Baseball Thoughts

[99jc]

I never said I wanted him on the bench one time. Not one time.

Keep making things up. Pathetic

shotgun why do you and C34 have the same IP address? Your Caught!

[CadaverDawg]

Keegan definitely doesn't feel like the answer on Sundays, and he does himself no favors by falling behind in so many counts and missing spots. Damn near impossible to get people out when you're constantly having to throw fastballs on 2-0 and 3-1 counts. If he would work ahead, he might last more than 2-3 innings and not give up 4-5 runs. That being said, I still don't like him as the Sunday starter, and I agree with Gun that his fastball is flat.

With Ginn & Small going deep into games, I think we could use a strategic "committee" type of approach, but it would need to be well thought out. For instance, we could start Cerantola and see how many he can give us (especially if we need him to become the guy)....and once he's done, go with Eagan or Barlow or even the kid that throws midweek for us, and try to get one or two innings at a different arm slot. Then come back with Keegan or Plumlee, then a Lefty, and try to just go back and forth righty/lefty a time or two through the order. But by starting Cerantola, at least we're grooming him to be the Sunday guy full time, but we're ready with a plan (and a guy loose in the pen from the start) in case he just goes 1 inning.

I don't know, just trying to think of some way to get as good or better production as James (which shouldn't be hard), while actually preparing ourselves to be better on Sunday come postseason time and next year. Bc if James hasn't become a reliable Sunday guy yet, it might be time to realize it ain't going to happen. So I'd love to see Plumlee or Cerantola trot out there next Sunday for starters

[Bothrops]

We have too many hitters to go completely cold on offense. It's just a bunch of dirtbags that like to give it a whack. When some go cold, others will keep us productive at the plate. I expect them to win most of Sundays when the pitching isn't there.

[ShotgunDawg]

Keegan definitely doesn't feel like the answer on Sundays, and he does himself no favors by falling behind in so many counts and missing spots. Damn near impossible to get people out when you're constantly having to throw fastballs on 2-0 and 3-1 counts. If he would work ahead, he might last more than 2-3 innings and not give up 4-5 runs. That being said, I still don't like him as the Sunday starter, and I agree with Gun that his fastball is flat.

With Ginn & Small going deep into games, I think we could use a strategic "committee" type of approach, but it would need to be well thought out. For instance, we could start Cerantola and see how many he can give us (especially if we need him to become the guy)....and once he's done, go with Eagan or Barlow or even the kid that throws midweek for us, and try to get one or two innings at a different arm slot. Then come back with Keegan or Plumlee, then a Lefty, and try to just go back and forth righty/lefty a time or two through the order. But by starting Cerantola, at least we're grooming him to be the Sunday guy full time, but we're ready with a plan (and a guy loose in the pen from the start) in case he just goes 1 inning.

I don't know, just trying to think of some way to get as good or better production as James (which shouldn't be hard), while actually preparing ourselves to be better on Sunday come postseason time and next year. Bc if James hasn't become a reliable Sunday guy yet, it might be time to realize it ain't going to happen. So I'd love to see Plumlee or Cerantola trot out there next Sunday for starters

I like the Cerantola idea. Hell, if he blows up, then that ain't no different than what is already happening. At least he gives you a chance.

[CadaverDawg]

I like the Cerantola idea. Hell, if he blows up, then that ain't no different than what is already happening. At least he gives you a chance.

I agree

[The Federalist Engineer]

I like the Cerantola idea. Hell, if he blows up, then that ain't no different than what is already happening. At least he gives you a chance.

That's what we did with Pilkington in 16. I think Brandon Smith or Cerantola could be Sunday. Then we bring KJ and Plumlee from the pen.

[basedog]

shotgun why do you and C34 have the same IP address? Your Caught!

You think?

[Duckdog]

Whats the word on Breaux??? Sunday's game was a real fun game. Oh and the Dude is awesome!!!!!

[Cooterpoot]

I like the Cerantola idea. Hell, if he blows up, then that ain't no different than what is already happening. At least he gives you a chance.

He’s not there yet. Has had some struggles against weak teams. Maybe later in the season.

[BuckyIsAB****]

How many more teams are we going to play that hit 80 ground ball singles? I do agree that sunday pitching and the bullpen have had some struggles but they, like the rest kept battling. Brandon Smith has a bright future so does Cerantola. I hate to see what has happened to Spencer Price. He was legit before the injury. Self is still there and reliable. Dont forget he was our closer and has came thru in some big moments. Gordon is a perfect example of this team, former PH turned into a closer. Gritty and will cut your throat, never quit. White needs one more pitch to be the real deal, hard to beat people with nothing but a good fastball. I expect to see James run out there on Saturday again. We will probably platoon it like Cadaver said and Im fine with that

[Tbonewannabe]

Maybe we just need to tell Keegan that he needs to just go hard and the bullpen will pick up what is left. Sunday is kind of by committee anyway so just let him go as long as he can whether that is 2 or 4 innings.

[ShotgunDawg]

He’s not there yet. Has had some struggles against weak teams. Maybe later in the season.

Agree but who is there ?

[StarkVegasSteve]

A few thoughts from a great weekend of baseball:

1)I wouldn't mind going to the staff approach on Sundays, the only problem with relying on it is if Small or Ginn have a bad outing and we have to go to the pen a lot the first two games. Keegan could be perfect in that Trevor Fitts or Ben Bracewell role. We just need to find a Girodo, Mitchell, or a Zac Houston who can come in and eat and innings and get outs. I think we could use either Plumlee or Cerantola in that role.

2) Loved what I saw from Riley Self yesterday. Really looked like the cutter was spinning well again and the velocity is getting back up there again. He's a piece we need to have to be able to make that final push to make sure the Road to Omaha runs through Starkville

3) Was really proud of Cole for battling back from giving up the homer to settle down and still get outs. He's been getting roughed up a bit lately, but stayed the course and didn't allow any further damage.

4) The improvement of Dustin Skelton has been otherworldly. I called for it at the start of the year that I thought he'd be our most improved player, but not this much improvement this early. I really think how well Jones and Gilbert swung the bat early really motivated Skelton even more.

5) Jake will be Jake. We're truly watching something special every time he comes to the ballpark. The intensity he plays with is something that can't be taught or coached into a player. He's just got that IT.

6) Rowdey's Back.

[Tbonewannabe]

A few thoughts from a great weekend of baseball:

1)I wouldn't mind going to the staff approach on Sundays, the only problem with relying on it is if Small or Ginn have a bad outing and we have to go to the pen a lot the first two games. Keegan could be perfect in that Trevor Fitts or Ben Bracewell role. We just need to find a Girodo, Mitchell, or a Zac Houston who can come in and eat and innings and get outs. I think we could use either Plumlee or Cerantola in that role.

2) Loved what I saw from Riley Self yesterday. Really looked like the cutter was spinning well again and the velocity is getting back up there again. He's a piece we need to have to be able to make that final push to make sure the Road to Omaha runs through Starkville

3) Was really proud of Cole for battling back from giving up the homer to settle down and still get outs. He's been getting roughed up a bit lately, but stayed the course and didn't allow any further damage.

4) The improvement of Dustin Skelton has been otherworldly. I called for it at the start of the year that I thought he'd be our most improved player, but not this much improvement this early. I really think how well Jones and Gilbert swung the bat early really motivated Skelton even more.

5) Jake will be Jake. We're truly watching something special every time he comes to the ballpark. The intensity he plays with is something that can't be taught or coached into a player. He's just got that IT.

6) Rowdey's Back.

If the season stopped right now, Skelton is probably 1st team All SEC and getting mentions for All American teams. The best thing is his defense has improved as much as his bat. He is handling the pitching staff great also.

[The Federalist Engineer]

A few thoughts from a great weekend of baseball:

1)I wouldn't mind going to the staff approach on Sundays, the only problem with relying on it is if Small or Ginn have a bad outing and we have to go to the pen a lot the first two games. Keegan could be perfect in that Trevor Fitts or Ben Bracewell role. We just need to find a Girodo, Mitchell, or a Zac Houston who can come in and eat and innings and get outs. I think we could use either Plumlee or Cerantola in that role.

2) Loved what I saw from Riley Self yesterday. Really looked like the cutter was spinning well again and the velocity is getting back up there again. He's a piece we need to have to be able to make that final push to make sure the Road to Omaha runs through Starkville

3) Was really proud of Cole for battling back from giving up the homer to settle down and still get outs. He's been getting roughed up a bit lately, but stayed the course and didn't allow any further damage.

4) The improvement of Dustin Skelton has been otherworldly. I called for it at the start of the year that I thought he'd be our most improved player, but not this much improvement this early. I really think how well Jones and Gilbert swung the bat early really motivated Skelton even more.

5) Jake will be Jake. We're truly watching something special every time he comes to the ballpark. The intensity he plays with is something that can't be taught or coached into a player. He's just got that IT.

6) Rowdey's Back.

I would add as (7) Cumbest is now SEC certified, he's a freak, he's a natural. Can you imagine the thoughts of the Auburn 3B'man when a 245 lb football tight-end was lumbering to him at full speed on the triple? I wonder if this dude is not the new Mangum.

Also, we do have a Zac Houston on this team, named Cole Gordon and we use him as a closer. I think KJ will be alright. Plumlee is not really that different. Centrola scared us at midweek. Brandon Smith scared us yesterday.

[Todd4State]

Good thoughts Shotgun. We need to pitch Tyler Spring more. Agree on Cerentola.

[StarkVegasSteve]

I would add as (7) Cumbest is now SEC certified, he's a freak, he's a natural. Can you imagine the thoughts of the Auburn 3B'man when a 245 lb football tight-end was lumbering to him at full speed on the triple? I wonder if this dude is not the new Mangum.

Also, we do have a Zac Houston on this team, named Cole Gordon and we use him as a closer. I think KJ will be alright. Plumlee is not really that different. Centrola scared us at midweek. Brandon Smith scared us yesterday.

Agreed with Cumbest, I still think we need to get Hatcher some ABs as well. He's been swinging it well also. It's amazing the change in hitting from last year to this year. Last year we were hoping to have games where 2 or 3 people hit well. Yesterday all 9 starters had at least one RBI. Gautreau has been a godsend for this team. Let's hold onto him as long as we can because there's no doubt he will be a HC very soon.

[BuckyIsAB****]

I love Combest but I would expect him to pick football or baseball. Its going to be hard for him to do both and be as good as he can be, he has a legitimate chance to be the best TE/H back we have on the roster and Moorhead loves to use those guys in the RPO game.

[msbulldog]

I love Combest but I would expect him to pick football or baseball. Its going to be hard for him to do both and be as good as he can be, he has a legitimate chance to be the best TE/H back we have on the roster and Moorhead loves to use those guys in the RPO game.

Bucky, where's his money to be made? Football, better be a Gronk or a legitimate power hitter in MLB?

[I seen it dawg]

Sorry i wasn't around much for the series but I did catch most of Friday (drunk) and all of Sunday. Was in Las Vegas for March Madness. That said I have a lot of the same thoughts that are in this thread. Guys have a lot of good stuff in here so no need to reinvent the wheel just add a few thoughts of my own.

Mea culpa on a couple with caveats...
Skelton...Shit I'm glad he didn't get thrown away. BUT he is getting his ass coached off and he has responded. He finally grew up and made the decision to be good. We are the beneficiary.

Halter...He just needed time. Staff has handled him perfectly all the while knowing what he could do in his role. Sat him at times when needed but stuck with him and now he's a huge part of our success hitting 9 and playing defense.

Cumbest...he is now SEC ready. Tremendously fast learner and as said earlier potential superstar. Kid went really quickly from overmatched to acting like a baseball Gronk (also noted earlier)

Opposite of mea culpa....Rowdey will hit. Where y'all at you know who you are.

Keegan has got to quit pitching like a *****. He has too much talent to hold back and nibble. Throw the ****ing baseball and compete. Turn it loose. 2 innings or 5 innings or whatever pitch like your ass is on fire and see what happens. He can be the guy he just has to decide. Staff is sticking with him for now but it has to be frustrating knowing the talent he won't turn loose. If he will turn the corner it is beyond huge obviously and it also helps our bullpen by shortening the hitters they have to see.

Bullpen needs to start locating better. Way too inconsistent which is very evident. We've still got talent down there but they need to rally. Our offense is so good right now we can weather it until they figure it out. But they have to figure it out.

Pretty good when our hole, which it isn't really one, in the lineup is our DH. Our offense is salty and it's not a peak and valley group. Too many guys that grind every pitch every night. It's contagious and bc it's a mentality it can last the season. We are hell to deal with.

Staff. Phenomenal job. Looks like a great hire.

Off topic but not...did they change the rule of how many and who dresses? Saw a lot of names in handshake line that won't ever step on the field and there were a lot of players in quantity. Curious on that one as I don't know....