I haven't looked this year but last season she was playing on the Batbuster's third level 18U team. Meaning she was consistently playing against lesser 18U teams. Quite a few errors in the 19 games I had stats. Don't remember the exact number. Was hitting somewhere in the high .200. Offering this one has always been a surprise to me. Hope I'm wrong.
I knew you’d say that because i recall you saying this exact thing many moons ago. So she’s batbusters which is still something even if the lower level but…still lower level. I certainly respect your insight and if you have questions so do I. That said I’m gonna root hard for her because I love me a hard knocks story lol. Both of us want you to be wrong and we’ll both be overjoyed if you are!
You guys have me pulling for her now. I would think CTW must have seen something he likes about her game.
I totally agree. I don't think CTW would have signed a girl last fall particularly one from California to come to Gainesville and sit on the bench for four years. This girl was not a last minute add on. I guess we are going to find out who is a better evaluator of talent whether it is CTW or rick. Based on rick's ranting and raving about Taylor, I've got to go with rick.
I don't know. Haven't seen enough actual video. The stats were not good. I can't escape the feeling this one was a favor to someone. I could be completely and totally wrong and that would be better than being right.
I took a look at the roster sizes under CTW. I believe the smallest was 16 with 2 pitchers and a couple numbering 17 with three pitchers. Looks like we need to find a couple or more OF/Util types since we have so many newcomers. 11 position players (not counting Ava) is scary.
SEC transfers Rodriguez, Walker join Auburn softball for 2026 - Auburn Tigers - Official Athletics Website Rodriguez a solid pick up for AU.. Hit .311/ .439 OBP w/ Vols last year.
Who is the best outfielder still available in the portal? Does any one have a clue? I would like to see a roster of of 18-19 players. Which means CTW has got to be recruiting and evaluating what’s left. He still has five weeks to add to the 2026 roster.
I think the starting OF of Taylor Shumaker, Cassidy McLellan and Townsen Thomas are going to be fine and really good. And we have Ella Wesolowski, who is a catcher/outfielder as a potential 4th OF. But I do agree that it would be nice to pick up another one or two players to give the OF and IF more depth. Here's a link to On3's portal list. Not many players left. I'm sure Coach Walton is scouring the players still in the portal, plus high school players who may be diamonds in the rough and not yet enrolled and probably even some J/C players who might want to transfer in. College Softball Transfer Portal
Normally I'm not a take a flyer type guy but there could come a time with a small roster you just need someone to fill a spot.
Think we probably are at that point. Look for an elite infield glove for late game replacement. Look for an elite base runner.
Lot of trust and confidence in 2 OFs that haven't done anything. In 2 seasons, I just haven't seen it from McLellan.
Thomas redshirted last year. I think she started out with an injury and decided not to waste the year being a back-up to Otis, Falby & Shumaker. But she came is as the #1 ranked outfielder in the class of 2024 according to Extra Innings Softball. She has blazing speed, was a high school track star and was the MVP of the Team USA that won the 18U World Cup last summer. She is a big time player who everyone wanted and I predict she will be our leadoff hitter and an excellent one at that. Here's what EIB wrote about her: T-2—Townsen Thomas, OF, Texas Blaze United 18U – Cain Townsen is one of the top all-around athletes in travel softball and is a true triple threat with tremendous power and speed. She has been clocked at 2.55 home-to-first and Townsen has also been an AAU Junior Olympic track athlete. She has always played up in age group in order to better prepare herself for college and has dominated each age group. Amazing, per Coach Caitlyn Cain, Townsen has been playing 18U since her freshman year in high school. This year for her 18U team, she again posted huge numbers: a .636 batting average with an OPS of 1.714 and had 67 stolen bases in 37 games. As a leadoff, she led her team in home runs. In high school ball, Townsen hit .649 with a 1.894 OPS and led her team in stolen bases. Says Coach Cain: “Unfortunately, she was hurt this summer and only able to play in one tournament, but she attended every single practice and tournament with her team. In the dugout, she was constantly finding ways to help her teammates, where it was grabbing equipment for them, discussing baserunning, or scouting pitchers.” And one OnDeck Scouting report said it best: “Electrifying outfielder, has National Team potential down the road.” As for McLellan, she hasn't had much opportunity, but has done fine when given the chance to play. 27 AB in 2023, 21 AB's in 2024..292 overall average. With an OF in 2023 of Otis, Falby & Kistler, then in 2024 of Otis, Falby and Shumaker, McLellan was the odd player out. But she's finally going to get her chance - I hope. Playing every day instead of sporadically takes some pressure off and while Wesolowski may possibly beat her out or CTW may sign another outfielder who proves to be better, I'm pulling for Cassidy big time because she's hung there, kept working and waited her turn for a starting job instead of bailing into the transfer portal like so many are doing now. I don't think there's any doubt that the Gator offense in 2026 is not going to be as powerful as those of the last 3 years. We've lost Otis, Falby, Walsh, Williams & Holtorf off last year's team and Wallace, Kistler, Kowalewski and even Wilkie off the 2024 team. But I like to stay optimistic and believe the pitching in 2026 will be much better, as will the infield defense. I, also, think Shumaker, Erickson, Walker, Cahalan and Grover will be excellent at the plate and I'm expecting Thomas to emerge as a star. But time will tell.
Softball on SI yesterday said Layla Lamar is the 2025 offensive player of the year in the FGCL. Maybe unfortunate we couldn’t keep her.
