Kent State 08

[tapNeo]

How does the team look for next season? Lots of local talent heading to Coach Strickland's team. Looks like they also have alot of talent coming back next year. The outfield looks stacked with young talent.

[AFbaseball2]

Is Chris Carpenter gonna come back next yr? or is he going to sign with the Yankees?

[IAmHIm]

Anthony gallas is amazing.
in high school he led Strongsville to thier first baseball state championship and then at Kent he made Freshman All America, Mac First Team, and Mac Freshman of the year.

[earholem]

The initial roster turn looks like this. Carpenter status unknown regarding shift to the pros. Hope he stays and works his way back to the early rounds while also helping the Flashes!! They may add another arm and catcher I hear?



Patton, Jason 1B/OF L/R 6/4 175 Jr.
Martin, Tyler C R/R 5/11 185 So.
Whiting, Adam C R/R 6/3 200 Jr.
Rohan, Greg INF R/R 6/1 185 Jr.
Sanders, Doug INF R/R 5/9 200 Sr.
Tokarz, Ryan INF R/R 5/8 165 Sr.
Weibley, Brett INF R/R 6/3 200 Fr.
Mitchell, Ryan INF. R/R 5/9 170 Jr.
Tremblay, Chris INF. R/R 5/10 170 Jr.
Winter, Brad INF. R/R 6/1 185 Jr.
Hallock, Kyle LHP L/L 6/2 180 Fr.
Heins, Cory LHP L/L 6/4 205 So.
Martin, Cory LHP L/L 6/1 175 Fr.
Morrison, Alan LHP L/L 6/3 205 Jr.
Pokorny, Jon LHP L/L 6/2 225 So.
Gallas, Anthony OF R/R 6/2 210 So.
Humphreys, Jared OF R/R 6/1 170 Jr.
Klafczynski, Ben OF L/R 6/3 195 Fr.
Koch, Joe OF R/R 5/8 155 Fr.
Bartholomew, Jar OF L/L 5/10 190 So.
Egan, Conor OF R/R 5/11 170 So.
Davis, Steven RHP R/R 6/1 170 Jr.
Gill, Justin RHP R/R 6/2 200 Fr.
Lamport, Reid RHP R/R 6/3 200 Sr.
Ross, Steve RHP R/R 6/4 200 Sr.
Smith, Evan RHP R/R 6/5 195 Sr.
Smith, Kyle RHP R/R 6/6 195 So.
Stilling, Brad RHP R/L 6/3 200 So.
Carpenter, Chris RHP R/R 6/4 210 Jr.
Sabo, Robert RHP/INF R/R 6/2 170 So.

You forgot Cory Hindel!!!!!He's back.

[flashingtheleather21]

is that really true(about cory hindel)? wow, a little early to say this, but i think kent state will dominate the MAC this upcoming year.

[Yourmama]

Was Corey at Wake Forest? Didn't get any PT time, so came back?

[AFbaseball2]

Damn good looking team there :D...lots to look forward to with that depth. Carp better be coming back

[FlashFan]

Cory Hindel has definitely transfered from Wake Forest to Kent State. He is very excited to be a Golden Flash and play near his hometown. He will be eligible to play next year. HOpe to see everyone out there to see our home-stte grown team.
Go Flashes!!!

[Tribe Time]

If the flashes find a way to consistently hit the baseball they will make their way back to an NCAA Regional. Carpenter is coming back which will give them the best pitching staff in the MAC, as well as one of the top staffs in the region.

Possible Starting Lineup:
C - Hindel
1B - Gallas
2B - Sanders
SS - Tremblay
3B - Winter
LF - Klafczynski
CF - Humphreys
RF - Patton
DH - Rohan

Weekend Rotation:
Carpenter
Smith
Stillings/Morrison

Bullpen:
Lamport - CL
Rodgers
Pokorny
Ross
S. Davis
Sabo
Hallock
Heins
Martin
Gill

[chip2th]

Look out for Kyle Hallock next year, he could be the darkhouse of this already powerful pitching staff.

[Mansfield Buckeye]

does Hindel catch for the Stark County Terriers? I watched the Terriers and the Settlers play the other day. The Settler's catcher was from Kent also.

[tapNeo]

I heard Hindle was injured. Does anyone know if that is true?

[FlashFan]

Hindel does play for the Terriers, and no he is not hurt. He sprained his ankle earlier in the season, but only missed a week. I know last year's backup catcher (Tyler Martin) at Kent State plays in the league, and I believe it is the Settlers. Another one of Kent's catchers, Brandon White has transfered (I think I heard he may be going to Akron), but plays on the Terriers as well.

[NEWZIP]

Before you post or say anything else about Brandon, we are going to ask nicely for you not to post anything on here or anywhere else about Brandon. Mansfield Buckeye was not asking anything about Brandon or his transfer. If you feel the need to clarify someone's reasons for transferring for whatever reason on a public forum, then by all means do so, it serves no purpose for you to bring up a topic on my son. We are capable of letting anyone that is interested in knowing Brandon's situation, and his future plans on where he will continue his education/career. All they have to do is call us or send us an e-mail. Enough said.

[111411]

NEWZIP, check your PM's.

[Mansfield Buckeye]

Newszip. I thought your son was a very good player. Good luck in the future.

[NEWZIP]

Mansfield Buckeye, hope he can change your thoughts from was to is a good player, thanks

[Yourmama]

Take a chill pill, he did not say anything at all negative about Brandon, geez.

[NEWZIP]

I never took it as negative toward Brandon, just saying thanks

[111411]

Okay, back on topic.

Sounds like Kent is really keeping a local flavor.

[NEWZIP]

Gallas is a real player and expect bigger things from him in his future. We wish him the best of luck as he moves forward in his career with his well deserved awards.

[tapNeo]

Good player, but slumping this year in summer ball. Baseball is a strange sport. One moment your on top of the world, then you lose your focus and your back on the bottom. Hope he turns it around again with another great season for Kent State.

[FlashFan]

My apologies, shouldn't have said what I heard. Only meant comment to indicate a KSU guy and that he played for Terriers. Good luck to Brandon.

[BgStck45]

How affective is Gill going to be his first year? didn't he sit out this summer because of an injury with his back...

If hes in that bullpen that would help out alot.

[Tribe Time]

Kent has a chance to make a major run this year. Their pitching staff may be the best in the country, they just need to go out and play to their abilities and avoid injuries. The achillies heal last season was offense. Alot of position players are coming back which is great from an experience stand point. With a year or two under them plus the additions of Cory Hindel and the two freshmen Brett Weibley and Ben Klafczynski, hopefully they can swing the bats much better this year. If they can put up around 6+ runs a game no one will challenge them in the MAC and they have a chance to be one of the top teams on the country.

[AFbaseball2]

http://www.register-herald.com/sports/local_story_174235248.html?keyword=topstory

Pa. star displays D-I talent

By Gary Fauber
Assistant Sports Editor

OAK HILL — Brett Weibley made a stellar play at third base. Then another, and another.

He later belted a laser over the left-field fence, part of his contribution to Hollidaysburg’s 9-5 win over Doylestown in a Pennsylvania battle at the Mountain State Baseball Classic.

Each time, a spectator declared, “That’s why he’s going to Kent State.”

Weibley’s talents were obvious as Hollidaysburg won its final bracket game of the tournament. Division I college scouts were certainly aware of Weibley’s skills.

The 6-foot-3, 210-pound Weibley is a prized five-tool player. He chose Kent State over WVU, Coastal Carolina, St. John’s and Pittsburgh.
The chance to be part of an up-and-coming program is part of what sold Weibley on the Golden Flashes, who won the Mid-American Conference championship last month. Kent went on to play in an NCAA regional, losing to host Missouri and Miami.

Kent also defeated College World Series qualifier Louisville in the regular season.

“They have a very good program,” he said. “They have been to at least eight (NCAA) regionals. And I feel really good about the coaching staff. Coach (Scott) Stricklin came from Georgia Tech. At one time he was the No. 2 recruiter in the nation.”

Weibley is coming off a big high school season in which he hit .431 with five home runs and 36 runs batted in. He also slugged .712 and hit 12 doubles for the Hollidaysburg Tigers, who finished 13-8 and lost to perennial power State College in the district championship.

Weibley had a perfect day at the plate Saturday. He walked and was hit by a pitch before mashing a two-run homer in the fourth and adding an RBI double in the sixth.

He also showed off his defensive abilities. He effortlessly snagged a line drive just to his right, and also displayed his arm strength by throwing a strike to first from the third-base line to retire another runner.

— E-mail: gfauber@register-herald.com



Atta Boy Weibs..These next four yrs should be exciting. This incoming class has some of the offensive pieces needed to make a serious run, not to mention great pitching :thumb:

[BgStck45]

is it true that Kent offered Coty Bates from Alliance a scholarship at the connie mack tournament in July to come and pitch for them but he told them no he'd rather go to a junior college?

[Tribe Time]

BgStck45...I don't think that ever happened. Kent goes after good baseball players who also have a great makeup. Watching Bates play football, baseball, or basketball it is easy to see that he does not fit that mold. He is a decent pitcher that is best suited for a junior college or DII or DIII school. Kent is already loaded with pitching and if they were going to offer someone an opportunity it would have been the best pitcher on Alliance, Hendershot not Bates.

[AFbaseball2]

bgstck45 is correct believe it or not. Kent is loading up on pitching cuz of a few injuries, n they offered Bates to possibly try and walk on. Idk if they offered a scholarship or not

[AFbaseball2]

AF.............got some insight on JoeK

Hes Short, is roomin with weibs, and is ready to make this a fun 4 years thats about it :thumb: ...Howd Ben do in the homerun derby? Missed it on FSN

[FlashFan]

Heard from a couple of players that Kent pitching was rated as high as 10th in some polls and team in the top 30.

[NEWZIP]

Benspapa you are correct in the ranking statement, Kent has an extra 80% scholarship monies that my son was "heavily" persuaded to give back this past May when he was ran off. That should really help out the pitching recruiting for the upcoming year. Good Luck to the Flashes Players.

[Tribe Time]

These rankings just solidify the fact that Kent is THE team to beat in the MAC. They have established themselves as the premiere program in Ohio and have a very good chance to earn an at large bid for the NCAA tourney. If you are one of the premiere players in Ohio and Kent is offering you an opportunity it would be VERY difficult to turn that down.

[NEWZIP]

Tribe Time, I agree 100% and they will do/pay whatever it takes to get those premier players, and premier players is what gets them ranked...top recruiting class, top 10 pitching in polls, but the key word is opportunity.

[AFbaseball2]

Sanders from what ive seen is a 5 tool player

[Onthebump]

Is there a more recent update than Justin Gill's sophomore profile? Who did he pitch for the the past couple of summers? Also, has Mike Sanders played at the college level. I noticed he was a 2004 grad, but I cannot determine if he has ever taken a rep at the college level.

[NEWZIP]

Benspapa, are you sure about the Lydic Kid? I asked Stricklin specifically if he was getting that kid and he said "no, that he was sure he was going to choose Ohio State." but "he was the best player in the state of Ohio" I am sure he would not have lied to us...lol...maybe the kid just changed his mind, man that is good recruiting!! I had recieved an e-mail a while back from a parent from Gahanna, her son and our younger son had played summer ball together, and she was concerned after she had seen Kent coaches at Gahanna's games and telling people that Brandon had hurt his knee and they were looking for another top catcher, because that is what Kent's coaches were telling this Lydic kid and his family about Brandon. Strange how things happen.

[Tribe Time]

Lydic is at Kent. What type of catcher is he? Is he more of a defensive guy or does he have a good stick?

I am looking forward to watching Mike Sanders this spring, have heard some great things.

[NEWZIP]

Tribe Time, all I know is that the kid did a visit while Brandon was there at the field one day, and coach Stricklin told Brandon not to worry, that he was still his #1 catcher, and then in our sudden "going away meeting with Stricklin" he assured us that the kid was committed to Ohio State, I guess he changed his mind when he and his family was told Brandon supposely blew out his knee, and the kid was told they had to get another top catcher. So I am guessing he is pretty good if he is replacing Brandon. because according to Stricklin, Brandon was the best catcher he had ever seen, but after a year under him, he ended up being the worst for some odd reason....lol! I look for the kid to step in and start as the catcher. Stricklin said that Whiting or Martin could not do it, so I am guessing that this is their #1 guy now. And after watching the other "home town boy" catcher this summer, he won't be good enough either. Now, I wonder who the JUCO catcher is that he said he had to get, since he did not have anyone who could get the job done. Has anyone heard who the JUCO catcher is? Stricklin said he had to find a stud catcher since the catchers he recruited were basically not able to do the job, but he did recruit them didn't he? Anyway, good luck to these new recruits and to the players at Kent, I do wish them all the best. They are fulfilling their dreams and learning life lessons along the way.

Benspapa, do you know when this lydic kid committed to Kent? He is not one of the six listed as the new 2008 recruits on the Kent website. After looking at his myspace webpage, looks like he decided around the first of June. Just curious.

[PutMeInCoach]

Before you post or say anything else about Brandon, we are going to ask nicely for you not to post anything on here or anywhere else about Brandon. Mansfield Buckeye was not asking anything about Brandon or his transfer. If you feel the need to clarify someone's reasons for transferring for whatever reason on a public forum, then by all means do so, it serves no purpose for you to bring up a topic on my son. We are capable of letting anyone that is interested in knowing Brandon's situation, and his future plans on where he will continue his education/career. All they have to do is call us or send us an e-mail. Enough said.

NEWZIP: As I have read further on in this post YOU are the only one who keeps bringing up Brandon and "his situation". If he is a Zip then you should be concentrating on the Zips and not worried about what Kent is doing.

[NEWZIP]

Sounds all to familiar

http://www.gatorsports.com/article/20070823/GATORS04/70822002/-1/GATORS50/New_UF_coach_Buchholz_coach_have_rocky_start

Putmeincoach, I posted what you quoted above when Brandon was still trying to decide where to transfer to, so wanted to make sure that someone didn't post information that was not true, I can post information on my son because I know it to be true, and the post is Kent 08. I am concerned with all colleges that allow their coaches to treat players and their families like in the article and with my son. Most players work their whole lives to achieve their goal of a scholarship or getting drafted, only to be lied to for someone else's personal gains. Hopefully with the new NCAA rules, this will eliminate this in the future. So I am concerned with Kent, as my son chose that program over many others, I am also concerned with Akron, Florida, Ohio State, Cincy, etc and all colleges and players as they are trying to fulfill their dreams. I am from the old school of life where a man's word is his word, and my son honored his word. Given your background, I would think that would be important to you too. You might not be concerned with what goes on or what happened to my son because the team was told that Brandon left because he was not happy, but that was a lie, and four days later in Missouri we recieve word of a new catcher transferring back, so the coach lied to his team, my son's teammates. There may be others that are trying to decide where to further their careers/education. We were unaware that this happened or was even allowed to happen, and it happens quite frequently. Lack of or no Integrity!

[GCPRO]

WOW! That story is something else. Newzip, can you fruther explain your son' s situation?

[NEWZIP]

GCPRO, thanks for asking and I would love to share my son's story every time I can and people need to hear it. If you give me your e-mail address I can forward you the entire story, but in a nutshell, Brandon was recruited by top colleges as a catcher, rated the top catcher in Ohio, etc. turned down offers to go to Kent after he was heavily persuaded and given an 80% scholarship, none of which was academics, so he was using quite a bit of baseball money, but the coach had to have him no matter what. Was in the recruiting class that was ranked 17th in country. Worked out with Will all year, was told if Will was injured he would be next in line, was reshirted in Feb after being told he would not be redshirted, talked to coach at Easter to find out about next year's scholarship, living off campus, etc. was told Brandon was expected have a great summer and come back in the fall to be his #1 catcher. We were excited, grades were good. Get a phone call a week before Missouri stating that Brandon needed to be released due to not being able to catch, throw, hit, etc. basically he was terrible, all this without ever playing his first college game. Told he could go to a Jr college and eventually get drafted, but he would not play at Kent and they didn't even have a catcher and they had to find one fast, probably from a JUCO school. I drove up to meet with coach and Brandon the next morning to hear the same story. We were told they can't take his scholarship, but he was heavily persuaded to give it back, and he had to make the team in the fall to keep it, and he probably would not make the team. Came out of the meeting only to hear another coach say he did not know that it was going to happen. Packed up his stuff, cleaned out his locker, not able to say good luck or good bye to his teammates, we head home, devastated. Coach tells the team that Brandon quit and was unhappy. Brandon was angry, stunned and devastated to say the least. We start looking for another school and get calls and offers right away. We were also told that this happens when coaches need players for recruiting purposes or personal gain for rankings, etc. Get a phone call from a parent in Missouri few days later to tell us that a new catcher had already been in the making and gave us his name. Show up for summer ball, have a great season, despite not being able to catch, hit, throw, etc..lol...

that is pretty much it, everything happens for a reason and we learned a very valuable life lesson, coach was already offering our younger son to come there and he probably would have got him too, but he even lied to him too. kept asking him if he wanted to come as a pitcher or 1st baseman, He is a 6'2 220 lbs lefty HS Jr and hit .400's in HS and summer ball with total of 16 HR's this past year

Our family is like everyone else's, work hard, teach your children right from wrong, keep God first in your life and things will work out, and hard work will always pay off in big ways. We are grateful for the opportunities that come along and blessed that the Lord is watching over us and making things happen for the best.

[Hometeam]

Sad the way some of these coaches treat their players. I don't think it's good for team morale or team chemistry and the whole program will ultimately suffer because of it.

[hawktime]

NewZip, I think this type of behavior by coaches happens more often than most people realize. My son has told me some stories about players that were run off his team by the coach in a less than ethical manner........and then making up some b-s to tell the other players about what happened. You know, of course, that they could not have pulled his scholly after fall ball if "he didn't make the team". He would have had to voluntarily give it up. Once it is tendered and accepted in the summer (usually early June) it cannot be taken away for that school year unless the player does not matriculate for the fall period. The coach can tell him not to come to practice, he can tell him he will never play, etc, but he cannot take away his scholly for that year. Kind of a moot point, though, since your son sounds like the kind of kid that wants to play and should be playing. Transferring is really the only choice.

Good luck to your son this year!

[Voice-of-Reason]

If this is true...Shame on Strickland!

Kent St. should own up to their committments...

Go to Kent St. and be treated like a "piece of MEAT!"

[BENSPAPA8]

Kent State Soph Brad Stillings earned the Great Lakes Summer League Top Pitching Prospect Award. He throws low to mid 90's.:thumb:

[oh_hole_in_one]

Benspapa, Why are Koch, Gill, Martin and Lydic not listed on the current roster updated 8-29. Will those freshman be redshirted?

[FlashFan]

I am pretty sure they are not listed because they didn't fill out their personal information sheets and get it to the coaches in time for the first roster updtae. They have all been at practices and they wouldn't redshirt that many. Michael Sanders is not listed as well as the others you mentioned.

[bushman20]

ONTHEBUMP: I believe that Gill Played most of his summer days with the Terriers. He's a great pitcher, and will do nothing but help that pitching staff.


about bates...
He was offered a scholarship, but decided to go the JUCO route. I know that some will say he's crazy for turning down a DI offer but with his situation I think it was the best move. He's playing at a top JUCO school in Lincoln Trail and I predict nothing but good things to come out of it. And for anyone to down his baseball/football/basketball abilites is wrong, he was a great 3 sport athlete at Alliance. A player and parents can only do so much, when the coach doesn't do much to help with college it makes it pretty hard to go where you actually deserve to be going.

[Hometeam]

When you said that a h.s. coach doesn't do much as far as getting a kid into a college, isn't it the h.s. coach who recommends these kids to the premier showcases like the Buckeye Scout where the top colleges see them? I've heard that some h.s. coaches are very instrumental in helping their kids get recognized while others, not so much. I guess what I'm asking is - how do the kids get invited to Buckeye Scout since it's "invitation only"?

[Hometeam]

Thanks for the info.

[bushman20]

Bates: Lincoln Trail
Hendershot: Lakeland (accepted an offer at Lakeland, kind of last minute thing.)

Nordquist was the only other player from the '07 Alliance team to receive a baseball scholarship. (Ohio Dominican)

[NEWZIP]

Just curious who caught for the fall games. Did they ever sign a JUCO catcher? How did the freshman pitching look?

[tapNeo]

KSU website gives a full report on their Fall season. From what I understand the outfield is very very deep. Starting outfield will most likely consist of Gallas (soph), Patton (Jr.), Egan(soph) humphreys (soph) or Bartholomew (soph). Also heard that Hindle (soph) had a great fall behind the plate.

[NEWZIP]

"Full Report of Fall Season", Stricklin did not talk too much about fall ball at all, he seemed to talk more about a few players summer teams accomplishments. Hump should be nervous if Stricklin is calling him his best athlete, LOL!! He did not play last season and only a few games his freshman year. But he did come out last fall hotter than a firecracker. I was surprised he did not talk about the catching position in the article, since it was so important to him at the end of last season. I heard they used all four catchers for fall season and they looked just OK. If anyone looked great, Stricklin would have said so. Good Luck in the off season.

[tapNeo]

To me it looks like KSU is building a great program. I also believe Bangston is doing a great job at Akron. One thing I really like is that these coaches are sticking with local and Ohio kids. They know far to well, that unless a kid is a transplant having lived in the area, then moved away, no kid from the South is going to want to play baseball in Northeast Ohio. There are always special circumstances (family living in the area, etc.), but in general these programs won't sniff any of the talent from out west or south. But, that is just fine, as we have plenty of talent in Ohio and Northeast Ohio. By the way NEWZIP, I've read your posts and feel for you and your family, but do us and yourself a favor, and Let It Go!!!! If a player has the talent and the tools, he will get an opportunity. No coach ever has too much talent in his program, and they are not in this business to lose baseball games. The most talented and productive players will be on the field. I've seen too many situations in youth sports in my time where parents are extremely over protective of their children, because they a) Don't want to see their child fail, or b) They are trying to live vicariously through their children, and believe any failure from their children is indeed a failure by the parent.
It sounds like your boy is in a good situation, and he's at a good program. Sit back, encourage him, and enjoy watching him grow as ballplayer, and more importantly, as a young man. Don't let him be a witness to your animosity toward KSU or it's coaches. Teach him that life can sometimes be unfair, but it will only make him a stronger human being. Let him know that he's fortunate to have this opportunity to prove other's wrong. I wish you and your son the best, and I look forward to following his career at Akron.

[LMHS08]

look out for sabo the kid is really good hes a stud on the hill

[AnUnbiasedOpinion]

...If a player has the talent and the tools, he will get an opportunity. ...

Not always true. Many times a player with talent and tools is behind a player with more. Or maybe behind a player that has already proven himself. There are also plenty of occasions, at EVERY level, where the kid gets skipped because of "greener grass" on the other side of the fence (scholarship vs. non-scholarship, bonus babies vs. late round draft picks, "blue-chip" being courted vs. player already local/inhouse, etc.).

I'm glad NEWZIP shared his son's experience. People can use that and their own experiences to help them come to their own conclusions. At the least, his experience should help others be aware that you need to look deep into the situation to make your best decision. But I also recommend that he shouldn't let it grow any further. Control what you can control from here on out and move forward. Hopefully that approach will lead to great success for his son and his actions and production on (and off for that matter) the field will speak for him.

[Hometeam]

I agree with you, AnUnbiasedOpinion. And I don't feel that NewZip is trying to live through his son or is an overprotective parent at all; he wants what's best for his son, and I applaud him for it All the best to them both.

[Hometeam]

College baseball is not like hoops or football. Any team can be carried by a player or two. Thats what makes the game unique.

Usually I agree with everything you say, but I don't agree that any team can be carried by a player or two. (unless, perhaps, the pitcher is a real stud, and even then, I'm not too sure).

[NEWZIP]

Tapneo, I appreciate what you are trying to say, and I also appreciate that others do want to hear our story, but you don't know anything about me or my family. I let it go the day that the coach called and told me my son couldn't catch, hit, throw, etc. and the fact that he told me before he told my son was all that I needed to know about the man. I told him on the phone right then and their that they found someone else for less scholarship money, so just tell Brandon and get it over with. I told my son when he went to college that it was his job and he did his job, I told him that when an employer doesn't want you anymore, they tend to lie and get rid of you, and that is what happened. It happens everyday in life. Players work their whole lives to achieve their dreams, they get to the next level based on their tools and talents, and the opportunity comes when a coach offers them the scholarship to play at the next level and they put that uni on for the very first time. The coach is the one that makes the decision, not parents or players, the coach decides who are the best, and at what level. The coach offers the amount of scholarship money. Kent goes out and tries to get the very best and most talented players, and that is why they came to my son. He did not go looking for Kent, they came to my him and made sure they got him at any costs. My son spent a year under a coach that caught in the minors, along with a great pitching coach, with an 80% scholarship and you think a player would walk away from that, Or better yet, get worse? Give me a break. I can promise you one thing, I am satisfied in the fact that the coach looks in the mirror each and every day and knows he is a liar and he did wrong by my son, and doesn't care to do it again to another young man. I have a real problem with that, especially since I have coached and I love the game.

I appreciate the fact that you will be following my son at Akron and beyond at the next level. But we will tell our story because it is the truth, and it is a reminder of when you are not on the right path to where you are suppose to be, God always gets you on the right one, IF you listen to him and let him. And if another young man and their family can benefit from the story, then it was worth saying it. Brandon knows he is lucky to be in a program and with coaches at Akron because they are all men of integrity.

One more thing, and this is all you need to know about my son, he picks up the rake after each and every game and rakes home plate, whether he caught, played another position or rode the pine. If you have ever played baseball, then you know what I am talking about. You get to the next level, but you still rake the field because you love it!

[chip2th]

hows the staff looking this year for the flashes? i heard they're pretty stacked. any freshman that could contribute?

[FlashFan]

hows the staff looking this year for the flashes? i heard they're pretty stacked. any freshman that could contribute?

Starters should be strong as they have 4 dependable arms returning:
#1 Carpenter
#2 Smith
#3 Stillings (was in the bullpen last year)
#4 Morrison
5th starter could be a freshman (Hallock or Gill) or Steve Ross if his arm gets strength back. He was Kent's #2 two years ago.

Bullpen has some arms, but not as deep as last year with returners Pokorny, Sabo, Heins, Davis and Lamport (closer). They have also been testing the Miami (of Fla) transfer, Mike Sanders out as a pitcher. That is what Miami had him listed as, but he palyed motly in the infield (SS/3B) this fall.

Infield has Tremblay (SS), Sanders (2B) and Winter (1B) back from last year. Rohan (DH last year) will probably start at 3B, but Weibley could see some time there. He was slowed in the Fall with a hand injury. Hindel, who had a very good fall, looks like his arm is fully healed from Tommy John surgery 2 years ago and will start behind the plate.

The outfield is strong, probably 6 deep with Gallas, Bartholomew (one of the best defensive players I have seen), Patton, Humphries (back from injury and boy is he fast), Egan and Klafczynski (Freshman). Klafczynski has a beautiful swing and had a great fall coming on strong at the end, so did Egan. I wouldn't be surprised to see Klafczinsi's name in the lineup a lot. Coaches will have their work cut out keeping all of these guys sharp (and happy), but I would think they would use some kind of rotation with one of them as the DH, although you can write Gallas' name in LF pretty much everyday. Patton will play somewhere, RF or DH.

[tapNeo]

Newzip I can really appreciate your situation, and I'm sure this has been quite an ordeal for your son and your family. The only problem I have with your comments is this coach and program your speaking of, has no opportunity to defend or counter your remarks. I'm not placing blame with either side, but there are always two sides to each story.

[111411]

I think we are starting to get off topic here. Let's renew the subject of Kent State baseball.

[BENSPAPA8]

Usually I agree with everything you say, but I don't agree that any team can be carried by a player or two. (unless, perhaps, the pitcher is a real stud, and even then, I'm not too sure).


I meant in any GAME.

[NEWZIP]

111411, I couldn't agree with you more. And I will leave it at this with TapNeo, there are not two sides to any story, there is only the truth. If you want both sides, then ask the other side. If the man tells you my son quit, then he is liar. I wish great success to all of the Kent State players, I met some really nice parents and players while Brandon was there. I wish great success to all college players achieving their dreams. Good things happen to good people.

[111411]

Newzip and Tap, check your PM's.

[FlashFan]

The MAC coaches are trying their best to schedule the early games with teams that will improve their RPI and finally get 2 bids to the NCAA Tournament.

Miami starts with an event at AZST against them, Vandy, and Oregon State. The Flashes will get to play North Carolina early on.



College baseball is not like hoops or football. Any team can be carried by a player or two. Thats what makes the game unique.

The weekend they play UNC, they also play St. John's (top 20) and Winthrop (top 30), both in the NCAA tournament last year, and both picked to be there again. They play early series with Louisville as well (Top 10) and Washington State. WSU was about .500 in the PAC-10 and should be strong as they had a lot of seniors returning. Should be fun to watch in the spring.

[chip2th]

i just saw on the buckeye scout website that the Flashes landed a solid recruit in Andrew Chafin, he should fit in to the mix next season.

[Boondog79]

College Baseball Blog recently had a chance to speak with Scott Stricklin. He is entering his fourth season at the helm of the Golden Flashes program. He led the team to the NCAA Tournament in 2007 and a conference championship game appearance in 2006.

1. In 2007, Kent State had a solid record of 33-26 with an outstanding record of 19-8 in the MAC. This season you return seven out of your nine starters from your MAC championship and NCAA participant squad. Who do you think has improved the most during fall practice from 2007?

We had several guys make jumps this fall for us. Doug Sanders, our second baseman, came back in great shape and worked very hard to become more athletic. Conor Egan saw limited time in the outfield last season but has really improved and will be pushing guys for more at bats. Jason Patton was the MVP of the MAC tournament last spring and he has added some strength and is ready to have a great junior year. On the mound, Kyle Smith and Jon Pokorny really impressed us this fall. Both guys gained strength over the summer and they now have one college season under their belt. Steven Ross has come back from injury and looks like he is going to be ready to make a push for a lot of innings.

2. Chris Carpenter entered the 2007 season as your top starter in terms of talent. He had an up and down season where he went 4-1 with a 4.50 ERA. I heard that he had some issues in the Cape Cod League on his surgically repaired right arm. Is he going to be ready to hold down your Number 1 starter role when play kicks off on February 22nd against UNC-Greensboro?

When you look only at Chris’ numbers from last year, they do appear average. However, when he pitched his way back into our rotation, we started winning. We won 16 of our last 17 games going into the regionals and Chris was a big reason why. He is our best prospect in terms of a professional player but he is also our hardest worker. Our kids really look up to him and he makes everyone around him better. He established himself as our number one starter this fall and is much more comfortable on the mound. When he was pitching last season, he was coming off almost a two year break due to Tommy John surgery. He has found the command for his fastball and his breaking ball has really sharpened up. We are all looking forward to watching him finally be able to pitch at 100% every Friday this spring.

3. You lost your top catcher in Will Vazquez who started 56 games last season. You have four catchers on your roster including Cory Hindel who is transferring from Wake Forest. Has any of the four put a hold onto the position heading into Spring practice?

Losing a leader like Will Vazquez is always difficult but I’m very optimistic about our catching situation. Cory Hindel came in and had a great fall for us and established himself as our starting catcher. However, Tyler Martin also had a good fall and has worked extremely hard. Those two will be pushing each other for the majority of innings behind the plate.

4. How will the new rules with the way the scholarships can be split on the team affect your program? Do you think it is a good change for college baseball?

I don’t think too many coaches are excited about having a minimum scholarship put into effect. We are already short-handed with 11.7 scholarships and now we are being told how to spend that money. The roster limit of 35 will not affect us because we are operating with a 32 man roster right now but I know that it will impact a lot of other schools and players on those rosters. The other dynamic that will be difficult to handle on a yearly basis is the rule that stipulates that only 27 players on the roster can receive athletic scholarships. The uncertainty of the pro draft will make this a tough issue for sure.

5. Has any of your incoming freshman impressed you during Fall Workouts? Do you see any of them breaking into the starting lineup this season?

We were very happy with our freshman this fall and feel like several of them will make an impact for us. Ben Klafczynski had a very solid fall with the bat and made some strides defensively in the outfield. Brett Weibley came into the fall injured but was able to practice at the end of the fall. He showed a lot of athletic ability at 3rd base and is going to hit for a lot of power. We feel that both Ben and Brett have a chance to be a great players here. The two freshman pitchers that performed well were Justin Gill and Kyle Hallock. Both showed that they can locate their fastballs and have command of their secondary stuff. Cory Martin, another one of our left handed freshman, has really made some improvements this off season and we feel that he is going to get some quality innings.

6. What is your biggest challenge on and off the field in dealing with young men from 18-23?

There are always challenges when you are dealing with 32 different individuals on a daily basis. It’s certainly never boring around here! I think as a coach you can limit those challenges if you recruit the right type of kids. Talented players are great, but if they are going to give you constant headaches off the field, it’s just not worth it. Our kids are required to go to class and we check to make sure they do. They are all required to do at least five hours of community service to make sure they are giving something back. If my kids are busy doing the right things, they don’t have much time to do the wrong things.