MK -- Thank you so much for the update. Please, please say the terrible news from a few days ago is not true. Your loss would be huge. Hopefully many passionate emails and phone calls can do some good. You have a very loyal and ardent fan base.

owl-1983: Apologies for the delay, but I needed a few days to think things through. Obviously the news is accurate, and I don't believe that this forum is the best space to discuss what has transpired. I have struggled internally with how to manage this dialogue and currently feel it best to just focus on the future. I was given the option to remain with the team and, since I have so much invested in this group, I exercised that option. I will do my best to focus on the job at hand, and I'll leave all the extraneous disappointment to the side. I hope that everyone can enjoy what should be an exhilarating run to Omaha as much as I plan to. Thanks for your support. - MK

MK, Thanks for sticking with us at least through baseball season -- the rest of the season would be a very different experience without you. Hopefully we will be able to find a way to keep you with us, but, as you say, that is a discussion for another forum.

MK-

I understand the desire to keep the conversation "on topic" - but let me also express my disappointment and empathy with what has transpired. Best of luck to you through the remainder of the season - and please keep everyone updated on your future plans.

Beavis: Thanks. And I will do precisely that. - MK

I don't think decorum will permit me to adequately convey the degree of frustration felt with this past week's news. I am immensely grateful you'll stay with the team through this season.

There's more I would say, but this board is, as it always has been, for the promotion of the student athletes. And in that line...

Big (and busy) week for the Owls. Tuesday will definitely be a more important than usual midweek game, given our RPI standing. Any idea who will likely start? I like the idea of bringing Evers back onto the roster (it was floated out he was taking a very heavy courseload to graduate early?). Hopefully Wednesday the Owls can build a big early lead and let guys like Evers and Chase McDowell get some work in, to see if they'll be able to contribute down the stretch.

Are we to assume that Rick has reclaimed the everyday SS spot?

That USM matchup is looking pretty tough, too. Two straight sweeps for the Golden Eagles over Tulane and UH.

At Ease: I've been told that Jared Rogers will start against Texas State and J.T. Chargois (!!!) against TSU. I wouldn't assume anything at this point regarding Hague, but The OG has stated on several occasions that the Owls' best chance for success rests with everyone manning their natural positions. And if USM keeps this pace, that series will be yet another one in which first place could be on the line. The Owls will certainly be battle tested by the start of the NCAA Tournament. - MK

WOW this is fantastic to see a new blog post! I'm beyond frustrated and disappointed to hear of the recent transipirings. I was seriously in a funk all of Friday and Saturday because of this.

Anyhow, I really, REALLY hope we're not overlooking TSU (no disrespect meant to JT at all). We all know what happened on that life-changing lightening delayed day in 2004... However, best case scenario is we grab an early lead, and then get a chance to get McDowell and Evers some work.

Are you hearing anything on Hague's potential draft position? Might he come back for an encore year?

GREAT to have you back, even if temporary. argh.

wheredidmypantsgo: You thought you were in a funk this weekend? And please, no one is allowed to bring up what happened in 2004 at The Reck in this space. My wife and best friend are TSU grads, and they love bringing up that result to a Rice homer like myself. I assume that JT's curve ball got some TLC over the weekend and that he is sharp enough to merit a start. He certainly has the live arm to pitch on this level. As for Hague, where he is drafted will impact his decision. He's a talented kid, and I can't imagine, even with his defensive struggles, his dropping beyond the fifth round. I'd be surprised if he returned for his senior season, but as most of you know, anything can happen when it comes to the amateur draft. - MK

Hopefully, you'll get to make the trip up to Omaha to send Rosenblatt, and more importantly Zesto's, out in style.

Are there really enough RPI points out there for the Owls to make up enough ground to be a host? TxSo is an RPI-killer, win or Herman Coachman'd, and UAB, Marshall, and So. Miss won't help very much either.

OJ: Honestly, no. But I do honestly believe that reputation will play a factor. If the Owls finish 14-3 (through a C-USA tournament title) that means a 26-7 record since April 1. With 40 victories, a history of performing well in the postseason and hosting regionals in a gorgeous ballpark, it can be done. It's an outside shot, but some teams may come back to the pack and leave the door ajar for the Owls. Oh, and how nice would Zesto's be in June? A brother can dream, can't he? - MK

Bittersweet commenting again here....but as it pertains to the Owls it will be an interesting week and should tell us a lot about what happens next. We need a good effort from Jay and any positive contribution from Evers would be huge. I'm guessing the OG has found the batting order he feels most confident about and hope we see the aggressiveness on the basepaths continue. In my mind it is all about defense as we chase a hosting position...play good tight defense and we should be able to finish strong.

Tiki: I could not agree with you more. With this staff, which doesn't strike out a bunch of batters, defense is the key. Flash the leather and provide the pitchers confidence on the mound, and the Owls could be in for another strong finish. - MK

MK,

Great to see another blog. Was going through Owl info withdrawal since last week. Losing you will be a huge loss to Rice athletics.

Has there been any substantive reason why Evers looks to be back after finals? As I think was stated in an earlier comment, rumor had it that he was taking a heavy load this semester. Is that the sole change pre/post finals for him or did The OG and staff tweak him over the finals period?

hfh_06grad: I chalk it up to faith. The staff worked extensively with Evers during the preseason and was confident that the mechanical tweaks were all that was necessary to get the tilt back on his slider. For whatever reason Evers was ineffective, but the overriding sense I get is that they want to believe in Evers. That faith has paid dividends before, so hopefully it will do so once again post-finals. - MK

Glad to have you as long as we can get you MK!

So, do you think Evers will make an impact? It sure would be nice to have a shutdown guy in the pen again.

KingNayte: That's hard to say. He hasn't pitched effectively in a long, long time, but he could offer more than situational lefthanded relief. Tyler Duffey remains the shutdown guy in the pen, but a functional Evers certainly bolsters the bullpen depth. - MK

How does the 27-man roster work? Is that 27 guys traveling? Once finals are completed, are some guys that clearly aren't in the mix for playing time leaving either for home or summer leagues? Any idea where some of the guys are playing this summer? Are you in a position to interview some of our recruits for next year to get their take on Rice and the upcoming draft?

Thanks!

mrbig: Yep, that's the travel limit for the postseason, so the fact that Evers made the cut is quite significant. I'd imagine that those not on the active roster will remain around for the home games until their summer assignments take them elsewhere. It's tough to leave a team that you are a part of, even if you don't play. As for your last two requests, I can fulfill those as we get closer to the draft. There is a list around here somewhere revealing the Owls' summer assignments, I just have to dig it up and make sure that it is updated. Please remind me at a later date. - MK

Looking forward to reading everything you write (including your tweets) for all five games this up coming week! No longer living in Houston it makes it much harder to keep up with the team and I greatly appreciate everything you do, MK. You single-handedly changed my opinion of the radio broadcasts for the better!

James: Given my struggles on the radio (speaking up, speaking clearly while also tweeting, etc.) that means a lot. Hopefully I can jump on with J.P in Charleston. - MK

MK contrary to the record I think that the early "struggles" are going to be good for this team in the near and long term. I believe that th ups and downs have helped the team come together and get tougher mentally. Far better to be physically and mentally capable as a #2 seed than physically talented but mentally fractured regional host.

Also what have you heard regarding the CUSA tournament if Houston does not qualify?

And from BSU Rice guy to another, you are in my prayers. Thanks for all that you provided.

Pan95: I have heard nothing to suggest that UH would not host the C-USA tournament even if the Coogs don't qualify. However, I was planning to ask if the Coogs appeared to be in imminent danger in a couple weeks, just out of curiosity. One has to wonder whether the conference would simply shift the event to The Reck in order for UH to avoid the indignity of hosting without having a team in the field. Oh, and sincere thanks for keeping my in your prayers. - MK

Thanks for all you've done for Rice athetics.

This was touched upon in your response to OJ, but let me ask more directly: Does a conference championship (regular season or tourney) guarantee being a host? You seem to be saying "no."

David: First of all, you are welcome. Secondly, no. Given the Owls' (relatively) modest RPI and the overall struggles of C-USA out of conference, winning both titles would help the Owls' cause but it wouldn't guarantee anything. The Owls can't rely on any one thing to secure a hosting bid; they need to stack their resumé with as many pluses as possible (C-USA reg-season, tourney titles, 40 wins, etc.). - MK

MK, this is off topic in a different way, but I just thought I'd express how much I appreciated your coverage of Rice BASKETBALL, which just doesn't get the same press as football or baseball. You and your writing will be greatly missed.

JL: I appreciate your noticing my objective effort regarding Rice basketball. - MK

Another question - regarding the 27 man roster - who are the right handed pitching options? Do we still have Reckling and Fazio? What about Cingrani from the left side?

wheredidmypantsgo: No Cingrani. I'm almost 100% positive that Reckling and Fazio are on the roster, and rightfully so. I simply took a glance earlier this afternoon. - MK

MK, great to have you with us at least through the month of May. For many of us out-of-towners, you have been vital link to Rice athletics-- both greatly valued and appreciated. You will be sorely missed...and I share in wishing you nothing but the best going forward.

Back to baseball, somewhat odd selection of Jay Rogers for Texas State, given if I recall correctly, they are a left-hand dominant lineup. Didn't Gonzo get the start against them in San Marcos, and shut them down for six strong innings? Given all our left-handers, somewhat of an odd selection. Texas State is a very good ball club, with very good hitting. We cannot allow ourselves to get down big early as we did against DBU.

Walt: With the movement Rogers gets on his slider (when it's right, of course) and his ability to spot the fastball inside on southpaws, I don't think this staff is too concerned with his facing a lefty lineup. Gonzo did start at Texas State, but I'm almost positive that the staff prefers him out of the bullpen. Considering that Rogers didn't make it out of the third against East Carolina, he is being tested against another quality team to determine his viability as a weekend starter down the stretch. Oh, and thanks for the well-wishes. - MK

MK,
As someone who has followed Rice athletics from afar since graduating earlier this decade, I wanted to say thanks for all you've done to improve the fan experience for those who cannot be in and around Rice on a regular basis. Your work, both previously at the Chronicle and here in these pages, has been a godsend for those of us who follow Rice sports, and I wish you the best going forward.

With Rogers set to start tomorrow, it seems unlikely he will be the Sunday starter this weekend. Any clues as to who will fill that role, both this week and throughout the rest of the season? I presume Rogers could still be the top candidate but is being moved to Tuesday for RPI-related reasons; however, I would like to see Fazio given a chance in that spot. If healthy, his stuff seems to fit the profile of a weekend starter best of all our pitchers (excepting Wall and Ojala of course).

Thanks again for all you do.

WahooOwl: Actually, I think how Rogers performs against Texas State will impact his standing at Marshall, not his availability. He won't pitch long tomorrow, regardless of performance. The entire bullpen is ready and willing, so the staff is taking a look at Rogers against a quality team to see how he responds off a subpar start against East Carolina. You're right, he fits the profile of a weekend guy. - MK

What ever happened to Ryan Lewis? I thought he was going to concentrate on baseball, but he barely saw any time this year at all. Might he get a red shirt year?

Byron: He just couldn't crack the rotation, which admittedly was stacked with veterans. Perhaps a full season in the program will enhance his chances next season. - MK

Not much to say here but thanks, MK. Your wit and insight is almost single-handedly responsible for renewing my fanaticism in the Owls. I was a supporter before, but the access you provided made me a fan. You've made me feel connected to these great student-athletes and root for them as people, not faceless athletes with an R on their jersey. So thanks, thanks, thanks, good luck, and thanks. Onward and upward.

smackowl: Onward and upward, indeed. Thank you. - MK

MK,
Thanks for the updates -- nice to get back to some baseball after what feels like forever. The guys must be feeling good now that finals are behind them.

WRT the 27-man roster, is it now set in stone, or can the OG modify it as the postseason approaches?

Oh, and I'm super-pissed you'll be leaving us. **** decorum.

JOwl: Now you just knew that I would be editing your post, didn't you? I appreciate the effort to sneak that one by me. I needed the smile. As for the roster, I'll ask The OG if it is set in stone at this point. I can't imagine that it is, but I'll ask ASAP. - MK

MK, many thanks for the update. The last few days without having any Rice baseball news or Rice baseball games have been quite a withdrawal. I am also sorry to hear about the other news that has been lurking around, but I really appreciate your professionalism and staying around through the remainder of this season. Keep up the great work, and we are all here to support you through whatever future ups and downs may occur.

I am guilty of reading just about everything you have ever written about Rice but rarely post... So I am long overdue in saying, Thank you for giving Rice Athletics the voice and attention it deserves. The loyal fans have struggled to get the coverage (local or otherwise) we desire - and that is why so many of us appreciate your work.

To stick with your wishes of not making this a forum on that matter... do you have a prediction on Tennis draws tomorrow? Any chance of hosting for the men and what are the chances the women get in?

CKA: I would have liked the women's chances a lot better had they reached the C-USA tournament final. They are squarely on the bubble, but I just don't know if they beat enough quality teams to merit inclusion (I hope I am wrong). To an extent, my feelings are the same regarding the men and hosting. Too many 4-3 losses to ranked teams to justify allowing a team to host when it likely needed to win its conference tournament just to secure a bid. They're in, but likely on the road. - MK

MK - Echoing everyone else, I was elated to see the recent update on the team today. The other "hometown media" wasn't exactly scrambling to cover the baseball team or the rest of Rice athletics in your absence...

Realizing that we have to run off a very good stretch of games to end up hosting a regional, what are some potential places for us to be sent to if we end up as a #2 seed? Anywhere in particular we want to avoid?

bsp: Funny you ask that question because we discussed that very topic today. Given the Tigers' recent skid, I'm far less fearful of a trip to LSU than I was a few weeks ago. In fact, I'd take bets on Rice succeeding in Baton Rouge, Fort Worth or Fayetteville. Given the way the Longhorns are playing right about now (20 wins in a row), the Owls might want to avoid Austin at all costs. IMO, Texas is the clear favorite to win the national title, even with their supposed offensive concerns. - MK

MK, I also want to add my best wishes and thanks for all you do. Thanks also for staying with your coverage of the baseball team.

We need someone on the pitching staff to step up, a la Tacker a few years ago. I hope it is Matt Evers, just because he has been so great when he was on.

Go Owls.

I'm eager to see what Evers can do in some of these non-conference games. And I agree with going to Baton Rogue and winning there if need be. We didn't pull it off last season, but with Rendon healthy, we can take out the defending champs, assuming they have a little less than last year and we continue improving.

MK: I was away from the net for few hours this evening. When I got home my first task was to check your blog to see if you had resurfaced. Much to my relief you had.
Thanks for continuing to keep us up to date on the Rice teams and for doing so with much talent. We appreciate it.
Go Owls!

MKB -- it was just too good to last, I guess. We have been spoiled by good writing, insights into the team that we wouldn't be aware of from an outsider, and honesty. I'm glad you signed on for the rest of this season, but wish it was for many more. Best to you.

It's been hard for the last few days. We've had to make up our own news and report on it just to get our baseball fix. Thanks for today's updates. You've answered all my questions in the comments above.

MK - Thank you for your hard work. The quality and frequency of your articles will be sorely missed, along with the personal touches that made them special. Who will nickname the players now? Best of luck in your future endeavors.

MK, best of luck with your future endeavors. When one door closes, another door opens.

I read JOwl's question differently: Can the 27-man roster be adjusted at this point per NCAA regs or is it set for the duration?

rick: I am unclear on that, so I will get clarification later today. - MK

MK - Another great post. I really enjoyed your feature piece on the main site. Reminded me of grabbing the old ball and glove to meet some friends at the ball park for a little fun. Simpler days to be sure...

I was trying to think of something to say other than a simple thanks. I think "smackowl" summed it up best for me too. You alone were "responsible for renewing my fanaticism in the Owls. I was a supporter before, but the access you provided made me a fan"

Thank you.

Reading all the post season/end of school material broke my time/space continuum. Obviously we still have 3 weeks left in the season before the post season begins. Assuming we make the post season would we have to commit to a 27 man roster or could that be adjusted at each point along the way (conf. tourn., Regional, Super, CWS)? That was the intent of my question and sorry for having to come back to it to make myself more clear. Thanks.

rick: Thanks for responding because I now have an answer. Since school ends on Wednesday, Rice is mandated to provide the NCAA a 27-man postseason roster for per diem purposes. The players not on that roster are free to leave, especially out-of-towners, because they will not receive per diem to remain once school ends. Now that roster is flexible up to the start of the postseason (injuries, etc.) and when players are released for summer ball. So, yes, names can change, but for the most part the guys on the current list are the Owls that will play the rest of the way. - MK

I am pretty sure that you can change your post-season roster right up until the Wednesday/Thursday before the regionals. The bigger logistical question is when do the summer leagues start up, and when do the players depart instead of practicing with the team?

I am having trouble putting into words my feelings with your leaving the Rice Staff. I would have mentioned it to you yesterday, but I didn't really know what to say without coming off too much the fan boy type...I like your stuff. I look forward to your stuff. I will miss your stuff. Thanks.

I understand the minor league team is in town this weekend while Rice visits Marshall, so lots of afternoon games and Sunday's game may even be in the morning. If you will be doing some radio, I will try to listen in for the first time. This way the next time Rice Radio is horrible I can pull out the "remember when MK used to do the radio" card...

13thOwl: Most summer leagues start around the beginning of June, so players are typically required to arrive in late May. Start times this weekend are 1:05, 1:05 and 9:35 a.m. (!), so please join JP and I on the broadcast. I'll try to stay awake. - MK

MK, thanks so much for what you have provided to Rice Athletics! Please let us know what the future holds.

Another great post. You were building something very special here--a true relationship, with a true dialogue, between Rice athletics and its ardent fans. It was an experiment in journalism/sports promotion that was very cutting edge and very smart--traits that are particularly needed for a smaller program like Rice's, in a notoriously disinterested and mediocre media market like Houston's. Having you at Rice was truly an example of "unconventional wisdom"-- sadly, the school's loss of your services marks the departure of both. Good luck to you, MK. Owl Nation will always follow your career with great interest.

Great job MK. You are insightful, interesting and the best sportswriter for Rice athletics I have ever known.

Jim: Thank you, sir. - MK

MK: I second Jim Lassiter's opinion. I have not only always enjoyed your content, insight and enthusiasm but also appreciated your elegant style and dedication to good syntax and grammar. You set a superb example in this era of expedient and dismal tweeters. There should be a big market for your talents. My guess is that you will have no difficulty finding good work. All the best and stay in touch with us beyond the season. Charles

Charles: Thanks for the support, and I hope you are correct with your assessments. - MK

MK, question on the upcoming draft. If Rice loses one or more HS recruits in the upcoming draft (thinking of Taillon in particular), what happens to the scholarship that was alocated to that player? Is the coaching staff put in a position where they are scrambling to pick someone up at the last minute to give the scholarship to? Or do they just not give out the full compliment of scholarships? Thanks.

mrbig: I actually had this conversation with Pierce and Taylor a couple weeks back for I was planting the seeds for an offseason recruiting article, something where I followed those two around at a particular showcase. The staff is always juggling scholarships and covering its backside in the event a recruit signs a pro contract. Remember, they got both Craig Manuel and Geoff Perrott late, so it isn't that rare of an occurrence. The onus is on them to remain somewhat flexible, and with partial scholarships, that task isn't exceedingly difficult. It just takes maneuvering. - MK