South Carolina Georgia

From: Austin

A win is a win, and for those Fighting Gamecock fans who have seen this game before, this is how the other side feels. How many times have the Garnet and Black thoroughly beaten an opponent, only to lose in the end due to a big play from an opposing playmaker? Not anymore! My friend turned and said, "This is how LSU wins"! Some thoughts from the game:
1) Blair Walsh's missed FG in the first quarter turned out to be much larger than thought at the time.
2) Who was Justice Cunningham supposed to block on the fake punt? He lined up behind Ingram and trailed him the entire play.
3) Our Spur backers, Allen and Holloman, completely shut down the Dogs best player, TE Orson Charles.
4) Gotta feel good about Jay Wooten
5) The Dogs found success running up the middle until Bryon "Chocolate Chip" Jerideau got in the game.
6) Need a second and third receiver badly. Barnes, Moore, anyone?
7) Never said this under this staff, but they were outcoached. shouldn't happen again.

A win is a win. Next victim......Navy

Ace Sanders takes a punt back for a TD

From: Benjamin

Ace Sanders nearly gave me the Big One last night when he notched the Gamecocks' first punt return for a TD since Chavez Donnings ran one back against Florida in 2003. Talk about a shocker, rarely have the Gamecock returners even been close to the endzone. Everytime they do, there is a flag. Thankfully, the officials did not flag freshman Kadetrix Marcus for a block in the back that occurred well behind the play and gave Sanders no advantage. That would've have been doubly bad for Marcus, who was already flagged for one special teams penalty. Special teams wins championships, and success there has been sorely lacking for a long time. Now, if we can just not fumble any more punts-Sanders seems be the answer there as well. Next up, a kick return TD. Mathew Thomas has the last one at Virginia in 2002.

Jersey numbers for the new Gamecocks

From: Elliott
The numbers for the new Gamecocks are below. How long until the idiot know it all sitting next to you argues till he's blue in the face that Clowney is in at running back. Doesn't matter that it is a 5'8" buzz cut fella. Nope, it's Clowney. You politely suggest that Clowney is 6'7" and has dreadlocks, but nothing. He knows football. Kind of like Garcia and Gilmore both wearing #5 you offer. He doesn't care. It's Clowney and you are an idiot for questioning a genius like him. They are all over. Don't be that guy.


Tanner McEvoy: 18
Shon Carson: 7
Brandon Wilds: 22
Drew Owens: 88
Rory Anderson: 81
Brandon Shell: 71
Mike Matulis: 76
Kaleb Broome: 74
Will Sport: 75
Kyle Harris: 70
Damiere Byrd: 3
Shamier Jeffery: 8
Bruce Ellington: 23
K.J. Brent: 80
Jadeveon Clowney: 7
Phillip Dukes: 52
Gerald Dixon: 44
Gerald Dixon Jr.: 95
Kelcy Quarles: 99
Deon Green: 93
Mason Harris: 34
Cedrick Cooper: 18
Marcquis Roberts: 48
Angelo Watley: 17
Edward Muldrow: 20
Ahmed Christian: 1
Sheldon Royster: 4
Martay Maddox: 8
Brison Williams: 11
Kadetrix Marcus: 25
Landon Ard: 47

Prospect update: Tramel Terry

From: Austin

Tramel Terry led his Goose Creek Gators into Columbia last Friday to battle the traditional Midlands powerhouse, the Irmo Yellow Jackets. We arrived a bit late, but that is not unusual as we had no dog in the fight. Unfortunately, Goose Creek was up 44-7 at the point in the 2nd quarter when we took our seat. Terry did not see the field again. All we saw was him scampering for a touchdown on the local news highlights. He did put on a show however. The Junior WR caught a 60 TD on a post pattern, took a 50 yard end around into the endzone, and scored again on a 30 yard run from tailback. Not too bad for half a night's work. Terry is the real deal.

Rule Change: Celebration Rule for College Football 2011

From: Cole

In quite possibly to dumbest move all year, the NCAA will now allow points to be taken off of the board due to excessive celebration. Starting this season, the penalty is now a spot foul and so, if the receiver begins to celebrate at the 5----BOOM, no points for you. The problem here is the same as always. There is no consistency in enforcement. Some crews let it slide and some throw the flag for nothing, just ask A.J. Green. Anyone remember Zola Davis getting the call because he dropped to a knee to pray in the endzone? This gives the officials the chance to directly effect the outcomes, and that is bad for college football. Will they be scared to throw the flag late in games as we see in basketball? The moment points are removed and the winner is switched, the calls of a fix will be flying in. These are kids playing a game. Let them play, and put the excessive back in excessive celebration.

South Carolina High School State Champion Predictions

From: Benjamin
Unlike preseason predictions, we actually like to watch some games before making a claim. Thus, after the first full week of high school action, here are our likely State Champions:

AAAA Big 16. Gaffney. Yes, a lot of Clarys played for Gaffney, but there is no bias here. I never lived there. The Indians destroyed Dorman 35-14 last Friday, and it wasn't that close. Nobody does that. Gaffney is the stongest AAAA team right now and we'd take em straight up over Byrnes. Look out for Goose Creek. Low Country teams don't get a lot of love or respect, but the Gators are huge and fast. Both good things on the football field. With Lexington carrying the Midlands, the Big 16 is not the upstate lock it has been for so long.

AAAA Division 2: Byrnes. Don't need to say much more

AAA: The most difficult to pick. Tough to go against South Pointe, but we are taking Myrtle Beach

AA: Dillon should march undefeated through the entire season

A: The greatest Gamecock, Steve Taneyhill, will get his umpteenth state title at Chesterfield. No idea of Division 2 class A.

South Carolina Kick Returner

From: Austin

The safety position was, how shall we say it, a struggle for the Gamecock defense in 2010. Both major starters have changed positions, Holloman to Spur and Auguste back to cornerback. DJ Swearinger is the only returner with any significant reps. Jimmy Legree was buried down the depth chart at cornerback. Corey Addison saw limited action, giving up a late TD pass against Southern Miss. Sharod Golightly was redshirted, while Sheldon Royster, and Kadetrix Marcus played on Friday nights. Brison Williams is on the shelf for at least 8 weeks. Seeing this, the news of DJ Swearinger injuring his hamstring is unsettling, no matter how minor. His loss would be devastating with a pass happy East Carolina awaiting. This brings the question: Should Bruce Ellington be the kick returner to decrease Swearinger's injury chances? Yes, most educated folks say you have to play to win. But, is DJ that much better than the others? If not, would it make more sense to hold him back for defense only because he is going to need all of his energy for the 60 plus passes the Pirates are expected to unleash.

Spartanburg at Union County

From: Elliott
The Spartanburg Vikings travel tonight to Union County to open the 2011 season. Coach Freddie Brown's squad will look to improve upon last season's 5-7 mark by opening with road victory. Last season, it took a late goal-ine stand for the Vikings to hold on for a 27-19 win. L.A. Kollock returns at QB to lead the offensive attack and should provide a bevy of highlights for the local newscast. Big time D1 prospect, Justin Bridges-Thompson, will lead the defense from his linebacker spot. The game can be heard on 910 am. Yes Hank Jr, we are ready for some football!

Shaq Roland Junior Football Highlight Video

From: Benjamin
South Carolina stretched its total to 4 years in a row at nabbing the state's top propsect last month when Lexington's Shaq Roland gave his pledge to the Gamecocks. Roland's Lexington Wildcats are currently ranked #2 in 4A by SCVarsity.com. He joins Jadeveon Clowney, Marcus Lattimore, and Stephon Gilmore as the 4 consecutive #1 in-state prospects to declare for South Carolina. Roland is an incredible athlete, as demonstrated by his highlight film from athlete vault.

Who signed with MLB from the SEC

From: Everyone
Those of you who stayed up for the final hours of the MLB signing period were treated to "NFL Free Agency on steroids." Talk radio was flooded with talk about how exciting the NFL signing period would be due to the lost days from the lockout. Well, cram all that into one day, half a day really. You watched this via twitter. Follow Kendall Rogers from perfectgame, Jonathon Mayo from MLB.com, Aaron Fitt, Jim Callis, and John Manuel from Baseball America and you saw the announcements instantaneously. Who was signing, for what figure, and who was returning to school. Boom, boom, boom the signings came. With 25 minutes left until the deadline, 21 first round picks were unsigned. The twitter feed erupted like firecrackers on the 4th of July. Frenetic is the only word to describe it. The SEC list is completed and can be seen here:
http://claryboyssports.blogspot.com/2011/08/sec-in-mlb-draft-update.html

Justin Smoak to the Disabled List

From: Austin

Prayers for a speedy recovery to former Gamecock 1st bagger Justin Smoak. The Seattle Mariner fractured his nose and has a hairline fracture of his left maxilla [that's the cheekbone for you non-medical people] on a hard smashed ball by Boston's Jarrod Saltalamacchia in the second inning of Friday's game. The main risk is that a maxillary fracture could lead to future vision issues by altering the way the eye moves. This risk is very low with a hairline fracture. Smoak saw another physician for a second opinion Saturday and is not expected to begin even playing catch for at least 5 days. Will the Mariners break out the Rip Hamilton face shield? As poorly as they are doing, expect the team to keep their prized player on the sideline as long as needed.

Gamecock kicker Jay Wooten on Scholarship

From: Benjamin

Jadeveon Clowney and gang have given the Gamecock fans a rosey outlook for the 2011 season. One thing that most are overlooking is the changes in the kicking game. Not only has dependable placekicker Spencer Lanning moved on, but long snapper C.D. Turner must be replaced. Former Hammond Skyhawk Walker Inabinet steps into the long snapping role. While undersized in both the height and weight department, Inabinet proved to be a reliable option when filling in for the injured Turner against Troy last season. The Gamecocks are on a good run of quality kickers. Mr. Irrelevant Ryan Succop was a game changer and the Kansas City Chiefs rookie of the year in 2010. Spencer Lanning did everything and did it well. We all remember in kicking struggles under the Holtz regime, and thus it is reassuring to hear that new kicker, Jay Wooten, was placed on scholarship this week. Wooten, a transfer from UNC, handled the kickoff duties last season. He has shown great accuracy thus far in practice and should provide the Gamecocks with a steady presence in the kicking game. Holder Seth Strickland is the only holdover off of last year's group.

Prospect Update #2

From: Benjamin

For those of us who grunted when Atlanta traded Javier Vasquez to New York, a little crow must be eaten. In that trade, Arodys Vizcaino was the prize. Vizcaino blew through the minors this season, beginning the year in High A Lynchburg before moving to Mississippi. The stats were so good that a promotion to AAA Gwinnett brought a transition to reliever with the intentions of a big league call up to aid in the playoff run. That call came Tuesday. From High A ball to the big show in one season, not too shabby. To make room, the Braves released Scott Proctor and his 6.44 era.

Congratulations to James Darnell on recording his first big league hit today in New York!

Atlanta Braves Prospects Update

From: Elliott

South Carolina fans thank the Braves for inking Vanderbilt closer Navory Moore to a contract yesterday. Moore is a flame throwing right hander who is unhittable at times. Prize prospect Randall Delgado got promoted to AAA Gwinnett last week and responded with a win, 9 Ks, and only 3 hits allowed in his 6 inning outing. 2011 1st round draft pick, Sean Gilmartin, debuted for the GCL Braves and went two innings. The two runs he gave up are half as much as everyone's favorite Brave, Kenshin Kawakami, gave up in one inning of work. SS Tyler Pastornicky continues to pound AAA pitching since his call up, raising his average to .390 while hitting safely in every game this past week. On the flip side, we gave a collective hmm when Nick Ahmed was selected in the 2nd round this year. After starting off ok, Ahmed's is Mr. Freeze cold right now, hitting .077 last week and seeing his average drop to .236.

Former Gamecock James Darnell will make Major League debut

From: Austin

Former South Carolina third bagger, James Darnell, will make his MLB debut tonight for the San Diego Padres in New York against the Mets. Darnell was called up when Padres' third basemen, Chase Headley, fractured a finger last weekend. He arrived in New York at 6 am Monday, but his luggage got lost along the way. Seeing this, manager Bud Black gave Darnell the night off, and he is expected to make his debut tonight. In another blessing, he will not have to face Mets' knuckleballer R.A. Dickey until his second game. "Congrats on getting called up, and oh by the way, you get to face a knuckleballer." That would be challenging. Chris Capuano will take the hill for the Mets tonight. He is 9-10 on the year with a 4.44 era.

Darnell was hitting .317 with 23 home runs and 75 RBIs between Double-A San Antonio and Triple-A Tucson. He is expected to play some left field for the Padres as well. After the completion of the series in New York, the Padres travel to the home run friendly Great American Ballpark to face the Reds. 1st bomb?

SEC in the MLB Draft Update

From: Everyone

The MLB draft deadline is one week away. Here is an updated list of who has signed and who is left in the SEC. The list will be updated daily in the post until the August 15th deadline.

South Carolina
Taylor Guerrieri SP commit Rd 1 pick 24 signed
Brian Goodwin OF commit Rd 1 pick 34 signed
Jackie Bradley Jr. OF Rd 1 pick 40 signed
Matt Price RP Soph Rd 6 pick 184
Evan Beal P commit Rd 8 pick 246
Scott Wingo 2B Sr Rd 11 pick 344 signed
Tanner English OF commit Rd 13 pick 420
Andrew Faulkner P commit Rd 14 pick 444 signed
Joel Seddon P commit Rd 20 pick 619
Peter Mooney SS Rd 21 pick 649 signed
John Taylor RP Sr Rd 22 pick 633 signed
TJ Costen SS commit Rd 22 pick 684
Adam Matthews OF Rd 23 pick 695
Bryan Harper P Rd 30 pick 907 signed
Michael Roth SP Rd 31 pick 938
Steven Neff P Rd 41 pick 1257 signed
Joey Pankake SS commit Rd 42 pick 1284
Shon Carson OF commit Rd 44 pick 1345
Ahmed Christian OF commit Rd 46 pick 1391
Tyler Webb LHP Soph Rd 48 pick 1465
Adrian Morales 3B Sr Rd 49 pick 1476 signed

clemson
Brad Miller SS Rd 2 pick 62 signed
Daniel Norris SP commit Rd 2 pick 74 signed
Will Lamb OF/P Rd 2 pick 83 signed
John Hinson 3B Rd 13 pick 400 signed
Jackson Whitley 1B commit Rd 13 pick 405 signed
Jeff Schaus OF Sr Rd 16 pick 494 signed
Daniel Gossett RSP commit Rd 16 pick 502
Kevin Brady SP Rd 17 pick 518
Joseph Moorfield LHP Rd 26 pick 786
Garrett Boulware Rd 42 pick 1283-projected top 12
Chris Epps OF Sr Rd 45 pick 1360 signed
Scott Weismann RHP Rd 46 pick 1389 signed

Florida
Michael Kelly SP commit Rd 1 pick 48 signed
Hudson Boyd SP commit Rd 1 pick 55 signed
Daniel Vogelbach 1B commit Rd 2 pick 68 signed
Nick Maronde P Rd 3 pick 104 signed
Kyle Smith P/Inf commit Rd 4 pick 125 signed
Anthony DeSclafani P Rd 6 pick 199 signed
Alex Pantaliodis SP Rd 9 pick 282 signed
Tommy Toledo SP Sr Rd 11 pick 344 signed
Josh Adams 2B Sr Rd 13 pick 403 signed
Preston Tucker 1B /OF Rd 16 pick 498
Casey Turgeon SS commit Rd 22 pick 672
Ben McMahon C Rd 23 pick 701 signed
Matt Campbell RHP Rd 24 pick 751 signed
Greg Larson RHP Rd 29 pick 885
Josh Tobias UTIL commit Rd 31 pick 937-had 2.5 mil price
Bryson Smith OF Rd 34 pick 1045 signed
John Magliozzi RHP commit Rd 35 pick 1080
Ryan Harris RHP commit Rd 37 pick 1139
Tyler Thompson OF Rd 46 pick 1387

Vandy
Sonny Gray SP Rd 1 pick 18 signed
Tyler Beede SP commit Rd 1 pick 21
Kevin Comer SP commit Rd 1 pick 57 signed
Grayson Garvin SP Rd 1 pick 59 signed
Jason Esposito 3B Rd 2 pick 64 signed
Jack Armstrong Jr. P Rd 3 pick 99 signed
Aaron Westlake 1B Sr Rd 3 pick 106 signed
Corey Williams P Rd 3 pick 117 signed
Taylor Hill SP Sr Rd 6 pick 187 signed
Mark Lamm P Sr Rd 6 pick 206 signed
Curt Casali C Sr Rd 10 pick 317 signed
Shawon Dunston Jr OF commit Rd 11 pick 339 signed
Navory Moore RP Rd 14 pick 446 signed
William Clinard RHP Rd 30 pick 928
Joe Loftus OF Rd 46 pick 1384

UK
Alex Meyer SP Rd 1 pick 23 signed
Chad Wright OF Rd 9 pick 287 signed
Braden Kapteyn 1B/P Rd 15 pick 472 signed
Taylor Black SS Rd 16 pick 511 signed
Jordan Cooper RHP soph Rd 23 pick 692 signed
Max Kuhn SS commit Rd 24 pick 736
A.J. Reed 1B commit Rd 25 pick 762
Chris Garrison RHP commit Rd 28 pick 849
Michael Williams C Rd 37 pick 1137
Taylor Martin RHP commit Rd 41 pick 1248
Chandler Shepard RHP commit Rd 41 pick 1251
Jerod Grundy LHP commit Rd 42 pick 1273
Greg Fettes C commit Rd 43 pick 1307

Tenn
Mookie Betts SS commit Rd 5 pick 172 signed
Steven Gruver SP Rd 7 pick 238 signed
Logan Moore C commit Rd 9 pick 301 signed
Matt Ramsey RHP Rd 19 pick 600
Matt Duffy 3B Rd 20 pick 610 signed
Khayyan Norfold 2B Rd 22 pick 697 signed
Sal Romano RHP commit Rd 23 pick 715 signed
Brandon Zajac LHP commit Rd 28 pick 842
Charley Thurber OF Rd 39 pick 1182 signed

Georgia
Zach Cone OF Rd 1 pick 37 signed
Dante Bichette Jr. OF commit Rd 1 pick 51 signed
Tyler Palmer SS commit Rd 4 pick 133-major finger injury will not enroll
Matt Taylor LHP commit Rd 5 pick 155 signed
Patrick Leonard Inf commit Rd 5 pick 156 signed
Nick Delmonico 3B/C commit Rd 6 pick 185 signed
Tyler Greene Inf commit Rd 11 pick 361 signed
Cecil Tanner RHP Rd 23 pick 706 signed
Jarrett Brown LHP commit Rd 23 pick 712
Michael Palazone SP Rd 24 pick 731
Jonathan Taylor OF Rd 33 pick 1014-awesome!
Tyler Maloof RP Soph Rd 34 pick 1028
Peter Verdin OF Rd 39 pick 1177
Chase Davidson OF Rd 41 pick 1240 signed
Mike Mancuso RHP commit Rd 46 pick 1401
David Sosebee RHP commit Rd 48 pick 1462
Hunter Cole OF commit Rd 49 pick 1477
Heath Holder OF/P commit Rd 50 pick 1518

LSU
Mikie Mahtook CF Rd 1 pick 31 signed
Trevor Story SS commit Rd 1 pick 45 signed
John Eierman SS commit Rd 3 pick 119 signed-may still play football
Jake Cave OF commit Rd 6 pick 209 signed
Tyler Jones RHP Rd 11 pick 358 signed
Matty Ott RP Rd 13 pick 412 signed
Cody Glenn LHP commit Rd 15 pick 469
Benjamin Alsup RHP Rd 17 pick 558 signed
Aaron Nola RHP commit Rd 22 pick 679-both brothers picked by Tor
Nick Goody RHP commit Rd 22 pick 689
Arby Fields OF commit Rd 27 pick 833
Austin Nola SS Rd 31 pick 949
Raph Rhymes Inf Rd 40 pick 1202
Tyler Hanover Rd 40 pick 1229
Carson Baranik RHP commit Rd 41 pick 1255

Arkansas
Michael Fulmer SP commit Rd 1 pick 44 signed
Dillon Howard RHP commit Rd 2 pick 67 signed
James McCann C Rd 2 pick 76 signed
Greg Byrd 1B/C Rd 5 pick 179 signed
Joe Serrano Inf commit Rd 12 pick 385
Conor Costello RHP commit Rd 16 pick 505
Colin Kuhn OF Rd 17 pick 531 signed
Brian Anderson Inf/P commit Rd 20 pick 628
Trent Daniel LHP Rd 23 pick 707
Christopher Oliver RHP commit Rd 27 pick 815
Kyle Robinson 1B Sr Rd 28 pick 861 signed
Jarrod McKinney OF Rd 31 pick 940 signed
Geoffrey Davenport LHP Rd 43 pick 1298 signed
Nevin Wilson LHP commit Rd 44 pick 1351
Mark Reyes LHP commit Rd 46 pick 1385
Drake Roberts Inf commit Rd 49 pick 1498
David Masters Inf commit Rd 50 pick 1504

Alabama
Adam Morgan SP Rd 3 pick 120 signed
Taylor Dugas OF Rd 8 pick 249
Ian Gardeck P commit Rd 8 pick 261
William Kamplain RHP commit Rd 22 pick 680
Nathan Kilcrease SP Rd 30 pick 916 signed
Brock Bennett C Sr Rd 33 pick 1017
Taylor Guilbeau LHP commit Rd 39 pick 1199

Auburn
Daniel Gamache 3B Rd 6 pick 182 signed
Clay Holmes SP commit Rd 9 pick 272-has hit 95 mph signed for 1.2 million
Casey McElroy SS Rd 11 pick 353 signed
Kevin Varnadoe SP Rd 17 pick 523
Brad Hendrix RHP Sr Rd 22 pick 690
Tony Caldwell C Sr Rd 24 pick 733 signed
Kevin Patterson 1B sr Rd 30 pick 919 signed
Ryan Tella OF commit Rd 34 pick 1048
Rocky McCord RHP commit Rd 39 pick 1198
Colton Davis OF commit Rd 50 pick 1510

Ole Miss
Michael Reed OF commit Rd 5 pick 161 signed
David Goforth SP Sr Rd 7 pick 221 signed
Senquez Golson commit Rd 8 pick 262 football as well
Austin Wright LHP Rd 8 pick 271 signed
Jake Overybay SS commit Rd 10 pick 331
Miles Hamblin C Rd 12 pick 370 signed
Hawtin Buchanan RHP commit Rd 19 pick 577
Sikes Orvis 1B commit Rd 19 pick 592
Josh Laxar RHP commit Rd 20 pick 607
Matt Crouse SP Rd 24 pick 737 signed
Matt Tracy P/DH Sr Rd 24 pick 749 signed
Ryan Hornback C commit Rd 27 pick 812 signed
Dylan Chavez LHP commit Rd 32 pick 988
Matt Snyder 1B Rd 44 pick 1327
Will Jamison OF commit Rd 45 pick 1358
Chris Ellis RHP commit Rd 50 pick 1514

Miss St
Brandon Woodruff RHP commit Rd 5 pick 174
Devin Jones RHP Rd 9 pick 275 signed
Jacob Lindgren LHP commit Rd 12 pick 369
Nick Vickerson SS Rd 20 pick 624 signed
Jarrod Parks 3B Rd 24 pick 735 signed
Jarron Shepard OF Sr Rd 33 pick 1008 signed

The Clary Show has moved to 910 am

From: Elliott


The Clary Show has changed stations and times. It is now broadcast on WOLI 910 am Spartanburg from 2-4 pm. Many other changes are coming in the near future. for now, you can tweet Ryan @theClaryShow or email the show at ClaryandPatrick@yahoo.com.

South Carolina and Vanderbilt to open 2012 season

From: Benjamin

With the news the the Gamecocks will possibly open the 2012 season on ESPN's Thursday night kickoff at Vanderbilt, the pack of "woe is me" Gamecock fans have come forth from hibernation. Radio stations are flooded with calls detailing the poor record of Thursday night road teams. Why open with a conference game on the road? It is an eastern division rival, they say! Well whoopdedo. It is Vanderbilt. Yes, they have played you tough recently. Yes, they may be better under Coach Franklin. It is still Vanderbilt. The Thursday night game to open the season gets you in front of every college football fan who has been salivating for any game, not to mention all the voters. What a excellent opportunity to drive home your position as a 2012 team to reckon with by drubbing Vandy on national TV. Remember Gamecock fans, you did beat NC State in Raleigh a few years back to open the year. It can be done. The national exposure the program has received from opening the year in the season's first game so many times recently cannot be understated. Take the game, and go whip em. Fill the other half of the "glass is half empty' Gamecock contingent.

Beware SEC: Alshon is coming

From: Cole
SEC defenses are put on notice: Alshon Jeffery is coming.

Atlanta Braves Prospect Update

From: Austin

The Braves carry an elite farm system, ranking in the top three in the Baseball America rankings. The prize of the organization, 20 year old righty Julio Teheran, is blowing up AAA ball. Teheran sports a 12-1 record with a 1.90 era, 99 Ks and only 32 walks. Not too shabby. Arodys Vizcaino, acquired from the Yankees in the Javier Vasquez deal, was promoted to AAA and has a 2.25 era in 4 starts. A .303 batting average got the top catching prospect, 19 year old Christian Bethancout, promoted to high A Lynchburg. The system is loaded with shortstop prospects, and no one is having a better 2011 than Tyler Pastornicky. The 21 year old, who was acquired from the Blue Jays in the Yunel Escobar deal, has enjoyed his promotion to AAA. In his 12 games for Gwinnett, Pastornicky is stroking the ball with a .423 average in 51 at bats.

In a Rookie League update, second round pick Nick Ahmed, is hitting .263 in 33 games for Danville. Ahmed, a SS out of UCONN, was the second round selection. 3rd round pick, Kyle Kubitza, a 3B from Texas State, is hitting .290 in 30 games. Mark Lamm, the 6th round pick from Vanderbilt, had a 0.00 era in 2 appearances for Danville. This earned him a promotion to High A Lynchburg where he is 1-0 with a 1.53 era in 5 games.

South Carolina Virginia Game Winning Play

From: Matthew

For the Back to Back National Championship reminder of the week we have Robert Beary's bunt to beat the Virginia Cavaliers and advance to the championship round of the College World Series. It is embarrassing to note that yes, I did get angry in the top of the inning when we blew two infield defensive assignments and I went to sleep. Quite a surprise awaited me the next morning when my phone had 14 new text messages of folks ribbing me for calling it a night. Great win!

Atlanta Braves 2011 Draft Signings

From: Elliott

The Braves are moving quickly to sign their top picks this year, one of 6 teams to have signed their first round selection (FSU left hander Sean Gilmartin). With the August 15 deadline still weeks away, the Braves have inked their top 9 picks, 12 of the top 14, 17 of the top 20, and 26 of the top 30. South Carolina fans would appreciate if they would lock down Vanderbilt's flame throwing closer Navory Moore, who was their 14th round selection. Moore was unhittable in Columbia this past season. The percentage of draftees signed is much higher than most other franchises and eliminates the team from the high priced "above slot" deals that get done close to the deadline. Here's to hoping 32nd round pick, Matt Kimbrel, is half as good as his big brother.

Marcus Lattimore at Real Men on July 28

From: Benjamin

South Carolina's Freshman All-American running back, Marcus Lattimore, will headline a group of players who will be speaking at First Baptist Church in Columbia on Thursday, July 28 at 6 pm. Over 1000 men are already registered for the Real Men event and over 4000 are expected. Doors will open at 5 pm, so arrive early to ensure a seat.
http://www.realmencolumbia.org/

Freddie Freeman Exceeding Expectations

From: Benjamin

Braves rookie first baseman, Freddie Freeman, is tearing the cover off of the ball, and you can bet the Rockies are ecstatic to see him leave town. Freeman knocked long ball number 15 yesterday and upped his average to .279 on the year. The power numbers are what stands out. The 21 year old never hit more than 18 home runs in the minors (Rome 2008 and Gwinnett 2010) and was projected by most to end up around 15 in his first big league season. Power numbers come later in the career for most players, the fact that Freeman, who will turn 22 on September 12, has squared up this many so early is extremely promising. Add to it 24 walks and the high average and you get a rookie of the year candidate. Jason Heyward received all of the hype, but is still hovering around the .220s. Freeman is blowing past expectations and is giving the Bravos a big time bat in the middle of the line up.

MLB Draft Update

From: Austin
Note, we are updating the SEC in MLB draft post when signings occur, the latest being Florida pitcher Alex Panteliodis. It is dated June 9.

Blake Cooper

From: Cole
I had not seen this video, but Praise the Lord former gamecock, Blake Cooper, is ok after taking a line drive off of the head in a minor league game earlier this year

South Carolina OL Commit Cody Waldrop

From: Elliott
South Carolina got another commit from a big nasty on Thursday when Cody Waldrop picked the defending SEC East champs over the Bulldogs of Georgia. Earlier in the Spurrier era, the Gamecock oline not only lacked toughness, but was hardly aggressive at all. That changed with the addition of Coach Elliott, and they are now recruiting talented linemen with mean streaks. Take a look at Waldrop's highlight film from Gamechangers and you'll see that he plays with a nasty streak. That's what I'm talking about! This is the type of player you anchor a line around.

Wingo's clutch blast versus Texas A&M

From:  Cole

With all of the talk about the football recruiting success of late, let us not forget about the Back to Back CWS champions. The South Carolina Fighting Gamecocks!

Seniors win championships. Veteran teams do not fold under pressure. Scott Wingo began his career by learning to get hit by more pitches than any other Gamecock because he could not hit worth a squat. Hard work, maturity, and good coaching developed him into the 2011 Gamecock Mr. Clutch, with the bat that is. Wingo had all but one of South Carolina's walk offs this season. None was more important than in the opening game of the CWS.

Clary Preseason All SEC Football Team

From: Everyone

Offense:
1st Team                                                          2nd Team
QB: Steven Garcia USC Sr.                               Tyler Wilson Arkansas Jr.
                                                                       Aaron Murray UGA So

RB: Marcus Lattimore USC So.                         Knile Davis Arkansas Jr.
       Trent Richardson Bama Jr.                         Spencer Ware LSU So.

WR Alshon Jeffery USC Jr.                               Greg Childs Arkansas Sr.
       Joe Adams Arkansas Sr.                           Marquis Maze Bama Sr.

TE: Orson Charles UGA Jr.                               Philip Lutzenkirchen Auburn Jr.
                              
OL: Barrett Jones Bama Jr.                               Ja'Wuan James Tenn So.
      Cordy Glenn UGA Sr.                                 Josh Dworaczky LSU Sr.
      Larry Warford UK Jr.                                  Alvin Bailey Arkansas So.
      William Vlachos Bama Sr.                          Bradley Sowell Ole Miss Sr
      Rokevious Watkins USC Sr.                        Bobby Massie Ole Miss Jr
Defense:
1st Team                                                           2nd Team                     
DE: Devin Taylor USC Jr.                                  Melvin Ingram USC Sr.
       Jake Bequette Arkansas Sr.                       Corey Lemonier Auburn So.

DT: Malik Jackson Tenn Sr.                               Travian Robertson USC Sr.
      Fletcher Cox Miss St Jr.                              Josh Chapman Bama Sr.

LB: Dont'a Hightower Bama Jr.                           Courtney Upshaw Bama Sr.
      Danny Trevathan UK Sr.                               Jerry Franklin Arkansas Sr.
      Jelani Jenkins, Florida So                             Chris Marve Vandy Sr.

CB: Stephon Gilmore USC Jr.                             Morris Claiborne LSU Jr.
       Casey Howard Vandy Sr.                             Prentiss Waggner Tenn Jr.

S:    Janzen Jackson Tenn Jr.                             Tramain Thomas Arkansas Sr.
       Mark Barron Bama Sr.                                 Robert Lester Bama Jr.

Ret: Brandon Boykin UGA Sr.                             Joe Adams Arkansas Sr.

K:   Blair Walsh UGA Sr.                                     Zach Hocker Arkansas So.

P:   Drew Butler UGA Sr.                                     Tyler Campbell Ole Miss Jr.

We had the most debate about the QB position. Some love UGA's Aaron Murray and some are not quite sold. How well will he do without AJ Green and without a veteran RB to block for him? He will be the best pure passer in the league when given time to throw. Garcia is another story. We are certain that he'll be the QB under center for Coach Spurrier, provided he doesn't have another idiotic event. He has the best WR and RB to work with. While he may not be flashy or even in the same zip code of a passer that Murray is, #5 in garnet is primed for a big season. Tyler Wilson has the luxury of 3 of the top 5 WRs in the league. He looked fantastic in injury duty last year, and he will have the Hogs battling Alabama for the west title. Yes, Auburn's Michael Dyer did not make the list, and he may have a banner year. However, without SuperCam at his side, his numbers are a little more difficult to project.

SEC Media Days lineup

From: Leon
For those needing a football fix, the lineup for SEC media days was announced. Most conferences have a small one day event, but not the SEC. The conference who holds the last five national champs does a 3 day all out event.

Wednesday, July 20

ARKANSAS (Head Coach Bobby Petrino)

• Knile Davis (RB, 6-0, 230, Jr., 1st-team AP All-SEC, 2nd-team SEC Coaches All-SEC, 2nd in SEC in rushing with 1,322 yards and 13 TDs)

• Jarius Wright (WR, 5-10, 180, Sr., 42 catches for 788 yards and 5 TDs)

• Tenarius Wright (DE, 6-2, 252, Jr, 36 total tackles, 8 for losses including six sacks)

FLORIDA (Head Coach Will Muschamp)

• John Brantley (QB, 6-3, 220, Sr., completed 60.8 percent of passes for 2,061 yards and nine TDs)

• William Green (DE, 6-4, 245, Sr., 13 total tackles, four for losses including a sack)

• Deonte Thompson (WR, 6-0, 200, Sr., 38 catches for 570 yards and a touchdown)

SOUTH CAROLINA (Head Coach Steve Spurrier)

• Alshon Jeffery (WR, 6-4, 233, Jr.., 1st-team AFCA and FWAA All-American, 2nd-team AP, SI.com and Walter Camp All-American, 1st-team AP and SEC Coaches All-SEC)

• Marcus Lattimore (RB, 6-0, 231, So., 2nd-team Walter Camp All-American, 1st-team Rivals.com, FWAA and Sporting News Freshman All-American, 1st-team AP and SEC Coaches All-SEC, AP and SEC Coaches SEC Freshman of the Year, 1st-team SEC Coaches Freshman All-SEC)

• Travian Robertson (6-4, 298, Sr., 42 tackles, including ten for loss es and four sacks)

MISSISSIPPI STATE (Head Coach Dan Mullen)

• Vick Ballard (RB, 5-11, 220, Sr., Honorable Mention AP All-SEC, Rushed for 968 yards and 19 TDs)

• Fletcher Cox (DT, 6-4, 295, Jr.,  29 total tackles with 6.5 for losses including 2.5 sacks)

• Chris Relf (QB, 6-4, 245, Sr., Completed 129 of 220 passes for 1,789 yards and 13 TDs and rushed for 713 yards and five scores)
Thursday, July 21

KENTUCKY (Head Coach Joker Phillips)

• Stuart Hines (OG, 6-4, 296, Sr., Started 11 games at left guard after missing two games with injury)

• Danny Trevathan (LB, 6-1, 232, Sr., 1st-team AP & SEC Coaches All-SEC, Led SEC in tackles with 144 stops)

• Morgan Newton (QB, 6-4, 235, Jr., Started the BBVA Compass Bowl , completing 21 of 36 passes for 211 yards and 18 rushing yards)

GEORGIA (Head Coach Mark Richt)

• Brandon Boykin (CB, 5-10, 183, Sr., 44 tackles with 6.5 for loss, three interceptions and three pass breakups, also returned 34 kickoffs for 825 yards)

• Ben Jones (C, 6-3, 316, Sr.,  Made 12 starts and played in all 13 games)

• Aaron Murray (QB, 6-1, 211, So., 1st-team Sporting News Freshman All-American, 2nd-team Rivals.com Freshman All-American, 1st-team SEC Coaches Freshman All-SEC)

AUBURN (Head Coach Gene Chizik)

• Emory Blake (WR, 6-1, 197, Jr.,  Had 33 catches for 554 yards with a team-high eight TDs)

• Nosa Equae (DT, 6-2, 255, So.,  Had 22 total tackles with 7.5 for losses, including 3.5 sacks)

• Phillip Lutzenkirchen (TE, 6-4, 253, Jr., Had 15 catches for 185 yards and five TDs)

TENNESSEE (Head Coach Derek Dooley)

• Malik Jackson (DL, 6-5, 270, Sr., 2nd-team AP All-SEC, 48 total tackles with 11 for losses, including five sacks)

• Tauren Poole (RB, 5-10, 215, Sr., Honorable Mention AP All-SEC, Rushed for 1,034 yards and 11 TDs)

• Dallas Thomas (OL, 6-5, 305, Jr., Started all 13 games at left tackle)
Friday, July 22

ALABAMA (Head Coach Nick Saban)

• Mark Barron (SAF, 6-2, 218, Sr., 2nd-team AP and SI.com All-American, 1st-team FWAA All-American, 1st-team AP and SEC Coaches All-SEC)

• Dont’a Hightower (LB, 6-4, 260, Jr., 2nd-team AP and SEC Coaches All-SEC, 2nd on team with 69 total tackles)

• Trent Richardson (RB, 5-11, 224, Jr., 2nd-team SEC Coaches All-SEC, 2nd on team with 700 rushing yards and six TDs and caught 23 passes for 266 yards and 4 TDs)

VANDERBILT (Head Coach James Franklin)

• Casey Hayward (CB, 6-0, 185, Sr., 2nd-team AP and SEC Coaches All-SEC), 70 tackles with 17 pass deflections and six interceptions)

• Chris Marve (LB, 6-0, 235, Sr., 2nd-team SEC Coaches All-SEC), Started and played in 11 games with 80 tackles with eight for losses)

• Larry Smith (QB, 6-2, 220, Sr., Started and played in 11 games, Head single-season career highs with 117 completions, 1,262 passing yards, six TD passes, 248 rushing yards and four rushing TDs)

OLE MISS (Head Coach Houston Nutt)

• Brandon Bolden (RB, 5-11, 221, Sr., Honorable mention All-SEC, Rushed for 976 yards and 14 TDs and caught 32 passes for 344 yards and 3 TDs)

• Kentrell Lockett (DE, 6-5, 248, Sr., Played and started in three games before suffering season-ending ACL injury, granted a sixth-year of eligibility)

• Bradley Sowell (OT, 6-7, 315, Sr., 2nd-team AP All-SEC, Started all 12 games at left tackle)

LSU (Head Coach Les Miles)

• Ryan Baker (LB, 6-0, 227, Sr., Second on team with 87 total tackles with 11 for losses including team-high seven sacks)

• Jordan Jefferson (QB, 6-5, 224, Sr., Completed 119-of-209 passes for 1,411 yards and seven TDs and also rushed for 450 yards and 13 TDs)

• Russell Shepard (WR, 6-1, 188, Jr., Caught 33 passes for 249 yards and a TD and rushed for 226 yards and 2 TDs)

Steve Spurrier Jr. Recruiting Coordinator

From: Benjamin
Coach Spurrier Jr. gets an A+ for his duties as recruiting coordinator thus far. In what is a stark change from previous years, the Gamecocks are sitting at 13 commitments right now. Most years the team comes out of the summer with 5-6, which inevitably perturbs the fanbase because the tigers to the northwest are always well into double digits by that time. Most of the time the prospects giving their pledge to the Gamecocks in the summer are lower rated guys who looked good in camp. Sleepers, we are told. Is that term overused or what? But not this year. The 13 commits are almost all highly touted players. Can this be attributed to last year's success on the field and drubbing the tigers for the second year in a row? Yes. However, a lot of credit needs to go to the coaching staff and Coach Jr. Last weekend felt like the last week of January to those who follow recruiting closely. The only question is, what are we going to do after football season to pass the time if the class is already almost complete? Spend more time at church I guess.

Craig Kimbrel sets Rookie Record

From: Elliott

Congratulations to the Atlanta Braves rookie closer, Craig Kimbrel, who set the Major League record for first half saves by a rookie yesterday by notching his 27th against the Colorado Rockies. The previous mark was held by Jonathon Palpebon of the Boston Red Sox. Kimbrel had three saves in the Braves' four-game sweep of Colorado and is 27 of 32 on the year. He is much more effective than earlier in the year when he was struggling with control and giving up the 0-2 hit. Kimbrel is on pace for 48 saves, which would crush the full-season rookie mark set last season by Neftali Feliz (40), not to mention 127 strikeouts, which would be the third most by a rookie relief pitcher. What does the fact that Feliz was drafted by the Braves say about their scouting? For all the Braves fans who suffered through the Alejandro Pena, Jeff Reardon years and their inability to win the big one, plus the Mark Wohlers and John Rocker meltdowns, having Kimbrel man the closer spot for the next 10 years is exciting. Not bad for a guy from Wallace State Community College. Of note, the Braves selected Kimbrel's younger brother Matt in the 32 round.

Justin King Media

From: Benjamin
This guy's work is awesome! Justin King has produced more exhilarating South Carolina videos than anyone. His latest does not disappoint as he honors the back to back National Champs!

Tired of looking at the same National Championship apparel that everyone is wearing since they all went the Jewelery Warehouse? Check out thebigspurshop.com. They have some different designs and cheaper prices.

James Darnell Promoted to Triple A Tucson

From: Austin
Congratulations to former Gamecock 3rd bagger, James Darnell, who was promoted to the Triple A squad of the San Diego Padres on July 4th. In 76 games with the Double A San Antonio Missions, Darnell hit .333 (96-for-288) with 25 doubles, 17 home runs, 62 RBI and 62 runs scored. In the first half of the Texas League season, Darnell led the league in extra-base hits (43) and was second in doubles, on-base percentage (.434), slugging percentage (.604), tied for second in homers and RBI, third in average, hits, total bases (174) and walks (52) and fifth in runs. He was named the Texas League's All-Star Game MVP on June 29 after going 1-for-4 with a home run and two RBI in a 3-2 win.

In his first at bat with Tucson, Darnell stroked a RBI double. He finished the game going 3 for 5 with 2 runs scored. Pretty good to get the cleanup slot in your first game. Darnell will represent the USA in the upcoming Futures Game on July 10. Oh, and my brothers and I are partial to Darnell's girlfriend as well.

Back to Back National Champions

From: Matthew
Ok, we've spent the last week celebrating the Back to Back National Championships by the South Carolina baseball team. So much to discuss, but later. Now, it remains celebration time. Band of Oz brings the party today with their Johnnie Taylor cover "Wall to Wall." That's right! It's wall to wall and back to back, as in back to back National Champions!

South Carolina's sidearmer, John Taylor

From: Cole

Is there a better relief pitcher in the country for getting out of a jam than John Taylor? Yes, Matt Price is the All-American and he is fantastic. But what Taylor has accomplished in the last 2 weeks is nothing short of miraculous. Twice he entered the game with the bases loaded and the opponent threatening to claw their way back into the game. Twice he induced a 1-2-3 double play. His two pitches in the fifth broke Virgina's heart and stole any hope of a comeback from the Cavs. Vanderbilt's Navory Moore has the best fastball in the bullpen. Florida's Steven Rodriguez has the best slider. Teammate Matt Price owns the best mindset and intimidation factor, but Taylor is the guy you want to get you out of the jam. Along with Price, Taylor makes up the top 1-2 punch of any bullpen in college baseball this year. Not too bad for a guy who rarely breaks 80 on the gun.

SEC in the College World Series

From: Austin
Is there any question as to which is the most dominant conference in college baseball again this year? Yes, UVA is a good team, but the SEC goes 3-0 in the first round of the CWS. Vanderbilt showed the committee how ignorant it was in seeding UNC ahead of them. There is no doubt that 3 of the 4 best teams still standing are in the SEC East. Here is a great sign from last year's championship series against UCLA:

Beating UVA tonight will be a tall order, but the match-up and the new ballpark should work in Colby Holmes' favor. Holmes is a flyball pitcher who leaves a fat one over the middle of the plate once or twice a game. The result is reminiscent of former Gamecock pitcher Aaron Rawl and his standard bomb each game. Holmes gets hurt when he misses up, so this will be the early sign to watch for. If he is down, advantage Gamecocks. However, with the wind blowing in from center creating a paucity of home runs thus far and UVA's limited power numbers, this weakness may be neutralized. Virginia is never out of it, as they demonstrated in Game 3 of the Supers, so it will take a full effort for 27 outs to win this one.

South Carolina Texas A&M play at the plate

From: Benjamin

How does one score without touching home plate? The umpire gets shielded by the catcher. Might we suggest moving a bit to the left for a better angle? Clarys come from a long line of umpires, and one thing Buford Clary would not tolerate was being out of position. That was ingrained in us all. A blue at this level should not make that mistake. Now this was the first game behind the plate in the CWS for the ump, but the plate is the same size in every game. A correct call would have been a roaring announcement of the return of All-American Jackie Bradley Jr. But, it was not the case, and the Aggies went on to pile on the unearned runs. Good thing the defending champs rallied for the 5-4 victory. True, the blown call was not as bad as the missed home run in the Florida game. Ouch! Not a good start for the men in blue.

This team is calm, confident, and has what it takes to win. They are not caught up in the moment as the Aggie closer was in the 9th. Carolina's version, Mr. Price, was just doing his business. It was kind of like he had pitched in bigger situations before, a nice asset to possess. It starts at the top though. What was Coach Ray Tanner doing during Wingo's final at bat? Sipping a cold beverage....

Back Home in Omaha Song

From: Austin
Who sings the "Back Home in Omaha" song that ESPN plays and where can I get it? Much to the diappointment of many, not itunes. It is Todd Thibaud singing, and you can download the song from his website: http://www.toddthibaud.com/. How secure is his site? No idea.

You're not in clempson anymore UConn

From: Benjamin

That was the best sign in the stadium last night as the defending National Champs secured their return ticket to the College World Series. Feel no ill will toward the large group of Carolina fans feeling a little redeemed  after sitting humiliated and frozen in Birmingham a few years ago. The Huskies are a talented bunch. Make no mistake about it, George Springer is a legit #11 pick by the Astros. Wow, the catch he made to save the game in the 8th was the best catch I have ever seen, better than Willie Mays! Springer is a faster version of Jim Edmonds. Great jumps on the ball, good height, awesome speed, and a good stick to boot. He was the best player on the field. Baseball is a team game however, and the best team won. Coach Tanner has created a well oiled machine. Seasoned veterans and a lot of talent overcame a myriad of injuries to get to this point. If the season ended today, it would be a huge success with the hand they were dealt. Feel good Carolina fans. You knocked of the team clemmons could not. They raved about your team and facilities, saying clemmon's was decent. You are the National Champs and you played like it.

SEC in the 2011 Major League Draft

From: Everyone

The SEC is the best league in the nation and the Gamecocks are the 2011 champs. Here is the list of current SEC players and signees selected in the 2011 MLB draft. We will periodically update the list to note prominent signings. clemmons is included as well. Vandy's signee list is most likely inadequate because there is no web page with a list and they recruit nationwide (a local search would be pointless). Mississippi State's also seems thin, but includes all advertised.

South Carolina
Taylor Guerrieri SP commit Rd 1 pick 24
Brian Goodwin OF commit Rd 1 pick 34
Jackie Bradley Jr. OF Rd 1 pick 40
Matt Price RP Soph Rd 6 pick 184
Evan Beal P commit Rd 8 pick 246
Scott Wingo 2B Sr Rd 11 pick 344 signed
Tanner English OF commit Rd 13 pick 420
Andrew Faulkner P commit Rd 14 pick 444 signed
Joel Seddon P commit Rd 20 pick 619
Peter Mooney SS Rd 21 pick 649 signed
John Taylor RP Sr Rd 22 pick 633 signed
TJ Costen SS commit Rd 22 pick 684
Adam Matthews OF Rd 23 pick 695
Bryan Harper P Rd 30 pick 907 signed
Michael Roth SP Rd 31 pick 938
Steven Neff P Rd 41 pick 1257 signed
Joey Pankake SS commit Rd 42 pick 1284
Shon Carson OF commit Rd 44 pick 1345
Ahmed Christian OF commit Rd 46 pick 1391
Tyler Webb LHP Soph Rd 48 pick 1465
Adrian Morales 3B Sr Rd 49 pick 1476 signed

clemson
Brad Miller SS Rd 2 pick 62
Daniel Norris SP commit Rd 2 pick 74
Will Lamb OF/P Rd 2 pick 83 signed
John Hinson 3B Rd 13 pick 400 signed
Jackson Whitley 1B commit Rd 13 pick 405 signed
Jeff Schaus OF Sr Rd 16 pick 494 signed
Daniel Gossett RSP commit Rd 16 pick 502
Kevin Brady SP Rd 17 pick 518
Joseph Moorfield LHP Rd 26 pick 786
Garrett Boulware Rd 45 pick 1283-projected top 12
Chris Epps OF Sr Rd 45 pick 1360 signed
Scott Weismann RHP Rd 46 pick 1389 signed

Florida
Michael Kelly SP commit Rd 1 pick 48
Hudson Boyd SP commit Rd 1 pick 55
Daniel Vogelbach 1B commit Rd 2 pick 68
Nick Maronde P Rd 3 pick 104 signed
Kyle Smith P/Inf commit Rd 4 pick 125
Anthony DeSclafani P Rd 6 pick 199
Alex Pantaliodis SP Rd 9 pick 282 signed
Tommy Toledo SP Sr Rd 11 pick 344 signed
Josh Adams 2B Sr Rd 13 pick 403 signed
Preston Tucker 1B /OF Rd 16 pick 498
Casey Turgeon SS commit Rd 22 pick 672
Ben McMahon C Rd 23 pick 701 signed
Matt Campbell RHP Rd 24 pick 751 signed
Greg Larson RHP Rd 29 pick 885
Josh Tobias UTIL commit Rd 31 pick 937-had 2.5 mil price
Bryson Smith OF Rd 34 pick 1045 signed
John Magliozzi RHP commit Rd 35 pick 1080
Ryan Harris RHP commit Rd 37 pick 1139
Tyler Thompson OF Rd 46 pick 1387

Vandy
Sonny Gray SP Rd 1 pick 18 signed
Tyler Beede SP commit Rd 1 pick 21
Kevin Comer SP commit Rd 1 pick 57
Grayson Garvin SP Rd 1 pick 59
Jason Esposito 3B Rd 2 pick 64
Jack Armstrong Jr. P Rd 3 pick 99
Aaron Westlake 1B Sr Rd 3 pick 106 signed
Corey Williams P Rd 3 pick 117 signed
Taylor Hill SP Sr Rd 6 pick 187 signed
Mark Lamm P Sr Rd 6 pick 206 signed
Curt Casali C Sr Rd 10 pick 317 signed
Shawon Dunston Jr OF commit Rd 11 pick 339
Navory Moore RP Rd 14 pick 446
William Clinard RHP Rd 30 pick 928
Joe Loftus OF Rd 46 pick 1384

UK
Alex Meyer SP Rd 1 pick 23
Chad Wright OF Rd 9 pick 287 signed
Braden Kapteyn 1B/P Rd 15 pick 472 signed
Taylor Black SS Rd 16 pick 511 signed
Jordan Cooper RHP soph Rd 23 pick 692 signed
Max Kuhn SS commit Rd 24 pick 736
A.J. Reed 1B commit Rd 25 pick 762
Chris Garrison RHP commit Rd 28 pick 849
Michael Williams C Rd 37 pick 1137
Taylor Martin RHP commit Rd 41 pick 1248
Chandler Shepard RHP commit Rd 41 pick 1251
Jerod Grundy LHP commit Rd 42 pick 1273
Greg Fettes C commit Rd 43 pick 1307

Tenn
Mookie Betts SS commit Rd 5 pick 172
Steven Gruver SP Rd 7 pick 238 signed
Logan Moore C commit Rd 9 pick 301 signed
Matt Ramsey RHP Rd 19 pick 600
Matt Duffy 3B Rd 20 pick 610 signed
Khayyan Norfold 2B Rd 22 pick 697 signed
Sal Romano RHP commit Rd 23 pick 715
Brandon Zajac LHP commit Rd 28 pick 842
Charley Thurber OF Rd 39 pick 1182 signed

Georgia
Zach Cone OF Rd 1 pick 37 signed
Dante Bichette Jr. OF commit Rd 1 pick 51 signed
Tyler Palmer SS commit Rd 4 pick 133
Matt Taylor LHP commit Rd 5 pick 155 signed
Patrick Leonard Inf commit Rd 5 pick 156
Nick Delmonico 3B/C commit Rd 6 pick 185
Tyler Greene Inf commit Rd 11 pick 361 signed
Cecil Tanner RHP Rd 23 pick 706 signed
Jarrett Brown LHP commit Rd 23 pick 712
Michael Palazone SP Rd 24 pick 731
Jonathan Taylor OF Rd 33 pick 1014-awesome!
Tyler Maloof RP Soph Rd 34 pick 1028
Peter Verdin OF Rd 39 pick 1177
Chase Davidson OF Rd 41 pick 1240 signed
Mike Mancuso RHP commit Rd 46 pick1 401
David Sosebee RHP commit Rd 48 pick 1462
Hunter Cole OF commit Rd 49 pick 1477
Heath Holder OF/P commit Rd 50 pick 1518

LSU
Mikie Mahtook CF Rd 1 pick 31
Trevor Story SS commit Rd 1 pick 45 signed
John Eierman SS commit Rd 3 pick 119 signed-may still play football
Jake Cave OF commit Rd 6 pick 209
Tyler Jones RHP Rd 11 pick 358 signed
Matty Ott RP Rd 13 pick 412 signed
Cody Glenn LHP commit Rd 15 pick 469
Benjamin Alsup RHP Rd 17 pick 558 signed
Aaron Nola RHP commit Rd 22 pick 679-both brothers picked by Tor
Nick Goody RHP commit Rd 22 pick 689
Arby Fields OF commit Rd 27 pick 833
Austin Nola SS Rd 31 pick 949
Raph Rhymes Inf  Rd 40 pick 1202
Tyler Hanover Rd 40 pick 1229
Carson Baranik RHP commit Rd 41 pick 1255

Arkansas
Michael Fulmer SP commit Rd 1 pick 44 signed
Dillon Howard RHP commit Rd 2 pick 67
James McCann C Rd 2 pick 76
Greg Byrd 1B/C Rd 5 pick 179
Joe Serrano Inf commit Rd 12 pick 385
Conor Costello RHP commit Rd 16 pick 505
Colin Kuhn OF Rd 17 pick 531 signed
Brian Anderson Inf/P commit Rd 20 pick 628
Trent Daniel LHP Rd 23 pick 707
Christopher Oliver RHP commit Rd 27 pick 815
Kyle Robinson 1B Sr Rd 28 pick 861 signed
Jarrod McKinney OF Rd 31 pick 940 signed
Geoffrey Davenport LHP Rd 43 pick 1298
Nevin Wilson LHP commit Rd 44 pick 1351
Mark Reyes LHP commit Rd 46 pick 1385
Drake Roberts Inf commit Rd 49 pick 1498
David Masters Inf commit Rd 50 pick 1504

Alabama
Adam Morgan SP Rd 3 pick 120 signed
Taylor Dugas OF Rd 8 pick 249
Ian Gardeck P commit Rd 8 pick 261
William Kamplain RHP commit Rd 22 pick 261
Nathan Kilcrease SP Rd 30 pick 916 signed
Brock Bennett C Sr Rd 33 pick 1017
Taylor Guilbeau LHP commit Rd 39 pick 1199

Auburn
Daniel Gamache 3B Rd 6 pick 182 signed
Clay Holmes SP commit Rd 9 pick 272-has hit 95 mph
Casey McElroy SS Rd 11 pick 353 signed
Kevin Varnadoe SP Rd 17 pick 523
Brad Hendrix RHP Sr Rd 22 pick 690
Tony Caldwell C Sr Rd 24 pick 733 signed
Kevin Patterson 1B sr Rd 30 pick 919 signed
Ryan Tella OF commit Rd 34 pick 1048
Rocky McCord RHP commit Rd 39 pick 1198
Colton Davis OF commit Rd 50 pick 1510

Ole Miss
Michael Reed OF commit Rd 5 pick 161 signed
David Goforth SP Sr Rd 7 pick 221 signed
Senquez Golson commit Rd 8 pick 262 football as well
Austin Wright LHP Rd 8 pick 271 signed
Jake Overybay SS commit Rd 10 pick 331
Miles Hamblin C Rd 12 pick 370 signed
Hawtin Buchanan RHP commit Rd 19 pick 577
Sikes Orvis 1B commit Rd 19 pick 592
Josh Laxar RHP commit Rd 20 pick 607
Matt Crouse SP Rd 24 pick 737 signed
Matt Tracy P/DH Sr Rd 24 pick 749 signed
Ryan Hornback C commit Rd 27 pick 812 signed
Dylan Chavez LHP commit Rd 32 pick 988
Matt Snyder 1B Rd 44 pick 1327
Will Jamison OF commit Rd 45 pick 1358
Chris Ellis RHP commit Rd 50 pick 1514

Miss St
Brandon Woodruff RHP commit Rd 5 pick 174
Devin Jones RHP Rd 9 pick 275 signed
Jacob Lindgren LHP commit Rd 12 pick 369
Nick Vickerson SS Rd 20 pick 624 signed
Jarrod Parks 3B Rd 24 pick 735 signed
Jarron Shepard OF Sr Rd 33 pick 1008 signed

What happened to clemson?

From: Elliott

Regional Game 7 at home. Final game to determine if you get a shot at redemption. Your bitter rival beat you twice last season on the game's biggest stage to crush your spirit and end your shot at a National Championship. Not only that, they went on to claim the very title you set your eyes on. This season, they beat you 2 of 3 in emotion packed contests. But the tides recently turned. You are now one of, if not the hottest hitting team in college baseball. You have the chance to march in Columbia and take back some of your lost pride. With this as a scene setter, how can you fail so miserably? Make no doubt about it, clemson is more talented than UConn. Yes, three Huskies were selected in the first few rounds of the draft, but top to bottom the tigers are better. clemson's pitching is its major weakness, no surprise to anyone who watched them this year. But to get beat 14-1 at Doug Kingsmore is shocking!

For starters, how was this game not a sellout? Come on tiger nation! This is a great baseball program and you should've supported this team better. Less noise equals less home field advantage. Didn't you want that shot at the Gamecocks? Were you salivating at the chance or resigned to defeat at the hands of Tanner and company again? Did South Carolina beat you without even playing the game because you were fearfully looking ahead instead of at the Huskies?

In spite of all that, the absolute most unbelievable event was that clemson quit. Yes, they quit! In the sixth inning they gave up, waived the white flag. Down 8-1 at home, they quit. No let's get 2 or 3 back and see what we can do. Nope, the game was over. We had a good friend at the game who knows baseball and had no dog in that fight. He called in the top of the 6th and said they quit. How can you be so sure you say. Well, clemson is a team that wears their heart on their sleeve. Between Leggett's jumping and jiving in huddle before the first pitch to the sprinting and high fiving as they take the field each inning, clemson is a high energy team. When they go from that to quietly walking out to their position, it clearly demonstates that they quit. And that is embarassing.

Wild Storm at the South Carolina Regional

From: Matthew
Yes yes yes, the Gamecocks are putting a beat down on Stetson and should clinch the series today. The real excitement of the day came during the weather delay in the parking lot. 4 adults and I were waiting the rain out in my car when all of the sudden the rain become super intense. Hail began to pelt the car and the winds rocked it back and forth. That's pretty strong gusts to move a SUV with 5 adults inside. Something large slammed into the front of the car to startle us, but in 3 minutes or so it was over. Much to my surprise, a garage door panel size piece of metal was thrown off of a roof approximately 30 yards away and was twisted around my car and the next one. 4 spots down another had busted out the rear window of a passengerless car. Should the piece have hit my windshield just 5 feet up, there would be 2 major injuries for sure. Iron fences are flattened and wood beams are splintered and scattered throughout the parking lot. The winds were so strong that they blew a John Deere mower across the infield. Wow! How blessed are we to be alive!

Michael Roth to start vs Georgia Southern

From: Austin

Coach Tanner announced yesterday that he is going to give the ball to his ace for Game 1 of the Columbia Regional tomorrow. Is this the right call? The coach has forgotten more about baseball than we'll ever know and pushed all the right buttons in post season throughout last year's title run. Many of us questioned his call to throw Roth against clemmons. How'd that work out? Dyson should be held back for UCLA! Nope, he beats clemmons to send them packing. So, one feels sort of stupid to go against Tanner, but should Roth be held out for the winner's bracket game?

Arguments to throw Roth
1) Tanner always throws his ace Game 1
2) Puts Roth back on his usual rest for Game 1 of the Super Regionals
3) Virtually eliminates any chance of a lackluster loss
4) Ga Southern has a potent offense with the nation's home run leader

Arguments to throw anyone else
1) If you cannot beat Ga Southern with Koumas or Holmes then you don't deserve to win
2) Keep your ace back to beat the best team you will face. You don't want to becomes Ole Miss 2010 who threw Drew Pomeranz in Game 1 to a resounding victory and then lost the Regional.
3) OK, Ga Southern is potent offensively, but come on. You are the National Champs! The Eagles will have to play on your field, in front of 8,000 fans, and under the 2010 National Championship banner. They will be intimidated. Much in the way that LSU doesn't lose a regional at Alex Box stadium because they have that aura of invincibility, the 2011 Gamecocks will win close games because of the name on the front of the jersey.
4) It is a good time to get freshman Forrest Koumas's feet wet in post season play.
5) The Eagles are not throwing their ace. OK, a southern conference team's second pitcher requires our ace? The thought is understandable if they have one stud pitcher and you want to ensure a victory, but not in this case.

The arguments against make more sense, but Coach Tanner is the man and always makes the right call. Maybe the early struggles against Bucknell last year are lingering in his mind.

NCAA National Seeds

From: Cole
Most of the "in the know" college baseball experts accurately predicted 7 or all 8 of the National Seeds in this years tournament. What most missed is where each team is slotted. No one can argue with Virginia and Florida as the two top seeds. One could say that #4 seed South Carolina should be seeded higher than Florida due to an identical number of wins and the Gamecocks winning the head to head at Florida. But with the Gators winning the SEC tourney, the committee got it right. What is hard to believe is North Carolina seeded third. Ok ok, they are #1 in the RPI. How can you finish 4th in your conference and be the #3 overall seed? That makes no sense. No way they should be above Vanderbilt. Yes, the Commodores have never reached Omaha, but they are without a doubt one of the top 4 teams this year. We talked yesterday about the importance geography plays in the bracket make up. This is why we had Fullerton hosting over Rice. It would have eliminated cross country travel for at least two teams. But what do we know? Geography matters a great deal in some instances and not at all in others.

Geography in the NCAA Baseball Tourney

From: Benjamin
Overall, the NCAA Baseball Selection Committee did a decent job in creating its bracket. I never quite understand how in some instances geography plays a major role in who goes where and sometimes it does not. Yes, limiting travel costs is a good idea. A closer location also allows more fans to travel. Yet in some instances this places teams in slots they do not deserve, either too high or too low. Look at Baylor. The Bears finished 29-26 and are slotted #2 in the Rice Regional (the overall 8 seed). Texas, the overall #7 seed gets Texas State as its 2 seed. I don't care if they won 40 games, Texas State is no #2 seed and neither is Baylor. NC State wins 34 games in the second best conference and gets stuck as a 3 seed in the South Carolina regional. Not only are they sent to the defending National Champs, but they get to open with Stetson and their 41 wins. Stetson was in line to host until a week or two ago and now is sent to the overall #4 seed? So the 8 seed gets a team with 29 wins and the 4 gets one with 41 and a second with 34. Makes sense right?

Clary 2011 ALL-SEC Baseball Squad

From: Everyone

The SEC proved again this year that it is a dominating conference. Our preseason picks were pretty on par with the results, so lets look at how we did.
Catcher:
Preseason                                                              Actual
1: Tony Caldwell-Auburn                                       1: Mike Zunino-Florida
2: Mike Zunino-Florida                                          2: James McCann-Arkansas

Zunino was lights out for the Gators, leading the conference in total bases and placing 2nd in hitting with a .383 avg. The sophomore led the league with 15 home runs and added 7 SBs in 9 attempts for good measure. The was a large group vying for the second position, but catcher is more than what you do with the bat. No one was better defensively than Arkansas's McCann. He kept would be base stealers anchored to first base while hitting .309 with 6 HR.

First Base:
Preseason                                                              Actual
1: Preston Tucker- Florida                                     1: Christian Walker-USC
2: Christian Walker- USC                                      2: Aaron Westlake-Vandy

OK, we did not envision Preston Tucker moving to RF for Florida, but regardless, he was outplayed by both of these guys. Walker and Westlake should almost be 1 and 1A with Westlake hitting .360 and 127 total bases while Walker hit .358 on 125 total bases. Westlake won the home run battle 14 to 9 thanks to a late season power outage by the Gamecock, but Walker takes RBI 57 to 43 and struck out 21 less times at 25 to Westlake's 46. Arkansas's Dominic Ficociello comes in a close 3rd.

Second Base:
Preseason                                                              Actual
1: Anthony Gomez-Vandy                                     1: Scott Wingo-USC
2: Tyler Hanover-LSU                                           2: Alex Yarbrough-Miss      

Make no mistake about it, Vanderbilt sophomore Anthony Gomez is the best pro prospect at second in the league. We are as surprised as anyone that Wingo hit .340, just one point shy of Gomez's .341. Plus, Wingo knocked 4 home runs, including a walk off in the Saturday game against Arkansas to quiet a thunderous Hog comeback. Gomez did not homer all season. Scott Wingo's defense single handedly kept the conference champions in over a dozen games this year and deserves to be praised. Gomez committed 15 errors. Yarbrough hit .350 with 6 home runs to lead the Rebels, while Hanover moved to third base. Khayyan Norfolk for Tennessee also deserves mention with a .332 avg and 29 SBs, as does Georgia's Levi Hyams who finished at .333, LSU's Jacoby Jones at .338, and Florida's Josh Adams at .340. You would be hard pressed to find a better group anywhere in the country.

Third Base:
Preseason                                                              Actual
1: Jason Esposito-Vandy                                       1: Jason Esposito-Vandy
2: Austin Maddox-Florida                                      2: Jarrod Parks-Miss St

We did not foresee Maddox's move to first or his power outage (dropping from 17-6). Esposito's defense was even more impressive than his bat, and that is saying a lot, especially when he committed 13 errors. He made some spectacular plays while hitting .341 with 6 home runs and 20 doubles (second in the conference). Wildcat fans will wonder why Thomas McCarthy's .371 avg was overlooked when it placed 4th in the league, but Jarrod Parks hit over .400 most of the season and he led the league at .385.

Shortstop:
Preseason                                                             Actual
1: Austin Nola-LSU                                              1: Nolan Fontana-Florida
2: Nolan Fontana- Florida                                     2: Casey McElroy-Auburn

Nola was serviceable hitting just below .300. McElory on the other hand logged a .370 avg with 8 home runs and 51 RBI. Alabama's Jarrod Reaves out hit Fontana .341 to .318, but Fontana's glove is what sets him apart. That is especially important at the shortstop position. He added 5 triples for good measure. McElroy had the higher average, but his 13 errors carry more weight at this position.

Outfield:
Preseason                                                             Actual
1: Jackie Bradley Jr-USC                                     1: Mikie Mahtook-LSU
1: Mikie Mahtook-LSU                                        1: Taylor Dugas-Bama
1: Taylor Dugas-Bama                                         1: Chad Wright-Kentucky
2: Colin Kuhn-Arkansas                                        2: Tony Kemp-Vandy
2: Zach Cone-UGA                                              2: Mason Katz-LSU
2: Justin Fradejas-Auburn                                     2: Mike Yastrzemski-Vandy

Jackie Bradley requiring mid-season wrist surgery was a punch in the gut for the Gamecocks. We envisioned Gamecock RF Adam Matthews playing his way to post-season honors before his hamstring caused him to spend more time in the training room than the field. Mahtook and Dugas were off the charts. Mahtook hit .383, blasted 14 home runs (second in the SEC), and swiped 29 bases. Can you say 1st round pick? Kuhn, Cone, and Fradejas all had good, but not ALL-SEC seasons. We admit we knew very little about Kentucky's Chad Wright before the season, but a .359 avg and 16 SBs are hard to miss. Kemp is a freshman, so we get a pass on not foreseeing his .342 avg and 11 SBs. Katz hit .337 with 51 RBI, while Yaz was .309 while going 20 of 23 in the stolen base department.

DH:
Preseason                                                             Actual
1: Brian Johnson-Florida                                       1: Raph Rhymes-LSU
2: Brady Thomas-USC                                         2: Brian Johnson-Florida 

Johnson had a good sophomore season at .324, 10 HR, and only 24 strikeouts, but Rhymes hit .360. Thomas was primarily a catcher due to teammates' injuries.

Starting Pitcher
Preseason                                                             Actual
1: Sonny Gray-Vandy                                           1: Sonny Gray-Vandy
1: Nathan Kilcrease-Bama                                    1: Michael Roth-USC
1: Hudson Randall-Florida                                    1: D.J. Baxendale-Arkansas
2: Alex Panteliodis-Florida                                    2: Hudson Randall-Florida
2: Alex Meyer-Kentucky                                      2: Alex Meyer-Kentucky
2: Chris Stratton-Miss St                                      2: Grayson Garvin-Vandy

Gray performed like the first round pick he will be with 9 wins (3rd), 105 K (2nd), a .193 opponents avg, and a 2.17 era (3rd). Nobody could predict the stats Roth and Baxendale would put up after coming out of the bullpen last year. Roth was 1st in era at 1.28. We cannot believe we just wrote that. 1.28! Baxendale wasn't too shabby either at 1.62. He did allow one less earned run at 13 than Roth's 14. Roth was 2nd with 10 wins. Baxendale had 8. Randall was as good as advertised with 8 wins, a 2.45 era and count em-7 walks. Some guys walk 7 in a single game. Meyer led the conference with 100 Ks, 48 of which were looking. The next guy had 29. Garvin was just as good as his teammate Gray with a conference leading 11 wins, a 2.32 era, and a .216 opponent's avg. We were suspicious about Panteliodis in the preseason and noted it, but couldn't ignore his 2010 campaign. He proved us right as a average at best weekday starter. Kilcrease finished 6-4.

Relief Pitcher:
Preseason:                                                            Actual
1: Matt Price-USC                                               1: Matt Price-USC
1: Brett Huber-Miss                                             1: Tyler Maloof-UGA
2: Steven Rodriguez-Florida                                 2: Navory Morre-Vandy
2: Matty Ott-LSU                                                2: John Taylor-USC

Maloof led the league in saves with 16 to Price's 15. That was the majority of UGA's wins on the year. Price is simply intimidating and has ice water in his veins. Moore's stuff is better than everyone else's in the league. A 98 mph fastball. Are you kidding? Taylor led the SEC in appearances with 38 (2nd was 28). His era was in the low ones for most of the year.

Newcomer of the year: Karsten Whitson-Florida. We missed on Stanek as he spent the majority of the year in the bullpen, but he has electric stuff if he can find his control. Whitson was 7-0 with a 2.47 era as the Gator Sunday starter. At least we had him at #2.

Player of the year: Michael Roth-USC You can't go wrong with our pre-season pick of Gray here, but Roth's minuscule era has to be recognized. He simply made hitters from both sides of the plate look silly all year, which was surprising for someone who spent 2010 as a lefty specialist. If it were not for some shotty defense and complete lack of run support in a few contests, he would have 13 wins.