Basebulls Win

[Big_Hairy_Bull]

(February 23, 2005) Jacksonville, Fla. -- Three early runs and outstanding pitching led USF to a 3-2 win over Jacksonville today at Alexander Brest Field, but the win didn’t come without ninth inning drama when Jacksonville scored one run to close to 3-2 and left a runner on base.

But the day really belonged to USF (6-5) freshman starter Daniel Thomas (3-1). Despite early inning control problems that led to several three-ball counts and three walks, Thomas threw six effective innings, allowing just one hit. Twice in the first three innings, Thomas had to get himself out of situations with a runner on third, but he went on to retire eight straight Jacksonville (7-2) batters at one point, and he didn’t allow a runner past first base in the fourth through sixth innings. He was was relieved by Yuri Higgins in the seventh.

“It was one of those games that’s great for the winning team and tough for the other team,†said USF head coach Eddie Cardieri. “It was just good enough to win. It wasn’t anything special, but it was a good game of baseball. I thought Daniel Thomas did a great job without his best stuff. Defensively we played very well. We just threw the one pickoff away.â€Â

Matt McHargue gave the Bulls an early 1-0 lead when he led off the second inning with his third home run of the season over the 375-feet marker in right-center field. It was the first earned run allowed by Jacksonville’s Kyle DeVries (2-1) in his third start of the year.

USF increased its lead to 3-0 in the third when Jeremy Bellotti scored from third on a wild pitch, and Jeff Baisley singled home Hierlmeier, who had reached on a fielder’s choice and advanced to second on the wild pitch that scored Bellotti.

Upon relieving Thomas in the seventh, Higgins was greeted with a double by Gordie Gronkowsi on a line drive misjudged by rightfielder Brian Hierlmeier. But after a single by Alex Jamieson advanced Gronkowski to third base, Higgins struck out two straight before an inning-ending fielder’s choice at second base.

Higgins left for freshman James Rowe with one out and runners on first and second in the eighth inning after Pete Clifford singled and a bunt single by Justin Young. After Rowe walked pinch hitter Jon Galui, Gronkowski drove Clifford home on a sacrifice fly for the Dolphins first run. With runners still on second and third, Rowe got Jamieson to fly out to center.

Rowe allowed a second run in the ninth with two outs when Daniel Murphy doubled off the right field wall and pinch hitter Zach Haniff singled him home. But Rowe earned his third save of the young season when he induced Pete Clifford into a ground out to second base.

[S p e n c e]

This reminds me, has there been any word on R.J. Anderson regarding his decision to enter the MLB draft?

[Big_Hairy_Bull]

You don't enter the MLB draft. If someone wants to draft him they can!

He will not need to declare! He will only have to decide the option after he gets drafted.

[Papa_Bull]

I think I read somewhere that Anderson would only consider playing baseball if he was drafted in the first three or four rounds.

[S p e n c e]

Sorry BHB, no need to be so technical.  I was just worried about us losing a top football/baseball prospect to the MLB draft, wheather you have to "enter" or not.

[Papa_Bull]

He said originally he would play baseball if drafted in the first five rounds and receives a $500,000 signing bonus:

Anderson Doesn't Mind Juggling Sports

By CHRIS CARLSON ccarlson@tampatrib.com  

Published: Jul 8, 2004

 

ST. PETERSBURG - If football or baseball doesn't pan out, R.J. Anderson shouldn't have any problem finding a career as a juggler.  

Anderson has spent time juggling his priorities, rotating between pigskin and pine tar.  

He kicked off the week of June 14 attending football camp at the University of South Florida with his Armwood teammates before skipping a day in the middle to attend a Baltimore Orioles tryout. He spent the weekend at a national showcase put on by Perfect Game and Baseball America at Tropicana Field, where Anderson faced the nation's top pitching prospects. He also attended a Pittsburgh Pirates tryout in Brandon on June 21.  

Bouncing between sports is nothing new to Anderson. If he doesn't turn pro in baseball next season, Anderson said he plans on playing baseball and football in college.  

At the showcase, however, the transition was more difficult than Anderson expected.  

``I'd never faced pitchers who threw 90 mph before,'' Anderson said. ``I was actually pretty surprised when I hit the ball. It was like they were throwing 200 mph. I didn't have time to practice with football [that] week.''  

Anderson struggled in the showcase, but it hasn't tempered his aspirations. Anderson said he plans to turn pro if he's chosen before the sixth round of next year's Major League Baseball draft and receives a bonus of around $500,000.  

``I think I'll go pretty high if I start hitting more,'' Anderson said. ``I've got the speed. I've got the arm.''  

Anderson has been motivated by former Hillsborough High dual-sport star Elijah Dukes and the six-year, $505,000 deal he received after signing with the Devil Rays as a third- round choice in 2002.  

While Anderson is confident a great season will elevate him into his desired draft range, he'll have a challenging task ahead. Only 53 high schoolers were chosen in the first five rounds last month.  

``It's tough because most kids going that high, unless they're throwing 90-plus, are playing baseball year- round,'' Armwood baseball coach Joey Fernandez said. ``But he's got tools. And that's what people draft on.''  

Meanwhile, the country's top schools, including Southern California and Louisiana State, have come calling about Anderson's football ability. Mike Bakas, who covers Florida for theinsiders.com, said Anderson is one of the top cornerbacks in the state.  

Despite the difficulties associated with being a two-sport athlete, Anderson insists he plans on attending a school that will allow him to play both, most likely USF.  

Anderson hit .318 with 20 runs, 14 RBIs and 12 stolen bases last season. He also collected seven interceptions with one interception returned for a touchdown, 17 pass breakups, a punt return for a touchdown and 52 tackles.  

``He has some unbelievable God- given ability,'' Armwood football coach Sean Callahan said. ``The thing that separates him from everybody else is his speed. That's something you can't teach.''  

Despite his struggles at the plate at last month's showcase, Anderson said he fared well during the other portions of the event, which included a 60-yard dash and fielding drills. He plans to take extra batting practice throughout the summer to compensate for his hitting struggles.  

Until football season, Anderson will chase his baseball ambitions throughout Florida. He'll play American Legion baseball and attend as many major-league tryouts as he can find.  

``He can make it, but it's going to mean working at baseball during football season,'' Fernandez said. ``He's going to have to go out and hit on the weekends. There are a couple of big showcases in the fall, and obviously as a coach you don't want to lose one of your best players. He's going to have some juggling to do.''

http://www.usfbullspen.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?board=news;action=display;num=1090336294;start=1#1

[Big_Hairy_Bull]

Not trying to be "technical". Just trying to help you understand the difference in MLB draft and NFL draft. Totally different!

If he gets drafted and the money is comparible to what most people in the first 3 rounds get. He most likely will not pass up the money.

[S p e n c e]

Thanx for the info Howie, Hope he becomes a bull.  I don't follow the Rays that much, but somehow I believe that them giving anyone a $500,000 signing bonus is a rarity.

[The Sheriff]

They gave Josh Hamilton $4.1 million reasons to sign in 1999. $500K is pocket change nowadays.

[smazza]

big deal