At this point in the Texas Tech program's development, it comes as no surprise to see Texas Tech Baseball recruiting classes ranked in the Top 10 nationally. But any time you snag the top spot in any recruiting category it's a head-turner, and despite the otherwise non-stop whiplash of 2020, this one has our heads turning in a decidedly more positive direction.
While this isn't a post about J-Bob Thomas, Texas Tech Baseball's Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator, it is one about the fruits of his tireless labor and he has most definitely been at it again. Thomas has been a mainstay on the Tech baselines since 2013, he was Tim Tadlock's first hire when he was promoted to Head Coach in the summer of 2012 and Thomas went from making $15,000 a year and sleeping in the baseball office as an assistant coach at Howard College, to being named the 2017 Baseball America/American Baseball Coaches Association Coach of the Year. You can read a profile from that award HERE.
Let's have a look at the #1 JUCO Class in the nation according to Perfect Game.
BRANDON BIRDSELL | RHP
Willis, Texas | Willis HS | Texas A&M University | San Jacinto College
6-2, 210lb
Bats: R | Throws: R
PG Grade: 10
2018 MLB Draft: Astros, 39th Round (1182)
National Rank: 105 | Texas Rank: 12
National RHP Rank: 37 | Texas RHP Rank: 6
Birdsell, who hails from Willis, TX, was drafted in the 39th round by the Astros in 2018 but opted instead to make his way to Texas A&M. He notched 7.0 IP in 2019 allowing 6H, 5R, 8BB, with 8K and a 1-0 record with a 6.43 ERA. Birdsell moved on to San Jacinto College and declined to be drafted in 2020 opting instead to join the Red Raiders. Under the tutelage of San Jac Pitching Coach Woody Williams, who spent 15 seasons pitching in the MLB, he posted a 5-0 record in six starts. He notched a 2.48 ERA in 29.0IP with 18H, 12R, 8ER, 9BB, and 45K. That's an impressive 13.97 strikeouts per nine innings. Birdsell credits Williams with assistance with delivery, mechanics, and mental approach.
There was speculation that Birdsell could be one of the first JUCO players taken in the 2020 MLB Draft along with two San Jacinto teammates. His teammates went but Birdsell's Top 100 ranking didn't translate into a pick. He brings a five pitch mix to Texas Tech with a four-seam fastball, two-seam fastball, spike curve, slider, and changeup. His four-seamer bumped 97mph this Spring and his slider and curve are also solid offerings with the slider resembling a cutter sitting 89-91mph. The changeup needs development but Birdsell has expressed desire and commitment to get it done. MLB observers have called it "easy power" and he is still projected to have what it takes for an MLB career.
Brandon Birdsell is outspoken and strong in his faith and his journey through College Station, San Jacinto College, and now to Lubbock has been defined by self and spiritual discovery as much as work on the diamond.
Birdsell saw limited action in Fall Ball, but he tossed two scoreless innings with 4 strikeouts and was impressive to those of us in attendance. His fastball velo is in the mid-90s and he broke 97 in his final start. He projects well with plenty of power coming from a 6-2, 210lb frame. His 3/4 arm slot lends itself to a tight wipeout slider and his changeup is serviceable with room to get better. Birdsell figures to be a regular contributor as a newcomer for the Red Raiders and already has Tommy John surgery in the rearview mirror.
BRANDON PETIX | LHP
Port Neches, Texas | Port Neches Grove HS | Alvin Community College
6-6, 210lb
Bats: R | Throws: L
PG Grade: 8
National Rank: N/A | Texas Rank: 363
National LHP Rank: 378 | Texas LHP Rank: 45
One of the most physically impressive players of the Fall, Petix is a big-bodied athlete that's an imposing figure trotting in from the bullpen. He stands at 6-6, 210lbs and projects every bit of that frame into a powerful 3/4 slot delivery. He shows serious upside and pitchability and gives observers the feeling that the velo will continue to rise with tweaks to mechanics and time with Pitching Coach Matt Gardner.
BRAYDON RUNION | 3B
Florence, KY | Randall K. Cooper HS | Walters State Community College
6-0, 225lb
Bats: R | Throws: R
National Rank: 500 | Kentucky Rank: 16
National 3B Rank: 69 | Kentucky 3B Rank: 1
Runion is one of the splashier signings of the 2020 recruiting period and boasts an excellent cache of playing video on Twitter. He's one of the few position players signed as well and the only one from the JUCO ranks. Runion is a strong 6-0, 225lbs of developed muscle. He projects power and confidence on the field and plays like an experiences JUCO player. He saw significant action at 3B early in Fall practices and showed good instincts there. He spent time in RF later in in the Fall and displayed room for improvement but also flashed athleticism making a diving/sliding catch in foul territory as well.
What remains to be seen for him will be his bat's ability to come on against elite pitching and to see if he can find a spot in a loaded lineup.
CHASE WEBSTER
Gilbert, AZ | Mesquite HS | Arizona State University | Chandler-Gilbert Community College
6-4, 235lb
Bats: R | Throws: R
National Rank: 276 | Arizona Rank: 7
National RHP Rank: 106 | Arizona RHP Rank: 2
Webster played two seasons at Chandler-Gilbert Community College and saw a lot of action. In 2018-2019 he racked up 63.0IP in 13 appearances and 11 starts. He earned a 7-6 record with 58K and 2.86 ERA but had 42BB as well. In 2019-2020 he compiled a 3.60 ERA with 10.80 strikeouts per nine innings and reduced the walks to 11 in 30.0IP, on pace for roughly half of the previous season.
Webster had three short appearances in Fall practices for the Red Raiders that resulted in very little on the stat lines. He notched 2K and 1HBP and maintained a perfect ERA. We don't know much about the righthander yet but he was a solid prospect coming out of high school in Arizona and has seen consistent success throwing strikes at the JUCO level. It'd be surprising if we don't see more of him in relief this year as the bullpen jockeys to establish their pecking order and earn opportunities at innings in a shortened season.
