The Roost

NCAA makes changes

Coastal baseball coach Gary Gilmore and many of his colleagues throughout the southern states got their wish on Thursday, when the NCAA's Board of Directors added one week to the college baseball season.

He's back. Now where does he go?

When Coastal made wholesale changes before the top of the seventh inning of Wednesday's 18-5 win over Wake Forest, there was one that was certainly more significant than all the others. Two days after his cast was removed, Scott Woodward played the last three innings in place of Rico Noel in center field.

Ten on Tuesday

This week Coastal pitching coach Drew Thomas joins us for Ten on Tuesday. Thomas, who joined the coaching staff in 2007, has been credited with much of the success of Coastal's pitchers over the past few years. He came to Conway after serving for four years at the IMG Academy, a Florida-based talent development center.

Beating out the Big Ten?

Coastal could be on the verge of beating a Big Ten school for a basketball recruit. I keep wondering how in the world that's possible, but all indications are that it could happen on Friday.

McCully's role changes

With his team struggling, Coastal baseball coach Gary Gilmore altered the look of his starting pitching staff against Presbyterian on Sunday, inserting closer Nick McCully into the starting role. Judging by Gilmore's comments, McCully is likely to stay there.

Basketball adds junior commit

Coastal Carolina's men's basketball team has a non-binding commitment from one of the top junior players in the Pittsburgh, Penn., area.

Comeback time

I crossed paths with Coastal outfielder/infielder Scott Woodward on campus this morning. The team's dynamic leadoff hitter told me his cast -- he broke his pinky earlier this month -- comes off tomorrow. "Hopefully they'll let me play this weekend," he said. Although Woodward can immediately start rehabilitation, I doubt he'll be in the lineup for this weekend's pivotal three-game set with Liberty.

Poll results

Last week's poll question -- Who has been the MVP for Coastal's baseball team so far? -- received 42 votes. The results: Starting pitcher Cody Wheeler (20 votes, 47.6 %), 1B David Anderson (11 votes, 26.2 %), 3B Tyler Bortnick (Eight votes, 19 %) and closer Nick McCully (Three votes, 7.1 %).

Nothing yet

None of the prospects with Horry County ties most likely sign a free agent contract with an NFL team had done so by 9:30 p.m. on Sunday.

The free fall continues

I thought the Oakland Raiders taking Darrius (Way)ward-Bey was going to be the most shocking development of the afternoon until I checked the result of Coastal's baseball game with Presbyterian. If you didn't know already, the Chants lost to the Blue Hose, ranked 240th in the most recent RPI.