Crimson Red Sports

The Ole Miss Rebels make their first appearance in the College World Series in 42 years today, a nice story for the Southeastern Conference — and another firm nudge to the Alabama baseball program.

The Crimson Tide hasn’t been to Omaha since 1999. That isn’t the longest drought in the SEC. Auburn hasn’t been since 1997. Missouri hasn’t been in 50 years and Kentucky has never been, although the Wildcats made a decent run this year.

http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20140614/NEWS/140619837/1015?Title=CECIL-HURT-Alabama-baseball-taking-steps-in-right-direction

Yep! We forget that we swept Ole Miss in a 3 game series early in the year.

:-\

I expect a lot from our team next year. We lose the three weekend starters, 2 to MLB draft and one to Tommy John surgery but the staff is deep. Pitching again will be a strength IMO. The bats should be better. We have a good recruiting class coming. There is no reason not to be optimistic about about our program.

I am looking forward to playing in Hoover next year. It will not be the same as playing on campus but I think the B'ham fans will show up. It is a beautiful ball park located very near the Hoover Galleria. Bama Baseball announcer Chris Stewart said he expects the fence to be moved in to normal college depth for next year. Right now it is a huge field set up for minor league baseball. Since the Barons are now playing in Regions Park so the main baseball event is the SEC Tournament.

I think our program took a step forward this year and will take another step forward next year. Hosting a NCAA Regional should be our goal.

Pitching was our strong point and that's where we suffered heavy losses. We can't hit worth a flip & lose solid pitching, so I am very worried. I love the Hoover Met. It's in a great neighborhood with Hoover High School, tons of parking and very safe.



 :tinfoil:

Pitching suffered heavy loses but it is also where we have the most depth coming back. Bramblett, Guibeau, Castillo, Eicholtz and Burrows are all solid pitchers with success in the SEC. Shaw, Greer, Hubbard and Adams are also back. Oczypok looked great at the end of 2012 but missed all of 2013 with Tommy John surgery. We also have a good freshman class coming in.

I am more concerned about losing Ben Moore and Austen Smith. They were our top RBI and HR hitters. We have all other position players coming back. Overstreet and White at 2nd & SS are two of the best in the league. Vincent 3B, Salem CF, Wass C/DH are all good players. Casey Hughston was elevated to starter in LF late in the year. The true freshman played outstanding and swung a big bat.