Andrew Miller to pitch on ESPN tonight

[A.J.K.]

http://www.mlive.com/weblogs/cutoffman/index.ssf?/mtlogs/mlive_cutoffman/archives/2006_06.html#149250

Tigers top pick Miller to pitch on ESPN tonight

For those hoping to get an early glance at Detroit Tigers first-round draft pick Andrew Miller, tonight is your chance. Miller's North Carolina Tar Heels are competing in the college baseball playoffs, and ESPN will broadcast tonight's game against Alabama, and Miller is scheduled to start. And according to MLive.com sister site, Everything Alabama (AL.com), Miller commands respect from teammates and opponents alike.
June 9, AL.com: ESPN will broadcast from here at 6 p.m. today when No.4 national seed Alabama (44-19) faces North Carolina (48-13) in tonight's opening game of an NCAA Super Regional.

Respect has run rampant - another sign of a big series.

Just listen to Alabama coach Jim Wells talk about facing Miller, who was selected sixth overall by the Detroit Tigers in this week's MLB Draft: "We're preparing best as you can for a guy who throws 96 mph with a slider," Wells said. "The first thing you have to do is see the ball."

[WMUDan]

Thanks for the headsup.

[Tramfan]

second that, i'll put my pip to good use.

[estrepe1]

Hopefully they don't have him throw 180 pitches or something crazy.

[estrepe1]

Strikes out the first batter on three pitches.

Fires a 96 mph fastball to the second batter.

[estrepe1]

The slider that struck out the first batter was a slider that started out right at the lefty and broke over the outer edge.

[estrepe1]

Hit the second batter with a slider.

14th hit batsman of the season.

[Big Toe]

Keep up the reports, estrepe (and others).

[PuNk42AE]

He was able to keep it scoreless with runners at 1st and 3rd.

[estrepe1]

Got one batter to fly out to deep center

Next batter strikes out on three pitches.

1 ip 0 h 0 r 1 bb 2 k 1 hbp

[whitecapwendy]

I appreciate the updates as well. No cable

[dt35456884]

I appreciate the updates as well. No cable

We may be needing Andrew Miller updates from you eventually. Although any stop he makes in the Midwest League is going to be surprising and short-lived, I imagine.

[mc_madness]

Miller has the best arm I've ever seen in my 25 years on the planet. Incredible.

[estrepe1]

Miller won't be going to WM. I doubt he pitches this year even if he does sign in time to.

Next season he will more than likely start out in Lakeland.

[Big Toe]

I very much doubt Miller will be spending any time in the Midwest League.

[84 Lives!!!]

he dominated the 2nd...

1-2-3 with a wicked K on the last batter...

[mc_madness]

Miller will be starting in 2007 in Detroit.

[MonkeyDarts]

control was a little rough in the 1st but he settled in nicely in inning 2--- after 2 he has 3 K's, 1 BB and an HBP-- no hits

[Big Toe]

Miller has the best arm I've ever seen in my 25 years on the planet. Incredible.

He's no Sidd Finch.

[estrepe1]

Set them down in order in the 2nd. Ground out, popped out, struck out swinging.

[estrepe1]

Miller will be starting in 2007 in Detroit.

Unlikely some point in 2008.

[mc_madness]

UNC building a big lead. Miller might no hit these guys...

[84 Lives!!!]

Another 1-2-3 with a K and a nice diving grab by the RF'er to takeaway a sure base hit...

PS: LeBlanc does NOT look like a 2nd rounder... however... I sort of have a thing against soft-tossing lefties.... :grin:

[MonkeyDarts]

Another 1-2-3 with a K and a nice diving grab by the RF'er to takeaway a sure base hit...

PS: LeBlanc does NOT look like a 2nd rounder... however... I sort of have a thing against soft-tossing lefties.... :grin:
how about his pickoff move though...wow

[monkeynuts]

Wow...nice breaking ball.

[MonkeyDarts]

6K's after 4 for Miller/ 1 hit allowed

[estrepe1]

6 strikeouts on the game for Miller.

His slider is deadly. His 2 seamer looks good. Working the ball in and out.

4 seamer needs a bit of refinement with control.

[84 Lives!!!]

Does anybody else think Kyle Shelton has a bit of facial resemblance to Chris? Younger brother? (Except for that HUGE Roman nose!!!!)

PS: 1-2-single-3 with 2 K's...

[mc_madness]

Miller could pitch for us today. His arm is that great.

[estrepe1]

Miller has 0 complete games on the year. I like that.

[Edman85]

Miller has 0 complete games on the year. I like that.

Knock on wood. I'll really be pulling for Bama in games 2 and 3. The format of the CWS leads to lots of abuse.

[estrepe1]

Another K for Miller.

that slider buckles the knees of even righties.

[estrepe1]

Knock on wood. I'll really be pulling for Bama in games 2 and 3. The format of the CWS leads to lots of abuse.

Yeah it does. And yes I will.

[MonkeyDarts]

Miller strikes out the side in the 5th.

[mc_madness]

Did Matt Anderson ever look this dominant in college?

Miller's pitching motion looks effortless.

[MonkeyDarts]

He has a major league slider and a nice cut fastball to go with his other 2 fastballs. If he gets a changeup he'll be a monster--- as is he's excellent.

[estrepe1]

Did Matt Anderson ever look this dominant in college?

Miller's pitching motion looks effortless.

No.

Yes, he has a very good delivery. Sound uses his lower body well.

[MonkeyDarts]

Miller's pitching motion looks effortless.

Doesn't he look smooth. For a 6'6" kid his mechanics look very solid. Effortless is the right word.

[estrepe1]

He has a major league slider and a nice cut fastball to go with his other 2 fastballs. If he gets a changeup he'll be a monster--- as is he's excellent.

Good summation.

[84 Lives!!!]

He just looks sick!!! Or is it Bama looks sick against him?

How many K's does he have now (distracted by making cherry-banana smoothies for the kids....). I saw that last K though with another sweeping slider... Lefties batting .111 against him...

And yeah... I agree with the announcers... the way he pitches reminds me of Randy Johnson... not saying he'll ever be that good... just the way he pitches is similar... especially with that killer slider...

[toadhunter911]

He looks very polished out there. I sure hope we get him signed quickly. Announcers said he's only given up 7 extra base hits this year? Could that be right?!?

[84 Lives!!!]

how about his pickoff move though...wow

PS: Yeah... looks like LeBlanc has about 2 or 3 different moves and a fake move he uses effectively...

Pitches to the plate and runners are scurrying back to 1st base with no clue what he's actually doing...

I gotta give him that!!!

[84 Lives!!!]

Now THAT was a freaking bunt!!!

For a base hit... (any comments on Kyle Shelton being Chris's younger bro? Also... he doesn't have as prominent a nose as I thought....)

[84 Lives!!!]

He has a major league slider and a nice cut fastball to go with his other 2 fastballs. If he gets a changeup he'll be a monster--- as is he's excellent.

Actually I thought I saw a couple changeups in the 1st.

He hasn't had to use it again 'cause his fastballs/slider are just dominating these guys. I think he said he has one, but he's never, or rarely, had to use it.

But I agree, develop his changeup into a plus pitch and he's a... monster!!!

[84 Lives!!!]

He needs to wear his socks higher though....

[tiger337]

Miller looks like a big dorky high school kid. He does seem to have great stuff though. This is exciting.

[mc_madness]

Wow. Horrible UNC defense blows a double play...

Why is Miller still pitching anyway? This game is for all purposes over.

[monkeynuts]

I'm trying to figure out exactly how good this college competition would be. Would Alabama's offense be equivalent to a Low A baseball team (West Michigan)?

Wow...NC's defense sucks.

[Ron Burgandy]

I haven't seen defense this bad since Little League.

Miller is really a ground ball machine. I like it.

[Atom]

Why is Miller still pitching anyway? This game is for all purposes over.

Not with metal bats it isn't.

[84 Lives!!!]

Just shoot me.

Miller's got 105 pitches I believe, take him out.

3 errors puts up 2 runs for Bama and extends Miller's inning WAY beyond what it should have been... Ugghh!!!

[Yoda]

He looks like a left-handed Bonderman with that slider. Actually he reminds me a lot of Nate but with a little more pop on the fastball and Bonderman's slider. I think he could be a solid #3 starter with that arsenal, much like Bonderman, but if he can develop a good change and use it frequently, he could be nasty.

[84 Lives!!!]

I think the announcers said NC has a great bullpen... that's partly why Miller has no complete games this season...

With the score 10-2 with another potential run... good. They need to take Miller out NOW!!! 105 pitches is good enough.

[monkeynuts]

I'm trying to figure out exactly how good this college competition would be. Would Alabama's offense be equivalent to a Low A baseball team (West Michigan)?

Wow...NC's defense sucks.

I'm bumping my question because I'm really interested in knowing a point of comparison.

[84 Lives!!!]

Great game. 7 Inn's, 11 K's, 5 hits...

[Yoda]

I'm bumping my question because I'm really interested in knowing a point of comparison.

Probably not, unless their entire offense is capable of playing in the MWL, which is pretty unlikely. But I don't think there's a good way to compare them.

I think he'll step into the FSL next year and pitch well.

[monkeynuts]

Probably not, unless their entire offense is capable of playing in the MWL, which is pretty unlikely. But I don't think there's a good way to compare them.

I think he'll step into the FSL next year and pitch well.

Thank you very much.

[Big Toe]

I just read somewhere the other day that it's something the pros wonder about too...just how high-level college ball stacks up against the minors. The only thing thrown out there was high-A, which seemed ridiculous on its face to me (not that I know all that much). But for a pitcher, maybe it isn't: Metal bats make a difference.

[djhutch]

Miller will be starting in 2007 in Detroit.

We could have used him in our bullpen in Toronto tonite. :angry:

[DaYooperASBDT]

I watched Miller tonight for portions of the first six innings. My goodness, he's a tall one, looks taller than 6-6 perhaps because of his long-limbed build. Loved the slider, reminded me more than a little of Randy Johnson's slider. Sure hope they can sign this kid!

[cruzer1]

I kind of bought into him much more tonight. That was an impressive performance, to say the least. I noticed that Alex Avila didn't play, he's right handed, and one of Bama's best bats. Wonder if he's injured.

[whitecapwendy]

We may be needing Andrew Miller updates from you eventually. Although any stop he makes in the Midwest League is going to be surprising and short-lived, I imagine.
That is why I am especially appreciating the updates--hoping that I am getting acquainted with a future Whitecap--wouldn't it be cool if he signed soon and we had two first round draft picks on the same team? :classic:
I will be more than happy to provide updates with pictures included....now if we can get him to sign soon and come to WM.

Has Miller signed yet????????

[estrepe1]

He looks very polished out there. I sure hope we get him signed quickly. Announcers said he's only given up 7 extra base hits this year? Could that be right?!?

He has given up 1 homerun all season.

He is polished, but no way he signs quickly.

[estrepe1]

That is why I am especially appreciating the updates--hoping that I am getting acquainted with a future Whitecap--wouldn't it be cool if he signed soon and we had two first round draft picks on the same team? :classic:
I will be more than happy to provide updates with pictures included....now if we can get him to sign soon and come to WM.

Has Miller signed yet????????



I know I said this earlier but if he signs he isn't going to sign anytime soon and he won't pitch this season in the system.

He likely is going to be on the Verlander plan when he does sign. Go to instructs and then pitch starting in Lakeland next season. Where Maybin and him will be on the same team.

[DrWho17]

Did Matt Anderson ever look this dominant in college?

Miller's pitching motion looks effortless.
Well, he looked to me like he threw across his body in the few innings I watched him pitch, not extremely violent, but definitely across his body all arm. The announcer made a comparison to Randy Johnson, the comparison was appropriate as far as the mechanics went, it was eerily similar.

[estrepe1]

I just read somewhere the other day that it's something the pros wonder about too...just how high-level college ball stacks up against the minors. The only thing thrown out there was high-A, which seemed ridiculous on its face to me (not that I know all that much). But for a pitcher, maybe it isn't: Metal bats make a difference.

Metal bats make a big difference. Some of the stuff that they get solid hits on are jam shots with wood bats.

For a pitcher the level of Miller the Midwest league wouldn't really be a proper challenge.

Well, he looked to me like he threw across his body in the few innings I watched him pitch, not extremely violent, but definitely across his body all arm. The announcer made a comparison to Randy Johnson, the comparison was appropriate as far as the mechanics went, it was eerily similar.

He uses his lower body quite well from what I can tell in the times that I have watched him. It isn't perfect but it is definitely good enough. I don't think he is close to all arm.

[DrWho17]

I'm trying to figure out exactly how good this college competition would be. Would Alabama's offense be equivalent to a Low A baseball team (West Michigan)?

Wow...NC's defense sucks.
No way would a college lineup compare to a pro team at any level.

[DrWho17]

Metal bats make a big difference. Some of the stuff that they get solid hits on are jam shots with wood bats.

For a pitcher the level of Miller the Midwest league wouldn't really be a proper challenge.



He uses his lower body quite well from what I can tell in the times that I have watched him. It isn't perfect but it is definitely good enough. I don't think he is close to all arm.
Well I was watching his complete motion and he was finishing in basically an upright position. I didn't pitch past legion ball and am not claiming to be an expert, just my observation.

[DrWho17]

I don't want to be negative, he definitely was dominating the Alabama lineup tonight. Hopefully they can sign him, and shut him down for the rest of the year, start him in West Michigan next year, and fast track him from there. The guy is a hard throwing left hander. I'd take it slow with him at first until he gets his feet wet, he's probably not been challenged at any level yet.

[estrepe1]

I don't want to be negative, he definitely was dominating the Alabama lineup tonight. Hopefully they can sign him, and shut him down for the rest of the year, start him in West Michigan next year, and fast track him from there. The guy is a hard throwing left hander. I'd take it slow with him at first until he gets his feet wet, he's probably not been challenged at any level yet.

I am just looking at what the Tigers have done in previous years and what most teams do as far as where he starts. Sleeth signed after the season was over and was in Lakeland the next season. Verlander signed after the season and was in Lakeland the next season. I am just guessing they will do the same with Miller.

[cruzer1]

To sign him over slot, the Tigers won't have a choice but to wait.

[estrepe1]

To sign him over slot, the Tigers won't have a choice but to wait.


Agreed. But I don't think he would pitch this year even if he signed on July 1st.

[Tramfan]

Wow, another pitching phenom. I wouldn't be suprised if he's pitching in Detroit sooner than later and next year is probably a possibility. Add him to the big two of V and Bondo and a lot of Central division teams are going to be sick. Afterall one or two first year draft picks seem to make it to the big leagues every year. I certainly wouldn't discount the possibility of this guy being one of those players. What an arm. What polish. And lefthanded to boot.

[monkeynuts]

Agreed. But I don't think he would pitch this year even if he signed on July 1st.

A good thing, assuming that he has no arm problems, is that he is still pitching and will be pitching until they get eliminated from the CWS. Some high school and college guys that holdout haven't been playing and won't play for a long time.

[Scotty D]

This kid is amazing. It will be interesting to see how his career compares to Hochevar's. With them both being in the same division the Royals could be kicking themselves for years to come.

[estrepe1]

A good thing, assuming that he has no arm problems, is that he is still pitching and will be pitching until they get eliminated from the CWS. Some high school and college guys that holdout haven't been playing and won't play for a long time.


He has over 105 innings on his arm and they really strain it during the CWS. I am hoping his season ends soon and then he doesn't pitch in a competitive game until he joins the Lakeland Tigers (probably) next spring.

[TigerPride]

I went to tune in to watch, but couldn't find this game on. If this kid is as good as everyone indicates he could be in the rotation by the time Kenny Rogers contract ends.

Will be interesting to see if the Tigers could have a 90's Atlanta type 4 aces (Maddux, Glavine, Smoltz, Avery) rotation in the future.

[MC Sucka DJ]

I thought he threw like a left-handed Kevin Brown. I hope he signs in a couple months and does the instrunctional league or AFL things in the fall.

[cruzer1]

He has over 105 innings on his arm and they really strain it during the CWS. I am hoping his season ends soon and then he doesn't pitch in a competitive game until he joins the Lakeland Tigers (probably) next spring.
I think you're exaggerating. I think he can definitely go another few starts, which isn't a strain at all, especially with NC using their bullpen so frequently. It would also set him up for a solid 180 ip next year.

[cruzer1]

To go a bit further, the best thing for Andrew Miller would be to pitch in the final game of the CWS, with everything on the line. Where else could he get that kind of championship experience?

[estrepe1]

Personally I think that championship experience really means very little. I get what you are saying about the UNC Pen though. That will hopefully save him from tons of pitches in any one outing.

[Edman85]

To go a bit further, the best thing for Andrew Miller would be to pitch in the final game of the CWS, with everything on the line. Where else could he get that kind of championship experience?

Which would likely be two days after a 150 pitch outing given the history of the CWS. That championship experience would be accompanied by increased risk of shoulder issues.

[84 Lives!!!]

Which would likely be two days after a 150 pitch outing given the history of the CWS. That championship experience would be accompanied by increased risk of shoulder issues.

But I think that possibility is lessened by NC having Danny Bard and a supposedly strong bullpen that they use liberally.

I don't mind him pitching far into the CWS as long as he's not abused...

[estrepe1]

Bard has little or nothing to do with how much they use Miller. Look at Rice when they had three really good pitchers. That didn't stop them from overworking them.

UNC seems to be better about it than Rice is... can't get any worse.

I still would rather he was out of UNC's hands as soon as it is possible.

[cruzer1]

Personally I think that championship experience really means very little.
I completely disagree.

[pyrotigers]

Alabama takes a 7-6 lead with a 3 run bomb in the top of the 9th.

[estrepe1]

Bard didn't last that long in this game.

[estrepe1]

UNC wins a thriller with a 2 run homerun in the bottom of the 9th.... UNC and Miller are on to Omaha.

[IdahoBert]

I can't wait to have this guy on our team. Verlander and Miller. Like a different version of Koufax and Drysdale.

[estrepe1]

I can't wait to have this guy on our team. Verlander and Miller. Like a different version of Koufax and Drysdale.


Still a long way to go for that.... thats the hope though.

[OU98]

Tigers 10th-round pick Lauren Gagnier is pitching against Missouri on ESPN 2 as I type.

[IdahoBert]

Having championship expereince may mean nothing for a major league player. But can you imagine how different many of us might feel if the Tigers had won a championship in the last five years? We be entirely different in our frame of mind. To be a player and win is huge. Its an intangible you can't prove but winning the big one alters your brain chemistry somehow and it's something you never lose. The '68 championship did that for me and I was just a fan. It has an effect. Hard to tell how much but it has some effect.

[ian_a]

When does championship experience start to matter? Winning tournaments in AAU summer ball, does that have a magical effect?

[tigersrok]

Gagnier has a no hitter through 5 innings.

[cruzer1]

Gagnier has a no hitter through 5 innings.
You are wrong.:dead:
(Jinx)

[68Tiger]

Gagnier has a no hitter through 5 innings.
He throws awfully weird though. All arm. I doubt that translates well to the bigs.

[cruzer1]

When does championship experience start to matter? Winning tournaments in AAU summer ball, does that have a magical effect?
Never. They're supposed to pitch like they never did in the playoffs. No, wait! They threw too many pitches, so they can't pitch in the playoffs, better save their precious arms and wait till next year to win.:classic:

[gamtchll]

gagnier keeps no hitter thanks to offical scorer...and arm motion looks real real strange. Strike zone is giant. His control looks awesome.

[tigersrok]

He throws awfully weird though. All arm. I doubt that translates well to the bigs.

I was just reporting on his performance in the game, not assessing his long term major league worth. To me, I don't know if he has enough of a fastball to succeed in the big leagues as a right hander. I've only watched a little of the game so I may be wrong on this, but I haven't seen the gun register over 90.

[68Tiger]

I was just reporting on his performance in the game, not assessing his long term major league worth. To me, I don't know if he has enough of a fastball to succeed in the big leagues as a right hander. I've only watched a little of the game so I may be wrong on this, but I haven't seen the gun register over 90.
Sure, I understand you were simply reporting. I was merely adding my observation of him. To concur with what you are stating, I notice most of his fastballs are being clocked at 85.

[OU98]

Gagnier has the no-no intact through seven.

[cruzer1]

He's not a ML prospect, but he's worthwhile having around tossing innings in the minors.

[CW]

For those who watched Miller pitch, how hard was he throwing his slider?

[IdahoBert]

When does championship experience start to matter? Winning tournaments in AAU summer ball, does that have a magical effect?The College World Series is a huge deal.

[TigersMeow79]

The College World Series is a huge deal.

Disagree, it might be a huge deal for the southern teams and west coast teams but hardly a huge deal for the east, midwest and northern schools. I will watch it because I like baseball but I fail to see a sport that is geographically biased to be such a huge deal. This is going to change for next year but it's not like you're going to start seeing different teams from the north/east/midwest make large impacts for some time.

[estrepe1]

Never. They're supposed to pitch like they never did in the playoffs. No, wait! They threw too many pitches, so they can't pitch in the playoffs, better save their precious arms and wait till next year to win.:classic:

That is completely different. There is a difference of levels between MLB and College. Given how much college coaches abuse these kids I want them out of the hands of the college coach as soon as possible.

I really could care less how much college championship experience these guys have.

[TigersMeow79]

That is completely different. There is a difference of levels between MLB and College. Given how much college coaches abuse these kids I want them out of the hands of the college coach as soon as possible.

I understand what you're saying but I really can't argue with these coaches abusing these players. As I said before these coaches have a job to do and at some schools college baseball is huge and these coaches have to answer to the athletic director if they don't win and I don't think these coaches should let up if a championship is on the line. Also consider that some of these guys that this is it for them there won't be any major league glory for a lot of those kids.

[IdahoBert]

I've heard conflicting information on how much Miller really has asked for--anywhere from 6 million to 10 million. The reports are at such variance that I wonder if anyone has anything more specific.

I hope this isn't a marathon process either. He has said things like waiting out a year are usually not to a player's advantage and he seems to know what the Tigers are about. He seems amenable. One question he should consider if he were to go into next year's draft is how badly does he want to pitch for a really bad team when a hungry contender like the Tigers has a spot open for him. His chances of being drafted by a bad team are pretty high. We haven't blinked the last couple times we've negotiated with our #1 picks. I wonder if the Tigers might want him bad enough to do just that this time, however. Isn't he more highly regarded than Verlander was coming out of college? It amazes me to think what the rotation would look like with him in it....I can't believe the Tigers would let him get away....

[Ingefanclub]

Miller had a shutout going....was striking out half the team.

Then he went 3-0 on a hitter. The announcers said about the hitter "He was selected as an 11th round pick by the Baltimore Orioles a few days ago"

Three pitches later he was a strikeout victim.

[estrepe1]

I've heard conflicting information on how much Miller really has asked for--anywhere from 6 million to 10 million. The reports are at such variance that I wonder if anyone has anything more specific.

I hope this isn't a marathon process either. He has said things like waiting out a year are usually not to a player's advantage and he seems to know what the Tigers are about. He seems amenable. One question he should consider if he were to go into next year's draft is how badly does he want to pitch for a really bad team when a hungry contender like the Tigers has a spot open for him. His chances of being drafted by a bad team are pretty high. We haven't blinked the last couple times we've negotiated with our #1 picks. I wonder if the Tigers might want him bad enough to do just that this time, however. Isn't he more highly regarded than Verlander was coming out of college? It amazes me to think what the rotation would look like with him in it....I can't believe the Tigers would let him get away....


The Tigers will sign him. It will be a long process and he won't pitch an inning for the Tigers minor league system this season. That is fine. They throw plenty of innings in College.

[TheCouga]

The Tigers will sign him. It will be a long process and he won't pitch an inning for the Tigers minor league system this season. That is fine. They throw plenty of innings in College.

Does he start in Lakeland then next year?

[estrepe1]

Does he start in Lakeland then next year?


If they follow the Verlander plan yes he would start in Lakeland. I think he is advanced enough that he should start in Lakeland.

[witz57]

Any idea when he throws next for UNC? (apologies if this has already been answered)

[Ron Burgandy]

Any idea when he throws next for UNC? (apologies if this has already been answered)

Presumably in UNC's first game of the College World Series.

[witz57]

yeah i just didn't know if their first game was scheduled yet. i couldn't find it one the site last night. could have been cause it was like 2am though.

[OU98]

I believe they play on Friday against Cal State Fullerton. Wes Roemer (first-round candidate for 2007) should go for CSF.

[IdahoBert]

The Tigers will sign him. It will be a long process and he won't pitch an inning for the Tigers minor league system this season. That is fine. They throw plenty of innings in College.These guys still do summer ball--him in the Cape Cod League last year to the tune of 49 innings. He might have thrown 160 last year. I know it's doubtful but I wonder that if by some miricle he signed earlier enough he might be sent to Lakeland anyway? I suppose it's doubtful but a part of me just can't wait.

[estrepe1]

These guys still do summer ball--him in the Cape Cod League last year to the tune of 49 innings. He might have thrown 160 last year. I know it's doubtful but I wonder that if by some miricle he signed earlier enough he might be sent to Lakeland anyway? I suppose it's doubtful but a part of me just can't wait.

I don't think so. I think they would shut him down for the year either way.

[tigersfandm]

I believe they play on Friday against Cal State Fullerton. Wes Roemer (first-round candidate for 2007) should go for CSF.

i checked out Roemer stats this year and he has 6 BB in 141 innings pitched. SIX!?!?!? good lord that is incredibly good.

[IdahoBert]

No not tonight, but hopefully, Friday night.

The Tar Heels (50-13) will square off against No. 5 national seed Cal State Fullerton (48-13) Friday at Rosenblatt Stadium at 7 p.m. Eastern on ESPN2.