Since he got the head coaching job, Coach Perno's teams have been great one year and bad the next. The Dawgs head to Omaha in even numbered years, but tally losing records in odd numbered years. With last year's run at the national championship, that trend doesn't bode well for the 2009 Georgia baseball season. After Friday's baseball signing deadline, though, there are two good reasons to believe that the trend should stop next year. I'm not promising Omaha, but the Dawgs should be able to challenge for the SEC crown given the talent coming back and the remains of a top ranked recruiting class.
The first bit of good news is that Trevor Holder, last year's ace starter, has decided to come back for his senior year. (Image: Online Athens) Holder turned down the Florida Marlins who drafted him in the 10th round of the Major League Baseball draft. Holder's return is huge for the starting rotation because it gives them a returning all SEC caliber Friday night starter. The rotation was heavily depleted after Stephen Dodson, Nathan Moreau, and Nick Montgomery signed pro deals, but Perno has some strong arms waiting in the wings who relieved last season. Alex McRee, chief among these arms, showed wicked stuff at times last year. The second bit of good news is that five of eight drafted recruits are heading for Athens rather than the minors. Perno and recruiting coordination Jason Eller, assembled one of the top recruiting classes in the country. The pro scouts agreed, drafting eight Georgia recruits. Two pitchers, Brett DeVall and Zeke Spruill, signed for big money after being drafted by the Braves. Blaine O'Brien, a right handed pitcher from Massachusetts taken in the 34th round, presumably chose the Phillies over the Dawgs.
Five recruits stuck with Georgia: Chase Davidson (1B/OF), Cecil Tanner (RHP), Zach Cone (OF), Michael Palazzone (RHP), and Jeff Walters (RHP). Walters was a top JUCO pitcher and all of the remaining guys were top 100 recruits according to Rivals.com. Davidson and Cone were third round picks in the MLB draft. Davidson is the highest drafted recruit to come to Athens since 1993.
Obviously, all of this bodes well for the 2009 season. Walters has a shot to crack the starting rotation and Cone or Davidson could earn Matt Olson's spot in the outfield if they are as good as the pro scouts believe. With the returning players we have and the talent coming in, there's reason to be hopeful for 2009.
Quinton
6 comments:
Anybody know what's the status with Cerione? I read that he may not be back for his Junior year.
I've heard he was at Picture Day this weekend. I'd say that's a pretty good indication he'll be back.
Great news - Thanks!
Rich Poythress will move to 3rd base and Davidson or O'brian will play 1b and we have a good SS coming along also.
Cerione was at picture day (my daughter got his autograph and picture. Unless something unusual happened in the last two days, I'd say he's back. Obviously we saw Holder there also.
YEAH, I SAW MATT AT PICTURE DAY AND TALKED WITH HIM. HE SAID HOW PUMPED ALL THE OTHER PLAYERS WERE WITH ALL THE HIGH SCHOOL PLAYERS THEY KEPT AND HOLDER COMING BACK.
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