The departure of Chase Solesky and the transfer of J.P. France to Mississippi State remove the only two potentially-returning pitchers from our roster who pitched half-way decently in 2017. France, of course, only had one year left, and whatever difficulties he had with the coaching staff, is apparently looking to play for a team with a good chance for post season (even Omaha) success. I don’t like it but wish him well in his choice. Solesky apparently became a victim of “numbers,” or lack of “dollars.” The kid looked very good early on with an ERA of 3.05 for the first two months of the season. From mid-April to the end, however, his 4.73 ERA was, at best, “lackluster.” Of course, even that was better than the majority of our pitchers, including Merrill, whose ERA over his final six games was 6.57.
Some on here may know more about the “dividing up” of scholarship money than I. But apparently Coach Jewett did not think Solesky’s potential contribution was worth what Coach Pierce had provided in financial aid. Not knowing the details, it is hard to argue one way or the other. I will say that, while I think Solesky showed greater potential than the rest of the freshmen pitchers recruited by Pierce, I certainly don’t think he was a “great pitcher” as some anti-Jewett fans have proclaimed. Has Jewett found better potential for less money in the incoming class? We’ll have to wait and see. I’d have liked to have seen Solesky return and doubt his departure is good for either him or Tulane. But, I wish him well and hope our incoming Freshmen and JC transfers prove worthy of the scholarship money (whatever it is) that they have been offered. I can’t even imagine the difficulties of kids knowing this guy or that guy (teammates) are receiving more (or less) than they are. That can’t foster good morale. Regardless, it is what it is.
Roll Wave!!
Some on here may know more about the “dividing up” of scholarship money than I. But apparently Coach Jewett did not think Solesky’s potential contribution was worth what Coach Pierce had provided in financial aid. Not knowing the details, it is hard to argue one way or the other. I will say that, while I think Solesky showed greater potential than the rest of the freshmen pitchers recruited by Pierce, I certainly don’t think he was a “great pitcher” as some anti-Jewett fans have proclaimed. Has Jewett found better potential for less money in the incoming class? We’ll have to wait and see. I’d have liked to have seen Solesky return and doubt his departure is good for either him or Tulane. But, I wish him well and hope our incoming Freshmen and JC transfers prove worthy of the scholarship money (whatever it is) that they have been offered. I can’t even imagine the difficulties of kids knowing this guy or that guy (teammates) are receiving more (or less) than they are. That can’t foster good morale. Regardless, it is what it is.
Roll Wave!!