I am interested to hear thoughts on Erik Bakich and how long you think it will take for him to make the Terps a top 5 ACC team? Is it doable with UVA taking most of the best mid-Atlantic players?
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In a league with Florida State, Miami, Geogia Tech, Clemson, North Carolina, and Virginia, being top 5 in the ACC consistently is going to be extremely difficult. I do think Bakich is the right guy there, and I think they can be very competitive nationally even if they don't crack the top 5 in the ACC on a regular basis. I think they'll be able to pry some top recruits away from UVA and other top schools (after all, recruiting is supposed to be the strong suit of Bakich). Nobody thought that what O'Connor has done at UVA was possible, and I really doubt that Bakich has set any artifical limits on what is possible at College Park.
There will always be one of the top 5-6 teams who'll stumble in any given year. No one could question how strong a program Clemson has, but they fell down the standings in 2008; N.C. State was off the mark in 2009. That kind of thing offers an opportunity for someone to bubble up from time to time.
But at this point, pretty much everyone has sworn themselves to reach the top, so being one who is there consistently is going to be a tough slog.
I'm thinking Duke and BC will have a tough time replicating last year, what with all they lost off last year's teams. But Wake and VT will be pushing to take their spots in the tourney, so it's not like Maryland will have clear sailing. You have relatively new coaches at VT and Duke, and brand spanking new coaches at both MD and Wake, so you have a group of guys all trying to earn their keep. Not everyone will get where they want to be, but then, finding out which will and which won't is where the fun lies!
A realistic goal is to play strong out of conference and make the ACC tourney, then hope you get hot there at the right time to make some noise and hopefully make the NCAA's. Long term, you'll have to see how the teams fare in their recruiting before you can say how they'll stack up. But it's hard to see catching up with Miami, UVA, UNC, GT, Clemson or FSU in recruiting any time soon. All those programs have a lot of institutional momentum.
But at this point, pretty much everyone has sworn themselves to reach the top, so being one who is there consistently is going to be a tough slog.
I'm thinking Duke and BC will have a tough time replicating last year, what with all they lost off last year's teams. But Wake and VT will be pushing to take their spots in the tourney, so it's not like Maryland will have clear sailing. You have relatively new coaches at VT and Duke, and brand spanking new coaches at both MD and Wake, so you have a group of guys all trying to earn their keep. Not everyone will get where they want to be, but then, finding out which will and which won't is where the fun lies!
A realistic goal is to play strong out of conference and make the ACC tourney, then hope you get hot there at the right time to make some noise and hopefully make the NCAA's. Long term, you'll have to see how the teams fare in their recruiting before you can say how they'll stack up. But it's hard to see catching up with Miami, UVA, UNC, GT, Clemson or FSU in recruiting any time soon. All those programs have a lot of institutional momentum.
Pre Christmas ACC Rankings
Great question.
Many hope it be sooner than later.
And should it not be, many old timers hope it does not take nine years before the AD does something about it.
Go Terps, Sweep Wake
Great question.
Many hope it be sooner than later.
And should it not be, many old timers hope it does not take nine years before the AD does something about it.
Go Terps, Sweep Wake
That bottom half could churn out just about in any order, depending on who performs on the field, who stays healthy, etc.
I hope it is very soon. I would love to see the Maryland kids stay at UMd instead of going to other ACC schools. A competitive team made up of mostly Maryland kids would be something that all of us could get behind. A rising tide floats all boats. It would be great for baseball throughout maryland.
deldad - this is a great post. Finally, the possibility of keeping the best MD players in MD. The success generated by this first step could then start to pull VA and NC kids in 3-4 yrs. Certainly a long shot but I think Bakich can pull it off.
From the outside, it appears that all the right intial steps are being taken. We will see how it translates onto the playing field. My guess is that there will be a lot more people in the stands watching (and, watching in general) the Terps this year.
So far, Coach Bakich looks like the right medicine for the program in College Park.
So far, Coach Bakich looks like the right medicine for the program in College Park.
Patience in all such things.
Our son is one of the 2010 Maryland signees. We were extemely impressed with Coach Bakich and Coach Burton. When he talked to us about his vision for Maryland baseball he was very frank.
He told us it would take some time to turn the program around. Our son's class would be the start of this process with no promises of the CWS but a shot at Regionals before he graduated.
He told us they would take their lumps at first, with many of the new recruits being thrown into the fire in their first year. No promises of playing time, no you are the man speeches, just do you want to be part of building a team of players who work their a-- off, are hard nose and represent the school in an appropriate manner.
He said he had no idea what he had for players going into his first year and that he needs to work on pitching for the future.
He said his plan was to start with a grueling out of conference schedule in 2011 to get the team ready for the ACC wars, from what I read Maryland will start the 2011 year off with three games in Austin against the Longhorns - I'd say thats a good start.
I have read everything I can about Coach Bakich, his assistants and Maryland baseball. I haven't read anything that doesn't line up with what we were told in July. The guy has a plan and I think he is going to kill himself trying to execute it.
I have read a lot about Terps baseball and there seems to be a lot of negativity surrounding the program. I also sense from some a "we have heard that before" attitude. I for one believe Coach Bakich is a man of his word and I think my son will become not only a better player under him but more importantly a better person.
Its going to take time but I am confident he is going to restore some credibilty to U Maryland baseball.
He told us it would take some time to turn the program around. Our son's class would be the start of this process with no promises of the CWS but a shot at Regionals before he graduated.
He told us they would take their lumps at first, with many of the new recruits being thrown into the fire in their first year. No promises of playing time, no you are the man speeches, just do you want to be part of building a team of players who work their a-- off, are hard nose and represent the school in an appropriate manner.
He said he had no idea what he had for players going into his first year and that he needs to work on pitching for the future.
He said his plan was to start with a grueling out of conference schedule in 2011 to get the team ready for the ACC wars, from what I read Maryland will start the 2011 year off with three games in Austin against the Longhorns - I'd say thats a good start.
I have read everything I can about Coach Bakich, his assistants and Maryland baseball. I haven't read anything that doesn't line up with what we were told in July. The guy has a plan and I think he is going to kill himself trying to execute it.
I have read a lot about Terps baseball and there seems to be a lot of negativity surrounding the program. I also sense from some a "we have heard that before" attitude. I for one believe Coach Bakich is a man of his word and I think my son will become not only a better player under him but more importantly a better person.
Its going to take time but I am confident he is going to restore some credibilty to U Maryland baseball.
Stadium is a key component!
Maryland has a long way to go. The top programs have great facilities and Maryland will need a new venue to really compete.
UVa built their new stadium right before O'Connor arrived. A great help with recruiting and they continue to improve the facility.
NC State built a new stadium a few years ago.
Wake now has the old minor league park, is in the process of remodeling and getting on par with the ACC.
Duke is looking at playing games at the Durham Bulls park...great for recruiting.
Maryland, VT, Duke and BC have the four worst facilities in the ACC. A new stadium would help in getting Maryland into that top tier.
Maryland has a long way to go. The top programs have great facilities and Maryland will need a new venue to really compete.
UVa built their new stadium right before O'Connor arrived. A great help with recruiting and they continue to improve the facility.
NC State built a new stadium a few years ago.
Wake now has the old minor league park, is in the process of remodeling and getting on par with the ACC.
Duke is looking at playing games at the Durham Bulls park...great for recruiting.
Maryland, VT, Duke and BC have the four worst facilities in the ACC. A new stadium would help in getting Maryland into that top tier.
is it the stadium itself, or the practice facilities around the stadium. I haven't been to all the ACC schools, but it seems to me that Maryland's stadium is one of few more centrally located within the campus providing easier access to students. Maybe students aren't the driver in fan turnout, it's all drive up adults or families from nearby, so the central campus location doesn't matter, as long as there is parking.
Would agree that facilities need some work. Locker room looks like mine in HS in 1969. Coach Bakich said they will be re-doing with wooden lockers etc very soon.
I think the location of the field is great but the field needs work and its a bit too small. They are building a 6,000 sq ft indoor hitting facility next to the field.
We went on visit to BC and Maryland's field is more of a baseball field than BC, they wouldn't even show us the locker room at BC
I think the location of the field is great but the field needs work and its a bit too small. They are building a 6,000 sq ft indoor hitting facility next to the field.
We went on visit to BC and Maryland's field is more of a baseball field than BC, they wouldn't even show us the locker room at BC
I hope Maryland's new staff get this program headed into the right direction. As far as facilities is concerned, I was down at UVA three weeks ago and what they are doing down there is amazing. Under their stadium is currently under construction. They fund raised four million dollars for this renovation. They will now have visitors and umpires locker rooms. UVA's locker room is being expanded with a training room and a video room. They are expanding their indoor hitting facility and they will have their own 3,000 sq ft. weight room.
The next phase of the project will add 1,000 seats on the first base side. They needed to improve these facilities if they ever want to host a "super" regional!
The next phase of the project will add 1,000 seats on the first base side. They needed to improve these facilities if they ever want to host a "super" regional!
Bakich has been in place six months. He and his staff have made great strides. Everything suggests he knows exactly how tough the ACC competition will be and is prepared to have the Terp program go through a few 'growing pains' as it develops.
Things appear to be very much on the right track. All the naysayers might want to give the new staff a little time. Everyone is very anxious to be sure....but continuing to focus continually on a new stadium is not the right focus at this time.
Let's get a few wins, get some positive karma going and my guess is a new stadium (or upgrade) will happen a lot sooner than many think.
Things appear to be very much on the right track. All the naysayers might want to give the new staff a little time. Everyone is very anxious to be sure....but continuing to focus continually on a new stadium is not the right focus at this time.
Let's get a few wins, get some positive karma going and my guess is a new stadium (or upgrade) will happen a lot sooner than many think.
I have to echo everything that nhmonty wrote. My son is currently being recruited by several ACC schools including Maryland and his interaction with Coaches Bakich and Burton has been exceptional. These are the type of guys who I would have loved to play for in college. I know it will be an uphill battle and the facilities are a throwback to a bad high school 30 yrs ago, but if anyone can pull it off it's Coach Bakich and the staff he has assembled. He has a great energy and enthusiasm for the program and really believes it will be successful. While they are likely going to struggle in 2010 and maybe some in 2011, the 2012 season and beyond should be very interesting!
quote:Originally posted by baseballguy:
Everything suggests he knows exactly how tough the ACC competition will be and is prepared to have the Terp program go through a few 'growing pains' as it develops.
Is/was there really ever a question as to whether Bakich could get it done recruiting and on the field because of the tough ACC? I have seen this written or implied a couple times, and I don't get it. The SEC is right there with the ACC in terms of baseball strength and passion. Of course, he's never been a head coach, but he certainly gets credit for a lot of what Vandy has been able to build at a more expensive school with tougher admissions.
He has recruited nationally...just look at some of their premier players recently:
Pedro Alvarez (NYC)
Casey Weathers (California)
Jeremy Sowers (Kentucky)
David Price (Tennessee)
Sonny Gray (Tennessee)
Ryan Flaherty (Maine)
Jack Armstrong (Florida)
Who knows exactly which coach should get credit for all these guys, but he was the recruiting coordinator. All I'm saying is I don't get the questions about 1) recruiting ability and 2)is he prepared for the ACC.
quote:Originally posted by Emanski's Heroes:
just look at some of their premier players recently:
Pedro Alvarez (NYC)
Casey Weathers (California)
Jeremy Sowers (Kentucky)
David Price (Tennessee)
Sonny Gray (Tennessee)
Ryan Flaherty (Maine)
Jack Armstrong (Florida)
Interesting List. Too bad the errors within it, takes something away.
what are the errors?
Hi guys just popping in here from Ca. I was crusing around and saw the UMD pop up so I thought I would check out the Maryland forum. I posted this elsewhere, but UMD has contacted my son (2011), which surprised me...I think one of you mentioned the Pepperdine connection, but they seem like they are casting a bigger net out on the West Coast to recruit players FWIW.
I would think there would have to be some sort of hook to attract some (top) West Coast players, not sure what that would be, but thinking about it at least for me (Dad) it would have to be academics, maybe $$, and for son I guess it would have to be facilities and playing in the ACC, baseball development. He looked at their schedule and thought it would be a fun division to play in.
Certainly to compete in the ACC they would have to be getting some of the better players, no mater where they recruit from. Obviously as deldad pointed out keeping the home grown ones would be a first priority. If they could figure out a way to attract a few more from around the country they could raise up the level of the program.
I am not sure what profile of kid they would be looking for? Maybe a few JC transfers might be the ticket, don't know.
My thoughts from a West Coast dad. Best of luck to you all this season.
I would think there would have to be some sort of hook to attract some (top) West Coast players, not sure what that would be, but thinking about it at least for me (Dad) it would have to be academics, maybe $$, and for son I guess it would have to be facilities and playing in the ACC, baseball development. He looked at their schedule and thought it would be a fun division to play in.
Certainly to compete in the ACC they would have to be getting some of the better players, no mater where they recruit from. Obviously as deldad pointed out keeping the home grown ones would be a first priority. If they could figure out a way to attract a few more from around the country they could raise up the level of the program.
I am not sure what profile of kid they would be looking for? Maybe a few JC transfers might be the ticket, don't know.
My thoughts from a West Coast dad. Best of luck to you all this season.
quote:Originally posted by Emanski's Heroes:quote:Originally posted by baseballguy:
Everything suggests he knows exactly how tough the ACC competition will be and is prepared to have the Terp program go through a few 'growing pains' as it develops.
Is/was there really ever a question as to whether Bakich could get it done recruiting and on the field because of the tough ACC? I have seen this written or implied a couple times, and I don't get it. The SEC is right there with the ACC in terms of baseball strength and passion. Of course, he's never been a head coach, but he certainly gets credit for a lot of what Vandy has been able to build at a more expensive school with tougher admissions.
He has recruited nationally...just look at some of their premier players recently:
Pedro Alvarez (NYC)
Casey Weathers (California)
Jeremy Sowers (Kentucky)
David Price (Tennessee)
Sonny Gray (Tennessee)
Ryan Flaherty (Maine)
Jack Armstrong (Florida)
Who knows exactly which coach should get credit for all these guys, but he was the recruiting coordinator. All I'm saying is I don't get the questions about 1) recruiting ability and 2)is he prepared for the ACC.
I imagine Coach Bakich had something to do with the recruitment of these players, but truth be told...many of them played for the Bayside Yankees (NY) summer program...whose head coach has a tremendous relationship with the Vandy head coach. Let's just not fall into the trap of saying the new UofM coach could recruit Musial and DiMaggio out of the grave.
I don't know the coach personally but it seems to me that we should let him do his thing and wait and see. I think hiring Bernie Walter was the best thing MD has done in a long time. It may not be the case but it sure seems like they're making a genuine effort to upgrade the program. I applaud the effort so far.
Word on the street is that Coach Bakich has made a significant impact at Maryland in terms of increased workouts/practice and teaching --- and he has begun to get some Maryland kids onboard. Again, the program needs to upgrade their facilities. During the recruitment process, the impression upon the kid is first his ability to relate to the coach/pitching coach (if a pitcher) and secondly the facilities. Having been on "official visits" to NC, UVA, Stanford, Texas and Florida, I can honestly convey that Maryland is far below the line. The seating is miserable and the locker rooms and offices are second rate at best.
Hopefully the University will dedicated funds like they did for their football program. If not, recruitment will be more difficult for two reasons, Maryland is a northern ACC school and their facilities are a joke. Highly recruited kids favor playing in warm climate which helps the ACC schools located further south.
Hopefully the University will dedicated funds like they did for their football program. If not, recruitment will be more difficult for two reasons, Maryland is a northern ACC school and their facilities are a joke. Highly recruited kids favor playing in warm climate which helps the ACC schools located further south.
trepfan
As a consultant, as you list yourself in your profile, could you please define your "official visits"--- I thought that official visits were for recruits !
As a consultant, as you list yourself in your profile, could you please define your "official visits"--- I thought that official visits were for recruits !
More naysaying.
This coaching staff hasn't coached it's first games yet. Let's stop finding reasons (facilities) why the Terps won't be successful and let's support them as they improve, which I believe they will do.
By the way, I don't totally agree with the idea that the UMD facilities are the reason they have not won. There are likely many other reasons for the Terps lack of success. Sounds like the coaching staff is going about fixing those - and doing it pretty quickly.
I, for one, am pretty impressed so far. I look forward to a good first year for the Terp re-build.
This coaching staff hasn't coached it's first games yet. Let's stop finding reasons (facilities) why the Terps won't be successful and let's support them as they improve, which I believe they will do.
By the way, I don't totally agree with the idea that the UMD facilities are the reason they have not won. There are likely many other reasons for the Terps lack of success. Sounds like the coaching staff is going about fixing those - and doing it pretty quickly.
I, for one, am pretty impressed so far. I look forward to a good first year for the Terp re-build.
Go Terps.
(I do fine in those miserable seats). This is going to be fun.
(I do fine in those miserable seats). This is going to be fun.
Do teams really lose games because of the facilities? At Any level?
Enough already!
Can we just let this program get started with it's re-birth?
Can we just let this program get started with it's re-birth?
The reason they bring up the facilities , weather etc is because they are discussing why Maryland is where they are and what they need to do to get where they want to be. It is true that some kids could careless about the stadium , weather etc. But it is a fact that many do indeed look at the facilities and when given an opportunity to play in the same conference at a school with much better facilities that factors into it.
When kids go on visits and see what others have in relation to what another school has it does matter to some kids. So upgrading the facilites will assist them in their recruiting. Your not going to have a problem getting the home town kids that have always wanted to play at Maryland. But if you want to compete in the ACC and be a factor in that league you are going to have to bring in kids that also have the option of going to other schools in the ACC. Upgrading the facilites is one of the quickest ways to assist you in this endeavor. It sends the right message to the guys you are recruiting.
When players view you as second rate ie facilities then you are really behind the 8 ball from the get go. If your serious about turning it around then take the steps needed to do so. And upgrading facilities to at least a standard of average in the league is a must imo.
When kids go on visits and see what others have in relation to what another school has it does matter to some kids. So upgrading the facilites will assist them in their recruiting. Your not going to have a problem getting the home town kids that have always wanted to play at Maryland. But if you want to compete in the ACC and be a factor in that league you are going to have to bring in kids that also have the option of going to other schools in the ACC. Upgrading the facilites is one of the quickest ways to assist you in this endeavor. It sends the right message to the guys you are recruiting.
When players view you as second rate ie facilities then you are really behind the 8 ball from the get go. If your serious about turning it around then take the steps needed to do so. And upgrading facilities to at least a standard of average in the league is a must imo.
We could say that BC has a similar problem but regardless the baseball is on the rise there---young and agrressive coaches can make a huge difference
quote:Originally posted by TRhit:
We could say that BC has a similar problem but regardless the baseball is on the rise there---young and agrressive coaches can make a huge difference
"On the rise" -- that is relative. When you have a top recruit -- a kid that is in the top fifty in the country -- they have the flexibility of first finding a compatable coach, second looking at the facilities and third attempting to go as far south as possible. If Maryland is going to rise in the ACC, they have to compete against NC, Clemson, Flordia, Georgia Tech, UVA etc. If you have ever had the opportunity to visit these schools you would realize that the University of Maryland's baseball facilities do not even compare with some high schools in NC, Flordia and California. I had the opportunity to visit these schools when I accompanied my son ---- on both "official" and unofficial visits. -----
I think this link below will defintely help them get started in upgrades of certain areas.
A major 7 figure commitment!
Smith Family Commits Major Gift to Athletics
A major 7 figure commitment!
Smith Family Commits Major Gift to Athletics
trepfan
is your name misspelled intentionally or is that sarcasm
is your name misspelled intentionally or is that sarcasm
Trep is a reference to the nickname of his son's high school baseball team, not a rip on "Terps". So don't be too quick to take offense, none has been given.
midlo
who said I took offense/ it was a simple question
who said I took offense/ it was a simple question
What are the Treps, I mean Terps going to do this year? The roster looks a little "light". There are only 20 or so guys listed. Did the new coach sign any players of note for this year?
What is Trep a nickname for?
What is Trep a nickname for?
If a prospect's main concern in signing with a school with the best locker room and the greenest field etc than Maryland is not for them.
Having talked with Coach Bakich on a few occasions my best guess is these aren't the type of players he is building his program with. He seems to me to be more a blue collar guy who wants guys who will go to war with him and he understand games aren't won in a pretty locker room.
Yeah better facilities are a "nice to have" but not a "must have" to become a winner.
I bet there are tons of former college players (all sports/all genders) who talk about their former coaches and how they had a positivie/permanent impact on their lives after their playing days are over. I bet they far outnumber those who talk about the locker room they dressed in or the field they played on when they were in college?
Our son made "his choice" to play at Maryland and for Coach Bakich and his staff and not once did I hear him discuss the current state of the facilities. After he made his decision I asked him what made him choose Maryland and he said I want to play for these coaches - I want to be part of the turnaround -it just feels right.
Let's give these guys a chance, its going to take some time but if anybody can turn this ship around I think this staff can.
Having talked with Coach Bakich on a few occasions my best guess is these aren't the type of players he is building his program with. He seems to me to be more a blue collar guy who wants guys who will go to war with him and he understand games aren't won in a pretty locker room.
Yeah better facilities are a "nice to have" but not a "must have" to become a winner.
I bet there are tons of former college players (all sports/all genders) who talk about their former coaches and how they had a positivie/permanent impact on their lives after their playing days are over. I bet they far outnumber those who talk about the locker room they dressed in or the field they played on when they were in college?
Our son made "his choice" to play at Maryland and for Coach Bakich and his staff and not once did I hear him discuss the current state of the facilities. After he made his decision I asked him what made him choose Maryland and he said I want to play for these coaches - I want to be part of the turnaround -it just feels right.
Let's give these guys a chance, its going to take some time but if anybody can turn this ship around I think this staff can.
Good luck to your son nhmonty. I hope Coach turns it around and your son has a great experience.
Thank you Coach May for your well wishes.
Our son has his work cut out for him to earn a chance to play but I know he is looking forward to the challenge.
I really believe he will become a better person being exposed to Coach Bakich and his staff. Forget the baseball part; if their passion for what they do rubs off on him and is applied in his life then his time at Maryland will be a success.
Our son has his work cut out for him to earn a chance to play but I know he is looking forward to the challenge.
I really believe he will become a better person being exposed to Coach Bakich and his staff. Forget the baseball part; if their passion for what they do rubs off on him and is applied in his life then his time at Maryland will be a success.
I agree with the need for new/upgraded facilities. And, yes, I've been to other top ACC facilities, so I think I've got a pretty good handle on the requirements to be considered among the elite in the conference. Coach May....you are right. They will need much better facilities to get the recruits who have their pick of ACC/SEC schools. I understand that.
All I have been saying is that this new coaching staff has yet to coach a game ... and, already the program seems much improved. Let them play hard, win some games that they are not supposed to, and turn a few heads - in season # 1.
Coach Bakich and staff have done a great PR job to this point. They have also gotten money for their program, as said above. They now need to go put a good product out on the field, which I believe will happen.
Facility upgrades will come, no doubt. For now however, I am more interested in seeing the 'on the field' product. If the product is good (and this doesn't mean winning the ACC)...the rest will follow.
But, for now, to focus so much on facilities to me is not a good use of time or energy. I would rather see the program get better, with facility improvements coming along as well as the program improves. I think there's a lot of room to improve the program overall, while the facility upgrade is being worked on.
All I have been saying is that this new coaching staff has yet to coach a game ... and, already the program seems much improved. Let them play hard, win some games that they are not supposed to, and turn a few heads - in season # 1.
Coach Bakich and staff have done a great PR job to this point. They have also gotten money for their program, as said above. They now need to go put a good product out on the field, which I believe will happen.
Facility upgrades will come, no doubt. For now however, I am more interested in seeing the 'on the field' product. If the product is good (and this doesn't mean winning the ACC)...the rest will follow.
But, for now, to focus so much on facilities to me is not a good use of time or energy. I would rather see the program get better, with facility improvements coming along as well as the program improves. I think there's a lot of room to improve the program overall, while the facility upgrade is being worked on.