What has anybody found out about ASU since Esmay took over? Same old stuff or something different?
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Got 20 commitments for class of 2012. If some don't go pro and all show up next fall, wonder how they will handle that.
This is interesting: A guy from Phoenix asking about ASU getting an answer from someone in Ohio.
I'm not sure that I understand the original question - the same old stuff?
There is nothing to wonder about. ASU is a program filled with many players who will be drafted and have a chance to play Major League baseball. It is a close-knit group that works hard every day. Many of the players (as is the case in any college baseball program) will be great friends for life. The competition is intense. It is not for everyone, but the rewards can be immense if it is accomplishment on the baseball field that you seek.
In regard to commitments for next year, not all of them will arrive on campus. But if they do, it will simply increase the level of competition -- something that is expected by every player. Nothing is promised to anyone.
Last year at this time, I believe there were 17 commits. That number and the actual individuals changed over time; in addition, 16 players were likely leaving the program either through the draft or graduation. (One player transferred). The end result is that 36 players appear on the fall roster. As you all know, 35 can be on the roster in the spring. We shall see how that works out.
So, to summarize, if you have great talent (as is the case with virtually every player on the field at ASU) and you seek out tough competition (which might not work out in your favor) and if you want to be in the mix for championships, ASU is a great place. If this is not your cup of tea, there are many other places more suitable.
ASU's NCAA situation has been resolved. Unfortunately for this particular group of players, the Sun Devils will miss the tournament in 2012. But that is it. (The benefit is that the players can show up on time for their summer teams for a change).
Academic support for the players is top notch, and there are lots of former ASU players who have achieved substantial success in the Phoenix community after their playing days have ended. They also tend to look after one another for the long term.
In two years, the program is scheduled to move to a state-of-the-art stadium 2.5 miles off-campus that they will share in the spring with the Chicago Cubs. Not everyone associated with the program is happy about this (although the facility is sure to be unmatched). The opposition to the move, I think, is greater than anticipated, so who knows how it all will play out in the end. Perhaps Packard Stadium will be improved and the team will continue to play on-campus. Either way, it will work out very well, I am sure.
In regard to the coaches, Tim Esmay knows how to win, and he treats his players in the best of ways -- on and off the field. He instills in them a great sense of confidence. He grew up in Phoenix and played high school (Horizon) and college (ASU) baseball here. He is a Sun Devil through and through. Mike Benjamin, the infield coach, is an ASU Hall of Famer and a veteran of 13 Major League seasons. He is a true pro and understands the game intimately at the highest levels. He is a gifted teacher of the game, and players are amazingly responsive to him. Ken Knutson is the former head coach at the University of Washington and has developed a very formidable pitching staff. He probably has at least five pitchers on the current staff who could be drafted in the first three rounds. Travis Jewett, the assistant head coach and recruiting coordinator, is a younger guy who is top-notch across the board and undoubtedly has a very bright future ahead of him. He is very good at identifying talent and then securing it for the program. It is a staff that functions very well and that should have ASU in contention this year for the Pac 12 championship and then poised for the College World Series annually in forthcoming seasons.
So, I don't know if that is the "same old stuff" or "something different" but for the best players it is a challenge often worth embracing. In the next few months, the 100th Sun Devil will play Major League baseball; the only other schools with similar numbers are the University of Southern California and Texas. ASU has a great baseball tradition that only will get better, and it is a university with amazing dynamics under the leadership of President Michael Crow. I, obviously, am all in.
I'm not sure that I understand the original question - the same old stuff?
There is nothing to wonder about. ASU is a program filled with many players who will be drafted and have a chance to play Major League baseball. It is a close-knit group that works hard every day. Many of the players (as is the case in any college baseball program) will be great friends for life. The competition is intense. It is not for everyone, but the rewards can be immense if it is accomplishment on the baseball field that you seek.
In regard to commitments for next year, not all of them will arrive on campus. But if they do, it will simply increase the level of competition -- something that is expected by every player. Nothing is promised to anyone.
Last year at this time, I believe there were 17 commits. That number and the actual individuals changed over time; in addition, 16 players were likely leaving the program either through the draft or graduation. (One player transferred). The end result is that 36 players appear on the fall roster. As you all know, 35 can be on the roster in the spring. We shall see how that works out.
So, to summarize, if you have great talent (as is the case with virtually every player on the field at ASU) and you seek out tough competition (which might not work out in your favor) and if you want to be in the mix for championships, ASU is a great place. If this is not your cup of tea, there are many other places more suitable.
ASU's NCAA situation has been resolved. Unfortunately for this particular group of players, the Sun Devils will miss the tournament in 2012. But that is it. (The benefit is that the players can show up on time for their summer teams for a change).
Academic support for the players is top notch, and there are lots of former ASU players who have achieved substantial success in the Phoenix community after their playing days have ended. They also tend to look after one another for the long term.
In two years, the program is scheduled to move to a state-of-the-art stadium 2.5 miles off-campus that they will share in the spring with the Chicago Cubs. Not everyone associated with the program is happy about this (although the facility is sure to be unmatched). The opposition to the move, I think, is greater than anticipated, so who knows how it all will play out in the end. Perhaps Packard Stadium will be improved and the team will continue to play on-campus. Either way, it will work out very well, I am sure.
In regard to the coaches, Tim Esmay knows how to win, and he treats his players in the best of ways -- on and off the field. He instills in them a great sense of confidence. He grew up in Phoenix and played high school (Horizon) and college (ASU) baseball here. He is a Sun Devil through and through. Mike Benjamin, the infield coach, is an ASU Hall of Famer and a veteran of 13 Major League seasons. He is a true pro and understands the game intimately at the highest levels. He is a gifted teacher of the game, and players are amazingly responsive to him. Ken Knutson is the former head coach at the University of Washington and has developed a very formidable pitching staff. He probably has at least five pitchers on the current staff who could be drafted in the first three rounds. Travis Jewett, the assistant head coach and recruiting coordinator, is a younger guy who is top-notch across the board and undoubtedly has a very bright future ahead of him. He is very good at identifying talent and then securing it for the program. It is a staff that functions very well and that should have ASU in contention this year for the Pac 12 championship and then poised for the College World Series annually in forthcoming seasons.
So, I don't know if that is the "same old stuff" or "something different" but for the best players it is a challenge often worth embracing. In the next few months, the 100th Sun Devil will play Major League baseball; the only other schools with similar numbers are the University of Southern California and Texas. ASU has a great baseball tradition that only will get better, and it is a university with amazing dynamics under the leadership of President Michael Crow. I, obviously, am all in.
Great overview. Sounds like an environment where I would want my son to play.
Down to 14 after the draft and some opting for JC.
http://www.thesundevils.com/sp...c-rel/071612aab.html
http://www.thesundevils.com/sp...c-rel/071612aab.html
Congratulations to all that stayed. I am very familiar with 2 players from AZ since son played with them with a local scout team! Great and competitive guys.
Good Luck to the ASU 2013 Class!
Yes, Jemaz would be the ultimate source of anything ASU Baseball at this time so his input is very accurate.
The only thing to add is the Coach Jewett may have switched to a different college if I remember it correctly.
Good Luck to the ASU 2013 Class!
Yes, Jemaz would be the ultimate source of anything ASU Baseball at this time so his input is very accurate.
The only thing to add is the Coach Jewett may have switched to a different college if I remember it correctly.
