Really like the interviews with Fox and Longley so far. Excited to hear from everyone else

Really enjoyed listening to all three. I think we are in good hands with this staff.

After catching up on these interviews, I really think this staff is going to be good. Sounds like we have a really good alignment with everyone on staff.

The entire hour was interesting getting to know the new coaches, a couple highlights for me:

• "Can you go to Omaha with Kent as your SS? Yes. Absolutely." The entire exchange about Kent with Fox was a good listen.
• Jace Hutchins played a big part (Will said he was the primary reason) keeping the pitching staff together through the transition.
• Jack Mahala plays a big part in preparing the weekly scouting report and breaking it down for the coaches and players. Personally, I thought a big part of our success this year was being very well prepared for each game.
• Longley was a good listen just to get to know him. First job was at ASU working for Earley. Tulo brought him to Texas after following him in a regional and listening to a podcast Caleb did. He said he has a similar approach to Earley on hitting. Not a one size fits all.
• JK said to expect a similar approach. Throw lots of strikes and work in the zone. Typically work off locating the fastball. Have a good secondary pitch and try to develop a 3rd pitch. Very focused on development.

Longley sounds really impressive for a young guy. Put an emphasis on the individualized approach for hitters. Match made in heaven with Earley

LB12Diamond said:

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Caleb's interview was very solid.

Fox's answer about Kent was a layup. What do you think he's going to say? LOL. Now I do think Kent's a badass and can do it all. Just laughing at the question.

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The issue with Kent is not that he isn't capable of playing shortstop (at a high enough level for us to win), but rather, whether he is the best option on the roster at short. As long as Ali is on the roster, he isn't the best option defensively, so the question becomes whether offensive considerations dictate playing him there anyway. When you have other spots in the lineup where Kent can play, there is no need to sacrifice Ali's glove.

We may have someone new coming in who will pose the same questions even if Ali signs. I think Kent would have faced the same question if he had transferred to any other top school. He's good enough to play shortstop at a high level, but he's not the kind of glove first shortstop that so many teams have on their roster. So, why not face that question at A&M, rather than face it elsewhere. I think that if Ali signs, odds are that Kent plays short.

I want to drink a beer with Jason Kelly.