has hit pretty well this fall overall- including a couple of home runs. I think he may push Sneed to DH if he keeps it up because he is a superior fielder.
Thigpen definately is better than Freeman defensively, but I've also heard that Cody has improved a lot behind the plate. Freeman was supposed to be a better hitter than Thigpen. But you are correct, if Thigpen plays like he did today- throwing out Brownlee and then hitting a home run- he will start. I still think as of now Thigpen and Freeman will share the job.
Vickerson launching a ball into the dugout is not a surprise. If he can improve his throwing, he will likely start.
I noticed that all of the freshmen seemed to pitch pretty well today. Bracewell pitched the worst, based on the numbers, but I also think we may have over extended him a little bit- I think he's a one-two inning guy, but it's understandable to pitch him more right now to get experience. I think Bracewell will be the closer of the future, but as of right now, I'm guessing that CC Watson will be the closer since Dixon went down. Reason being, CC has swing and miss type stuff, and he has a very good curveball. Not to mention, I think Watson is more likely to adapt to being a closer better than Stratton. I think after this year, Watson will at least get a look at the rotation- remember Devin Jones and Nick Routt are only So., so they will all be back next year, so CC may very well stay in the bullpen for a couple of years. I think Chris Stratton will start on Sun, and then Tyler Whitney will start midweek. Those three- and Luke Bole who I think will also be in the bullpen- are going to be the main contributors as freshmen as far as the pitchers are concerned. Some of the others- Chad Girodo, Jared Miller, Matt Lane, and Kendall Graveman- will likely be long relief/midweek guys for next year. A guy like Girodo may step up because he is left handed and has a real deceptive delivery.
As far as positions- I'm going to guess that the outfield will be Jaron Shepherd in RF, Brent Brownlee in CF, and Trey Johnson in LF. Cohen loves Brownlee and Johnson- I definately think they start. Ryan Collins has struggled some, and Luke Adkins may see some action out there as well. Oh yeah, and Jet Butler may get a look out there. But get used to positions not being settled with Cohen. He is going to make guys compete for jobs every year and everyday, and unless you are a Conner Powers, you are going to have to show up everyday to keep your job. I like this philosophy because the guys that aren't starting should, in theory push the starters to play better, not to mention the depth it gives you. Instead of promising jobs to guys like Brad Jones, the best players who are playing the best play. Plus, if a guy is struggling, you can plug in someone else that's good. It's Darwinian ball. I'm Southern Baptist, but I like it.