BTB Mailbag Friday: 4/28/2017
Predict the way the baseball season finishes up. –Oaktechdawg
Beginning tonight the Diamond Dogs have 13 regular season games left. Win all 13 and they will finish up at a spectacular 40-14. However, winning 13 is probably not the most realistic thing in the world. Let’s break down each series and predict how they will go. This weekend against WKU I say that Tech gets a sweep. They will then head to Miami to play a much improved Florida International squad where they will win two out of three. Then the ‘Dogs will hit the road for a midweek game against a hot ULLLLL squad where I think Tech wins again. Tech has the mental advantage over the Cajuns at this point. Tech then hosts Marshall, a team that is currently fighting for a spot in the upcoming C-USA Tournament. I think Tech sees a light at the end of the tunnel and sweeps the Thundering Herd. That will then setup for a pivotal close to the season at Middle Tennessee. Why will it be pivotal when MTSU is at the bottom of the league? Because Tech will be in prime position for another at-large berth in the NCAA Tournament with a series win. I think they get the job done with a two out of three series win to finish the year at 38-16. A win or two in the conference tournament will solidify the ‘Dogs spot in the NCAA Tournament.
With Louisiana Tech baseball's RPI around 40 and the team projected to be on the bubble for a regional, are there any talks about Tech scheduling a last-minute midweek game against a team with a great RPI, like TCU (RPI #10), Arkansas (12), Miss. State (19), Houston (24) or Oklahoma (37)? –TechAlum2005
Good question but at this point I don’t see it happening. When Tech was snowed out at Arkansas State and rained out at ULM I thought there was a good possibility of Tech adding a game to help out the RPI for an NCAA Tournament berth. Obviously making up the ULM game is not going to happen, the Warhawks would be a downright disgrace to the Tech RPI. As far as playing TCU, Arkansas, Mississippi State, Houston, or Oklahoma, they would all provide a huge opportunity to enhance the resume but I don’t think it’s in Tech’s best interest. Here’s why: Tech has eight everyday players that rarely get a break and are riding six or seven pitchers hard in conference play. Giving those guys rest will be more beneficial in my opinion than adding an additional game. The RPI is going to be there at season’s end if Tech takes care of business as it should. Finish 5th in Conference USA play and win a game or two in the conference tournament and Tech will be just fine regardless of adding an additional non-conference opponent. Tech has the quality wins when you look at Arkansas (probable regional host), Mississippi State (probable regional host), ULLLL, McNeese State, and ODU twice.
Ben, Our baseball coach keeps talking about no depth. So none of the players signed from last year can play? –maddawgbob
I wouldn’t necessarily say that last year’s signing class lacks talent. When you look at the likes of Parker Bates, Mason Mallard, Dalton Skelton, Tyler Follis, Kyle Griffen, Austin Harrison, Kent Hasler, Tim Jordan, and Matt Miller, these guys all have the talent to be major contributors. Mallard was expected to be the Opening Day centerfielder before getting injured. Skelton is the starting shortstop and Bates has seen some time throughout the year in the outfield. On the mound Follis, Griffen, Harrison, Hasler, Jordan, and Miller have all seen time with Griffen and Hasler having the most success. When Coach Burroughs states that the team lacks depth, I think he is really pointing out how there aren’t a ton of lineup options to replace his six senior starters if they were to struggle or go down with injury. Much of the talent behind the starters aren’t necessarily lacking talent, they just lack experience and with a team in win-now mode there isn’t a whole lot of opportunities to see if they can handle a major role or not. As far as the pitching staff, they have depth issues as well. The three senior starters on the weekends have done a good job in conference as has Graham Ahlrich and Zack Hamilton in relief. The only two underclassmen that are contributing are Kyle Griffen and Kent Hasler which is something of a red flag. All of these underclassmen will be expected to carry a big load in 2018 and it would be nice to see them step up down the stretch and give Tech a big boost. I think the whole lack of depth statement is more of a lack of proven depth to go along with not a huge opportunity to mix in a lot of guys due to such a veteran team that is expected to win.
Is Tech getting an indoor practice facility? Where will it be located? When will it be built? Will it be for football only or for all sports? Will it be 1 or 2 story? Air conditioned? I know there have been rumors about an indoor practice facility, but a lot of folks are wanting to know for sure. If we want our athletic teams to be competitive with EVERYBODY, then we need nice things. –Terri C.
At the moment there are no plans for Tech to build an indoor practice facility. With new apartments and new parking lots going up around campus there are currently no athletic facility enhancements planned after the press box is completed. While this will disappoint many, I think all Tech fans know that the University as a whole has to grow in terms of enrollment, which will then help out athletics. As far as an indoor facility, I think it needs to be the next enhancement when Tech does make the decision to enhance the athletics facilities again. When you look at all the sports and intramurals that could benefit from it, it is a no brainer. Hopefully in short time Tech will put these plans into place because Tech needs to continue moving the athletic department forward.
Please give your boldest prediction on the NFL careers of Trent Taylor, Carlos Henderson, and Xavier Woods. -Peter M.
Trent Taylor: He will catch 100 passes two separate times in his career while going to two pro bowls. Taylor is arguably the best route runner in the draft and will have no issues getting open. Getting in the right system with a quality quarterback will be essential for him to be productive.
Carlos Henderson: He is a little bit of a project so it could be two or three years before he truly breaks out. Pending health, Henderson will be compared to the likes of Antonio Brown throughout his career. Henderson possesses many of the same traits and will become an elite receiver in the NFL in year 3. Try 90 catches, 1,300 yards, and 10 touchdowns while being one of the best return men in the league.
Xavier Woods: Know for his football IQ and elite athleticism, Woods has a chance to play a long time in the NFL. He’ll play 10 years, start for eight of those and intercept 40 passes over the course of his career.
Spring recruiting is heating up for Bulldog football and the ‘Dogs picked up a huge commitment this morning. Be sure to join us at BleedTechBlue.com for all the latest.