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.