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This is why baseball coaches can't make knee jerk reactions and bench players for a few bad plays. Look at Kam at 3B as well. Two weeks ago, most wanted him off third base. Now, his defense at 3B was a big key to this team winning the national championship.Quote:
Originally Posted by basedog
Lane is a guy who has struggled with the bat mightily, to the point that many wanted him benched. That kid is going to be a great great short stop before he leaves Mississippi State.
Lane is pretty close to MLB level at SS, as a freshman. I mean, he's really that good. If he gets his bat going, he'll be something. And I believe he will, because you could tell it was mostly mental. He was going to the plate thinking "don't screw up" or "don't strike out", you could read it all over his face. He finally looked to get some confidence in the final series. Hopefully that carries over to summer league, and he comes back next year a complete player. That's kind of what I'm expecting.
So proud for Lane!! Everyone knew it was too soon for his bat but defensively it absolutely to correct move and finally getting those hits late in the World Series may be just the kick start for his offense the next few years.
Also, Scotty was outstanding defensively all year and really took it up another notch. Got us some clutch hits as well knocking in some runs.
Lane was a huge reason we won it all. He played the olde tyme SS role. Little fella with a good glove and weak bat. Then when it mattered most the bat showed up. He does need to hit the weight room this off season but no reason at all we haven?t found an elite defensive SS for the next several years.
And he absolutely showed what mental toughness looks like. Even when he had been hitless throughout the postseason his defense never waivered. The play he made against Campbell to win the regional really stands out. The ball he bobbled Tuesday only to regroup and show off his arm with an accurate throw is another. The ability to reliably catch and throw is sometimes taken for granted by fans but we are the champs because we did it all postseason.
Since the beginning of baseball you have to be strong up the middle defensively(ask Vandy lol). Lane solidified our infield defense and he's an elite defender. Add dubrule Logan Tanner and Rowdey and our middle defense was better than most!
How about that play where Hancock went for the ball, reversed to 1st and Dubrule threw before he turned?
A great baseball play.
Who will be in center next year? Skinner?
That would be my guess, unless we have someone that is faster. Skinner can flat fly. His speed saved a few base hits the last few games too. He is all out hustle, just like Mangum, Jordan, and Allen.Quote:
Originally Posted by Percho
I said the same thing watching that game on TV but then I sat in centerfield the last 2 games and immediately realized just how difficult that read is at that time of day
You know there will be calls for their heads when we lose a midweek game to Alcorn State in March of next year. HahaQuote:
Originally Posted by Commercecomet24
But, but, but, Yancey said this World Series showed even a flawed team can win the National Championship!*****Quote:
Originally Posted by The Federalist Engineer