Big name programs suffer tough losses
There's reason for alarm in the state of Oklahoma.
Oklahoma and Oklahoma State each reached NCAA regional title games this past season, but both teams had a wealth of veterans that were key contributors.
That was the recipe for disaster when the MLB draft occurred earlier this summer.
The Sooners lost several key cogs including pitchers Andrew Doyle and Garrett Richards and position players J.T. Wise and Bryant Hernandez. Oklahoma State will be without starting pitchers Tyler Blandford and Andy Oliver.
North Carolina, Texas A&M and Southern California also suffered tough losses.
The Tar Heels lost elite players Dustin Ackley, Alex White and Kyle Seager, Texas A&M lost starting pitchers Alex Wilson and Brooks Raley and USC lost starting pitchers Brad Boxberger and Robert Stock in addition to shortstop Grant Green.
Five teams have tough holes to fill this fall.
Oklahoma could have a tough time replacing pitcher Andrew Doyle and other key cogs in 2010.
(AP photo)
Oklahoma State. The draft deadline was tough on OSU coach Frank Anderson. The Cowboys entered deadline day with hopes of getting pitchers Tyler Lyons, Tyler Blandford and Andy Oliver back on campus. Lyons put a smile on Anderson's face by returning, but Oliver and Blandford decided to sign pro contracts. The Cowboys also lost high school stars Chad James and Mychal Givens to the draft. OSU will have a tough time replacing Oliver and Blandford, but Anderson is confident his team can overcome those losses. As with its rival down the road in Norman, Okla., the Cowboys should have an exciting fall and early spring.
Oklahoma. The Sooners took a step forward this past season by earning a national seed, but accomplishing that goal next spring will be much tougher without several key cogs. High school signees excluded, the Sooners lost several key veterans. Pitchers Andrew Doyle, Garrett Richards, Chase Anderson and Antwonie Hubbard signed pro contracts. Position players J.T. Wise, Jamie Johnson, Bryant Hernandez, Aaron Baker and Matt Harughty did the same. OU coach Sunny Golloway and his staff have recruited well the past few seasons, but these departures may be too much to handle. It should be a challenging and exciting offseason for the Sooners.
Texas A&M. The Aggies caught a couple breaks when JUCO signee Josh Stilson and veteran Brodie Greene decided to return to college on deadline day. But for the most part, the damage already was done. The Aggies lost Alex Wilson to the draft to start the carousel, but left-handed pitcher and two-way star Brooks Raley surprised everyone when he chose to sign with the Cubs as a sixth-rounder. The Aggies also lost veteran players Kyle Colligan and Luke Anders. In terms of signees, K.C. Hobson, Shelby Miller and Todd Glaesmann left the Aggies in a quandary when they decided to sign pro contracts. The Aggies certainly signed some replacements for those players, but time will tell if they're able to provide the same punch.
North Carolina. For the first time in a few seasons the Tar Heels could be in store for a rebuilding campaign in 2010. The Tar Heels had one of the nation's best teams this past season and lost several key cogs from that team to the MLB draft. The biggest departures include National Player of the Year Dustin Ackley and right-handed pitcher Alex White. That was only the tip of the iceberg. The Tar Heels also lost Kyle Seager, Mark Fleury, Adam Warren and Brian Moran. Additionally, the Heels also lost a crop of talented high school players, including first-round selection Jacob Turner. UNC has recruited well enough the past few seasons to overcome these losses. But there's no question a little rebuilding is needed next spring.
Southern California. The Trojans' rebuilding process got tougher this summer. USC hasn't experienced success in several seasons and didn't take a step forward this past season. It suffered a devastating blow from the MLB draft this summer. The Trojans expected to lose shortstop Grant Green, but also suffered additional tough losses. Pitchers Robert Stock, Brad Boxberger, Daniel Cooper and Anthony Vasquez also signed pro contracts. To make matters worse, highly touted high school prospect Jeff Malm decided to sign with Tampa Bay at the last second. Folks in Los Angeles expect the Trojans to return to their successful ways. Accomplishing that goal now will be tougher than ever.
