A couple of Diamond Hogs have some big decisions to make in the next month. Both Brandon Moore and Dominic Ficociello have the option to come back for a senior year, or sign a pro contract.
Van Buren native Brandon Moore told 5NEWS he is truly undecided on what he's going to do. He can see himself coming back to Arkansas, but he wants to wait to make the right decision. Moore was taken in a very low round, 512th overall to the Milwaukee Brewers, but he says that does not matter to him. Players have until July 12 to decide.
“I want to decide as soon as possible because it's kind of weird not knowing your future,” said Moore. “Pro ball is pro ball. It doesn't matter where you get drafted, as long as you get there and perform.”
Dominic Ficociello was chosen a little higher with the 366th pick to the Detroit Tigers. He also said he was undecided, but his biggest concern is being a senior next year. That will diminish his stock and probably cost him a lot of money. Ficociello has made it know he wants to get to the pros as soon as he can. He’s undecided for now, but could be leaning towards leaving Arkansas.
“It kind of eats at me because in reality I wouldn't have any problem coming back for another year,” said Ficociello. “From a future standpoint and a business standpoint it would kind of hurt me. So we'll have to see how it goes.”
Keeping both players would be a huge win, but the Hogs may need Brandon Moore because of pitching depth. With all the starters gone next season, the pitching staff is down to seven players on the roster. They only made 12 of the 61 starts this year and only pitched 30 percent of the innings.
One player who will not be in Fayetteville next season is former Razorback commit, pitcher Teddy Stankiewicz. He was a second-round pick by the Red Sox, and was reported to have reached a $1.1 million deal, according to WEEI.com.