@Stinger90 -
Part of the issue with getting the "talent" into GT is the grade and test scores requirement. Along with the that, you then have the degree options and class requirements at GT. (yes that horse has been beaten for years, but it do hold relevancy to the situation.) But let's face the truth, many of the players (just like others in the age bracket) want to take a path of least resistance.
Regarding scholarship funding. You are correct that there are NOT enough baseball scholarships to give a full ride to each player. I know that some players get a "full" ride as long as they maintain the Hope Scholarship, i.e. the player gets a partial tuition covered and then a housing allotment along with food access. (the above is basically as described to me by one of the players parents.)
Hall (and Morris before) have to overcome these hurdles (grades/tests/scholly %) plus the fact that many of our recruits are drafted by MLB. Some of those drafted may "bite" on a $20K, $50K or $100K signing bonus for some that is enough to go directly to the pros (minors) and bypass college. (side note: most MLB teams will write into the players initial contract that they will cover the cost of college if the player "doesn't make it". With that my understanding is that less than 5% - might have been 1% - of those players take advantage of that opportunity. Reason being they are "getting on' with their life, someone is pregnant, etc.)
That leaves those that do sign. with us. Of those, obviously some get hurt (ex. D Waller). Some don't pan out / develop. Others develope then opt to leave with eligibility left after their 3rd year out of H.S. because they have some "leverage" for a higher signing bonus with the possibility of them returning to school for another year or two. (The "studs" more often than not don't play their 4th year in college.)
IMO, pitchers are the most difficult to get and develop of those that do go to college. With that,
pitching has been our downfall the last few years. Yes we've had a few to do well, but we haven't had those 3 - 4 starters that would be the #1 or #2 on most other teams. Without at least two (preferably three or four) go to starters we've pitched by committee and it shows against to tougher competition.
While we do normally get good recruiting classes, bottom line is GT doesn't get enough "studs" -especially pitchers - to simply reload each year mainly due to the academic environment. With that said,
I do think that GT has done very well over the last 25 - 30 years. For that I'm thankful that we can be disappointed with a 32 win season. Especially considering our strength of schedule each yea
(If a moderator wants to move this and other related comments in this thread to the "
Program in Decline-Why?" thread it would make sense.)