[ATrain]

My cousin went to play for LC, but got cut a month after arriving on campus. Anyway, I thought DIIIs couldn't offer scholarships?

And we do need to start looking around locally for good ballplayers, or at least over on the eastern side of Virginia.

[Hold My Own]

A player this good will always find money...they always have and always will...even if your a 2.5GPA you can get some academic money and other financial aids, he wont be paying a lot of money at all to go to a very expensive school

[Chris Lang]

HMO ... no, not surprised at all. Two of his friends from last year's team are playing at LC, so I'm sure that played a factor in his decision.

Two other points: Playing at a Division I school is not a prerequisite for getting looked at by a major league team. If you're good, the scouts will find you. How do you think they sniff out all these young kids from Venezuela and the Dominican Republic? Billy Wagner, one of the better closers in baseball, went to Ferrum College. The Astros had no problems finding him.

And back to A.G.: Do you know for certain that Royer didn't look at Grant? I'm asking because I don't know if he did or not, and if you don't know for sure, that's a difficult assumption to make. I understand your guys' love for your school, but remember that not everyone shares it. Liberty is certainly not for everyone, and perhaps that was the case here. I know it to be the case with several area athletes that "got away." That's not a knock on Liberty at all. It's just reality. Not every kid is interested in getting a predominantly Christian education.

[Hold My Own]

I think Grants father may work at LU, not positive on that one though....but Chris, pitching DIII and playing a position DIII is night and day....it doesnt matter what level you're at a 90+ fastball doesn't change, but it does matter when we're talking about a kids swing...sure he may look good against a 75-80mph but that swing is up for a lot of change when you up that MPH.....but a decent example but not the best is all the kids batting .600+ for LCA....a lot of them have good swings but VERY few and only 1 or 2 over the years have gone DI, simply b/c the difference in competition....

Chris, I hope it doesnt seem I'm arguing just to argue, I really feel this way....does anyone know how many players from DIII schools (4 year) were taken this year?

[SuperJon]

I was gonna say the same thing Chris but you beat me to it.

[A.G.]

As I understand it, he attended the LU prospect showcase last Novmber, so I would assume that he had an interest in LU.

[SuperJon]

Attending that showcase doesn't mean he has an interest in LU, it means LU had an interest in him. Those showcases are generally invite only. Any kid is stupid to turn down a showcase invite so that's probably why he went.

[A.G.]

No--this was one expressly for players interested in LU and AFTER the open evaluation period, so it was LU-only. Players had to sign up. I may come off half cocked sometimes (OK, MUCH of the time)--but trust me on this one.

[Guest]

AG is correct about this

[Chris Lang]

HMO - I understand your point, and I don't think you're arguing for the sake of arguing. So much goes into player evaluation that's away from the college field, too. Will the kid get an invite to the Cape Cod or Alaska Summer League? You can make a name there, too. I'm just saying going DI isn't the end all to everything. Good civil discussion, BTW. Not always easy to find in message board land.

[A.G.]

The fact that Grant was drafted will make it easier to place him in a good summer league, perhaps even the Valley League after his freshman year, regardless where he goes. Heck, the Cardinals could even try to get him to go to a JuCo as a "draft and follow." The young man certainly has many more options than he did when he woke up Weds morning.

And yes, Chris, VERY civil discussion, thus far. Quite refreshing, actually.

[Hold My Own]

yeah, sometimes I catch posts of mine that seem like I'm upset or arguing just for the sake so I need to make sure it doesnt come across this way....I agree AG, I would be more surprised if he went to LC then if he didnt go, I agree although something should be pointed out yet another reason to go JUCO instead of LC, seeing as academics being a "problem" for him and LC is a very academic minded school

draft and follow would make a lot of sense in this situation....but we'll see

[A.G.]

Hey, if "academics are an issue," then heck, LU is the PERFECT place. I can guarantee you the school has to have better academic support for its athletes than LC. How many really "good players and good people" can you think of LU has lost to academic casualties?

[guest]

Much of the draft is about hype and the coaches getting out and promoting his players that might have a shot. If coach doesn't promote, then guys get overlooked. You can't tell me that some LU guys are not worthy of a day one (18 rounds) selection. Even Grijalva is draft-eligible. One has to ask if Royer is even going to bat FOR his players?

Thanks for destroying any credibility you may have left with such a ridiculous post. I know Royer and have spoken with him on occasion and I know a little bit about this subject. Royer has had at least one player drafted in the last 10 years. Two of his players from his previous D II job have made it to the big leagues ( I believe Liberty has had 3 or 4 make it to the bigs in its entire history ) To suggest that Royer doesn't go to bat for his players in the draft goes against the facts,but why should you let facts get in the way when you just want to smear someone. Your bitterness toward him is only precluded by your ignorance.

[A.G.]

Dang, if you're going to tear someone a new one, the least you could do is register!

Besides, I leave the credibility to HMO, Libertine, and GMTM. My purpose is to participate in snappy conversation and stimulate discussion.

[Sly Fox]

Dang, if you're going to tear someone a new one, the least you could do is register!

Technically, he/she did in fact register. Look closely.

[A.G.]

Got me there. So the guest tore me a new one AND registered.

[Chris Lang]

Phil Laurent ended up in the Can-Am League with the Worcester Tornadoes.

[Sly Fox]

Phil Laurent ended up in the Can-Am League with the Worcester Tornadoes.

I just posted a link to a story on Phil in another thread.