I caught up by phone with skipper Tracy Smith today in southern California doing some recruiting. We talked about many things and here are some highlights I wanted to share --
On Jake Dunning, shortstop transfer from Florida Community College at Jacksonville
"He's tall and rangy with some upside," Smith said. "He also appealed to us with his pitching. We wanted a two-way player after losing Tyler Cox and wanted a guy with some experience."
Dunning, a righty, didn't pitch much with FCCJ, but the article I shared in the original post on his signing had him with an 0-1 record, a 4.00 ERA and two saves.
Smith and I discussed the possibility of going to Cox, or other position players who could pitch, while the arms were tired in the Big Ten Tourney. It never happened and next year's staff looks to have more options in it, but a player like Dunning must be nice to have in the dugout.
I came across a story on Jake today, winning a game for his amateur team in Alaska.
On Josh Phegley, his numbers with the USA National team and the Cape
Coach said Josh is banged up right now, as one might have speculated.
"He's hurting. He's sore. And that was likely a factor in the team's decision on whether to bring him on or not."
He went on to say there is a possibility that Josh will be shut down for the remainder of summer, despite the option to play in Cape Cod.
Smith regarded Phegley as one of the best catchers in the NCAA and said Hoosier recruit Josh Lyon will be a more than valuable addition to the team. He said the two catchers will benefit greatly from one another. Phegley will get some rest while Lyon will get the tutelage.
The possible pitching staff next season
With or without Blake Monar, Smith acknowledged there would be decisions to make.
He said Bashore would be one, with possibly Monar at two. Much beyond those two he doesn't know yet. He threw out names like Eric Arnett, Matt Carr, Kyle Leiendecker and recruit Drew Leininger.
Thanks for checking in and we'll post more news when it happens.
