Good Run by Rebs.....

[Po Monkey Lounger]

After the first 3-4 SEC series, I thought we would be lucky just to make the SEC tourney. Pitching was not up to par, and some of our key hitters were struggling at the plate. And then this team matured, and turned the corner, producing one of our best seasons in 30 years.

I hate to lose and go down in the SR for two years in a row ---especially to the evil empire, Miami--- but the positive side of things is that we have not only played in a SR two years in a row, but hosted as well. After the loses to the draft last year, this had to be Bianco's best coaching job yet in his career at UM. My hat is off to him, the staff, and the players. We literally went as far as our talent and experience could take us this season. I don't think we left anything on the field. Miami was a really good team, and hit the ball better than any team we faced all season. Our pitching will have to improve to get past the SR level to the CWS.

When you get to this level of competition, every weakness starts to show up ---our inconsistent and lack of dominant pitching, our inconsistency in fielding bunts and knowing who is supposed to cover what bag, our lack of on base percentage at certain places in our lineup, and our inability to gun down baserunners stealing second and even third. We simply had too many errors in the field and our pitchers gave up too many long balls and walks.

But, when you think about what we have coming back next season, and the new influx of talent on the way, it is hard not to get really excited. I think next season could be our best ever. There are some returning players who will have to step up their game quite a bit just to continue in their starting roles, IMO. Our young, talented pitchers should be more experienced and salty. And our hitters should be ready to continue getting clutch hits, and improve their on base percentages. And there is a good chance for some upgrades at certain positions, especially defensively. Looking forward to next season.

Great season Rebs!!!!!!

[big gumbo]

they kept yakking about Bianco and the Lsu job.

[Po Monkey Lounger]

let em yak

The way I see it, if Bianco stays ---which I think he will ---then we have one of the best young coaches in America, with a great amount of momentum in the program.

But, even if he leaves, I think we will now be able to attract a very good coach and staff to replace him. UM is now one of the top 16 programs in the country, and is in the top ten in attendance ----Number one in regional and super regional attendance. And new improved facilities are on the way. We have a great returning nucleus of players and some talented new players coming into the program. And for once, our UMAA appears to be committed to supporting the UM baseball program with enough $$$ to continue our success. I just don't see any downside for the future, regardless of what happens with Bianco.

Under the circumstances, Bianco would be a fool to leave UM to go to that pressure cooker in Red Stick with Bertman looking over his shoulder and meddling. Right now, Bianco has free reign with the UM program and is in total control. In a sense, going to LSU would be a step down in that regard.

[jkb87]

to the fans of ole miss, great season, really got hot at the right time, congrats, but i dont know bout the whole step down to take the lsu job, everyone dreams of coachin at where u played, i dont care who u are........lsu is still a great program, ole miss is a up and rising program..........step down???i dont know, its gonna take maybe i dont know, a ring or two here and there to prove to me that its a step down, my two cents

[Deltamud77]

Congrats to you the Ole Miss folks on this board (and to the team). That was a great run and there is really nothing to be ashamed of. Ya'll ran into a buzz saw in Miami. They have a team that just peaked at the right time, plain and simple.

I agree with Po Monk in that the Ole Miss baseball program is going to be solid for a while. I think Bianco will be there for the foreseeable future which is the most important thing (As much as I would love to see him in BR). As long as the AA pours money into the program, it will continue to prosper.

There is a world series run in this team in the next couple of years. Be proud, you represented the SEC in a great way and illustrated why sports in the South are so wonderful.

[Po Monkey Lounger]

My comment was not to demean LSU's program. Obviously, as a program, LSU has more past accomplishments and would not be "a step down". But, under the circumstances, the "step down" I am talking about is in RESPONSIBILITY AND CONTROL OF THE PROGRAM. The UM program is Bianco's right now ----he is in control with no interference from the AD and UMAA. Ultimately, every coach answers to someone, and wins are expected. But, Bianco has a degree of autonomy right now at UM that is sometimes difficult to achieve, especially at a top 20 program. UM is already in this group and still climbing.

Bertman, IMO, is now LSU's problem for the baseball program. Until he really lets go, and stops his meddling, that situation is going to be a negative to hiring any coach who is established and paid well at another ranked program. The ONLY WAY LSU will get Bianco is a whole lot of $$$$$$, and Bertman agreeing to give Bianco control of the program --no more camp $$$ and merchandise promo $$$ going to Bertman. Bertman will have to decide to be just an AD.

[CamoUp]

I know your topic was a typo and should have said, 'good riddance Rebs'.

Once again they blew it.

Go Dawgs...next year

[Po Monkey Lounger]

And once again, they were there, still playing late into the post-season, in position to "blow it". Not bad for a young team that was not supposed to do much this season, and picked by many to finish last or next to last in the SEC West.