News story about baseball recruiting

It sounds like in this case they actually had a spot open but I know what you are saying about not paying enough attention to the impact at all levels. We are definitely in for a bumpy ride.

It appears Indiana anticipated recruiting run over. They probably figured there would be kids from CA, TX and FL in this kid’s situation. These kids might be better recruits than available in their back yard.

@anotherparent posted:

About player from SoCal committed to USC, but ended up going to Indiana:

https://www.washingtonpost.com...sc-indiana-baseball/

Not a new story, but when baseball recruiting is in the national news...  Talks a lot about this kid, but not about the kids lower down who probably got bumped for him.

Good story. I'm a little surprised he didn't turn around and take the offer from Cal.  It sounds like he was more sure of playing right away for Indiana (though if he's all that he would have a chance at Cal). And you have to respect him going with his connection to the coach over what probably would have been a more comfortable decision in many ways.

He was ranked #32 in CA and #204 nationally. I’m also surprised he didn’t pick Cal given his sister is already there.

I know he wanted USC, but Indiana is probably an upgrade.

Especially if he takes up business

Another example of the media not providing all the information or not doing their homework. Or perhaps in this case the subject withheld information. In the end they only wanted to show that COVID had some sort of impact.

COVID occurred AFTER NLI's were signed. The subject's scholarship was most definitely still available at USC. Also, the NCAA had announced coaches could reduce scholarships to less than 25% and could carry 32 (instead of 27) on scholarship. This happened BEFORE they had to let existing players know what their scholarships would be for the 2020-2021 academic year. So either USC could reduce the scholarship amounts for existing players or they could try to "ditch" new players before they arrived.

The coach probably told him he was not wanted, wouldn't play, or would be red-shirted. So naturally he found another home.

PG lists a couple of other infielders committed to Indiana, so having a "spot open" is not what it sounds like.

This kid was an elite level recruit. That status may or may not be justified. But elite recruits have a punchers chance of finding a new home in circumstances like these. Good (but not great) players...... good luck!

@RJM posted:

He was ranked #32 in CA and #204 nationally. I’m also surprised he didn’t pick Cal given his sister is already there.

As you can guess from my avatar, I'm something worse than surprised Perhaps there were concerns about funding/program stability?  This Old Blue is disappointed.

@OskiSD posted:

As you can guess from my avatar, I'm something worse than surprised Perhaps there were concerns about funding/program stability?  This Old Blue is disappointed.

Cal almost bit the dust ten years ago. Who knows what effect COVID will have on the athletic department budget.

@RJM posted:

Cal almost bit the dust ten years ago. Who knows what effect COVID will have on the athletic department budget.

I played a very very small part in its stay of execution. The current AD is great and saying all the right things but the state legislature has to play ball too.

Could also be that he couldn't stand Berkeley. I love it but I would certainly understand that POV 

Could also be that he wants to play and is afraid California won't.   They can't even have Thanksgiving.

@baseballhs posted:

Could also be that he wants to play and is afraid California won't.   They can't even have Thanksgiving.

You are on to something with that comment. Part of the vetting process for 2021s (and maybe 2022s too) is determining which schools are most likely to play and which are not. Many kids will end up committing to schools that may not play. As if the process isn’t already difficult enough!

@baseballhs posted:

Could also be that he wants to play and is afraid California won't.   They can't even have Thanksgiving.

oh contraire

Yeah I'm pretty sure I'm still having Thanksgiving

@OskiSD posted:

Yeah I'm pretty sure I'm still having Thanksgiving

I hope you do...and that you invite 4 families, eat inside and hang out for 4 hours.

I gather you're talking politics. Really not interested, take care

Yes, the politics in California are very restrictive, thus my comment that I would be wary of committing to a team that might not be allowed to play.  It is just a fact, not picking a fight.  California did put restrictions on Thanksgiving ...  And I was kind of making a joke.

My germ phobic cousin called off Thanksgiving. We usually have eight families plus kids. I think he did t want a kid coming from a college campus and a prosecutor who can’t avoid the courtroom in his house.

The five Democrat families are each having their own Thanksgiving. The three Republican families are having Thanksgiving together.

You have to measure the risk and maneuver around COVID versus cowering at home.