sounds like his shoulder will be fully healed to successfully carry it.
******* Jackson State's team bus caught fire on the way to a game Monday, destroying the team's equipment and other belongings. The Tigers were on their way to a game against Savannah State when the fire happened just west of Birmingham.
Here's a picture of the bus from the Clarion-Ledger.
Ole Miss reached out to JSU and donated its own equipment and also contacted Easton, which in turn shipped out game bats and helmets. Props to the Rebels for helping out another in-state institution. I believe Mississippi State helped as well.
******** MAD MEN SPOILERS MAD MEN SPOILERS MAD MEN SPOILERS SKIP TO NEXT STAR IF YOU WANT TO MISS THEM
First off I hate this split season. I tolerated it with Breaking Bad, but this is obnoxious because of how slow Mad Men moves anyway. Only three more episodes before a year hiatus and then the series completion.
However, I must say I'm intrigued with the Don Draper storyline this season. He's the same flawed antihero that we've always known, but the layers continue to be peeled off, and the spiral has transformed from tragic and painful to interesting. This brilliant creative director still strikes fear in Peggy and other people around the office, and we know he still has the chops to succeed because he was ghost-creating pitches earlier this season.
However, this past episode was particularly interesting. The ending of the episode was set up as an achievement because Don worked on a project that was already past due and well below his intelligence level. The scene ended with the song, "On a Carousel," which was perfect. We're a long way from Don's Kodak Carousel pitch from seasons ago. My how the mighty have fallen. Also all the orange freaked me out. Cooper with the line of the episode, stating that Don is inhabiting Lane Pryce's office in which he killed himself. Good episode. It keeps me engaged despite the idiotic scheduling.
****** Some links from the week
Watch Bryan Cranston try to pronounce badonkadonk
Neal talked about hangovers. Here's how to avoid having one.
This hit me in the gut a couple nights ago
Most desirable college in each state
This post was edited on 5/6 10:05 PM by Chase Parham
The NFL Draft begins Thursday night, but it's also time to start looking at the MLB Draft and how Ole Miss may be impacted this June. The past few years have been a mixed bag, and there are several names to watch this time around. Below I give some brief details on incoming signees and current players. The current players have met with some teams, and the coaching staff should be meeting with signees to discuss things any day now.
I should be able to update this stuff better in a week or so, but here are some details to whet your appetite.
Ti'quan Forbes - The Columbia, Miss., shortstop is rated No. 19 nationally by Perfect Game, and I expect him to sign and never even provide drama about making it to campus. Some disagree, and I guess we'll see, but I haven't focused much on him. I'll be absolutely stunned if he makes it to Oxford. Easily the most likely to sign.
Foster Griffin - The 6-foot-5 left-handed pitcher from Orlando, Fla., is up to 94 or 95 with his fastball and has vaulted to No. 14 nationally by Perfect Game. He's a stud, plain and simple. Very likely he's a first round pick, and I expect him to receive a seven-figure offer. Scuttlebutt is that his number will be in the $2 million range, and a high price tag is the shot Ole Miss has here, but it's not probable. I think a club will do almost anything to sign him. I'm not nearly as bullish as I am with Forbes though.
Tate Blackman - The Altamonte Springs, Fla., shortstop was the No. 1 middle infielder nationally before a leg injury a couple years ago. He's back up to No. 61 nationally overall and is a plus bat and also a solid shortstop. He's a 6.65 60-yard runner and also clocked at 85 MPH across the infield. I don't expect him to be taken in the top two rounds, so this is the one to really follow for some drama. I'd lean toward gone, but I wouldn't be about to fall over. It all depends on how bad he wants to sign. He might have to come off his number to start professionally right now.
Clay Casey - The Southaven, Miss., outfielder is up to No. 113 nationally. He blew up in a couple wood bat tournaments with Dulin's Dodgers and has been inconsistent at times but really good this spring. He has 13 home runs and will get a fairly high look in June, but he's smart with a 30 or so on his ACT, and I think he'll be on campus. Watch for his name and maybe worry a little, but at least right now I think you'll be pleased with the result.
With the current players, Ole Miss doesn't need to lose Auston Bousfield and Braxton Lee, and the Rebels don't need to lose Christian Trent and Sam Smith. I'm not going to be as detailed here. You know their games, but I have some thoughts and opinions on the draft with them.
I think Chris Ellis is gone. Pretty positive.
I think Sikes Orvis is back. He won't sign for peanuts I don't think, and he doesn't profile as a high pick.
I expect Christian Trent back. He has leverage as a draft eligible sophomore, and Ole Miss can plug him in on Friday night next year.
It's closer with Sam Smith. I'd say almost 50-50 with a slight edge to back for his senior season.
I think Braxton Lee gets a decent deal and signs. I don't expect him back.
The Rebels have a better chance, in my opinion, to get Bousfield back. My guess would be 35 percent back, 65 percent gone, but it's not a slam dunk. We'll see. Bousfield is a hell of a college player, but scouts don't see him in center, and then you question the pro tools in corner outfield spots. In saying that, I've watched him for three seasons. He's better than Alex Presley, and I wouldn't be shocked at all to see him in the Big Leagues.
My gut says Josh Laxer signs if given the opportunity, thought that's strictly my feeling. I've actually heard different recently, but for now I'll go with that.
In the right situation I wouldn't be shocked if Hawtin Buchanan signed. I don't know if he'll get that or not.
****** Ole Miss is safely in the projections to host a regional and flirting with a national seed. Here are some quick thoughts on the baseball team with two weekends left in the regular season.
Sam Smith threw 68 innings last season, and he's at 67.2 innings this season, so I get the thought that the last two weeks have been because of fatigue, but his velocity as been fine. I think he was just due a bad start and it happened Sunday. Last week I give Kentucky credit.
Preston Overbey is hitting .195 in conference play. We all know the numbers, but I think some of the irritation is misguided. I don't expect to change minds, but Overbey is the best defensive option at second base. Dalton Dulin has really struggled at the position, has difficulty transitioning double plays and would potentially make as many miscues on balls at him. That's not being negative toward Dulin. We'll see where he gets with experience, but right now I do think Overbey is who you have to ride with. He has the potential to get hot with power. Brantley Bell just doesn't have the experience at second base. He's never played it before. Blast away. It's OK. You don't have to agree with me. I just don't at all think this is as simple as it's made out to be.
I hate win-loss records, but Trent and Ellis are a combined 14-0. It means they aren't getting run off the mound at all. That's a huge stat. Trent's SEC ERA is 1.90. Best Saturday starter in the league.
Bousfield should be an All-America selection. Orvis has surpassed every expectation and is following the perfect blueprint while adding 15 percent production. Will Allen should be commended for his work in the offseason. He lost 20 pounds catching every game two years ago. Now he's held his body together and is hitting .359. Awesome work ethic and dedication.
JB Woodman is the next superstar. He does things you can't teach. He's a natural opposite-field, up-the-middle hitter. That'll play well.
Give Scott Weathersby a hand. He's been phenomenal in his middle relief role and has gained Mike Bianco's trust.
Ole Miss has scored at least six runs 25 times and held opponents to two runs or less 20 times. That's a hell of a stat with these new bats.
****** The second baseball episode of The Season came out this past week, and it should be required viewing. It followed the LSU series and highlighted a good bit of Bianco before and during games. The RebelVision people are brilliant at what they do, and while baseball doesn't lend itself to the dramatic elements like football, I was impressed with the production.
But the best part was seeing Mike talk to his team and also coach in situations. There's a lot of talk on the message board about right or wrong calls and the way things should be done. I enjoy those conversations, and there are a lot of differences of opinion. I think the episode could give some an appreciation of how decisions aren't as simple as they believe. There are some advanced reasons for things at the college level. Also Mike's handling of umpire AJ Lostaglio during a mound visit was excellent.
******* I talked to Bo Wallace this past week for a couple magazine stories I'm freelance writing for different publications. Wallace said his arm is at 80 percent compared to where it was pre-injury, and as you know, he's heading to California to work with Tom House for a few days and then completing a House-prescribed throwing program. It's all about arm strength this summer. The weight room is helping tremendously because Wallace's body just broke down last season he didn't get enough offseason strength training. But all that isn't really the point of this post.
Wallace always shows up for interviews. He's respectful - even when reporters from Alabama baited him, answers questions, is punctual and gives honest replies. He won our inaugural media award and received a plaque from the media for all the things I just mentioned. Needless to say we've talked to him a lot. But I'm not sure I've ever been more impressed with him. And that's coming from someone who delved into his story and road to Oxford. He seemed extremely focused on his last chance to create his legacy. He thinks the Rebels can win now. He's throwing with Sammie Epps on occasion. He watches Markell Pack's film. He has an eye on the personal record books in the correct way, as motivation more than anything else. He felt the pain from the MSU game, lived with the heckling and the reminders and used it as fuel. It's a few months away, but I expect a big senior season. The right amount of shoulder chip is there, and it sounds like his shoulder will be fully healed to successfully carry it.
******* Jackson State's team bus caught fire on the way to a game Monday, destroying the team's equipment and other belongings. The Tigers were on their way to a game against Savannah State when the fire happened just west of Birmingham.
Here's a picture of the bus from the Clarion-Ledger.
Ole Miss reached out to JSU and donated its own equipment and also contacted Easton, which in turn shipped out game bats and helmets. Props to the Rebels for helping out another in-state institution. I believe Mississippi State helped as well.
******** MAD MEN SPOILERS MAD MEN SPOILERS MAD MEN SPOILERS SKIP TO NEXT STAR IF YOU WANT TO MISS THEM
First off I hate this split season. I tolerated it with Breaking Bad, but this is obnoxious because of how slow Mad Men moves anyway. Only three more episodes before a year hiatus and then the series completion.
However, I must say I'm intrigued with the Don Draper storyline this season. He's the same flawed antihero that we've always known, but the layers continue to be peeled off, and the spiral has transformed from tragic and painful to interesting. This brilliant creative director still strikes fear in Peggy and other people around the office, and we know he still has the chops to succeed because he was ghost-creating pitches earlier this season.
However, this past episode was particularly interesting. The ending of the episode was set up as an achievement because Don worked on a project that was already past due and well below his intelligence level. The scene ended with the song, "On a Carousel," which was perfect. We're a long way from Don's Kodak Carousel pitch from seasons ago. My how the mighty have fallen. Also all the orange freaked me out. Cooper with the line of the episode, stating that Don is inhabiting Lane Pryce's office in which he killed himself. Good episode. It keeps me engaged despite the idiotic scheduling.
****** Some links from the week
Watch Bryan Cranston try to pronounce badonkadonk
Neal talked about hangovers. Here's how to avoid having one.
This hit me in the gut a couple nights ago
Most desirable college in each state
This post was edited on 5/6 10:05 PM by Chase Parham
