lobo

I never voiced my opinion during the situation at Blackman. I have gotten to know a couple of the past and present players and parents at that school. I have not had the pleasure of meeting any of the parents at JCM, but I know they are just like most parents of high school players. I no longer have any children at the high school level playing baseball. I played and also had a son that played beyond high school. Someone stated that we cannot choose our coaches. That is not correct. Parents do have a say in who will coach! If you don't believe it, look at these 2 schools. We pay tax dollars at the public school level, so yes, we can go to the school board and voice our opinion. That is called democracy. The private schools also choose who they want to coach, but in a different way. You must realize that it will be different at the collegiate level. If your son is being recruited, he will make his visits and will choose the program and coach that he feels most comfortable with. Make sure that he talks with other players before accepting a scholarship. A scholarship is actually being paid to play. If that player is receiving a grant in aid, he is then at the mercy of the coach. High school is the reverse. I am totally against a player being abused by a coach whether it is verbal or physical. Remember, baseball is a game. A game is suppose to be for fun and entertainment. Please don't loose site of that. I don't know the full details, but I am behind the parents and players. Good Luck and God Bless!

I have heard rumor that there was a team that walked off the filed when Greene was at Coffee County. Anyone know the truth?

I know I'll be up to see games in 7AAA, 9AAA, and 8AAA. I think those 3 districts have the most talent in the state from top to bottom. There is great talent throught the state, but the quality of play in the midstate is tops in my opinion. See you in the spring.

Letsplay2, It's hard to pick a preseason team from this district. There are just too many talented athletes. I don't feel it is right to leave some of the names off the list, so I don't mean to offend anyone if their name is not here. Their respective coaches will be the ones that name them to the all district team if they feel they deserve it at the end of the year. I do agree with your list and will give my comments. It looks like you know this district pretty well. I think that Forrest is better suited as an outfielder. He has tremendous speed. I feel that he is the best that they have at Lebanon, therefore he is playing behind the dish. Watson deserves his spot on the list. He is a power hitter and defensively has a strong arm and is a good blocker. Kerley has caught Price the past 2 years. You have to have a catcher that you are comfortable with in order to be a success on the hill. He has a great frame and can hit with power. I agree with the pitching. I know that House at Blackman is overshadowed by Price, but he is only a junior this year and will be a great number 2. The rest of the pitchers deserve their place on the list. If Rogowsky and Clouse had some offense behind them, they could be great. I have to agree that Humphrey is an excellent first baseman. He has the size and glove to play it well. I saw him play outfield last summer and he did a great job. I don't know who will be playing 1B for the other teams in the district. It looks like you have Howard at 3B. I had him down as a 2B last year. He has soft hands and I liked what I saw of him at 2B. If he is at 3B, I am sure he will do a good job there. I also like Kendrick and Adams. I was told Adams would be at SS this year. With a new coach, players may be looking at new positions. I like Richardson and Wilhite from Blackman. I understand that he isn't a regular starter there, but I have seen him make some outstanding plays from that position. He is quick and has soft hands. Alexander at 3B is a strong hitter. I have to only go by what I have heard on defense and I hear he can play. I have seen him play several times, but I don't think that I have seen the first ball hit at him or seen him in any plays. The pitching at Riverdale has been so strong when I've seen them play, he just hasn't had the action. You have mentioned several outfielders. I have to agree with all your picks. The one that seems to stick out above all is Watkins. He is one of the most exciting players that I have ever seen at the high school level. I enjoy watching him hit and then take off like a cannon. I saw him outrun a routine grounder to 2B last year and then steal 2B and 3B on the next 2 pitches. Well, you asked for it. As you can see, we have very similar opinions. I have seen where a couple of these players have commited. Let me know if you hear anything on the others.

I have read these posts and feel there are names that need to be meationed. There are 2 Adams that play at Cookeville. One has been mentioned. Robby Adams is a smooth SS and plays it as well as anyone. There are 2 excellent catchers that have been mentioned, but there are 2 others that I would have to say can play that position as well as the others mentioned. They are Chad Kerley - Blackman and Adam Militana - Cookeville. Having seen Kerley several times last summer, he can hit with power. If Militana has grown any, he will also be a force. I know that every kid from this district can play and I hate to not mention everyone, but there are some that can't be left off the list. I feel there are others, but I want to leave it to the rest of you to mention their names. Looking forward to an exiting year.

Jerry Murphy lives in Chattanooga. He's listed in the phone book.

HV, Great job on your website! How do these numbers stack up against previous years? I noticed on T1 board that someone had asked about Jeramy Laster and Ahmir Watkins. Do you have any word on what they are going to do? Are either one looking at juco for a possible year of college ball before going pro? Do you think either will be drafted this year? Both are phenominal players and I know there are others that may not have commited to anything at this time. Just curious if anyone knows of players that aren't listed.

Jerry Murphy is an associate scout with the Cincinnati Reds. I am curious to see what Brendan will do. Brendan is one of the best power hitters that I have ever seen at the high school level. This year he trimmed down and has a solid body. He is one person that I think will be drafted. There are a couple of more players that may be drafted, but I understand that they are looking to play a year of juco ball for the extra experience.

Please post any senior that you feel has a chance to be drafted next June. I'm curious to see the predictions.

There are some good teams in this district, but it will come down to the three Murfreesboro teams again. Oakland and Riverdale lost some talent, but have plenty of strength returning. All three teams have quality pitchers in the 1-2 postion. Oakland seems to have more seniors with big sticks followed by Riverdale. Blackman is at a disadvantage not having a hitting facility. Coaching advantage I think goes to Riverdale. Coach Powers seems to get the most out of his players. Coach Hawks will have plenty of talent that seem to come together on the field. Many of these players will be playing together for one last time next summer. That should be an entertaining team to watch. It will be interesting this spring.

From what I hear Griffin will be playing on a new summer team next summer based out of Murfreesboro. I believe Richardson will also be on that team. There are players from Oakland, Riverdale, Blackman, Warren County, LaVergne, and some other schools. The majority are based out of Murfreesboro. The catcher from Riverdale is Alex Watson. He is an excellent ball player with power from both sides of the plate. Chad Kerley at Blackman and Ben Balch from Oakland are both very good catchers as well. I have seen Kerley on several occasions. He has a strong arm, blocks well and hits with power. Good size 6'3, 185-190. I believe that both Balch and Kerley will be playing on the new team next summer. All of these players that play on that team will play college ball if they want to continue in the game. Most are D1 caliber players. You can contact Mickey Hiter through the GNABA/Superleague website @ www.sandlotter.com He will be able to direct you to the coach. Good Luck