Cohen had a reputation as being a top notch hitting coach long before he came to MSU. We have some players with decent bat speed. Our most talented player is Renfroe, who has great bat speed. The ball has that extra jump off of his bat when he connects. The problem is that he is not a "hitter". A hitter just has "it". Will Clark, Palmiero, etc. etc. were "hitters" Early in the game yesterday the pitcher hung a slider to Wes Rea and he watched it. The next pitch was a nasty slider down and away and Rea swung and missed. A "hitter" would have parked that hanging slider in the next town, but Rea watched it go by. Maybe we have a few guys that will turn into "hitters" as they mature, but I don't expect it. I look for there to be a few people losing their jobs next year to better players. That is a sign of building.
Coaching, hitting, talent, and hitters. Thoughts before the game.
- Thread starter DirtyLopez
- Start date
Our problem isn't that we're young or inexperienced. Our problem is that we've just got a lot of bad hitters. We've got several pitchers who are younger and less experienced who are performing great.Our hitters willimprove some, but they're just going to be limited as to how good they can get. I expect to see a lot of changes next year too.
but it rest on guys like Renfroe, Rae, and Porter developing some power, AND Henderson, Frazier, and Bradford adding some speed.
There's no question talent is an issue. I like Sam Frost, but he shouldn't be starting for us. No power, low average, not much speed. Honestly, Norris isn't too far ahead of him.
There's no question talent is an issue. I like Sam Frost, but he shouldn't be starting for us. No power, low average, not much speed. Honestly, Norris isn't too far ahead of him.
Should be no problem at all. I can't imagine why I was so concerned. I think like you say, Frost and Norris will be on the bench next year. I wouldn't be surprised if at least 1 of those other 6 is too. Really, the only players I think are guaranteed a starting job next year are Slaughter, Frazier and Bradford.
guys like Britton, Fullerton, and Flair some of the younger players. It's not like we're going to see many new faces next year.It's the guys that's been on this team for 2+ years that have to produce next year.
take an infield position next year. Norris was doing well before he got hurt, so I'm not giving up on him yet. Rea has to improve because you can't have your first baseman hitting .250. You need offense coming from your 1B and RF for sure. Slaughter, Frazier, and Bradford will be out there for sure. Don't sleep on the kid from Canada that is coming in next year to take time in the outfield.
1B- Rea....he isnt going to the bench- he is outstanding at 1st and will get better at plate
2B- Britton- he is very good defensively, has speed, and will be better at the plate- just overmatched as a Freshman
SS- Fraier
3B- Ric Flair- whooooooooo (if he is healthy)
CF- CT Bradford
RF- Renfroe
LF- ?? Henderson is looking good there, others could play there also...Norris maybe?
DH- Porter
We wont be in the top 20 in the nation in offense- but will be much improved- play great defense...and our pitching will still be tough as hell
2B- Britton- he is very good defensively, has speed, and will be better at the plate- just overmatched as a Freshman
SS- Fraier
3B- Ric Flair- whooooooooo (if he is healthy)
CF- CT Bradford
RF- Renfroe
LF- ?? Henderson is looking good there, others could play there also...Norris maybe?
DH- Porter
We wont be in the top 20 in the nation in offense- but will be much improved- play great defense...and our pitching will still be tough as hell
There's no way he doesn't start. Hell, he was hitting over .350 for a while even after his injury. Flair will have to find another position than 3B. He might take some DH AB's from Porter if he's as good as people think.
Britton will be the new Sam Frost next season. Pinch runner, late inning defensive sub. The JUCO 2B from Cali that played with Frazier will start. If Britton starts, Cohen should be publicly flogged.
Bur I do agree that our offense will be much improved.
Britton will be the new Sam Frost next season. Pinch runner, late inning defensive sub. The JUCO 2B from Cali that played with Frazier will start. If Britton starts, Cohen should be publicly flogged.
Bur I do agree that our offense will be much improved.
If he doesn't produce early, I wouldn't be surprised to see the other guy starting by mid-season. All that being said, I think Britton will be a major player for us over the next few years. You're starting to see what he can do with the bat once he gets a little confidence and some experience. He is a very patient hitter as well, and uses all fields. Has speed to go with that, and a good glove....2B will be his for the next 2 seasons