Yeah I thought 55 was a ton too! Program is rebuilding and we thought we would have low mid 40's.. but it appears that they have a ton of Juco transfers that have far exceeded the "whatever typical amount of Juco transfer's " is.
There are only a few spots that are not up for grabs, maybe like 3 or 4 - the remaining 30 or so rosters spots are pretty much up for grabs. I know that this isn't typical and you could feel the nervous energy in the freshman's faces when I was there. But the good news is- if they work hard and do well, they will earn a spot. There will be no waiting behind upper classman . Freshman will have a decent shot at starting for position players and getting innings as a pitcher. Cather is up for grabs, SS, 1b, 3b even Friday starter..
still- it seems like a lot. I am sure the upper classman were astonished as well. A lot of Plan B's will need to be formulated.