Pretty interesting about hearing what many people expected that there was a toxic atmosphere on the team at the end of last season and players were glad the season was over. The Aggies like to talk about how Earley kept their roster together, but getting Schlossnagle and his staff at Texas helped keep this roster together and then to improve and develop it.
That indeed Harrison is going to be the Saturday starter. This shows what a competent pitching coach can do. They really must like what they see for this to happen so soon. It does look like Harrison was not ready to pitch last season and was rushed back too soon. Can't wait to see the adjustment that Weiner made with his delivery or any other things he helped Luke get back to the form, he had before the surgery.
Hate to hear that Whitehead is a long way from coming back, but certainly understandable under the circumstances. As stated, it's great to see a coach that recognizes this and allows a pitcher to heal first and then help him get back to form.
Pleased to hear that Riojas will as I expected will be used as a "Swiss Army Knife" in the bullpen. Schloss will use him as he did Aschenbeck at A&M, and that flexibility is just so valuable for a pitching staff. He could probably be a starter and with the Sunday and weekend starting jobs still up for grabs, it was probably considered. I think that his bullpen availability for many more games during a tough SEC season will be much more needed and more importantly the coaching staff does too.
Hopefully Grubbs can work his way back and fill a starting pitching role or whatever role the coaching staff sees fit for him. There are several arms that will be looked at for remaining starting roles and middle, short and setup roles in relief. The transfer from LSU Aiden Moffet, is another guy that can be a good starter. I watched him pitch and he has good stuff but has command issues. He could be sort of like LBJ was, it would be another feather in Weiner's cap if he could turn this guy around with his control.
The name that wasn't mentioned at all and I don't know what his status is was Mercer. They didn't say anything about a closer and that was a bad omission to me. Is Mercer back healthy yet or not. Besides the Sunday and weekend starter, the closer role is the main concern. Mercer has always been slated for that role, and we all know how important it would if he can indeed be effective as was once expected. Duplantier might be the other option for closer if not Mercer and then Duplantier could be a setup man.
Glad to see Rodriguez is so well thought of and will get the starting nod at third base. In the past there were some Freshmen that were able to start right away and contribute, really hope this is the case here, another lefty hitter in the lineup would really be a plus.
The starting lineup doesn't really have many other surprises with Schuessler starting at first for his bat and Galvan the starter behind the plate. Will have to see what the Freshman catcher Chamberlain can do to see if he can fit into the catching triangle along with Schuessler.
Newcomers Rodriguez and Winfield add some experience and hitting to the lineup and with the glove.
Good to hear about Johah Williams and how he is in good spirits about things despite his injury. He is another pitcher that could be used in some compacity, with him being a lefty with good velocity. He will also be allowed to heal before the staff determines what role he will play. I'm sure that Sark and Schloss have had a talk about this along with both training staffs.
Can't wait for the season to start and see how it all comes together as Texas enters the SEC. It will be tough, but this team has talent and now a coaching staff that knows how to use and develop that talent.