What have you seen in Spratley and/or Plott that makes you think they've improved from last year?
They both have very similar results as they did last season. I could argue they've both regressed based on their results.
Spratley: Stance: He stays in a good stance much more than he did last year so he doesn't get out of position nearly as much on his feet.
More physical: He's just stronger - able to power through more positions than last year, not getting stuck underneath as much when in on a leg.
Technique on shots: His shots have improved, gets to the corner better, finishes cleaner.
Top: Rides better, more physical, turns better.
Bottom: Lot tougher from bottom, more explosion.
Plott: In my opinion, Plott's improvement is small but noticeable. His stance is better, particular in his first match against Keck, Plott was lower in his stance - Keck had a harder time getting to his legs. However, Plott didn't do that in the 2nd match - Keck got to his legs easily like last year again. Fatigue makes you stand up in your stance more - could that have been it? I don't know. Overall Plott looks a little stronger physically than last year. Like I said in my original post, I believe Keck has improved as well, making the difference between them negligible.