It's not hard to hit a home run with the 5-star studs like Durant, Aldridge, Ford and Augustin - Barnes gets an "A" in bringing them to the 40 acres.  But therein lies the problem, these guys stick for one or two years and then move on to greener pastures - that leaves you with the 4 and 3 star recruits - and that's where Barnes has failed, and failed miserably.

Consider the "non-superstars" who he has signed between 2002 and 2007 (still to soon to judge the 08 and 09 class in my opinion):  here you go if you are ready for it:

Matt Hill

Clint Chapman

Dogus Balbay

Gary Johnson

Alexi Wangmene

Justin Mason

Harrison Smith

Dexter Pittman

A.J. Abrams

Craig Winder

J.D. Lewis

Connor Atchley

Dion Dowell

Mike Williams

Edgar Moreno

P.J. Tucker

Kenny Taylor

Kenton Paulino

That's the list.  Other than Gary Johnson (who apparently can't hit clutch free throws), Abrams (who was always a work in progress on defense tii his senior year) and P.J. Tucker, who had grade issues and left after his junior year, it is hard to find a bona fide "hit" with any of the players on this list - but it isn't too difficult to find a lot of "misses."

Program players are the ones who stay 4 years and are the heart and soul of your program - a Justin Mason-type with offensive skills.  Royal Ivey, Brandon Mouton and James Thomas fit that bill to a Texas "T" - although Barnes put Thomas in the doghouse during the later half of his senior season in favor of the great Jason Klotz.  Who has filled that bill since these 3 left?  Barnes has struck out time after time and pretty much gets a pass since he brings in the super stars.

Where are the 4-star recruits who stay and prosper - those who build a program and a team identity?  (Maybe at Baylor, A&M,K-State,Ok. State?)  When Barnes misses, he misses big.  I assume he may have been able to get a lot of these guys but just misjudged their talent. 

We just seem to keep signing pretty much the wrong 4-star recruits.  Who do we blame for that?  The player or the coach?

Looks like Augie has made a couple of changes to his everyday line-up.  Cohl Walla has rightfully moved ahead of Kyle Lusson as the starting left fielder (this move was in the works from the outset and was just a matter of time).  The Horns needed Walla's offense (plus, he's an excellent glove) as collectively the team is hitting just .264 - and this is after two of their biggest offensive days. 

Tant Sheppard is the only starter hitting over .300 (he's at .318) while Connor Rowe and Kevin Lusson keep sliding backwards.  Rowe K'd 4 times against Rice yesterday in the Horns 10-6 loss.  Rowe is a gifted glove man and being a great center fielder, he'll remain in the line-up -  his bat is expected to come around.  Texas needs Kevin Lusson's glove at 3rd so he'll likely remain in the line-up, but there are no big expectations for him offensively - whatever he brings to the plate is a plus right now - he's a soph so Augie will likely give him some room.

The other move of note is that Russell Moldenhauer has been relegated to the bench so the Horns catcher of the future, Johnathan Walsh can move into the line-up as the DH.  A freshman, Walsh is showing a big-time upside and will likely give Rupp some relief from behind the plate from time to time.  Cameron is slumping at present, his average having fallen to .254 after having been near the top of the team during the first month of the season.  Thru 17 games he is stuck on just 8 RBI's - not what you'd hope for from your 3-hole hitter.  Montalbano has had a couple of good moments off the bench (I think he did get 1 or 2 starts) but is unlikely to crack the starting outfield unless Augie moves Keyes to DH.

The Horns have played 8 games and are 6-2.  They are off to a good start as the pitching has been pretty much as strong as advertised.  Good thing - the bats have been silent.  Thru 8 games the Horns are hitting .259 as a team and 4 of the 9 regulars are hitting .209 or less.  Nothing to get too shaken up about - yet.  But you'd think Augie would at least look to his bench from time to time to see what he has in the way of hitters - uh, NO!  At least not yet.

The Horns have had 243 plate appearances so far - all but 5 by the starters.  With Etier hitting .208 and Kevin Lusson hitting .200, you'd think Augie might want to see what some of the other hitters he brought to Austin can do.  Loy and Moldenhauer are both under .200 but Loy is too valuable defensively to ever pull and Moldenhauer has shown before (see the 2009 College World Series) that he can carry a team.  The Horns need a lot more from a 2nd baseman and left fielder (think Cohl Walla here) than what they are getting at the plate right now.  Certainly these guys can hit, but what's wrong with giving some of the other players a chance.  It keeps them into the games and motivates them to know that they, at least, have a chance of breaking into the lineup.

Think about it Augie - it can't hurt to develop your talent - plus, maybe you'll find a diamond in the rough.