What is expected of our baseball team this year?
- Thread starter Hanmudog
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being so young and yet highly rated out of high school, it's hard to tell for the "experts" as to how we will do.
I'm sticking by my 30 wins and a regional prediction for now because of Nick Routt, Tyler Whitney being a senior, regular church attendance on Sunday, and a fairly easy non-conference schedule.
I'm sticking by my 30 wins and a regional prediction for now because of Nick Routt, Tyler Whitney being a senior, regular church attendance on Sunday, and a fairly easy non-conference schedule.
the overall talent level is getting a lot better but I'm not sure we have enough to be good yet.</p>
do you see there being a problem with the way Cohen treats the players this year? in other words, have we gotten rid of the bless their hearts Polk attitude yet or is it going to continue to follow us for a year longer? just curious if you have heard much about that side of things so far.
If you're a player, and you truly want to win and be the best you can be, you want to be pushed and you want the coaches to push you to be your best. You're not going to worry about the coach yelling at you.
All of the players that Cohen has recruited know what he is like, and obviously if it was that big of an issue, they would be somewhere else.
If you look back at the roster from this time last year, we have cut over half of the team- that includes graduation, draft, players leaving or getting cut, or injury. I think we have only 17 guys back from last year out of 35 or so. (Numbers off the top of my head 2 margin for error due to laziness on my part)
From what I have heard, the overall attitude is more towards what Cohen wants. I don't think that we are totally 100% rid of the Polk attitude, but we're darn close. I say that because Jet Butler is still on the team.
I think last year Cohen was extra hard on the players to see who would stay and who could handle it, and who couldn't. As far as this year, the players that are left don't have the "shock value" from Cohen to deal with. They know what to expect, and that should help them out, and of course, they survived him last year, so they obviously bought into what he wanted in the first place. I think Polk talking bad about Cohen a couple of years ago hurt our team as far as attitude, and was something that he shouldn't have done.
A lot of people talk about how mean Nick Saban is- heck, he made a NFL player cry one time- but people are willing to go play for him because he can push people to what they want, and that's a championship. Same thing for Bobby Knight. I saw Skip Bertman chew a pitcher out on the mound at Dudy-Noble one time.
Having a coach that wants to win is not a bad thing at all. What you end up with are players that want to win and want to take their game to the next level- the Major Leagues. That's what you have to have to win a NC. Players that want to win that are willing to do what it takes to win.
All of the players that Cohen has recruited know what he is like, and obviously if it was that big of an issue, they would be somewhere else.
If you look back at the roster from this time last year, we have cut over half of the team- that includes graduation, draft, players leaving or getting cut, or injury. I think we have only 17 guys back from last year out of 35 or so. (Numbers off the top of my head 2 margin for error due to laziness on my part)
From what I have heard, the overall attitude is more towards what Cohen wants. I don't think that we are totally 100% rid of the Polk attitude, but we're darn close. I say that because Jet Butler is still on the team.
I think last year Cohen was extra hard on the players to see who would stay and who could handle it, and who couldn't. As far as this year, the players that are left don't have the "shock value" from Cohen to deal with. They know what to expect, and that should help them out, and of course, they survived him last year, so they obviously bought into what he wanted in the first place. I think Polk talking bad about Cohen a couple of years ago hurt our team as far as attitude, and was something that he shouldn't have done.
A lot of people talk about how mean Nick Saban is- heck, he made a NFL player cry one time- but people are willing to go play for him because he can push people to what they want, and that's a championship. Same thing for Bobby Knight. I saw Skip Bertman chew a pitcher out on the mound at Dudy-Noble one time.
Having a coach that wants to win is not a bad thing at all. What you end up with are players that want to win and want to take their game to the next level- the Major Leagues. That's what you have to have to win a NC. Players that want to win that are willing to do what it takes to win.
If a player can't handle the coach yelling at them then they can't handle the pressure in a regional or in Omaha. I wish Stansbury would tear into some of our guys more often when they are sucking. That is the one thing I really like about Andy Kennedy. He will get in a player's face.
my biggest concern is there being a fraction of the players left who can infect the new guys with the old attitude. i am hoping cohen will run that attitude out of them or just get rid of them. i know it takes a few years to get all of your own guys in the program but it would be nice to not hear anything about how the blue hair and parents are appalled at his tactics to win this year.
if he is able to go out and find good players who like his style of coaching i think we will be in a damn good position to make run for the CWS sooner than people think. this generation of crybabies with helicopter parents will make it easy for someone willing to be pushed around to beat them.
if he is able to go out and find good players who like his style of coaching i think we will be in a damn good position to make run for the CWS sooner than people think. this generation of crybabies with helicopter parents will make it easy for someone willing to be pushed around to beat them.
we finish in the SEC. If we win 30, and finish 11th in the SEC- which is possible with our non-conference schedule and the strength of the SEC- we probably won't go, or would be one of the last teams in. If we win 30 and are eighth in the SEC, we would be a shoo-in. 30 wins= 30-26 record overall. I do agree that 39 wins means that we would host, and actually would be in the discussion for a National seed with a 39-17 record. Unless the SEC is really strong and has about four teams that have 40 wins, which I don't think is likely.
I think last year was their time to vent for their guy not getting the job in some ways. Their criticism wasn't really fair since Cohen didn't have players that really fit his style and no pitching staff whatsoever. It's also unfounded since the team improved overall in wins and on offense. A below average pitching staff, or heck Ricky Bowen having some balls gets us 30 wins LAST year. Think about it- ONE pitcher.
If we had won more, they would have complained a lot less.
And as far as the parents, well, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
But as far as your worries, I wouldn't worry too much about that. Winning will help their attitude as well.
If we had won more, they would have complained a lot less.
And as far as the parents, well, the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
But as far as your worries, I wouldn't worry too much about that. Winning will help their attitude as well.
you single out Butler and write that, because he's still on the team, we're not 100% rid of Polk's attitude.
In the very next paragraph you write that Cohen was extra hard on his players last year to see who could take it.
Thus Butler can take it.
He makes baserunning mistakes, he has limited range, but those aren't reason to question his toughness - and contradict yourself in the process.
In the very next paragraph you write that Cohen was extra hard on his players last year to see who could take it.
Thus Butler can take it.
He makes baserunning mistakes, he has limited range, but those aren't reason to question his toughness - and contradict yourself in the process.
Cohen will have his attitude prevailing and we will get a lot out of these players...
freshmens can make a mark in this league...
I see us hosting this year maybe....
don't know nearly as much as Todd does but I've got that gut feeling...
Omaha next year
freshmens can make a mark in this league...
I see us hosting this year maybe....
don't know nearly as much as Todd does but I've got that gut feeling...
Omaha next year
futaba said:
I'm actually surprised that Jet is still on the team myself. I think he's the exception to the rule. A big reason that he is still on the team is dispite his classiness, he can hit. I will give him that.
I do know that had Butler even been drafted in the 50th round as Mr. Irrelevant, he would have been gone. I think this is more of a case of Cohen and Butler putting up with each other more than anything. Jet knows that at this point, his options are staying and putting up with Cohen and playing against SEC competition, or go to a D-II school like Jason Nappi and play against crappy competition, which might hurt his pro prospects more than just putting up with Cohen for a year. And I do think that Jet has a desire to play pro ball- which also differentiates him from some of the other guys that aren't at MSU any more, and also explains why he is still around.
Oh, and you're forgetting the reason that we're moving Jet to third base is because he "can't see" the ball very well at second base. Not to mention the moving Jet to catcher experiment. Third base is actually more appropriate since he plays like Roger Dorn anyway. I've never seen a player that had more excuses for poor play.
but the players now are accepting that Polk is history. Some had a very hard time accepting the change and it took a year for some of those players to understand they would not win that battle.
as to how the positions are shaking out, batting order is going to be more tough.
But I'll give it a shot. I don't know whether Rhode Island's pitcher is RH or LH, so that will make a difference as far the opening day lineup or any other day really.
1. Ryan Collins RF
2. Brent Brownlee CF
3. Connor Powers 1B
4. Ryan Duffy DH
5. Russ Sneed 3B
6. Trey Johnson LF
7. Nick Vickerson 2B
8. Cody Freeman/Wes Thigpen C
9. Johnathan Ogden SS
Opening day starter- Nick Routt
Closer- Devin Jones
Pretty good L/R balance in that lineup. Tony LaRussa would be happy. I went with Duffy at the four spot because I want to see how Trey Johnson adjusts power wise with D-I pitching. I went conservative there, but if Trey shows some power, he could hit there. You could probably justify hitting Freeman in front of Vickerson, but having a guy with some power and for average in the eight hole is a nice luxury to have, should we choose to go that route. I went with Brownlee in the two hole because he is RH- you ideally would like a LH hitter leading off because he can get out of the box more quickly because of the fact that the LH box is a step or two closer to first, and the fact that Brownlee is a little bit of a free swinger. You want your lead-off hitter to be a guy that is disciplined enough to take some pitches so that the rest of the lineup can can get a good look at what the pitcher has. Brent can put the ball in play, and that's something that is desireable out of a number two hitter- especially when you want to put a hit and run on.
But I'll give it a shot. I don't know whether Rhode Island's pitcher is RH or LH, so that will make a difference as far the opening day lineup or any other day really.
1. Ryan Collins RF
2. Brent Brownlee CF
3. Connor Powers 1B
4. Ryan Duffy DH
5. Russ Sneed 3B
6. Trey Johnson LF
7. Nick Vickerson 2B
8. Cody Freeman/Wes Thigpen C
9. Johnathan Ogden SS
Opening day starter- Nick Routt
Closer- Devin Jones
Pretty good L/R balance in that lineup. Tony LaRussa would be happy. I went with Duffy at the four spot because I want to see how Trey Johnson adjusts power wise with D-I pitching. I went conservative there, but if Trey shows some power, he could hit there. You could probably justify hitting Freeman in front of Vickerson, but having a guy with some power and for average in the eight hole is a nice luxury to have, should we choose to go that route. I went with Brownlee in the two hole because he is RH- you ideally would like a LH hitter leading off because he can get out of the box more quickly because of the fact that the LH box is a step or two closer to first, and the fact that Brownlee is a little bit of a free swinger. You want your lead-off hitter to be a guy that is disciplined enough to take some pitches so that the rest of the lineup can can get a good look at what the pitcher has. Brent can put the ball in play, and that's something that is desireable out of a number two hitter- especially when you want to put a hit and run on.
but as far as CF, Cohen and the rest of the coaches talk about how Brent Brownlee is the best in the SEC, so I think it's safe to say that he has that spot locked down.
Now, the corners are a totally different situation. Collins, Trey Johnson, and Luke Adkins, as well as Shepherd will all get playing time next year.
Jaron struggled some at the plate in the fall, but there is no doubt that he has the raw skills to be a great player, and if he steps up, he could very well take a spot away from someone. But as of now, he hasn't separated himself from the pack. He has done better lately- he is 4 for 9 this spring so far, so maybe he will indeed separate himself.
And just like every season, we're going to see a lot of lineup combinations early in the season to try to figure which one fits us the best, so Jaron will get a chance to prove himself.
Luke Adkins is one guy that a lot of people forget about, but I wouldn't be surprised if he has a very good year for us as well.
Now, the corners are a totally different situation. Collins, Trey Johnson, and Luke Adkins, as well as Shepherd will all get playing time next year.
Jaron struggled some at the plate in the fall, but there is no doubt that he has the raw skills to be a great player, and if he steps up, he could very well take a spot away from someone. But as of now, he hasn't separated himself from the pack. He has done better lately- he is 4 for 9 this spring so far, so maybe he will indeed separate himself.
And just like every season, we're going to see a lot of lineup combinations early in the season to try to figure which one fits us the best, so Jaron will get a chance to prove himself.
Luke Adkins is one guy that a lot of people forget about, but I wouldn't be surprised if he has a very good year for us as well.
I get thefeelinghe respects the guys that hung around and "bought in" and did what was asked of them
of Randy Johnson and CC Sabathia. Certainly worth a look as long as Jackson stays out of it.
Unfortuately, I have a feeling it would be like Randy Johnson circa 1988 vs circa 1998.
Unfortuately, I have a feeling it would be like Randy Johnson circa 1988 vs circa 1998.
make that happen?... we did ok last year scoring runs...right?
so it must be a pitching difference that we'll need to take the next step...
so what will the pitching differences be we'll see this year?
thanks Bud
so it must be a pitching difference that we'll need to take the next step...
so what will the pitching differences be we'll see this year?
thanks Bud
Devin Jones solidifying the closer role, Tyler Whitney pitching like a senior- and I think (hope) that he will, and Chris Stratton holding down the Sunday job and doing well with it.
Another thing to remember that a lot of people don't talk about and maybe won't notice at first glance is the overall team defense. Yes, our pitching staff was horrible, but if you have guys like Johnathan Ogden who can field and save hits, it really gives your pitching staff a boost in so many ways.
But yes, I think we will be OK on offense. Conner Powers is huge- having a guy that has 20 home run potential that is a senior in the middle of the lineup is a very nice luxury to have. I'm probably not going to be worried too much about the offense as long as Cohen is around. He is one of the best hitting coaches in the country.
As far as pitching differences, I think you will see a staff that hopefully has better control of their pitches, and you will see a staff that throws a little bit harder than last years. The freshman will have some rough moments, but they also will show flashes of their talent at times to. Also, now that Lee Swindle is gone, hopefully you will see pitchers missing the signs a lot less. The pitching staff will compete, and we are deeper and more experienced than last year, so we should be better.
Another thing to remember that a lot of people don't talk about and maybe won't notice at first glance is the overall team defense. Yes, our pitching staff was horrible, but if you have guys like Johnathan Ogden who can field and save hits, it really gives your pitching staff a boost in so many ways.
But yes, I think we will be OK on offense. Conner Powers is huge- having a guy that has 20 home run potential that is a senior in the middle of the lineup is a very nice luxury to have. I'm probably not going to be worried too much about the offense as long as Cohen is around. He is one of the best hitting coaches in the country.
As far as pitching differences, I think you will see a staff that hopefully has better control of their pitches, and you will see a staff that throws a little bit harder than last years. The freshman will have some rough moments, but they also will show flashes of their talent at times to. Also, now that Lee Swindle is gone, hopefully you will see pitchers missing the signs a lot less. The pitching staff will compete, and we are deeper and more experienced than last year, so we should be better.
That it's Minigione (sp?) who presses peoples' buttons. And not that they mind being pushed, but that dude just goes about it in the wrong way. Makes it personal.
so I've been able to hear all of the coaches. Cohen is obviously critical, but the way he does it gets a person's attention. Mingione sounds annoying.</p>