(06-16-2015 10:58 AM)Seahawkhoops Wrote:  Well, I'm not even going to say the words, but that's the unfortunately reality of going after those high prospects. If a guy is going to get drafted in the first 2 rounds, it's really a waste to tie up scolly IMO even if only temporarily.

On occasion, these guys are going to make it to campus and they’re going to be studs for three seasons. If you don’t recruit them, you have no shot.

(06-17-2015 07:23 AM)bricksnivy Wrote:  On occasion, these guys are going to make it to campus and they’re going to be studs for three seasons. If you don’t recruit them, you have no shot.

Exactly. I don't get this "Why even try to recruit top talent?" mindset. When an Eric Jenkins-level player does sign with us and stay....and it WILL happen....it opens the door to a lot more players like him doing the same and making us a top destination.

It's worth the scholarship just to make the attempt. All it would have taken for Jenkins to come here was for negotiations to fall apart with the Rangers. They had to pay him $2M, well over his draft slot, to sign him. Not all MLB teams are willing to do that.

Just my opinion. I get it, If you don't play the lottery you can't win. I, don't play the lottery.

(06-17-2015 07:50 AM)Seahawkhoops Wrote:  Just my opinion. I get it, If you don't play the lottery you can't win. I, don't play the lottery.

Recruiting is a calculated risk after accumulating a great deal of information. Your chances of winning recruits is improved over time by a track record of success and after developing relationships with High School coaches.

Playing the lottery is just plain stupid. Not an accurate analogy.

(06-17-2015 07:58 AM)Seahawk Nation 08 Wrote:  

(06-17-2015 07:50 AM)Seahawkhoops Wrote:  Just my opinion. I get it, If you don't play the lottery you can't win. I, don't play the lottery.

Recruiting is a calculated risk after accumulating a great deal of information. Your chances of winning recruits is improved over time by a track record of success and after developing relationships with High School coaches.

Playing the lottery is just plain stupid. Not an accurate analogy.

It's absolutely an accurate analogy when it comes to recruits this highly rated!

(06-17-2015 01:46 PM)Seahawkhoops Wrote:  It's absolutely an accurate analogy when it comes to recruits this highly rated!

No, it's not at all. It's a terrible analogy. He was signed by us in July of 2013. Are you suggesting we should have recognized nearly 2 years ago that he'd be a guaranteed lock to get taken in the first 2 rounds of the draft and not sign him because of that?

This is an absolutely ridiculous viewpoint, and I'm at a loss to understand how you could possibly think it's one that makes any sense. So we should avoid top-rated recruits from now on because there's a chance we'll lose them. That's a loser's mentality.

(06-17-2015 01:55 PM)Seahawk Nation 08 Wrote:  [quote='Seahawkhoops' pid='12136637' dateline='1434566784']
So we should avoid top-rated recruits from now on because there's a chance we'll lose them. That's a loser's mentality.

No, i simply said it's like playing the lottery, if you get a guy that's going in the first two rounds there is about as much chance of them coming to school as there is of you winning the lottery.

(06-17-2015 02:00 PM)Seahawkhoops Wrote:  No, i simply said it's like playing the lottery, if you get a guy that's going in the first two rounds there is about as much chance of them coming to school as there is of you winning the lottery.

But no one knows for sure if the kid will go in the 1st two rounds when you sign him as early as we did. The cost/benefit makes it worth the risk 100 % of the time.

(06-17-2015 02:04 PM)Seahawk Nation 08 Wrote:  

(06-17-2015 02:00 PM)Seahawkhoops Wrote:  No, i simply said it's like playing the lottery, if you get a guy that's going in the first two rounds there is about as much chance of them coming to school as there is of you winning the lottery.

But no one knows for sure if the kid will go in the 1st two rounds when you sign him as early as we did. The cost/benefit makes it worth the risk 100 % of the time.

In this case perhaps, i didn't realize how early he was signed. Most times though with kids going into their Sr seasons there is a pretty good estimate of where they will be. I'm just going to agree to disagree. I think it's far from "worth it 100% of the time" it's a shot in the dark.

It may be a shot in the dark, but it is the way business is conducted in college baseball. Just an unfortunate reality.

Speaking of business, Monroe signed with the Padres: http://www.thetimesnews.com/sports/royal...s-1.491848

Every drafted player linked to UNCW ended up signing deals.

"The corresponding slot for the 203rd overall pick is $211,300. Craig Signed for $5,000(not surprising for a Senior Sign). That's a savings of $206,300."

Just read the below excerpt and found it interesting (although unrelated):

More than 1,000 players will be selected by MLB teams. Among those drafted are high school seniors, junior college players, and 4-year university juniors and seniors. Those with the least amount of leverage are college seniors. This has been the case without reference to the specific terms of the collective bargaining agreement that teams and players operate under. Teams are in a position to tell college seniors, “take it, or leave it,” and if said players decline their offers, they often must look at independent baseball leagues as placeholders until they are able to once again test the MLB market. This is far from an optimal situation for those athletes.

Just how bad do MLB-bound college seniors have it? In a forthcoming law journal article titled, Foul Ball: Major League Baseball’s CBA Exploits College Seniors in the MLB Draft, author Jonathan Gordon sifted through the college seniors drafted in the first 10 rounds of the 2013 MLB Draft and found that those players signed on average for only 19.77% of the recommended amount at their respective slots. A total of 57 college seniors were drafted in the first 10 rounds and all 57 signed with the teams that selected them. Meanwhile, high school seniors drafted in the same rounds, and certainly controlling more leverage in negotiations, were able to command roughly 20% above their recommended slot values.

My updated and finalized early preview of the 2016 squad, which I have been editing on the first page of the thread as well:


2016 UNCW Baseball Preview

The momentum continues to build behind the UNCW Baseball program, with the expectation that we can reach a Regional every season and compete for a Super Regional spot. With 7 Regional appearances and 4 Regional Finals opportunities since 2003, UNCW Baseball has soared under Coach Scalf. If the Seahawks begin the '16 campaign at home, Scalf, with 799 career wins, will look to capture # 800 at Brooks Field to start the season.

With the draft complete, here is how the team is looking:

Departures

OF Eric Jenkins (incoming signee) -- 2nd round draft pick, Rangers
RP Jordan Ramsey (graduated) -- 7th round draft pick, Reds
OF Zach Shields -- 10th round draft pick, Reds
SP Evan Phillips -- 17th round draft pick, Braves
SP Nick Monroe -- 21st round draft pick, Padres
RHP Joseph Peeler (incoming signee) -- 25th round draft pick, Royals
RP Will Shepley -- 31st round draft pick, Orioles
1B Corey Dick (graduated)
OF/DH Luke Dunlap (graduated)

Newcomers

IF/OF Blake Deatherage (Burlington, N.C./Western Alamance)
OF/RHP Clark Cota (Hampstead, N.C./Topsail)
1B Walker Imwalle (Wallace, N.C./Wallace-Rose Hill)
RHP Alex Royalty (Raleigh, N.C./Millbrook)

Returning Outfielders

LF Steven Linkous (Sr.)
CF Casey Golden (Jr.)
Joe Bertone (Sr.)
Justin Carroll (Jr.)

Returning Infielders

3B Terence Connelly (Sr.)
SS Kennard McDowell (r-Jr.)
2B Robbie Thorburn (Jr.)
1B Andy Austin (Sr.)
2B Zach Canada (So.)
2B Brian Mims (So.)
Daniel Stack (Jr.)
Jacob Sasser (r-So.)

Returning Catchers

Gavin Stupiensky (r-Jr.)
Chris Gaffney (r-So.)
Nick Feight (So.)

Returning Starting Pitchers

RHP Ryan Foster (Sr.)
RHP Justin Crump (So.)
RHP Josh Roberson (So.)
RHP Austin Easter (So.)

Returning Relief Pitchers

RHP Jared Gesell (Sr.)
LHP Whitman Barnes (r-So.)
RHP Austin Magestro(So.)
LHP Clay Lockamon (r-So.)
RHP Cory Gantz (Jr.)
LHP Taylor Hyssong (Sr.)
RHP Matt Maready (Jr.)
RHP Daniel Hamilton (r-Fr.)


While our departures next season will be missed greatly, there's a ton of returning talent for the Seahawks next season, and there's no reason we won't be favored alongside Charleston to take the CAA once again in '16.

With the two of the three outfield spots intact (unless of course by some miracle Eric Jenkins doesn't get drafted early and comes to school), the Hawks keep some nice speed at the top of the lineup with Linkous and Golden. The RF spot will come down to Joe Bertone, the strongest player on the team and start of the Regionals' wrestling act that made it on ESPN, Justin Carroll or a newcomer.

In the infield, specifically at first base, Andy Austin could find competition with freshman Walker Imwalle (Wallace, NC/Wallace-Rose Hill). Imwalle is another "baseball player in a football body" who we may well be comparing to Corey Dick before long. Standing at 6-4 (about 3 or 4 inches taller than Corey), 255 lbs. Imwalle is an imposing figure batting from the left side. He was an All-Four County Conference selection last season, when he hit .338 and blasted three homeruns. Austin (another left-handed hitter) will need to snag full-time starting duties and not let go in order to secure playing time, as there will be no platoon in this situation. Connelly and McDowell hold down the left side of the infield, while 2B returns Thorburn, Canada and Mims.

Behind the plate, the Seahawks brought in another Spartanburg Methodist player, continuing the trend started when the Seahawks "stole" Zach Shields and Kennard McDowell from Charleston's recruiting "territory". Tyler Lancaster (Irmo, SC), another lefty hitter like Gavin Stupiensky, could find himself immediately inserted in the lineup, perhaps with Stupienski moved to DH or even 1B duties. UNCW has always been solid behind the plate, so it can be expected that this continuity will continue with Lancaster on the roster and Gaffney and Feight waiting in the wings.

When it comes to starting pitching, the departures of Evan Phillips and Nick Monroe as Juniors prevents the Seahawks from returning three Seniors to the weekend rotation. That leaves the Saturday and Sunday options up to the progression of the many young arms on the staff. Crump, Roberson and Easter all showed some flashes last season but will need to develop over the offseason to earn regular spots in the weekly rotation. Other arms will hopefully emerge as time goes on.

In the bullpen, the losses of flame-throwers Ramsey and lefty Shepley mean that Barnes and Gesell will be the go-to options for Coach Scalf and pitching coach Matt Williams. With so many righties in the starting rotation, situational lefties will be crucial to our success next season. Along with Barnes, Clay Lockamon could prove valuable in the middle innings in this role. Austin Magestro will look to regain a middle innings role next season as well.

Overall, the Seahawks are looking very strong next season, and it will be intriguing to see what the incoming recruiting class brings to the table. There are precious few spots to be won next season, but with a graduating class of 7 following the 2016 campaign (including Linkous, Connelly, Austin, Monroe and Foster), new faces will need to emerge prior to 2017 and show they are ready to fill those gaps.

Baseball will be taking on the Czech National Team in an exhibition game on Friday @ 3:30 at Brooks Field. This is the 2nd time in 3 years UNCW has taken on the Czech team. Last time we faced them in 2013, we won 4-1.

I'm worried about the pitching rotation. Foster, Crump and Roberson all need to be solid as starters. Somebody like an Easter or Hamilton will have to step up mid week or weekend. Barnes could also be an option from the left side but he's been so effective in relief-he may win you more games in that role.

(10-07-2015 08:14 PM)billthebighawksfan Wrote:  I'm worried about the pitching rotation. Foster, Crump and Roberson all need to be solid as starters. Somebody like an Easter or Hamilton will have to step up mid week or weekend. Barnes could also be an option from the left side but he's been so effective in relief-he may win you more games in that role.

As always, Coach Scalf will figure it out. I imagine our pitching will get off to a bit of a slow start this year then improve over the course of the season as roles are determined and the weekend rotation get's crystallized.

The 2016 schedule has been released.


http://uncwsports.com/news/2015/10/7/BB_1007150228.aspx

Twelve Games Against NCAA Tournament Teams Highlight 2016 Schedule

WILMINGTON, North Carolina – A pair of early season round robin classics and 12 games against teams that played in the 2015 NCAA tournament highlight the 2016 schedule for UNCW, the reigning Colonial Athletic Association champions.

"This is another challenging schedule for the program," said UNCW Head Coach Mark Scalf, who enters his 25th season at the lead. "With 12 games against teams that played in the NCAA tournament and games with several teams that could have been in the tournament, we'll be tested every time we take the field."

The Seahawks open the season on Feb. 19 with Western Carolina in the Buffalo Wild Wings Battle at the Beach. Joining the Seahawks will be St. John's and Richmond. SJU reached the finals of the Stillwater Regional.

The second weekend classic, the Hughes Bros. Challenge, will include South Dakota State, Eastern Kentucky and VCU, which won the Dallas Regional and advanced to the Super Regionals.

UNCW will play 35 home games after posting a 28-6 mark last season at Brooks Field last season.

"We've had tremendous support at Brooks Field over the years and we're looking forward to competing against some of the best talent in the nation and in front of who we think are the best fans around."

UNCW will play NC State, North Carolina, East Carolina, Coastal Carolina, Campbell and High Point in home-and-home series. The Coastal Carolina series will be a three-game series with the Chanticleers visiting Brooks Field twice.

CAA play begins on Mar. 25 with the first of a three-game series against in-state rival Elon. UNCW will visit Northeastern the following weekend for a three-game set with Northeastern. (Apr. 1-3).

The Seahawks host Col. of Charleston in a rematch of the 2015 CAA Championship on May 6-8.


2016 SCHEDULE: http://uncwsports.com/schedule.aspx?path=baseball

Date Opponent Location Time/Result Details
10/9/2015 Czech Republic National Team Wilmington, N.C. 3:30 p.m. Details

Buffalo Wild Wings Battle at the Beach
2/19/2016 Western Carolina Wilmington, N.C. 4 p.m. Details
2/20/2016 St. John's Wilmington, N.C. 4 p.m. Details
2/21/2016 Richmond Wilmington, N.C. 2 p.m. Details

2/23/2016 Coastal Carolina Wilmington, N.C. 4 p.m. Details

Hughes Bros. Challenge
2/26/2016 South Dakota St. Wilmington, N.C. 4 p.m. Details
2/27/2016 Eastern Kentucky Wilmington, N.C. 2 p.m. Details
2/28/2016 VCU Wilmington, N.C. 2 p.m. Details

3/2/2016 North Carolina St. Raleigh, NC 3 p.m. Details
3/5/2016 Penn State Wilmington, N.C. 2 p.m. Details
3/6/2016 Penn State Wilmington, N.C. 2 p.m. Details
3/7/2016 Penn State Wilmington, N.C. 4 p.m. Details
3/9/2016 UNCG Wilmington, N.C. 4 p.m. Details
3/11/2016 North Florida Jacksonville, FL 6 p.m. Details
3/12/2016 North Florida Jacksonville, FL 1 p.m. Details
3/13/2016 North Florida Jacksonville, FL 1 p.m. Details
3/16/2016 Coastal Carolina Wilmington, N.C. 6 p.m. Details
3/18/2016 Iona Wilmington, N.C. 4 p.m. Details
3/19/2016 Iona Wilmington, N.C. 2 p.m. Details
3/20/2016 Iona Wilmington, N.C. 2 p.m. Details
3/22/2016 North Carolina St. Wilmington, N.C. 6 p.m. Details
3/25/2016 Elon Wilmington, N.C. 6 p.m. Details
3/26/2016 Elon Wilmington, N.C. 2 p.m. Details
3/27/2016 Elon Wilmington, N.C. 2 p.m. Details
3/29/2016 East Carolina Greenville, NC 6:30 p.m. Details
4/1/2016 Northeastern Boston, MA TBA Details
4/2/2016 Northeastern Boston, MA TBA Details
4/3/2016 Northeastern Boston, MA TBA Details
4/6/2016 Campbell Buies Creek, NC 6 p.m. Details
4/8/2016 William & Mary Williamsburg, VA 7 p.m. Details
4/9/2016 William & Mary Williamsburg, VA 4 p.m. Details
4/10/2016 William & Mary Williamsburg, VA 1 p.m. Details
4/12/2016 East Carolina Wilmington, N.C. 6 p.m. Details
4/13/2016 High Point High Point, NC 6 p.m. Details
4/15/2016 East Tennessee State Wilmington, N.C. 6 p.m. Details
4/16/2016 East Tennessee State Wilmington, N.C. 2 p.m. Details
4/17/2016 East Tennessee State Wilmington, N.C. 2 p.m. Details
4/19/2016 Campbell Wilmington, N.C. 6 p.m. Details
4/20/2016 North Carolina A&T Wilmington, N.C. 6 p.m. Details
4/22/2016 Towson Wilmington, N.C. 6 p.m. Details
4/23/2016 Towson Wilmington, N.C. 2 p.m. Details
4/24/2016 Towson Wilmington, N.C. 2 p.m. Details
4/26/2016 North Carolina Chapel Hill, NC 6 p.m. Details
4/27/2016 High Point Wilmington, N.C. 6 p.m. Details
4/29/2016 Hofstra Wilmington, N.C. 6 p.m. Details
4/30/2016 Hofstra Wilmington, N.C. 2 p.m. Details
5/1/2016 Hofstra Wilmington, N.C. 2 p.m. Details
5/6/2016 Charleston Wilmington, N.C. 6 p.m. Details
5/7/2016 Charleston Wilmington, N.C. 2 p.m. Details
5/8/2016 Charleston Wilmington, N.C. 2 p.m. Details
5/11/2016 North Carolina Wilmington, N.C. 6 p.m. Details
5/13/2016 James Madison Harrisonburg, VA 6 p.m. Details
5/14/2016 James Madison Harrisonburg, VA 4 p.m. Details
5/15/2016 James Madison Harrisonburg, VA 2 p.m. Details
5/17/2016 Coastal Carolina Conway, SC 6 p.m. Details
5/19/2016 Delaware Newark, DE 3 p.m. Details
5/20/2016 Delaware Newark, DE 3 p.m. Details
5/21/2016 Delaware Newark, DE 1 p.m. Details

Colonial Athletic Association Championships
5/25-28/2016 CAA Mt. Pleasant, S.C. TBA Details