We will have to see on the returning guys .. We will lose two guys for sure because of eligibility. One of those a weekend starter. The other a key bullpen arm. Can't see another weekend starter coming back (because of draft) IMO. Our third (normal) weekend starter, just don't know. Would have said gone for sure earlier in the year (pre injury), but that may have changed some now. Closer/fill in starter not sure as well, but possible he could leave via the draft as well (he loses draft leverage if he comes back).

As far as next year, Fecteau does a really good job bringing along strong improvement with returning guys. That will need to continue. There are some arms with a lot of potential that need to be brought along some, and of course, many of those guys lost summer ball last year. But there is some talent there. We didn't have Weycker all year and he would have played a key role this year. But look at the improvement of last years 2nd round pick (Ian Seymour) from his start time here at VT to draft year. Look at Alford turning into a solid Friday night starter in the ACC this year. His development really helped us this year, and filled a void that could have been a real issue. Look at how well Simonelli has come along.We do have some high level guys coming on board from a recruiting standpoint ..some potential difference makers (assuming they arrive here).

And there is always the transfer portal..Connolly was not on the public's radar this time last year. Look at how that has turned out for us..So that type of situation will always be a possibility. It is hard to know what/how things will shape out due to the draft being only 20 rounds now. There is simply not as much room at the pro level anymore, so more kids will have to return. And with last year's draft only being 5 rounds, you have some "leftovers" (and I don't mean that in a derogatory sense at all) that matriculate into this year's draft. Will be interesting to see how we end up, as we don't have the super high level guy from the mound this year, but some good prospects for sure. Where they end up is hard to predict.
[Post edited by VTScoop at 05/10/2021 1:59PM]