MSU News & Notes | Hunter Renfroe Edition
Here are some MSU news and notes with an emphasis on how good Hunter Renfroe is.
We’ve covered Hunter Renfroe extensively this summer as he tore up minor league pitching but still couldn’t get the call to the big leagues. It was more about the Padres’ financial liabilities if they called Hunter up that was delaying things than his play (.300+ average, 30 HR, 100+ RBI in AAA this year). Then his minor league team played for the championship so he stayed there with them until last September as the Padres weren’t in playoff contention themselves.
Now that Renfroe has finally been called up to the big leagues he’s putting on a show. Absolutely putting on a show.
In just 27 at bats he has 10 hits for a .370 average with 4 home runs and 12 RBI.
In Tuesday night’s game against the Dodgers, he had two home runs (one was a grand slam) and seven RBI.
He followed that up on Wednesday night by becoming the first player in the history of the Padres’ stadium to land a home run on the rooftop of the Western Supply Building:
Wow.
Scott Stricklin
I have gone through the stages of grief regarding Scott Stricklin. Since he was a home-grown product I certainly never felt he would leave, and felt like a he was breaking up with us all of the sudden.
I was in denial that it was really happening, then it quickly turned to anger about why he would do this to his “family”. I began bargaining as I wondered if he would’ve stayed for more money. Then felt as though this will ultimately be a net negative as we won’t strike lightning three times in a row with Greg Byrne, Scott Stricklin and whoever the next guy is.
Now I’ve reached acceptance. I’m glad Stricklin is staying until November 1st. He’s taking this job at Florida for whatever personal reasons and believes MSU will find a suitable replacement. He wants to stick around to make sure it’s a smooth transition. I’m really sad to see him go, but he’s a classy guy and I appreciate what he’s done for Mississippi State.
Mullen on Stricklin: "We've won more games than Florida has the last six years ... No wonder they want him and people are coming after him."
— Bob Carskadon (@bobcarskadon) September 28, 2016
NFL Dawgs
If you’re not checking out Andrew’s weekly post on what former Bulldogs are doing in the NFL you should.
Of course we all know what Dak Prescott is doing game-to-game, but the best pro among former Dawgs is Fletcher Cox. He was named NFC Defensive Player of the month for September.
Lady Bulldogs
This could be a huge year for Mississippi State Women’s Basketball. Last year was big as they made it to the Sweet 16, but 2016-17 could feature a team that competes for the Final Four.
They were ranked No. 7 in the preseason rankings. Victoria Vivians is considered an All-American player.
Men’s Hoops
Practice starts next week as Ben Howland hopes his top 10 recruiting class translates into more wins this year. The first game of the season will be November 11th vs. Norfolk State at the Hump.