Outlook Moving Forward

[StarkVegasSteve]

I really don't know what to do at this point. It's obvious we are in for another long season and some decisions that will need to be made at season's end. What do we think is the best option moving forward? Do we keep trying to salvage what we can and try to show improvement or do we just blow it up now, play the freshman, and take our lumps.

[Todd4State]

1. Fire Foxhall now. I really think we can salvage the season if get rid of him. Who replaces him and who calls pitches is irrelevant because it's that bad.

For example- Saturday we left Gartman in too long. If we pulled him an inning or so before we actually did we would have had a chance to be close to tied or have a lead late.

Start Loo on Friday and then Loftin on Saturday- it's probably too late anyway so if they takes some lumps while we're getting them some experience so be it.

Start Holcombe on Sunday.

Move Dohm back to the pen and move Gartman to the pen.

Cade Smith is the midweek guy when he comes back.

We may see some guys emerge or re-emerge without Foxhall. Like Tyler Davis and Yntema.

Keep Hujsack at third.

[Cooterpoot]

I think the next couple series decide how fast you move to turning loose all the FR. But is a lame duck coach going to really give a crap if it gets to that? Probably not. I'm already preparing myself for player losses along with a coaching search.

[HoopsDawg]

Lemonis has no choice but to play to win now. His seat is on fire.

Need to shake up the weekend rotation. Throw your best 3 arms. Pray they can get thru the order twice.

Fri-Lo
Sat-Dohm
Sun-Holcolmb

Narrow down your weekend bullpen to your top 5 guys whoever they may be.

Stick with this consistent Lineup:

1. Larry, 2B
2. Ledbetter, CF
3. Hines, DH
4. Chance, LF
5. Hancock, 1B
6. Hujsak, 3B
7. Clark, RF
8. Highfill, C
9. Mershon, SS

[StarkVegasSteve]

1. Fire Foxhall now. I really think we can salvage the season if get rid of him. Who replaces him and who calls pitches is irrelevant because it's that bad.

For example- Saturday we left Gartman in too long. If we pulled him an inning or so before we actually did we would have had a chance to be close to tied or have a lead late.

Start Loo on Friday and then Loftin on Saturday- it's probably too late anyway so if they takes some lumps while we're getting them some experience so be it.

Start Holcombe on Sunday.

Move Dohm back to the pen and move Gartman to the pen.

Cade Smith is the midweek guy when he comes back.

We may see some guys emerge or re-emerge without Foxhall. Like Tyler Davis and Yntema.

Keep Hujsack at third.

We're not firing Foxhall. That's just off the table. I wish it wasn't, but it's not going to happen. That wouldn't help this train wreck season anyways. We need 14 SEC wins to make the tournament coming home which means we have to go 14-10 with our remaining schedule. That schedule includes trips to LSU and Tennessee. If you just wanted to make the SEC tournament you'd probably need 10 wins coming home which means going 10-14. That is more manageable, but still difficult because you're already conceding 4-6 losses to LSU and Tennessee. Also, Lemonis makes the final call on when to pull someone so leaving Gartman out there too long is on him.

[CaptainObvious]

We're not firing Foxhall. That's just off the table. I wish it wasn't, but it's not going to happen. That wouldn't help this train wreck season anyways. We need 14 SEC wins to make the tournament coming home which means we have to go 14-10 with our remaining schedule. That schedule includes trips to LSU and Tennessee. If you just wanted to make the SEC tournament you'd probably need 10 wins coming home which means going 10-14. That is more manageable, but still difficult because you're already conceding 4-6 losses to LSU and Tennessee. Also, Lemonis makes the final call on when to pull someone so leaving Gartman out there too long is on him.

So you?ve already discussed this idea with Keenum and Selmon and they told you it is <off the table> ?

[StarkVegasSteve]

So you?ve already discussed this idea with Keenum and Selmon and they told you it is <off the table> ?

No. I used what little brainpower it took to realize that we won't be doing that. Rationally thinking it's impossible. No coach is coming to be an interim for 60 days. Those who aren't in baseball don't want the stress and those who are will not look at our program and see stability. They can just wait 60 days til Lemonis is fired and get with the new coach if they really want to be here.

[CaptainObvious]

No. I used what little brainpower it took to realize that we won't be doing that. Rationally thinking it's impossible. No coach is coming to be an interim for 60 days. Those who aren't in baseball don't want the stress and those who are will not look at our program and see stability. They can just wait 60 days til Lemonis is fired and get with the new coach if they really want to be here.

So then those baseball fans that are sick of this crap need to find another hobby for at least the next 60 days. Because it could and probably will get worse.

[Pancho]

Yes. We won't be returning after the upcoming USCE weekend

[Maroonthirteen]

Give it one more weekend. If USC sweeps, then 100% all in on playing for the future.

[Activated Alpha]

Honestly what harm could happen if you fire Foxhall now? We literally could not do any worse

[KB21]

I'm still of the opinion that you fire Lemonis and Foxhall now, promote Gautreau to interim head coach, and maybe the bullpen coach to pitching coach for the time being. Start Dohm, Holcombe, and piggy back Loo/Loftin.

[StarkVegasSteve]

I'm still of the opinion that you fire Lemonis and Foxhall now, promote Gautreau to interim head coach, and maybe the bullpen coach to pitching coach for the time being. Start Dohm, Holcombe, and piggy back Loo/Loftin.

Except we don't have a bullpen coach. We have 3 coaches on the field. If you fire Lemonis and Foxhall, which btw I would do today if I thought there was an interim option, you have to understand that it'll be Jake and student assts or managers running the team.

[BulldogBear]

I think the argument against firing Foxhall now misses the point. It's not like doing so will put in the NCAAT. I don't believe it will. I don't think there will be satisfactory turn around either way. It's not all on him. It's pretty terrible across the board. But pitching is the worst offender. Even our crappy defense might owe something to bad pitching approach.

But firing Foxhall now won't make it all better. But that's not the point of doing so. It sends a message. Someone's head needs to roll. Now. Not the end of the season. He's the best choice.

[sandjunky]

Except we don't have a bullpen coach. We have 3 coaches on the field. If you fire Lemonis and Foxhall, which btw I would do today if I thought there was an interim option, you have to understand that it'll be Jake and student assts or managers running the team.

I?d roll with that

Season is shot so give them the freedom to develop

These dudes are used to that with their summer teams

[R2Dawg]

You have to do something now to not only develop young talent the rest of the year but to give them hope that they can have a future here. Otherwise we are looking at a RickRay type rebuild which may be easier now with transfer but still takes time starting from scratch.

We must take something positive away from this wasted year.

[Goldendawg]

Lemonis has no choice but to play to win now. His seat is on fire.

Need to shake up the weekend rotation. Throw your best 3 arms. Pray they can get thru the order twice.

Fri-Lo
Sat-Dohm
Sun-Holcolmb

Narrow down your weekend bullpen to your top 5 guys whoever they may be.

Stick with this consistent Lineup:

1. Larry, 2B
2. Ledbetter, CF
3. Hines, DH
4. Chance, LF
5. Hancock, 1B
6. Hujsak, 3B
7. Clark, RF
8. Highfill, C
9. Mershon, SS

Doesn't this lineup have 4 transfers? Doesn't speak well for our recruiting and development recently and that doesn't even address the pitching issues.

[HoopsDawg]

Doesn't this lineup have 4 transfers? Doesn't speak well for our recruiting and development recently and that doesn't even address the pitching issues.

3.

[viverlibre]

No coach is coming to be an interim for 60 days.

That's just a dumb take, we'd have people coming in out of the wood work to do it. Just look at the amount of former major leaguers we have around the program. And that's only if go-throw wouldn't take it (and i bet he would).

The season is already ruined, it's not going to get much worse if we go ahead a turn the corner now.

[sandjunky]

Outlook moving forward: PAIN, lots of PAIN

[StarkVegasSteve]

That's just a dumb take, we'd have people coming in out of the wood work to do it. Just look at the amount of former major leaguers we have around the program. And that's only if go-throw wouldn't take it (and i bet he would).

The season is already ruined, it's not going to get much worse if we go ahead a turn the corner now.

No we would not. What coach is going to come for 60 days? The answer is none. Coaches do not give one iota of a crap about fan support, facilities, etc when they will only be here 2 months. I have made this point now two or three times but I guess I will make it again, no one that is retired or not in the coaching profession is going to take on that amount of stress and give up their time for zero return for 60 days. And no established coach is going to leave their position for 60 days when they can just wait out the rest of the year and go for the full time PC job in June. Why would you want to blemish your resume with this train wreck. We are not paying 6 figures for 60 days. I imagine it would be very low 5 figures.

Whether you like it or not Scott Foxhall will be the pitching coach until May 20. Then he will be let go.

[Goldendawg]

Yes. We won't be returning after the upcoming USCE weekend

Friend of mine feels the same. Big baseball fan & season ticket holder who also has a home in Starkville, but has to drive 3 hours to baseball games. Says not planing to go to anymore games this season.

[HoopsDawg]

Friend of mine feels the same. Big baseball fan & season ticket holder who also has a home in Starkville, but has to drive 3 hours to baseball games. Says not planing to go to anymore games this season.

The outfield is still fun.

[CaptainObvious]

The outfield is still fun.

Yep. There will still be 3-4000 there every home weekend to perform in the drink fest and see just how bad the team can perform. And there will still be the 1000 or so chairback owners who will come and eat peanuts and talk about gardening and their trip to see the grandkids and about so&so in the church and applaud politely when someone hits a solo homerun down by 6 runs when that same batter struck out 2 innings ago with the bases loaded or grounded into a 6-4-3 DP with the Bases Loaded. I don?t remember how many Homeruns State hit last year but I?m pretty sure they hit more than half of them with the bases empty and the same guys left a small village on the base paths their other 3 ABs. Same crap is happening this year too. Check ho many solos this team has hit. I bet it is over half the total. You know what. A 2 run single is more valuable than a Solo HR. You know how I know? I lernt rithmatik in skool!

[viverlibre]

No we would not. What coach is going to come for 60 days? The answer is none. Coaches do not give one iota of a crap about fan support, facilities, etc when they will only be here 2 months. I have made this point now two or three times but I guess I will make it again, no one that is retired or not in the coaching profession is going to take on that amount of stress and give up their time for zero return for 60 days. And no established coach is going to leave their position for 60 days when they can just wait out the rest of the year and go for the full time PC job in June. Why would you want to blemish your resume with this train wreck. We are not paying 6 figures for 60 days. I imagine it would be very low 5 figures.

Whether you like it or not Scott Foxhall will be the pitching coach until May 20. Then he will be let go.

Sir, I'm not sure how to dumb this down any further. An interim coach is not who you are looking at for the perm replacement coach. An interim is someone like Cadillac Williams, a seat filler to get us to the end of season. Someone who will provide a little spark and brief moment of fresh air. I'd bet my house that go-throw would accept the interim tag. If Raffy wasn't tainted by roids, he'd do it in a second. Will Clark is an (not on the field) assistant with the Giants, he may do it. Bruce Castoria would probably do it. Heck Roy Oswalt might do it. For folks who love baseball getting a change to be the HC at MSU for two months would be a dream come true. Baseball coaching is not so stressfull that coaches are dropping dead in the dugout on the reg.

[R2Dawg]

I really don't know what to do at this point. It's obvious we are in for another long season and some decisions that will need to be made at season's end. What do we think is the best option moving forward? Do we keep trying to salvage what we can and try to show improvement or do we just blow it up now, play the freshman, and take our lumps.

Prediction? In the words of MrT - Pain

[StarkVegasSteve]

Sir, I'm not sure how to dumb this down any further. An interim coach is not who you are looking at for the perm replacement coach. An interim is someone like Cadillac Williams, a seat filler to get us to the end of season. Someone who will provide a little spark and brief moment of fresh air. I'd bet my house that go-throw would accept the interim tag. If Raffy wasn't tainted by roids, he'd do it in a second. Will Clark is an (not on the field) assistant with the Giants, he may do it. Bruce Castoria would probably do it. Heck Roy Oswalt might do it. For folks who love baseball getting a change to be the HC at MSU for two months would be a dream come true. Baseball coaching is not so stressfull that coaches are dropping dead in the dugout on the reg.

First off I am talking about the pitching coach. Not HC. If you want to hire an interim HC then hell go get Jay Powell or get Thomas Berkerey. Those others though,

Raffy is not moving to MS.
Clark is not moving to MS.
Bruce Castoria has never been a coach
And I doubt Roy could be pulled away from 44 Prime Happy Hour.

Now if you want to have an honest conversation on who you could possibly hire as an interim HC, which again IS NOT HAPPENING, I think the list begins and ends with Gautreau. And just for everyone, on the 1% chance we make that kind of move, his name is spelled JAKE GAUTREAU. Not Gotro, Goatrough, Geautreaux, or the countless other ways I have seen it misspelled.

[viverlibre]

First off I am talking about the pitching coach. Not HC. If you want to hire an interim HC then hell go get Jay Powell or get Thomas Berkerey. Those others though,

Raffy is not moving to MS.
Clark is not moving to MS.
Bruce Castoria has never been a coach
And I doubt Roy could be pulled away from 44 Prime Happy Hour.

Now if you want to have an honest conversation on who you could possibly hire as an interim HC, which again IS NOT HAPPENING, I think the list begins and ends with Gautreau. And just for everyone, on the 1% chance we make that kind of move, his name is spelled JAKE GAUTREAU. Not Gotro, Goatrough, Geautreaux, or the countless other ways I have seen it misspelled.

So, you've talked to these people? Being an interim for two months is not "moving to MS," you do that from a hotel room or ABNB. Good gosh almighty, you need to stick with storm chasing.

[Pancho]

I just wonder what the convo will resemble in 2 or 3 weeks when this loss column is up in the twenties.

[StarkVegasSteve]

So, you've talked to these people? Being an interim for two months is not "moving to MS," you do that from a hotel room or ABNB. Good gosh almighty, you need to stick with storm chasing.

I do not do any storm chasing. And I have talked to Raffy. Multiple times in the last year actually. He has ZERO interest in ever coaching and is not going to move to MS for more than a week or so. He and Lynn like Texas a lot more than MS. As for Will, he has a special needs son. He is never going to get into an on field coaching role. He has said that in multiple interviews on multiple occasions. He wants to be near his son as much as possible and they do not want to interrupt his routine.

Maybe Bruce would take it, I am sure that would make the bus driver happy. As for Roy, yea you are not pulling him away from 44 Prime. He wants as little stress as possible and likes the time he has. Has told that to anyone who would listen for the last 5 years.

[StarkVegasSteve]

I just wonder what the convo will resemble in 2 or 3 weeks when this loss column is up in the twenties.

That the entire staff will be let go at the end of the year. Same as it is now. We can want the staff to go as much as we want, and trust me I do, but it is just not happening mid year. It would have happened today if that was the case.

[Todd4State]

No we would not. What coach is going to come for 60 days? The answer is none. Coaches do not give one iota of a crap about fan support, facilities, etc when they will only be here 2 months. I have made this point now two or three times but I guess I will make it again, no one that is retired or not in the coaching profession is going to take on that amount of stress and give up their time for zero return for 60 days. And no established coach is going to leave their position for 60 days when they can just wait out the rest of the year and go for the full time PC job in June. Why would you want to blemish your resume with this train wreck. We are not paying 6 figures for 60 days. I imagine it would be very low 5 figures.

Whether you like it or not Scott Foxhall will be the pitching coach until May 20. Then he will be let go.

And what would we do in a Mike Leach situation Heaven forbid I don't wish that on any one of our coaches? Or a Cann situation?

I'm sure Ron Polk knows some people that could fill in if needed.

[StarkVegasSteve]

And what would we do in a Mike Leach situation Heaven forbid I don't wish that on any one of our coaches? Or a Cann situation?

I'm sure Ron Polk knows some people that could fill in if needed.

Well since those two situations are extreme out of your control situations you promote from within. However, Chris Lemonis is neither dying nor currently having an affair. He will be the HC until May 21. He will be fired at that point barring the miracle of all miracles that we turn this season around. You all need to stop thinking that him not finishing out the season is a possibility. We will stay with Lemonis til the end of the season. It sucks it got to this point, but I tried to tell you last May that we needed to do this. It was just as evident then as it is now.

[R2Dawg]

Well since those two situations are extreme out of your control situations you promote from within. However, Chris Lemonis is neither dying nor currently having an affair. He will be the HC until May 21. He will be fired at that point barring the miracle of all miracles that we turn this season around. You all need to stop thinking that him not finishing out the season is a possibility. We will stay with Lemonis til the end of the season. It sucks it got to this point, but I tried to tell you last May that we needed to do this. It was just as evident then as it is now.

Agree it ain't happening till seasons end. For one the optics would look bad. 2 years from a NC coach (the only one we've ever had). We'd get made fun of like we already have (we are spoiled) even though we are justified.

And to be fair, we probably owe it to him at end of year so he can leave in a better way - resigning and not an ugly firing mid year.

[StarkVegasSteve]

Agree it ain't happening till seasons end. For one the optics would look bad. 2 years from a NC coach (the only one we've ever had). We'd get made fun of like we already have (we are spoiled) even though we are justified.

And to be fair, we probably owe it to him at end of year so he can leave in a better way - resigning and not an ugly firing mid year.

Now him resigning would be the best of both worlds. We get rid of him and we do not have the negative PR of firing a HC less than two years removed from a national championship. He will not do that though.