We need a new thread with some juice!

Good One!

I agree with Braves. This would make for a great topic. The DII programs seem to be seriously recruiting right now. I know the players are trying to figure this out.

 

Agree. Good topic. I don't know of many things more confusing that baseball recruiting.

 

Thanks guys...how about adding to this to it...big name coaches recruiting big name players to keep other big name coaches from recuiting same big name players and then watching those same big name players sit the bench...thus making Division II be a hotter commodity. Someone should be advising these players on what they are missing out on.

 

Easy Now.

Ok, I’ll ask the question(s). First I want to say that I am truthfully interested in this topic and I am not trying to start anything negative. There are a lot of guys I know that DII programs are talking to right now. I don't want to get hammered by you guys for asking the question. The DII programs I have seen have been awesome! I’m a fan!! This is just to start conversation and give me more ammunition when talking to others. Just call me “Gun Shy”.

Why should a player that has been offered a spot on a DI roster consider playing for a DII program? With the new restrictions on roster sizes do programs really recruit guys that they never intend to play? Do strong DII programs get as many players looked at as average DI programs? If a guy really wants to play ball and did not get that DI offer he wanted, would he be better to go Junior and get another shot at the DI later? Last but not least, does it really help to rub your cap with deuces on the score board?

 

- Why should a player that has been offered a spot on a DI roster consider playing for a DII program?

being offered a spot on a D1 program is the same as being offered a spot on a D2 program---you are being offered an opportunity to compete for a starting position. There are many D1 transfers to D2 that end up sitting as well.

With the new restrictions on roster sizes do programs really recruit guys that they never intend to play?

That's a great question. It's not just the size, but now the D1 schools are forced to grant a minimum of 25% and soon will raise to 33%. In my opinion, what this will do is put a lot of pressure on the athlete to produce or he will be looking at his scholarship being taken away


Do strong DII programs get as many players looked at as average DI programs?

Yes, no question; and in some cases more. This is the one axiom where there are no hidden gems in "Scouts will find you". They attend every school and every school has a scout day as well. But the reason I said in some cases even more is simply because it is difficult to show your skills while riding the bench at a D1 school.

If a guy really wants to play ball and did not get that DI offer he wanted, would he be better to go Junior and get another shot at the DI later?

It depends on many factors: Grades being one of them. Plus the fact that he will not have to sit out a year to play.

But everyone needs to keep this in mind, there are many talented players at D2 schools that are not seeing much playing time as well. The parents in NC need to get over the notion that if my son does not play D1 basebal then he must not be very good and he will have no opportunity to play beyond college. There were 11 D2 players drafted from our area last year alone...and the numbers keep rising each year.

If you will speak just about the baseball side only, the best advice anyone can get is to play for a school that gives you the best opportunity to PLAY---regardless of classification.

 

uhoh

 

Great answers and I agree. Go a little easy on the parents though! Most have not seen the talent or the great programs that a lot of the DII School have out there. They do not normally get TV coverage or the press that the DI programs do. I had no idea until I was lucky enough to tag on to some of my son’s visits how great some of the programs really are. One reason the parents have that perception is that they are seeing DII programs recruiting now and are also being told that all the DI rosters are full. True or not that is what they are hearing. Perception is that the most talented players filled the DI programs. A perception that is hard to argue even though it’s not that clear cut. Remember, most of us parents are going though this for the first time. We have not had the insight or wisdom that is taken for granted here on TBR.

 

In regard to the question about the roster size now in DI...35 players and 9 take the field. Unless you are a pitcher... you need to think about that. Even so, pitchers need to pitch and sitting in the bull pen game after game can be very discouraging. Noticed that one big DI school only has 30 on its roster this year. Same school that I've heard recruits to keep players from going to schools they compete with..having said that...they have 16 new recruits coming in next year. I think the question is ... if you are good enough to play, do you want to wear the uniform or do you want to play to improve yourself and have a chance to move forward if that's what you see in your future. Side note... my son transferred from a big DI school to a great DII school and there is no shortage of scouts there. We have noticed that the guys are closer to the coaches and we aren't afraid to wave or say hello when we pass them at the field and while it is a serious business, there is definitely a different air on the field. Best decision my son ever made.

 

Hey! If ya'll are going to get all serious, then start your own thread!

By the way, condolences on the passing of another year Braves... it happens to all of us!

itslife, I think what Braves was getting at was that there are parents who have the "DI or nothing attitude". Often this is because they don't know about any but the big name schools. Most of these folks have not made the effort to get themselves educated on the recruiting process and the options out there. In other words, these are the ones who still think that if a kid is good then the college coaches, or pro scouts, will come and find them. I'm not talking about the "phenom" type players (everybody knows who they are), just the guys that can play, at some level, beyond high school. I have been around more than a few of these type parents who seem to have a "they owe me" kind of attitude. They wonder why "STATE U" ain't callin' after "junior" hit .400 for his high school team.

Baseball isn't just a "competitive" sport on the field. The recruiting process is probably more of a "competition" than any game a kid has ever played. The kid, and his parents, must educate themselves on what they have to do to get into the recruiting pool.

If you're here on TBR asking questions then you're well on your way to getting an understanding of what needs to be done. Many of us have been "rookies" at this at some point. I know I'm still learning and this is a great place to do so.

 

My son transferred from a D-1 to a D-2.
Alot less BS all around.

The objective was to get him out on the field - so people could see what he could do. No BS - just playing.

Worked out pretty good - despite what most people said about the move.

You need to play - and if you are good - you will be found.

If they never let you play - then no one will ever know what you can do.,

If they throw a roadblock at you - your job is to go around it - go straight through it - or just blow it to pieces - with passion - some anger and a little attitude.

Good luck.