The USA BaseBlog is a new web site feature found only on the baseball page at www.usajaguars.com. David Kaye, USA baseball's athletic media relations contact, provides an all-access look into Jag baseball. The USA BaseBlog will also be utilized to provide information on items that may not necessitate a full release.

In other news, the Jags have finalized their 2008 early signing class, so it's time to take a deeper look into each of the seven signees. As previously mentioned, we'll be profiling individual signees in a web site feature that can only be found on the baseball page. Look for those starting early next week.

I apologize for saying that the final signees would be announced Wednesday and then not putting the release out until Thursday. Wednesday was the last day of the signing period, but letters that were signed that day and didn't arrive until the next day are still valid. Information cannot be released until the letters have been received, so I had to wait until Thursday to release the final three signees.

Speaking of the signees, this was a really strong signing class. Knowing they'll lose Ryan Bohanan and David Doss to graduation after this season, assistant coaches Seth Von Behren and Scot Sealy went out and signed some power bats to hit in the middle of the lineup. Tyler Vick and Brent Tanner are both capable of putting up big power numbers. 

Six of the seven signees will have only two years of eligibility, but coach Kittrell said the coaches were able to target more experienced players because last year's signing class was heavy on high school players. With the experience these players bring, they should be able to step in and contribute right away.

Recruiting for baseball is one of the most difficult jobs in college athletics. Many sports give only full scholarships, but baseball has 11.7 scholarships to divide among the team. Compare that with number with the NCAA's number of allowed scholarships for football (85), basketball (13) and equestrian (15).

NCAA rules have changed over the years, but this year the rules allow for only 30 of the 35 players on the roster to be awarded financial aid. Starting next season, only 27 players will be allowed financial aid, and each of those must get at least 33 percent of a scholarship. I can't speak for how South Alabama baseball divides its scholarships, but many schools give players smaller amounts like four or 10 percent. These scholarships are usually only enough to help with the cost of books, but they will no longer be available after this year.

On top of how difficult it must be to decide how to divide scholarships, college baseball coaches also have to take on the MLB draft. Players can be drafted directly out of high school, as well as after any year at a junior college. If a player chooses to attend a four-year school out of high school, he'll usually spend three years there before he's eligible to be drafted again. 

Looking at the Jags' 2009 roster, only 15 players will not be eligible for next year's draft. Imagine how difficult it must be to figure out which players will get drafted, as well as whether they'll choose to sign or return to school. The only players they know for a fact will not be back are the seniors who play this season. David Doss was drafted in the 44th round last season. He could have signed with the Cubs and been off to the minor leagues. Fortunately for the Jags, he elected to return for his senior season.

Each of the seven early signees are eligible for the draft, and there's a strong possibilty for at least a few of them to be drafted. Imagine how difficult it must be to plan your team for the 2010 season based on which players you think will not only get drafted, but will also choose to turn down professional contracts.

Taylor White is going to be a great center fielder at USA, assuming he makes it here. After coaching him last year at Alabama Southern, coach Sealy said he is the best center fielder he's ever coached.

Caleb Strickland is likely to be a Friday night starter for the Jags, but he's also a strong possibility to be selected in the draft.

Nolan Earley, the lone high school player in the early signing class, has the potential to be a starter in the outfield in his first collegiate season. He made huge strides from his sophomore to junior season, and with his work ethic, there's no telling how good he might become.

Garrett Harris was described as a bulldog by Chris Rose, his coach at Meridian. He said Harris always wants the ball, no matter what the situation. Our coaches think he has a shot to join the weekend rotation next year.

Lance Brown is another candidate to join the weekend rotation. He pitched for a 55-10 team at Iowa Western in 2008. Coach Sealy said everything he throws has a lot of movement, and he has a great split-finger pitch. He's also got some big-time experience after pitching in front of 15,000 fans at the Junior College World Series.

With these kinds of talents, the coaches know there's a chance not all seven make it to USA. They also know there's a strong chance some of the juniors on this season's team will take their skills to the professional ranks. Throw in changes to scholarship rules, and it's enough to drive any coach crazy. Coach Sealy and coach Von Behren have done a remarkable job recruiting these seven players. Let's hope to see them at USA in 2010.

Click below to view previous entries in the USA BaseBlog ...
"Signing On" - Nov. 14, 2008