bizazz

Have you seen Tony Delmonico play? He's one case where it doesn't matter who his Daddy is. He was one of the top HS players in America last year as a junior. I've seen him play since Sandy Koufax ball. He won the starting SS job at Farragut on a HS team that finished in the top 5 nationally.

No disrespect intended. What I said was - "until someone proves me wrong". I'm basing my opinion on the past 4 or 5 years. Last year, other than Halls, who in District 3 would've beaten South Doyle on a regular basis? Same for 2004. As a matter of fact, West which finished #4 in the district in 03 and 04 had something like a 10-1 record against District opponents in those years. That included a win over Halls in 2004. West regularly beat Karns, Oak Ridge, Powell, and Central, but couldn't come close to winning a district 4 crown. I don't know if District 4 is as strong top to bottom as it was a couple of years ago.

There's already a discussion of some of this in a District 4 thread below. Some folks think South Doyle may be ready to oust the #1 spot away from Farragut. Until someone proves differently, I think the second and third place teams in District 4 would be better than the 2nd and 3rd place teams in District 3.

Now that West becomes the 8th team in the district, will the district tournament format change? District 3 used to have a play-in game with #s 6 and 7. Then the remaining 6 played a double-elimination tournament. District 4 has always used the 8-team double elimination with two sites hosting 4-team pools.

4-AAA has been one of the best districts in the state for several years. South Doyle has been building toward this. The only question is getting over the Farragut hurdle. Farragut may yet be as good as in prior years, but if they are it will be because they've had a lot of new guys step up. Aside from Catapano does Farragut have the likes of Sadlowe, Burklin, Cobb, Waldrop, Eldredge, Delmonico, and Brown? I don't know. However Tommy has demonstrated his ability to keep Farragut at a high level, so I wouldn't be the least bit surprised to see them step up. I've also watched this South Doyle junior class since they entered the league as freshmen. This may be their time. Matt Buckner has also gotten Bearden to play at a higher level. Last year pitching was a question mark. Heritage has been much better the past couple of years, and Maryville and William Blount always field competitive teams. I'm not dissing Sevier Co. or LC, just don't know much about them. Should be an exciting season.

West has been looking for pitching since their 2004 class graduated. If they can get some guys on the mound to throw strikes they should hit the ball well enough to at least give a few teams some competition. They had a couple of freshmen log a lot of innings last year on the mound. If those guys continue to improve that will be a help.

Thanks, Coach Young was going to use Adam to close the game if it had stayed tight. When Milligan opened up the lead he let the young pitcher stay in the game and get his first "W". While I think ET would have been a good fit at Milligan, I'm very impressed with our new catcher Edmunds. If it doesn't snow, Adam is starting one of the double-header games at Union KY this weekend. Good luck to the Eagles this season.

RHS, say hello to E.T. for me. I'm going to play hooky this afternoon and catch Milligan's opening game. I'll be unable to attend this weekend.

Halls still has a lot of talent, even after losing some great seniors. What impact will Knox West have moving into the district?

My son's Milligan squad finally gets started tomorrow. I can't wait.

I hope ya'll realize that this great January weather probably means a miserable February and March.

Good to hear from you Guru. Hope you are doing well. College ball is going ok. Everyone is excited to see what kind of product Bernie Young puts on the field at Milligan. The players liked the previous coach, Danny Clark, a lot. But I think they've grown comfortable with Bernie. Bernie has a different style, so I think the players had to adjust. I've heard nothing but good things about Bernie from former players, teammates, and acquaintances. It's generally not a problem in high school ball, but at Milligan you're always on pins and needles to see if anyone gets into academic trouble. Hopefully everyone will be eligible. I just saw that Knox West had posted its preview at tbca.org. It's going to be weird not thinking of them as a district 4 team anymore.

LC - The district 4 tourney has been as follows: Based on regular season standings, two pools are formed. These pools have been hosted by the top 2 regular finishers. The tourney is double-elimination. Pool 1 1 plays 8 4 plays 5 Pool 2 2 plays 7 3 plays 6 My memory is fuzzy, but after there are two teams left standing in each pool the brackets cross. The undefeated team from each pool gets the other pool's 1-loss team. The top two teams qualify for the regional tournament vs. the top two teams from district 3. Welcome to the district. The past few years this district has been one of the toughest in the state.

I noticed that Farragut had posted its spring preview at tbca.org. Coach Pharr commented that this is one of his least-experienced teams in awhile. He didn't even have probable starters listed for several positions. They'll return probably the top pitcher in the KIL in Catapano, but have lost mainstays like Delmonico, Brown, Jennings, and Ivey. On the other hand South Doyle's "fabulous freshmen" are now juniors. Bearden returns a veteran lineup. Is this the year that someone besides Farragut wins the district?

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JD has started adding 2006 previews. http://www.tbca.org/ If you're school's not represented, get your coach on the ball!

What kind of championships are you talking about? Nationally no. They've been runner-up once in the CWS and finished tied for 3rd twice in the CWS. They have a few SEC championships and/or tournament championships, but I'm not sure how many without researching it.

A number of Blount Co. players left their 1st colleges. Have you heard if any are playing elsewhere this fall? Hodges, Parker, Ross, Tucker to name a few.

Former Science Hill coach Bernie Young has been announced as the new Milligan head coach. Congratulations to Bernie. thumb

Hey DHeat, this question relates back to the 2004 players. I know a number of the Blount County players left their initial colleges. Have you heard if, and where, any of these guys are playing this year?

Danny Clark has established the Milligan baseball program as one of the top in the AAC. He's decided to take a job in the private sector that will allow him to be home with his family. Danny will be a tough act to follow. There are rumors that the coaching search is nationwide and that on-campus interviews will take place during the first week of classes. I know the current players are anxious to see what's going to happen.

So HiwasseeVol, are you putting your hat in the ring? I know a certain local umpire who'd love to work games with you in the dugout.

I'm not familiar with the inner workings of Central's baseball program, but it looked like the Bobcats were getting it turned around.