Signing deadline notebook...SEC
The biggest news of the deadline for LSU is the return of lefthander Jared Poche. Poche was one of the more hard-nosed arms in the SEC last season, and the Tigers originally thought he might sign. However, he slipped a bit to the Padres in the 14th-round, and announced he was returning to Baton Rouge for another season. That is clearly huge news for the Tigers, who, with Poches return, now have two of the better starting pitchers in the country and arguably the top two or three one-two punches. The Tigers also got great news earlier this summer when Twins 26th-rounder and power hitter Greg Deichmann decided to return for another season, while the same can be said about shortstop Kramer Robertsons return to Baton Rouge. LSU also gets a boost with the addition of prep star righthander Zach Hess, who was deemed a tough sign and fell to the Yankees in the 35th round.
Vanderbilt is waiting on a couple of decisions in the top 20 rounds, and while one looks promising, the other does not. Catcher Jason Delay, an 11th-round selection to the Giants, appears to be returning to school for another season, while outfield signee and Marlins third-rounder Thomas Jones, as expected, signed Wednesday night. And for those wondering about Jason Groome. Hes obviously expected to sign with the Red Sox, but also, if he doesnt sign, hes headed to Chipola (Fla.) CC, not Vandy. The Commodores also have Marlins first round pick Braxton Garrett committed, but he, of course, is expected to sign by the deadline.
Alabama is awaiting a decision from veteran righthander Nick Eicholtz. Eicholtz was a 13th-round pick to the Marlins and his situation appears to be a 50-50 tossup at the momentum. Eicholtz had a 2.30 ERA last season and has some serious upside. At times, he showed the ability to keep hitters off balance, though his command wasnt always consistent. Eicholtz sits anywhere from 90-92, and up to 93 with his fastball, and his return would be huge for Greg Goffs staff in their first season.
Kentucky head coach Nick Mingione hasnt been on the job long, but could get some great news on Friday if lefthander Zack Thompson chooses the path to college. Thompson, an 11th-round pick to the Red Sox, is still unsigned, and the Wildcats are cautiously optimistic as he has already turned down at least one substantial offer. In other news, talented prep outfielder and Reds 18th-rounder J.C. Flowers signed with Kentucky, but got a release from Mingione and is now headed to Florida State. In other news, to no surprise, the Wildcats will also get talented catcher T.J. Collett, a 40th-rounder to the Twins, on campus.
Texas A&M will get a much needed boost with the return of righthander Brigham Hill. The draft-eligible sophomore blossomed into one of the better front-line starting pitchers in the SEC this past season, and he returns after being a 20th-round selection by the Athletics. The Aggies also picked up a very late addition to the 2016 recruiting class in unsigned lefthander Tristan Bayless. Bayless was a 35th-round pick to the Nationals and is a 6-foot-2, 185-pounder, who projects well at the collegiate level.
Decision Time: Signing Deadline Notebook | D1Baseball.com