2025 #10 Diamond Dawgs (33-9, 10-8) / Game 43: Tuesday at #2 Clemson (7pm; ESPNU)

Potential happy medium solution for sticked threads. Can keep mundane day to day type discussion in here, but any actual NEWS (a commitment, injury, transfer, etc) would need it's own thread started. Game threads also encouraged.

They just wrapped up the intrasquad stuff at Athens Academy a week or two ago. Imagine that may be the last of the public viewing stuff until the season. Big names out of Fall seem to be Nolan McCarthy and just the pitching staff in general. Wes seems to be pleased with what he has this year which makes me feel optimistic.

Should have Foley wrapped up by January, they’re not accepting any new season ticket orders this year as they reseat the stadium (which I get but also kinda breaks my heart as I’ve been in the same spot for the last 10+ years). Price of progress, I suppose.

In addition to an all-turf field, home dugout is moving over to 3rd base side

Yeah, Wes wanted it all turf because it makes it easier to host off season prospect camps. The outfield grass was in ROUGH shape during the Supers which would mean having to resod the outfield before you could bring any prospects to campus for camps (which isn’t something we ever really did much of under Stricklin). He basically wants to do what Kirby does in football and turf makes that possible (much as I prefer natural grass and dirt).

Yeah Lukas Farris. He infamously had a grand slam against Tech in the game that ended up getting cancelled. Good player but wasn’t going to see the field or plate much with how deep this team is and now that roster limit has been restricted

Dawgs ranked #4 in Perfect Game preseason poll!

1. Texas A&M
2. LSU
3. UVA
4. Dawgs
5. Vols
6. FSU
7. Texas
8. Clemson
9. Duke
10. Oregon State

Pretty awesome wrote up from a poster on On3, DecaturPsalm...who may be tylerdurden?? If this is you td24 let me know and I'll delete and wait for you to post over here.

Anyways props to him for this.




Key Departures
Pitching Departures
Jarvis Evans: The Junior lefty started 8 games and threw about 40 innings with a 5.49 ERA. After falling out of the rotation and barely pitching down the stretch, he transferred to South Carolina.

Christian Mracna: The George Mason transfer threw 45 innings with a 5.32 ERA. He signed a minor league deal with Toronto this offseason

Chandler Marsh: The Junior threw 15 innings, but missed the majority of the season with an injury. He signed a minor league deal with the New York Mets.

Daniel Padysak: The Charleston Southern transfer had an up and down season. He just never seemed to get fully comfortable in Athens.

Summary
The Dawgs bring back the majority of their 2024 contributors and added a large contingent of transfers to bolster the depth heading into 2025.

2025 Outlook
Weekend Rotation Options
Leighton Finley (6-1, 4.14): Finley started 16 games for the Dawgs last year and became the Friday night starter after Goldstein went down. Finley is expected to anchor the rotation in 2025. While he may not be an elite Friday night guy in the SEC, he is going to give you a shot to win.

Kolten Smith (9-3, 5.56): Kolten had a very slow start to 2024 but he was one of the best pitchers in the entire conference and country down the stretch for the Dawgs. He is expected to build off that and the staff expects him to win and hold onto a weekend rotation slot as a Junior.

Charlie Goldstein (4-1, 3.72): The Friday night guy for Georgia in 2024 before his injury, Goldstein is back as a graduate and expected to be the veteran presence on a much deeper roster. He's on pace to be ready for the start of the season and if healthy, will be pitching on the weekends.

JT Quinn (1-3, 8.84 at Ole Miss): Made 28 appearances over the last two seasons at Ole Miss. Was the Opening Day started for the Rebels in 2024 but his season was mired by injuries. Looking for a bounce back season under Wes and with that much SEC experience, he's expected to factor heavily into the rotation and weekend staff.

Zach Brown (4-0, 4.22 at Ohio State): The Sophomore comes to Athens after on year in Columbus. Brown is 6'5 220 and has impressed the staff a lot since arriving on campus. A Dark horse to earn a rotation slot.

Zach Harris (5-2, 6.87): Harris stepped up for the Dawgs down the stretch while we were dealing with injuries. His strikeout stuff is fantastic. Another year under Wes should lead to another step forward.

Eric Hammond (2-2, 6.75 at USC): Hammond started 7 games for the Trojans in 2024 and 13 in 2023.

Matthew Hoskins (0-0, 19.64): Hoskins pitched just 3.2 innings for the Dawgs in 2024 while rehabbing an injury. Some still see him as more of a 9th inning type but as he gets closer and closer to getting back to 100% he's going to factor into this staff one way or another.

Rotation Summary: This is the deepest pitching staff we've had in years and it is evident in the rotation options. We may not have a 1st Round Friday night "ace" but we have about 5-6 guys who could become legitimate high-end Saturday guys.

Key Bullpen Options
Alton Davis (4-2, 5.61 with 4 Saves at Alabama): Davis is a huge pickup in the transfer portal and will serve as one of our highest-leverage arms/closers. He served in that role for two years at Alabama racking up nearly 50 appearances and 12+ saves for the Tide. One of the best left-handed arms in the SEC. Was a Freshmen All American in 2023.

Brian Zeldin (3-3, 5.56): Zeldin was arguably over-used last year because he was the only reliever we had that we trusted to get high-leverage outs. Now he will have a few guys to share the load with and should be even more effective.

Brian Curley (6-0, 2.87 with 3 saves at VCU): Another elite transfer reliever pick up. Curley was a 16th round draft pick by Pittsburg who decided to come to Athens anyway. First team All Conference last year, Curley will factor in as one of the highest-leverage arms right away.

Collin Caldwell (DNP, Injury): Caldwell missed all of 2024 with an elbow injury but he is back and brings significant amount of experience. Collin has over 60 career appearances for the Dawgs and should be ready for day 1 of 2025.
Paul Farley (DNP, Redshirt): Farley took a redshirt last year in Athens but was on the roster. Tells you what Wes thinks of him.

Bradley Stewart (0-3, 13.50 at EKU): The numbers at EKU last year were bad, but he was a 17th round pick out of high school. He can hit 96-97 with relative ease but needs to learn to command the fastball better. Pretty major upside on him if he can gel with Wes' style.

Davis Chastain (1-3, 8.37 at Georgia State): Will be another guy who can live or die with the strike out. Another high velo guy.

Luke Wiltrakis: (0-1, 1.93): Wilktrakis appeared in 5 games for the Dawgs last year and looked quite impressive doing it.

DJ Radtke: (1-0, 3.45): This is Radtke's 4th year on campus and should provide some quality depth
Ethan Sutton: (0-1, 3.38) One of the few freshmen arms that made the roster in 2025 so far. Expects to provide depth

Jordan Stephens (4-6, 5.03 at ABAC): Live arm transfer to provide depth

Logan Spivey (0-1, 7.84 at Georgia Highlands): Another live arm that Wes wants to mold
Justin Byrd: (9 appearances at USC Aiken): Dealt with an arm injruy that derailed 2024. Two way player who will pitch at Georgia

Wyatt Land (0-0, 6.75): One of the few freshmen arms that made the roster in 2025 so far. Expects to provide depth

Nate Taylor (Freshman): The Freshmen will come in with some real upside but an uphill battle to earn innings early.

Bullpen Summary: Depth depth depth. This unit is twice as deep as it was last year but it also has some real upside at the top. Davis, Zeldin, and Curley should be three guys who will all serve as closers essentially. Guys like Zach Brown, Eric Hammond, Zach Harris, JT Quinn, etc who don't make the rotation will all provide significant middle relief support.

This is a pitching staff that can make a run in the SEC and is much more prepared for the dregs of the summer than the 2024 roster was. Where last year pitching was a patchwork effort, it should be a strength heading into the season. The only thing missing is the lack of a true Friday Night ace.

Only thing I’d challenge in that post is that Goldstein is likely going to start in the bullpen as he returns from injury and Davis will be one of our weekend arms as he gives us some punch with a lefty arm.

Yeah ...unless Tyler wants to give his breakdown first...I know this thread is his baby and would hate to drop a random dudes thoughts in here if Tyler was working on a similar breakdown.

Key Position Player Departures

Charlie Condon: Condon was the best player in America last year. He finished with the Golden Spikes and was the 3rd overall pick to Colorado in the draft.

Corey Collins: Collins finished with 1.346 OPS with 20 HRs and led the nation with OBP. He was drafted in the 6th round by the New York Mets.

Fernando Gonzalez: The veteran catcher posted a .890 OPS with 45 starts behind the plate. He was drafted in the 20th round by the Giants.

Paul Toetz: The grad transfer struggled defensively which cut into his ABs early, but finished the year with a .991 OPS.

Dylan Goldstein: Dylan brought power to the lineup, hitting 12 HRs with a .991 OPS.

Clayton Chadwick: Clayton finished the year with an .862 OPS starting 40 games for the Dawgs in the OF
Sebastian Murillo: Started 24 games for the Dawgs at 2B. Struggled at the plate but had some timely hits. Was a nice piece for the Dawgs over the last two years.

Dillon Carter: Carter dealt with a injury that slowed him down for the majority of the middle part of the season but he started 28 games in CF with a .939 OPS.

Logan Jordan: OPS of .855 over 25 starts for the Dawgs. Had a pretty cold streak during the middle half of the year but had some very timely hits for the Dawgs as well.

Summary: The Dawgs are replacing their two best hitters and basically 7 every day guys from an offense that finished #1 in the SEC in Scoring and #8 nationally. This was the best offense Georgia has had in decades and its going to be a near complete rebuild. While that sounds daunting, it's worth noting just how top heavy this lineup was at times. While Georgia simply cannot replace a guy like Charlie Condon or even Corey Collins, they can lengthen the lineup some and add production from the 7/8/9 spots in the lineup that wer not as productive for them last year as they could have been.

2025 Outlook

Catcher Options

Daniel Jackson (.357/.460/.599 12HR 69RBI for Wofford): Offensive juggernaut as a true freshmen on one of the best offensive teams last year in Wofford. Started 50+ games and should step in right away and be an SEC-caliber starter behind the plate for Georgia. Future MLB catcher. Has a few years of eligibility in Athens.

Henry Hunter (.264/.379/.500 4HR 12RBI): Started 19 games and played 30 backing up Gonzo last year. A strong defender who has the ability to impact the game offensively. Not a star, but a really nice option to pair with another catcher.

Brennan Hudson (.326/.512/.717 10HR 25 RBI for Georgia State): One of the best offensive players in the Sun Belt last year as a sophomore. I have him listed as a Catcher just to better group the players, but he is going to play a bunch of spots. Similarly to Logan Jordan last year, he can help behind the plate, but will also DH, play some OF, maybe even some corner INF.

Middle Infield Options

Kolby Branch (.267/.366/.538 17 HRs 58 RBI): Kolby came over from Baylor last year and started basically every game at SS. After considering a jump to the MLB draft, he will do so again this year. He provides elite pop from the SS position and will be one of the vocal leaders on this team.

Ryan Black (.278/.398/.476 5HR 41 RBI at UT-Arlington): Black was arguably the best pickup we made in the transfer portal. A very strong defender who can hit for average (.308 over two years). Where there was a bit of a revolving door at 2B last year, it should be handled mostly by Black.

Christian Adams (.343/.465/.522 8 HR 31 RBI at FAU): Adams had two very strong offensive seasons at FAU before coming to Athens. He is going to have to battle for an every day role but he absolutely has the ability to force his way into a lineup. He's a fairly athletic guy who they may try and get creative with to get him extra ABs.

Trey King (.231/.310/.269 0HR 1RBI): King is a glove first middle infielder who will go as far as his bat takes him. A little surprised he's back in Athens, to be honest. I thought he may transfer to find some more opportunities to play right away. His glove will be nice to bring off the bench, though. If he can take a step at the plate, he can absolutely play every day.

Bryce Clavon (DNP, Freshman): Clavon comes in as a highly touted major league prospect. He's fairly polished for a true freshman. It's going to be about taking advantage of his early opportunities. Not expecting a Tre Phelps like Freshman year because of a possible lack of opportunities, but he has the ability to force Wes' hand if he plays to his potential early.

Eric Parker (DNP, Freshman): Another major league prospect. Parker is similar to King, but with considerable more upside. His glove is already polished and draftable. How his hit tool develops in Athens will determine if he is a utility guy or an early round pick in the draft in a couple years. Expecting a smaller role for him early in Athens as he develops.

Corner Infield Options

Tre Phelps (.353/.441/.699 12HR 40RBI): Tre was one of the best freshmen in America last year and he's set up to be the anchor of this team in 2025. I have him listed with the corner INF options because I think he is going to get the majority of reps early at 3B but he is going to be moved around a lot to get the best lineup together. He will be in the lineup every day, probably hitting 2nd or 3rd, his position just might change.

Slate Alford (.300/.370/.539 17HR 69RBI): Never in my many years in and around college baseball have I seen a player hit .300 with 17HRs and nearly 70RBIs and have a fanbase come for a player the way Georgia fans went after Slate last year. His defense was an issue and for that reason he will probably shift to more of a DH role in 2025. Like Phelps, he is listed with the corner INF but he can play 2B (where he played a lot last year) in addition to DHing.

Ryland Zaborowski (.305/.402/.686 20HR 52 RBI at Miami OH): My pick to star at 1B, Zaborowski is going to be the guy we lean on to try and replace Corey Collins offensive power production. Can also play 3B or corner OF.

Charlie Jones (.344/.415/.682 13HR 54 RBI at Air Force): Had a break out year at Air Force last year. He's going to force his way into the lineup somewhere. He can play 1B, 3B, OF, or DH.

Cade Brown (DNP, Freshman): Cade is one of the 3-4 freshmen I anticipate to contribute this year. His raw power, stemming from an elite exit velocity, is nearly unheard of from a true freshman. He's going to get some 3B and DH opportunities.

TL Saxon ( .438/.563/.914 20HR 76 RBI with East Georgia State College): It's a major step up in comp, but Saxon was dominant at the plate in two years at EGSC. I expect him to provide depth this year.

Alexander Sifford (DNP, Freshman): Another freshman. I don't anticipate Sifford to contribute much in 2025.

Outfield Options

Nolan McCarthy (.288/.380/.480 8HR 41 RBI at Kentucky): Veteran who played 125 games for Kentucky over the last three years. Going to be a veteran and a leader on this team.

Devin Obee (.309/.399/.599 16HR 50RBI at Duke): Started 60 games in CF for Duke in 2024. Played nearly 150 games over three seasons. Another veteran who will take over an OF spot right away.

Robbie Burnett (.323/.454/.656 18HR 45RBI 15SB at UNC-Asheville): We saw Burnett first hand last year with UNC-Asheville and he impressed. One of the best pure hitters we will have. Also brings an element of speed we don't have much of elsewhere.

John Marant (.200/.429/.300 0HR 0RBI): Returning for a second year at Georgia, Marant struck out in nearly 50% of his ABs last year. There is upside there but I do not expect him to start.

All in all, on paper at least this is a much more well rounded team than last years. Just a lot more arms to work with, more bats, etc. Hard to imagine a scenario in which we can’t conceivably empty the clip if we want to and simply out attrition another mid tier squad. The question is going to be how do we compete with the top half of the SEC (especially on the road; Wes has made it a point to own Foley and the portal grabs reflect that he wants to build around our field dimensions)